Mentored by Field Biologists
Why Choose Thavala Trails
Each trail is designed by researchers and naturalists who have studied these ecosystems for years.
Ethical & Responsible
Why Choose Thavala Trails
We respect wildlife and habitats, ensuring minimal disturbance and maximum learning.
Immersive Experiences
Why Choose Thavala Trails
Small groups, slow walks, and deep forest encounters — crafted for naturalists and photographers.
Support for conservation
Why Choose Thavala Trails
Every participant helps fund real-world ecological studies, species documentation, and conservation action.
Not Just Another Tour Company
Thavala Trails is built by naturalists, wildlife biologists, and storytellers. We don’t just take you to wild places, we help you understand them. From nocturnal herping trails to highland birding walks, every experience is crafted with science, experiences and curiosity at its core.
Whether you’re holding a bino, a camera, a notebook, or just wonder in your eyes, we’re here to guide you through habitats we know, love, and protect.
The Western Ghats: A Living Museum of Biodiversity
Stretching majestically along the western edge of peninsular India, the Western Ghats are more than just a mountain range — they are a treasure trove of evolutionary history. Recognized as one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity on the planet, this UNESCO World Heritage region is home to an astonishing array of life. Over 7,400 species of plants and animals have been recorded here, and more than 1,500 of them are endemic — found nowhere else on Earth.
These ancient hills, older than the Himalayas, cradle a mosaic of ecosystems: dense rainforests, montane grasslands, evergreen valleys, and laterite plateaus. Each microhabitat hides wonders — from gliding frogs that descend with the rains to shieldtail snakes that tunnel silently beneath the forest floor. For herpetologists, the Western Ghats are a sacred space of discovery; for birders, it is a place where endemics like the White-bellied Treepie and Malabar Grey Hornbill become daily sightings.
The Ghats also offer unparalleled opportunities for nature photography. With shifting monsoon light, veiled waterfalls, and mist-draped canopies, every step becomes a frame. The symphony of cicadas, rustle of leaves, and chorus of frogs create a soundscape that is both primal and poetic.
At Thavala Trails, every trail is thoughtfully designed by field biologists and naturalists who have spent years studying these habitats. Our walks are not rushed sightseeing tours — they are immersive, ethical journeys into one of the richest biological legacies on Earth. Whether you’re tracing the footprints of a leopard, listening for the soft splash of a bush frog, or quietly observing a vine snake blend with its branch, the Western Ghats reward patience with wonder.
Species Highlight
High in the mist-wrapped summit of Anamudi—the tallest peak of the Western Ghats—lives a tiny but dazzling creature found nowhere else on Earth: the Resplendent Shrubfrog (Raorchestes resplendens). First described in 2010, this frog is unlike any other. With its vivid red skin, glowing eyes, and odd squat [...]
Deep beneath the leaf litter and moist soil of India’s Western Ghats lives one of the planet’s most remarkable and mysterious amphibians—the Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis). With its bloated purple body, pig-like snout, and secretive lifestyle, it may seem like a myth or folklore animal—but this elusive [...]
Craspedocephalus macrolepis is a striking and highly sought-after pit viper, known for its vivid green coloration, bluish tail, and distinctively large head scales. Endemic to the high-altitude rainforests of the southern Western Ghats, this species has long captivated herpetologists and wildlife photographers alike. Once placed in a separate [...]
Craspedocephalus malabaricus is one of the most iconic and visually striking pit vipers of the Western Ghats. Known for its incredible colour variation, this species has long fascinated herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Recent taxonomic research has clarified that what was once considered a single widespread species is [...]
