Hi Julies. I totally agree about India's national parks. Corbett especially is absolutely horrendous. Many are not much better... Pampadum Shola was stunning and not too busy with tourists at all. In fact, we were teh only ones there. The guar have become nocturnal due to the people in the area but there is decent lodging at the north end of the park - see our blog for details - and the park is great for strolling. Sadly, like all parks in India, you need to have a guide which most of the time is useless. And Eravikulum is absolutely spectacular. There are lines in the morning and fog to contend with but it is worth and early morning rise. But if you have a good operator, like we did, you don't have to wait in line and you can get up before the throngs.... But even once you are up on top, the numbers of people don't really kill the situation - the tahr still come down and browse the area...Topslip and Tholpetty are great for wildlife and should definitely be visited. You will more than likely get a small sample of your Corbet experience but it is minor in comparison. But the wildlife viewing opportunities are nice. STay at teh lodge in my blog for Tholpetty - it was a great place. The gem for great air, views, and the lion-tailed macaques is Valparai. Simply a wonderful place for relaxation and fresh air! And some outstanding food and tea...

Thanks for all the useful information, and it pretty much confirms what I had taken away from your blog. As I read,, I took notes on areas that sounded as though they might be appealing to us. I had listed Pambadum Shola, Eravikulam and Valparai.

Now I need to go back and look up the name of that lodge in the Tholpetty area. I much appreciate your help.

Most welcome! Can't wait to see your trip report!

Coke -

Your photos are stunning and your trip reports mesmerizing! Have bookmarked your Asia Travelogue so I can return to it when I have more time to give it it's due!

If you have time, I'd love to know more about the equipment you each use for your photography.

Thanks Julia. We are a Canon family. Shooting with three 60D and one EOS Mark III bodies. We usually travel with all four bodies (I've had TOO many field failures to carry fewer than four). Our lenses are mainly ES series - 28-300, DO f4.0 400mm, ES f5.6 600M and IS Macro 100mm and a 17-28mm wide angle. Lot of weight but we love it....