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03 Oct,26

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04 Oct,26

8 Seats Left

Location

Matheran

Duration

2D/1N

₹ 9,750₹ 10,500

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1 Rating & Review

₹9,750₹ 10,500

1 Rating & Review

Book Now

Overview

An overnight weekend macro photography and biodiversity boot camp in Matheran, a lush biodiversity hotspot near Mumbai, exploring fascinating insectivorous plants and rich monsoon herpetofauna under expert mentorship.

DCP Experts

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Join DCP Expeditions for an exciting overnight macro photography and biodiversity boot camp at Matheran, one of the most accessible yet ecologically rich destinations near Mumbai. This unique weekend camp is designed for nature lovers, macro photographers, and biodiversity enthusiasts, with a special focus on the insectivorous plants and monsoon-active herpetofauna of the Western Ghats.

Matheran, a designated eco-sensitive region, transforms into a lush rainforest paradise during the monsoon, hosting a spectacular array of tiny wonders. You’ll photograph various species of Drosera (Sundews), Utricularia, mosses, fungi, and a thriving community of frogs, geckos, snakes, spiders, and insects that flourish in this microhabitat.

Led by senior DCP mentors, the boot camp includes field sessions, natural history discussions, night trails, and practical demonstrations on lighting techniques, composition, and ethical field practices in macro photography. It’s an excellent opportunity for photographers at all levels to sharpen their skills while exploring the incredible biodiversity of Matheran.

Target species

Drosera, Orchids, Fungus, Mosses, Shieldtail Snakes, Tree Frogs, Geckos, Vine Snakes, Tarantulas, Jumping Spiders, Stick Insects, Mantids

Quick Information

Route:

Ex Hotel Girivihar, Matheran

Start Point:

Hotel Girivihar, Matheran, Approximately 10:30 AM on Day 1

Duration:

1 Night 2 Days

End Point:

Hotel Girivihar, Matheran, Post lunch on Day 2

Inclusions

  1. Photography guidance, on-field assistance and image review by our senior expert
  2. One night two days stay at Girivihar Hotel, Matheran
  3. All meals (vegetarian) during the stay
  4. All taxes and service charges

Experts

How To Reach

Mumbai / Thane is well connected via flights with other cities. Meet our team at Matheran. 

**We recommend Flexi flight option for greater flexibility in unforeseen cancellations.

Mumbai / Thane is wel connected via trains with other cities. Meet our team at Matheran. 

Take Mumbai Pune Expressway, get out at Shedung Phata and get into the old Bombay Pune road. Turn to the left at place namely Chowk.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

  • Macro lenses – kit lens will help if you dont have one
  • External flash and full charged batteries for the same
  • You should carry a diffuser for best results
  • Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
  • Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
  • Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
  • Torch - (If you have a head torch it would be useful)
  • Batteries (For your torch and other equipment’s)
  • Raingears to protect you and your gears (Ponchos are best)
  • Leech socks and ankle high trekking shoes (Gumboots are best)
  • Dull coloured clothes (Camouflaged, olive or khaki - avoid bright colors)
  • Extra pair of clothes (for overnight stay)
  • Medical kit, Toiletries, mosquito / insect repellents
  • Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Participants are required to reach Hotel Girivihar, Matheran, on their own by approximately 10:30 AM on Day 1. This boot camp involves considerable walking on forest trails. The Day 2 search for Drosera indica requires an approximately 5 to 6 km trek to the photography location, with additional walking during the return journey. During the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon period, participants should expect wet, muddy, uneven and occasionally slippery trails.

Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, rain protection, a lightweight camera setup, drinking water and a small backpack are strongly recommended. Participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for extended periods in humid outdoor conditions.

Itinerary

Participants are requested to reach Hotel Girivihar, Matheran, on their own by approximately 10:30 AM. After check-in and a brief introduction, the DCP expert will conduct an orientation covering the photography plan, trail conditions, safety guidelines and the fascinating biodiversity of Matheran. The session will also introduce participants to some of the specialised flora and macro subjects that may be encountered during the boot camp.

