Sauth India National Parks - where to go?

[jim_morka]

Dear Colleagues,

I am planning a trip to South India down from Mumbai. I will leave in beginning

of December for 2 weeks. I plan to visit Hampi, Backwaters in Kerala and some

other places. Currently I am looking to include in my trip:

1. nature reserve where I would have best nature&wildlife photography

opportunities (interested in mammals, birds, landscapes).

2. nice (not a tourist resort) fishermen village near the cost, where I could

make some photography of their lifestyle.

 

Could you please recommend me some places for it in that region down from Mumbai??

 

Could you please also advise me - if it is stupid idea to take 70-200 mm IS f2.8

lens instead of 70-200 IS f4.0? The first one I own, but I am thinking if it is

worthwhile to rent the f4.0 lens, because of light weight. However f2.8 version

probably is of better quality.

 

besides this lens I plan to take 17-40mm f4.0 and Macro 100mm f2.8. Camera body

Canon 30D

 

look forward for your advices

Zymantas

[jimbojack]

I'm planning a trip to South India as well, I'll be there around the middle of January though (Starting next month in Sri Lanka). I haven't really read up on exactly where I will be going, but the backwaters of Kerala are a definite.

 

I would definately recommend taking the 70-200 2.8. I have the nikon version and always take it with me when I travel even though it's heavy. I also take a 1.7x TC, which makes it a pretty decent lens for wildlife when I need more reach. If you take your 70-200 2.8 and a TC, you would be able to get some better shots in a nature reserve.