to walk here in the rains is to step straight into a living terrarium, made entirely by nature
amboli
a paradise for Macro photography in India
UPCOMING PHOTO TOURS
In the dense monsoon forests of the Western Ghats lies Amboli, a landscape where life reveals itself slowly. Beneath dripping moss, inside leaf litter, across wet bark and forest streams, exists an astonishing world most travellers never notice.
This is India's most celebrated macro biodiversity workshop, held at the peak of monsoon when Amboli's forest floor transforms into a living stage. Whether you've never used a macro lens or you've been doing this for years, the forest will challenge and reward you in equal measure.
During peak monsoon nights, forest trails around Amboli come alive with endemic bush frogs, shieldtail snakes, colourful arboreal insects and rain-active reptiles adapted to the moisture-rich forests of the Western Ghats.
JULY 24-26, 2026 | 2N/3D
₹ 20,000
-All Inclusive
Early bird: ₹19,500 before 30 June 2026
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Spend 2 nights and 3 days exploring one of India's richest macro biodiversity hotspots.
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Personalised guidance and one-on-one mentoring in the field.
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Guided day and night trails designed around peak wildlife activity and photographic opportunities.
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Opportunity to photograph bioluminescent fungi and other unique rainforest phenomena, conditions permitting.
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Assistance with camera settings, lens selection, accessories, and workflow throughout the workshop.
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Comfortable accommodation, local transportation, and logistical support included.
Located near the foot of the Sahyadri range in southern India, approximately 690 meters (2,265 ft) above the surface of the earth, Amboli is a small hill station located at the border of the states of Maharashtra and Goa; its location allows the mountainous terrain of the Western Ghats to drop rapidly into the coastal plains of the Konkan. As a result, when moist monsoonal air from the Arabian Sea comes rushing down off the mountainside and crashes against the escarpment, Amboli receives a significant portion of the highest rainfall totals in this region, earning it the title “ Cherrapunji of Maharashtra.” However, it is important to note that while the rain provides water to the area, it also serves as an indicator or signal for many living organisms. With every passing storm, a unique monsoon dependent world emerges from beneath the ground. During this time, frogs will begin their breeding process after being underground for nearly nine months. Additionally, fungi capable of producing bioluminescence (cold light), appear under cover of darkness. Also, snakes that are extremely difficult to locate in the dry seasons can be seen draped across wet leaves. In essence, during monsoon Amboli may be considered the closest example of a natural occurring terrarium. Amboli is part of the Western Ghats, which have been designated as one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots by UNESCO. Of the nearly 325 species that are listed as globally threatened in this region, an unusually high number are found in and around Amboli. The forests surrounding this small hill station contain many species of frog, snake and gecko that cannot be found anywhere else on earth.
As night falls on Amboli's rainforest, the forest begins to reveal a side that few visitors ever witness. And in the rotting logs and damp patches of leaf litter are tiny fungi that emit a soft greenish glow, turning sections of the forest floor into miniature constellations. Known as bioluminescent fungi, these organisms produce their own light through a natural chemical process that scientists believe may help attract insects for spore dispersal.
Amboli's forests are full of such fleeting discoveries. Some species emerge only for a few rain-soaked weeks each year, while others remain perfectly still for hours, perfectly camouflaged against moss-covered bark and forest debris until your eyes slowly begin to distinguish shape from texture. The rainforest rewards patience, revealing its secrets only to those willing to slow down and observe.
Witnessing these glowing fungi in the wild is a remarkable experience in itself, but photographing them presents an entirely different challenge. Working in near total darkness requires patience, careful composition, and a solid understanding of long-exposure techniques to capture a subject often no larger than a coin.
Pratik has spent years mastering this particular challenge, photographing these remarkable organisms and will guide you through every stage of the process, helping you transform a fleeting natural phenomenon into a memorable image.
Night trails are conducted safely with guide accompaniment. Participants are briefed on forest safety, leech protection, and ethical photography practice before entering.
THE PLAN : ITINERARY
CAMERA + MACRO LENS
Any DSLR or mirrorless. 100mm macro recommended.
HEAD TORCH
A regular headlamp for trails. Keep a second handheld torch as backup.
FLASH + DIFFUSER
Ring flash or twin-flash recommended. A DIY diffuser is fine.
LEECH SOCKS + RAIN GEAR
Non-negotiable in July. Gumboots or trail shoes with grip.
TRIPOD
Essential for night photography and bioluminescent fungi sessions.
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
Basic first aid, any personal medication, and a valid photo ID.
Note: this workshop focuses on photography technique, not species ticking. The biodiversity list below is a preview of what the forest holds, not a guarantee of sightings.
✓ 2 nights accommodation, twin-sharing
✓ All meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
✓ Special local wildlife guide fees
✓ Photography workshop & mentorship
✓ All internal transfers within Amboli
✓ Forest entry tickets (if applicable)
✓ Post-workshop resource guide
YOUR GUIDE IN THE FIELD
Pratik Pradhan is an internationally recognised nature and wildlife photographer who has spent over twenty years exploring and documenting India's wild spaces. From remote mountain landscapes to rainforest ecosystems like Amboli, his work is driven by patience, observation, and compassion for the natural world.
Having returned to Amboli across multiple seasons and through countless hours in its rain-soaked forests, he has developed an intimate knowledge of its habitats, seasonal wildlife activity, and the best opportunities for macro photography.
With small group sizes, participants receive hands-on guidance in the field throughout the workshop, constructive feedback, and insights drawn from years in the field behind the camera.
These are not just subjects; they are characters with evolutionary histories stretching back millions of years, endemic to the Ghats, invisible to anyone who doesn't know where to look.
Frequently asked questions
