For the true nature and snake-lover!

380kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Experience a rain forest:  Living in the Agumbe rain forest means respecting nature and learning to live in harmony with it. From leeches and ticks to wild boars and snakes, Agumbe is “alive” with wildlife. This is one of the densest forests in India, and being inside it, is an experience like no other. The thick canopy of trees can block out the sun entirely in some parts of the forest. At night, the darkness is absolute. Putting on a flashlight reveals hundreds of small glowing eyes looking at you from all directions. The forest houses hundreds of species of spiders, bugs and other insects.

• Learn about King Cobras: Inside the forest is the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. This organization is one of the very few in the world, researching the King Cobra. Talking to the volunteers will reveal fascinating stories.  

• Visit Malgudi Days: The house in which Swamy of Malgudi Days lived still stands proud in Agumbe.
  R K Narayan’s Malgudi Days was filmed in the sleepy little hamlet of Agumbe. Today, the house is a tourist attraction and a guest house for visitors.

What about shelter?

The research center has limited accomodation, but is the best place to stay. There are no resorts within the forest but staying in Agumbe town is possible. There is one lodge and a few guest houses. Prices are very reasonable, ranging between Rs.300 – Rs. 1000 per room.

How’s the grub?

The food is nothing to write home about. It’s basic small town fare. If you are lucky enough to be staying at the research center, you will enjoy a variety of homely dishes like rotis, dal, fresh vegetables  from the farm and country chicken.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

You should be able to get by on a reasonable budget of Rs.3000-5000 for a 3-4 day trip. If you are staying in town, the cost will be even lower.

How do I get to Agumbe?

Overnight buses are both reliable and convenient to get to Agumbe Town. They leave Bangalore city bus stand at 10 and get to Agumbe at 6-7 in the morning. Agumbe town has only 2 autos. You can hire one of them to take you to the research center if you’re staying there.