5 Rare Animals You Can Spot in the Western Ghats During Monsoon

There’s something almost magical about the Western Ghats in June and July. The hills turn into a mist‑wrapped wonderland, streams roar louder, and the forest floor softens under a blanket of wet leaves. For those willing to trek a little off the beaten path, the rains coax out some of the most secretive wildlife on the subcontinent.

First up is the Purple Frog, locally called Maveli Thavala. This oddball amphibian spends almost its entire life burrowed underground, looking more like a soft, violet sausage than a frog. It only surfaces for a few days during the monsoon to mate, so spotting one feels a bit like finding a hidden Easter egg in the mud.

Next, keep your eyes on the Malabar Gliding Frog—or Pachathavala as the locals call it. You’ll likely encounter it around the rain‑filled pools of Wayanad, Agumbe and Kudremukh. What’s fascinating is its habit of building foamy nests that cling to the surface of these temporary ponds, a sort of natural bathtub for its tiny tadpoles.

Then there’s the Malabar Torrent Toad, a true rock‑climber of the monsoon torrents. Its sticky toe pads act like suction cups, letting it cling to the slick stones of streams in Kudremukh, Pushpagiri and the Kodagu hills. Watch it dart over the water’s edge—it’s like nature’s own extreme sport.

Don’t miss the Nilgiri Caecilian, a limbless, worm‑like amphibian that slides through the softened soil of the Nilgiri and Anamalai ranges. It’s rarely seen because it only emerges when the ground is damp enough for it to glide unnoticed, making each sighting a quiet triumph for any wildlife enthusiast.

Finally, the ultra‑rare Cochin Forest Cane Turtle makes an appearance in the evergreen forests of Kerala during the monsoon. This turtle is so shy that scientists consider it one of the world’s most endangered reptiles. After the rains, it comes out to feast on mushrooms and fallen vegetation, giving lucky observers a glimpse of a living fossil.

All these creatures share one thing in common: they love the monsoon. The heavy rains create the perfect conditions—soft soil, abundant water, and a surge of insects—for them to break their usual reclusive habits. So if you’re planning a rainforest trek this season, bring a waterproof notebook, a keen eye, and a dash of patience. You might just be among the fortunate few to witness these hidden gems of the Western Ghats.