South India Birding Tour
Embark on a captivating birding journey through the lush forests, wildlife reserves, and hill stations of South India. From the elephant-rich jungles of Nagarhole and Mudumalai to the misty highlands of Ooty, Valparai, Munnar, Periyar, and the renowned Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, this tour offers exceptional opportunities to discover Western Ghats endemics, rare birds, and diverse wildlife amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.
Trip Highlights
Explore premier birding destinations across South India’s Western Ghats and Nilgiri Biosphere
Birdwatch in Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar, and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Ideal for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers seeking a comprehensive South Indian biodiversity experience
Enjoy excellent opportunities to spot iconic wildlife such as Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, and Hoolock Gibbon
Experience diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests and wetlands to montane shola forests and tea-covered hills
Take thrilling jeep safaris, boat cruises, coracle rides, and guided nature walks with expert naturalists
South India Birding Tour
Embark on an unforgettable birding journey through the lush forests, hill stations, and wildlife reserves of Southern India. Explore the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills while searching for endemic birds, rare wildlife, and spectacular landscapes across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Day 01: Arrival In Bangalore After Mid Day
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transfer to hotel.
The capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Bengaluru, or Bangalore as it was earlier called is one of India’s most vibrant and modern cities. Spearheading in India all things ‘21st century’, Bengaluru is abuzz with energy, all about enthusiasm and really quite groovy in a tech miracle-big business school-arts and theatre kind of way.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
The capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Bengaluru, or Bangalore as it was earlier called is one of India’s most vibrant and modern cities. Spearheading in India all things ‘21st century’, Bengaluru is abuzz with energy, all about enthusiasm and really quite groovy in a tech miracle-big business school-arts and theatre kind of way.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Bangalore – Mysore
After breakfast, drive to the historic city of Mysore (150 km), the former capital of the illustrious Wodeyar dynasty and one of South India's most culturally rich destinations.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax before an afternoon guided tour of Mysore's iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, renowned for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate interiors, and royal heritage. Continue to the hilltop Chamundeshwari Temple for panoramic views of the city, and stop at the impressive Nandi Statue, one of India's largest monolithic bull sculptures.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax before an afternoon guided tour of Mysore's iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, renowned for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate interiors, and royal heritage. Continue to the hilltop Chamundeshwari Temple for panoramic views of the city, and stop at the impressive Nandi Statue, one of India's largest monolithic bull sculptures.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 03: Mysore – Nagarhole National Park (Kabini)
After breakfast, drive to Nagarhole National Park (90 km), one of India's premier wildlife destinations and a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. En route, keep an eye out for a variety of wetland birds and wildlife.
Once the exclusive hunting grounds of the Mysore Maharajas, Nagarhole is today renowned for its thriving populations of Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, and countless bird species. The park's lush forests, winding rivers, and rich biodiversity offer an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a scenic coracle ride on the Kabini River, where large herds of wild elephants and other wildlife are often seen along the riverbanks.
All meals, dinner, and overnight stay at Kabini River Lodge.
Once the exclusive hunting grounds of the Mysore Maharajas, Nagarhole is today renowned for its thriving populations of Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, and countless bird species. The park's lush forests, winding rivers, and rich biodiversity offer an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a scenic coracle ride on the Kabini River, where large herds of wild elephants and other wildlife are often seen along the riverbanks.
All meals, dinner, and overnight stay at Kabini River Lodge.
Day 04: Exploring Nagarhole
Early morning jeep safaris into the jungle with one of the excellent resident naturalists or a ride on the river Kabini in a motorboat or a coracle (a native boat shaped like a round, flat basket) provide ample opportunity for wildlife sightings. Tree stumps protruding from the water provide surrealistic perches for the many exotic birds. You can see the osprey, crested serpent eagle, brown-headed fishing eagle, golden-backed woodpecker, stork and peafowl among almost 250 species of bird life.
