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04 Aug,26

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06 Aug,26

7 Seats Left

Location

Matheran

Duration

3D/2N

₹ 12,500₹ 14,501

Book Now

5 Rating & Review

₹12,500₹ 14,501

5 Rating & Review

Book Now

Overview

Join DCP Expeditions for a 2 nights 3 days Herpetofauna Photography Workshop at Matheran, a lush monsoon biodiversity hotspot near Mumbai, to capture stunning images of snakes, frogs, geckos, and more amidst breathtaking misty landscapes.

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Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Members

Rent Lens

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About The Tour

Matheran, located just 90 km from Mumbai at an altitude of 2,625 feet above sea level, is one of the most accessible yet ecologically vibrant hill stations of the Western Ghats. With the arrival of the monsoon, this eco-sensitive region transforms into a thriving hub of amphibians, reptiles, and macro life, making it a dream destination for herpetofauna and wildlife photographers.

DCP Expeditions invites you to an immersive 2 nights 3 days Herpetofauna Photography Workshop at Matheran—specially curated to help participants document the hidden wonders of monsoon biodiversity. Participants will be mentored by seasoned experts from DCP who will guide them through day and night field sessions focused on photographing snakes, frogs, geckos, and tarantulas in their natural habitat. The workshop also includes practical lessons on macro lighting, composition, safe fieldcraft, and ethical photography practices.

Declared an eco-sensitive zone by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Matheran is automobile-free, preserving its tranquil charm and pristine wilderness. The sweeping green landscapes, misty cliffs, and dramatic monsoon skies make it not only a herping paradise but also a scenic haven for creative photography.

Whether you’re an enthusiast or a serious wildlife photographer, this monsoon macro expedition offers the perfect blend of adventure, education, and conservation storytelling through imagery.

Target species

Common Vine Snake, Common Wolf Snake, Checkered Keelback, Bamboo Pit Viper, Fungoid Frog, Wrinkled Frog, Deccan Banded Gecko, Brook’s Gecko, Tarantulas, Monsoon Macro, Matheran Herpetofauna, Western Ghats Reptiles, Amphibians of Maharashtra, Indian Geckos, Macro Wildlife Photography

Quick Information

Route:

Mumbai-Matheran-Mumbai

Start Point:

Mumbai

Duration:

2 nights 3 days

End Point:

Mumbai

Inclusions

  1. Photography guidance, on-field assistance and image review by our masterclass expert
  2. Two nights stay at Girivihar Hotel, Matheran
  3. All meals (vegetarian) during the stay
  4. Matheran forest entry fee
  5. All taxes and service charges

Experts

How To Reach

Matheran is 100 km from Mumbai Airport, 120km from Pune City Airport. From Mumbai or Pune, one can reach Matheran by train or hire private cabs.

Deccan Express stops at Neral Junction. However, we advise to reach Mumbai and take local trains to reach Neral.

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.

Itinerary

This camp is planned within the core internal hotspots of Matheran. The shuttle mini train from Aman Lodge station (near Dasturi naka) takes you to Matheran station. Walk further after getting down at Matheran station to reach Girivihar Hotel our resort. 

The camp starts at 10 am on Day 1, i.e. Friday. Participants are requested to reach Matheran on their own. After an initial formal introduction of the team, our expert will explain about the camp plan and also on the biodiversity of Matheran. Lunch will be arranged at the resort. After lunch, we will go out for exploring the flora and fauna of the region till it is evening, when we come back to the resort for a tea break and an informal discussion on the photographs clicked. 

The most thrilling experience in the itinerary are the evening and the night trails. We recommend to wear protective footwear (Gumboot or similar) and carry fully charged torches or head lamps. The trail starts at 6 pm and continues as the night trail. We shall come back to the resort by 10.00 pm for dinner. We will mainly look for Common Vine snake, Common wolf snake, Checkered Keelback, Bamboo Pit Viper, Deccan banded gecko, Brook’s gecko and Tarantulas. We make our best efforts to create an environment suitable for wildlife photography in the wild. However, we cannot guarantee the availability of the species in the wild at any given time.

After having breakfast, we will have a long 3 - 4 hour session of macro photography in the forest near the resort. This will involve hand-holding on macro photography and tips and tricks of macro photography in the field. 

We will come back for lunch and then take rest. In the evening we will go out for the 2nd night exploration in search of the amazing herpetofauna that are resident of the forests of Matheran.

We will have a morning exploration of the forest around. This is our last exploration of the trip wherein our expert will guide you on field and then we come back for breakfast. Following breakfast we shall depart from Matheran.

