The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), the first of the fourteen biosphere reserves of India, established in September 1986, embraces the sanctuary complex of Wyanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai,the entire forested hill slopes of Nilambur, the Upper Nilgiri plateau, Silent Valley and the Siruvani hills.
The NBR possesses different habitat types , unspoilt areas of natural vegetation types with several dry scrub , dry and moist deciduous, semi evergreen and wet evergreen forests, evergreen sholas , grass lands and swamps.The NBR includes the largest known population of two endangered animal species , namely the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion - tailed macaque and the largest South Indian population of elephant , tiger , gaur , sambar and chital as well as a good number of endemic and endangered plants. The NBR is the habitat of a number of tribal groups remarkable for their traditional modes of harmonious use of the environment.
The Western Ghats comprise the mountain range that runs along the western coast of India, from the Vindhya-Satpura ranges in the north to the southern tip.
There is a great variety of vegetation all along the Ghats: scrub jungles, grassland along the lower altitudes, dry and moist deciduous forests, and semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. The complex topography and the heavy rainfall have made certain areas inaccessible and have helped the region retain its diversity.
Almost one-third of all the flowering plant species in India are found in this region. Of the 450-odd plants found in this region, 40% are endemic (these are species that have adapted to this particular area and the conditions existing in it.) There is an equal diversity of animal and bird life.
Among all insects , butterflies are undoubtedly the most gorgeous and attractive. Their vivid colours, shapes and sizes have fascinated man. Due to all theses factors, butterflies have drawn much attention and have been a subject of great interest.
Tropics are moist, sunny and warm. This region supports a rich growth of plants and is ideally suited to harbour a good variety of butterflies. India is home to about 1500 species of butterflies accounting for about 7% of all butterflies found in the world.
The largest among Indian butterflies being the Commom Birdwing (19 cms wingspan) and the smallest, the Grass Jewel ( 1.5cms wingspan).
Butterflies and their close relatives- the moths, are unique to the world of insects. They posses scales on their wings( scales are powdery substances that are left behind when butterflies are caught by the wings). In fact, Lepidoptera, the order to which they belong, means 'scale-wings'.
We offer you butterfly tours extending from 4 to 12 days duration. The tours are designed to take you on a memorable journey across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala ( South India), to help you take in the beauty of this land while watching butterflies.
The Sloth Bear Foundation is a non-profit, self-reliant and independent organization registered as a trust. Participation in tours and expeditions contributes the needed money to fund the SBF conservation and rehabilitation projects.
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Tour cost : 1200 $ per person for a minimum group size of 2 persons.
Budget And Customized Itineraries Also Available On Request
Package includes:
Accommodation in rooms/tents/cottages on twin sharing basis.
Transport in an air-conditioned car / SUV.
All meals
Jeep safaris and National Park entry fee.
Camera fee.
Tour guide / Naturalist.
All taxes
Package excludes:
International airfare.
Personal or incidental expenses.
Beverages, alcohol, bottled water.
Tips, laundry, phone calls, extra rides or activities.
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Tour cost : 1800 $ per person for a minimum group size of 2 persons.
Budget And Customized Itineraries Also Available On Request
Package includes:
Accommodation in rooms/tents/cottages on twin sharing basis.
Transport in an air-conditioned car / SUV.
All meals
Jeep safaris and National Park entry fee
Camera fee
Tour guide / Naturalist
All taxes
Package excludes:
International airfare.
Personal or incidental expenses.
Beverages, alcohol, bottled water.
Tips, laundry, phone calls, extra rides or activities.
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