We will then head out for our first photography trail of the day, exploring the moist forest floor, rocky patches and vegetation around Matheran. Depending on seasonal conditions, we will look for interesting macro subjects including sundews, fungi, mosses, orchids, insects, spiders and other monsoon biodiversity. The emphasis will be on observing subjects carefully and learning practical techniques for macro photography in natural field conditions.

We will return to Hotel Girivihar for lunch at approximately 1:30 PM, followed by a short break.

Later in the afternoon, we will head out for our second photography trail, exploring another productive habitat around Matheran. Participants will work on composition, natural backgrounds, depth of field, exposure control and creative use of natural and artificial light while photographing small subjects in their natural environment.

After returning to the hotel and taking a short break, we will prepare for one of the most exciting sessions of the boot camp, the night biodiversity and macro photography trail. As darkness transforms the forest, we will search for nocturnal subjects such as frogs, geckos, spiders, insects and, depending on sightings and seasonal activity, reptiles and other fascinating creatures of the Western Ghats.

The night trail will conclude before dinner, after which we return to Hotel Girivihar for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at Hotel Girivihar, Matheran.

After breakfast, we will check out from Hotel Girivihar and prepare for the signature experience of the boot camp, our journey in search of the fascinating carnivorous plant, Drosera indica.

The day involves an approximately 5 to 6 km trek to the location where we will search for and photograph Drosera indica. Participants are advised to travel light and carry only essential photography equipment, rain protection and drinking water during the trail.

Once we locate suitable plants, the DCP expert will guide participants in photographing these delicate carnivorous plants while paying particular attention to magnification, composition, background control, depth of field, light management and responsible nature photography practices. Along the way, we will also remain alert for other seasonal flora, insects, spiders and interesting macro subjects encountered on the trail.

After completing the photography session, we will make our way back and proceed for lunch.

The Matheran Macro Photography and Carnivorous Plants Boot Camp concludes post lunch, after which participants can begin their respective return journeys.

Field Learnings

Participants will learn practical macro photography techniques while photographing Drosera indica and other seasonal biodiversity of Matheran. The sessions will cover focusing techniques, depth of field, composition, background control, natural light, diffused flash and creative lighting for small subjects. The night trail will introduce techniques for photographing nocturnal insects, spiders, frogs and other wildlife in low-light conditions. Emphasis will also be placed on field observation, understanding microhabitats and responsible photography practices with minimal disturbance to delicate flora and fauna.

Package Cost

Indian nationals: 
Twin sharing: INR 9750 per person inclusive of all taxes 
Single occupancy: INR 12,500 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals: 
Twin sharing: US$ 150 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 190 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link.

Cost includes

  1. Photography guidance, on-field assistance and image review by our senior expert
  2. One night two days stay at Girivihar Hotel, Matheran
  3. All meals (vegetarian) during the stay
  4. All taxes and service charges

Cost does not include:

  1. Mumbai – Matheran – Mumbai travel expense
  2. Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
  3. Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Map

Matheran

Policies

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 30 days or more prior to departure – 20% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations within 30 days of departure – non-refundable.

Disclaimer – Force Majeure

The organizer shall not be liable for any delay, change, cancellation, loss, or additional expenses caused by natural calamities, adverse weather, government restrictions, transport disruptions, or any other force majeure events beyond its control. Any itinerary changes made for participant safety shall be binding. Any additional costs arising from such circumstances shall be borne by the participants, and no refund or compensation shall be payable for affected or unused services.

FAQ's

Yes. Please send us a mail to info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Yes certainly. However, the cost will remain the same

In search of the carnivorous plants - Matheran Boot Camp, Oct 2026

Reviews

5   1 Ratings & 1 Reviews

Yogesh Sir's knowledge in macro subjects is unmatched, Matheran being his specialty. Throughout the tour, he was not only helpful but also patient, ensuring that each participant understood the nuances of capturing the intricate beauty of nature. Yogesh Chavan Sir’s passion for photography is contagious, and his willingness to share his insights made the experience even more enriching. He guided us through every step, from understanding lighting to perfecting composition, and encouraged creativity in each shot. His approach made learning both fun and insightful.

Read More
  • Sonika Agarwal
  • 21, Oct 2024 01:51:03 pm
Got a Question

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+91 8779885656 | +91 9930475656  | +91 9819839821

10.30 AM - 6.00 PM(Mon to Sat)