Dinner and overnight at Kabini River Lodge
Dinner and overnight at Kabini River Lodge
Day 05: Exploring Nagarhole
Early morning and afternoon game drives either by boat, by jeep or by elephant back. Dinner and overnight at Kabini River Lodge
Day 06: Nagarhole National Park – Mudumalai National Park
After breakfast, drive to Mudumalai National Park (85 km), a renowned wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Bordering Karnataka and Kerala, this biodiverse wilderness is home to Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, and over 260 species of birds.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the natural surroundings. Later in the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari with an experienced naturalist, exploring the park's rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Dinner and overnight stay at Jungle Hut.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the natural surroundings. Later in the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari with an experienced naturalist, exploring the park's rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Dinner and overnight stay at Jungle Hut.
Day 07: Lama Camp – Dirang
Morning coffee or tea will be served at 06.15hrs. Later proceed for morning jeep safari with naturalist. Return to resort for breakfast at 10.00hrs. Later enjoy the lunch at resort.
Afternoon again proceed for wildlife safari by jeep and naturalist.
Dinner and overnight at at Jungle Hut.
Dinner and overnight at at Jungle Hut.
Day 08: Mudumalai National Park – Ooty
After breakfast, drive to Ooty (50 km), South India's most celebrated hill station, surrounded by rolling tea estates, mist-covered mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills and lush tea plantations along the way.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Later, explore the natural beauty of Ooty, visiting its picturesque tea gardens, verdant meadows, and the famous Botanical Gardens. Established in 1848, the gardens showcase an impressive collection of exotic plants, orchids, ferns, and a remarkable fossil tree believed to be over 20 million years old.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Later, explore the natural beauty of Ooty, visiting its picturesque tea gardens, verdant meadows, and the famous Botanical Gardens. Established in 1848, the gardens showcase an impressive collection of exotic plants, orchids, ferns, and a remarkable fossil tree believed to be over 20 million years old.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Ooty – Valparai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Further drive to Valparai (240 km). Valparai is located mid of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 Kms. from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq. kms. It has various kinds of fauna. By luck you can see elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc..
There are many places of scenic beauty such as View Points, Rivers, Waterfalls, forests, estates, dams, and reservoirs.
Dinner and overnight at Stanmore Bungalow
Further drive to Valparai (240 km). Valparai is located mid of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 Kms. from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq. kms. It has various kinds of fauna. By luck you can see elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc..
There are many places of scenic beauty such as View Points, Rivers, Waterfalls, forests, estates, dams, and reservoirs.
Dinner and overnight at Stanmore Bungalow
Day 10: Valparai - Munnar
In this morning, you will spend several hours in the best areas of forest to look for the rare Lion-tailed Macaques and other rare species.
In the afternoon, continue the drive to Munnar (160 km), a beautiful hill station in Kerala which used to be the summer resort of the British in South India. The tea plantations, winding lanes and natural green with rice paddy and coconut trees make Munnar a very place. An assortment of wildlife such as the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, the Lion-tailed Macaque are found in the rich tropical forests. Neelakurinji, the unique plant that blooms only once in 12 years, paints the entire Munnar hillside blue.
On arrival check in into the hotel.
Late afternoon is free to explore the area on foot or go for nature walk in the tea gardens.
Dinner and overnight at hotel Windermere Estate
In the afternoon, continue the drive to Munnar (160 km), a beautiful hill station in Kerala which used to be the summer resort of the British in South India. The tea plantations, winding lanes and natural green with rice paddy and coconut trees make Munnar a very place. An assortment of wildlife such as the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, the Lion-tailed Macaque are found in the rich tropical forests. Neelakurinji, the unique plant that blooms only once in 12 years, paints the entire Munnar hillside blue.
On arrival check in into the hotel.
Late afternoon is free to explore the area on foot or go for nature walk in the tea gardens.
Dinner and overnight at hotel Windermere Estate
Day 11: Explore Munnar
After breakfast, explore the spectacular landscapes of Eravikulam National Park, where rolling grasslands, misty mountains, and remnants of the region's unique shola forests create one of South India's most beautiful natural settings.