Field Learnings

On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our Wildlife Photography Expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following

  1. How to approach Wildlife in the field
  2. Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
  3. Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
  4. Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
  5. Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
  6. How to get sharp images of moving subjects
  7. Framing and composition in the field
  8. Ethics in Wildlife Photography

The participants will be using INaturalist software platform for documentation during the expedition. DCP recommends the usage of INaturalist platform by all, with or without participation in its explorations - it is a place where you can record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers, and learn about the natural world. From hikers to hunters, birders to beach-combers, the world is filled with naturalists, and many of us record what we find. What if all those observations could be shared online? You might discover someone who finds beautiful wildflowers at your favorite birding spot, or learn about the birds you see on the way to work. If enough people recorded their observations, it would be like a living record of life on Earth that scientists and land managers could use to monitor changes in biodiversity, and that anyone could use to learn more about nature.

Package Cost

Rs. 12500 per head inclusive of all taxes
*To know charges for foreign nationals please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com

Cost includes

  1. Photography guidance, on-field assistance and image review by our senior expert
  2. Two nights stay at Girivihar Hotel, Matheran
  3. All meals (vegetarian) during the stay
  4. Matheran forest entry fee
  5. All taxes and service charges

Cost does not include:

  1. Mumbai – Matheran – Mumbai travel expense
  2. Porters / Horse ride charges to reach the hotel
  3. Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
  4. 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.

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

Matheran - Macro Photography Masterclass Expedition, Aug 2026

Reviews

5   4 Ratings & 5 Reviews

Had an amazing time on the recently concluded macro photography tour to Matheran, led by the amazing duo - mentor and naturalist Yogesh Chavan Sir and expert photographer Kane Lee. Everything was smoothly managed, thanks to Yogesh Sir’s expert coordination and deep knowledge of nature. His spotting skills and patient guidance made the trip truly special. Kane’s approachable and friendly demeanour, brought in a fresh perspective. Always ready to help, he guided us to look at compositions differently and push respectable boundaries with the subject - making sure we got the best of the shots with learning. Looking forward to more such expeditions with DCP.

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  • Suyash Kulkarni
  • 30, Jun 2025 10:04:13 am

It was an amazing macro trip with Kean Lew and Yogesh Chauhan combining their strengths in tracking species and offering photography tips to help all participants create some really good photographs. Will surely recommend to anyone interested in macro photography.

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  • 28, Jun 2025 05:55:15 pm
  • Santosh Kumar

I had an excellent experience at the Matheran Macro Photography Masterclass. As a beginner, the teaching quality was outstanding with clear guidance on focus control, focus peaking, manual focus, and lighting principles. The location offered incredible variety - we photographed snakes, insects, flowers, and mushrooms, with amazing sightings including multiple vine snakes and bamboo pit vipers. The weekend format worked perfectly with 4-5 hour sessions that gave us ample time without feeling rushed. Yogesh, our panel expert, brought exceptional knowledge of local routes and wildlife spotting locations. Kane, our masterclass mentor, provided excellent practical tips on angles, exposure, and subject approach. Both created a fun, relaxed learning environment and took time to review our images with constructive feedback. June's monsoon weather was comfortable - humid but not hot. Equipment-wise, bring a camera, macro lens, and flash with diffuser (rental available if needed). The group size was perfect and the expedition was very well organized. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in macro photography, whether beginner or looking to enhance skills. The combination of expert instruction, diverse subjects, and great organization makes it a great experience.

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  • Frank Dsouza
  • 24, Jun 2025 07:07:51 am

Everything about the experience was perfect — from the planning to the final goodbyes. Wish I could give more than 5 stars! A huge thank you to our incredible mentors, Kane Lew and Yogesh Chavan. Kane Sir is not only a brilliant photographer but also a generous mentor who shared rare techniques, creative perspectives, and personal field experiences that are hard to find in any book or tutorial. Yogesh Sir, on the other hand, is a true naturalist and a walking encyclopedia of Matheran's biodiversity. His ability to spot even the tiniest creature in thick foliage is unmatched, and his knowledge about species behavior, habitats, and conservation added immense value to the trip. Matheran is truly his playground, and we were lucky to experience it through his eyes. Both mentors were immensely patient, empathetic, and encouraging, no matter your skill level. Whether you were a beginner or a seasoned photographer, they made sure everyone felt included and supported. This trip has not only improved my macro skills but also deepened my love for the tiny wonders of nature. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

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  • 22, Jun 2025 04:43:17 pm
  • Sonika Agarwal

It was wonderful experience with all technical guidance and local reach to make it most rewarding trip.

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  • Hardik Patel
  • 22, Jun 2025 11:43:19 am
Got a Question

Our Destination expert will be happy to help you resolve your queries for this tour.

+91 8779885656 | +91 9930475656  | +91 9819839821

10.30 AM - 6.00 PM(Mon to Sat)