The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, along with endemic species such as the Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and a variety of rare birds including the Nilgiri Blue Flycatcher and Nilgiri Pipit.
Spend the day discovering this remarkable wilderness and its breathtaking scenery before returning to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at Windermere Estate.
The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, along with endemic species such as the Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and a variety of rare birds including the Nilgiri Blue Flycatcher and Nilgiri Pipit.
Spend the day discovering this remarkable wilderness and its breathtaking scenery before returning to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at Windermere Estate.
Day 12: Munnar - Periyar National Park
After breakfast, drive to Periyar (85 km), one of India's most renowned wildlife reserves, centered around the scenic Periyar Lake. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the sanctuary is home to Asian Elephants, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Wild Dogs, and a rich variety of birdlife.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit a nearby spice plantation, where a knowledgeable naturalist will introduce you to the region's famous spices and their culinary and medicinal uses.
Dinner and overnight stay at Spice Village
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit a nearby spice plantation, where a knowledgeable naturalist will introduce you to the region's famous spices and their culinary and medicinal uses.
Dinner and overnight stay at Spice Village
Day 13: Explore Periyar National Park
Begin the day with a scenic boat cruise on Periyar Lake, a tranquil reservoir surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Watch for herds of wild elephants, wild boar, and a variety of birdlife that frequent the lakeshore.
After lunch at the lodge, enjoy a memorable visit to Elephant Junction, where you can interact with these gentle giants, assist with feeding and bathing, and learn about their daily care.
In the evening, participate in an authentic Kerala cooking class led by expert chefs. Discover the secrets of traditional regional cuisine and the fascinating world of Indian spices before enjoying dinner at the resort.
Dinner and overnight stay at Spice Village.
After lunch at the lodge, enjoy a memorable visit to Elephant Junction, where you can interact with these gentle giants, assist with feeding and bathing, and learn about their daily care.
In the evening, participate in an authentic Kerala cooking class led by expert chefs. Discover the secrets of traditional regional cuisine and the fascinating world of Indian spices before enjoying dinner at the resort.
Dinner and overnight stay at Spice Village.
Day 14: Periyar National Park – Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
After breakfast, drive to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (110 km), one of South India's finest birding destinations. En route, enjoy several birdwatching stops while traveling through the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats.
Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, Thattekad is home to many endemic bird species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, Crimson-backed Sunbird, and Sri Lanka Frogmouth. The region also supports a variety of wildlife, including Asian Elephants and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Depending on time available, enjoy additional birdwatching near the hotel before settling in for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soma Birds Lagoon.
Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, Thattekad is home to many endemic bird species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, Crimson-backed Sunbird, and Sri Lanka Frogmouth. The region also supports a variety of wildlife, including Asian Elephants and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Depending on time available, enjoy additional birdwatching near the hotel before settling in for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soma Birds Lagoon.
Day 15: Explore Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy full-day’s guided trekking in the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary looking for the prime attractions of the Tour. This effort offers a high chance of producing the sight of a frogmouth. We will also spend sizeable time near the lodge and surrounding areas, where birds and opportunities are aplenty. Later in the evening we go in search of owls and nightjars.
Dinner and overnight at Soma Birds Lagoon
Dinner and overnight at Soma Birds Lagoon
Day 16: Thattekad – Cochin - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leisurely transfer to Cochin airport (50 km) for the flight to home.
Leisurely transfer to Cochin airport (50 km) for the flight to home.
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Every memorable journey begins long before departure. In the choices made with care.
Meet Our Experts
Born and raised in the world-famous Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Guddu Khan developed a lifelong passion for birds, wildlife, and conservation. His deep connection with nature, combined with years of field experience, has made him an accomplished wildlife naturalist, expert tiger tracker, and wildlife photographer.
Guddu Khan | Wildlife Naturalist | Tiger Tracker | Wildlife Photographer
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