South India Birding Adventure: Exploring Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
Endemic Explorer: Crafting Private Birding Journeys Across Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka for Passionate Birders
Experience the Avian Diversity of the Western Ghats—From Rainforests to Shola Grasslands and Dry Forests
14 Days
SUGGESTED LENGTH
Oct-Mar
Best time to go
$TBA
Price From
This expertly designed birding journey through Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka is crafted for those who take their birding seriously and seek deep immersion in South India’s most biodiverse landscapes. Traversing the length of the Western Ghats, the tour covers a mosaic of habitats—from the lowland rainforests of Thattekad to the high-altitude Shola grasslands of Ooty, the wetlands of Mysore, and the dry forests of the Cauvery basin. Each location presents exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph a wide range of regional and Western Ghats endemics. With thoughtful pacing, expert guidance, and access to key birding hotspots, this itinerary is ideal for birders who are passionate about endemic species, field observation, and the quiet thrill of discovery in nature.
Thattekad – Lowland rainforest teeming with Western Ghats endemics, owls, nightjars, and frogmouths.
Munnar & Ooty – High-elevation shola-grassland habitats for rare montane endemics and stunning landscape photography.
Periyar – Moist deciduous forest offering excellent chance to observe Wayanad Laughingthrush and mixed flocks.
Masinagudi – Dry deciduous woodland rich in raptors, bush quails, owls, and dry-zone specialties..
Ranganathittu – Small wetland sanctuary ideal for close-up views of nesting storks, pelicans, and herons.s.
Cauvery – Riverine scrub and rocky terrain support bush-quail, larks, eagles, and diverse dry-zone species.
Birds of South India as Endemic Explorer sees it
Track Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Trogon, Wayanad Laughingthrush, and other Western Ghats endemics on a South India birding journey
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1–3: Thattekad
Explore Thattekkad EBA
(47 km / 1 hr 12 mins from Kochi | Elevation: 40–80 m)
Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, we journey to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Despite its compact size, Thattekad boasts over 270 bird species, with high-density sightings of endemics such as White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Barbet, Crimson-backed Sunbird, and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Nocturnal species like Sri Lanka Frogmouth and several owl species offer excellent photographic opportunities. Daily outings explore prime areas such as Urulanthanni and Charupara. The mostly flat terrain and diverse habitats also attract Indian Pittas, Red Spurfowl, and Black Baza. Occasional sightings of Indian Elephants and Smooth-coated Otters add to the excitem
Day 4–5: Periyar
Periyar Tiger Reserve
(102 km / 3 hrs 4 mins from Thattekad | Elevation: 900–1,200 m)
We ascend to Periyar through the Bodinayakkanur Ghats, pausing en route for Yellow-throated Bulbul, Sirkeer Malkoha, and Hill Prinia. Periyar Tiger Reserve, with its mosaic of tropical forest, bamboo thickets, and grasslands, is home to the Wayanad Laughingthrush, Rufous Babbler, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker. Elephants, Gaur, and Wild Boar are frequently observed, and smooth trails make for easy birding. The forest edge and moist evergreen interiors offer excellent opportunities for flycatchers, barbets, and woodpeckers. This region is rich in biodiversity and provides a smooth transition from lowland to montane species. Though it is a tiger reserve, the chances of seeing a tiger on this trip are very little.
Day 6–7: Munnar
Birding in Tea County
91 km / 2 hrs 30 mins from Periyar | Elevation: 1,500 m)
We travel higher into the Shola forests and tea-draped hills of Munnar. These elevations harbour a distinctive set of endemics including the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Sholakili, Indian Yellow Tit, and Nilgiri Flowerpecker. Our explorations around Pothamedu and the nearby ridgelines yield high-altitude specialists and rare mammal sightings such as the Nilgiri Marten (Very rare chance). Munnar also offers photographic compositions of birds in tea plantations and forest edges. Butterflies and orchids add further colour to this richly biodiverse region.
Day 8: Ooty
Birding in Nilgiris
(243 km / 7 hrs from Munnar | Elevation: 2,240 m)
We make the long but scenic drive across the Ghats to reach Ooty, crossing Eravikulam National Park. En route, we may glimpse Palani Laughingthrush, Painted Bush Quail, and Nilgiri Pipit in the montane grasslands. Upon arrival, we focus on the high-elevation sholas for Nilgiri Thrush, Indian Blackbird, Hill Swallow, and the elusive Indian Blue Robin. The endemic assemblage in this cooler zone is often visible at dawn and dusk, with songbird activity peaking in the misty mornings. Elevation plays a crucial role in targeting specific species restricted to this ecological niche.
Day 9: Ooty -Dodabetta
Ooty local birding
(Doddabetta | Elevation: 2,400 m)
Birding around Doddabetta, the highest point in the Nilgiris, offers excellent opportunities to spot Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Kashmir Flycatcher (winter visitor), Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, and Painted Bush Quail. The forest patches also attract Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the striking White-browed Fantail. Pied Thrush and Nilgiri Thrush are frequently observed along quiet paths. This zone is known for bird-and-mist compositions—ideal for evocative photography. We will spend both morning and afternoon in different habitats to cover missed species, including the stunted forests, forest edge, and grassland mosaics.
Day 10: Masinagudi
Lower Western Ghats birding
(30 km / 1 hr from Ooty | Elevation: 950 m)
Descending into the dry deciduous forests of Mudumalai, we arrive at Masinagudi, a bird-rich region bordering Bandipur and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves. This habitat shift introduces species such as White-bellied Minivet, Blue-faced Malkoha, Jungle Nightjar, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Brahminy Starling, and Indian Nuthatch. Raptors are abundant—Crested Hawk Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, and Red-headed Vulture are often seen circling overhead. The surrounding scrub and forest edge also support Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Jerdon’s Leafbird, and Malabar Lark.
Mammals like Spotted Deer and occasional Leopard signs add to the drama of this photogenic region.
Day 11: Mysore
Wet and Grassland birding
91 km / 2 hrs 30 mins from Masinagudi | Elevation: 763 m)
Moving towards the plains, we reach the wetlands and grasslands around Mysore. This zone offers a very different birding experience. Among the key species are Indian Eagle Owl, Red Avadavat, White-rumped Munia, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Singing Bushlark, Rufous-tailed Lark, and a variety of pipits including Blyth’s and Paddyfield Pipit. The wetlands host Painted Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Asian Openbill, and Eurasian Spoonbill. This is an excellent day for flight photography and wide-frame compositions, as many species are active in the open during mid-morning and late afternoon.
Day 12: Bangalore
Birding near IT City
(150 km / 2 hrs 45 mins from Mysore | Elevation: 920 m)
From Mysore, we head to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, If time allows, we will explore the outskirts for quick sightings of the Indian Nightjar, Sykes’s Warbler, Booted Warbler, and Tawny Pipit. Agricultural landscapes and lakes around the city attract both grassland and waterbirds. Bangalore’s unique location between dry scrub and moist deciduous zones makes it surprisingly productive for species diversity, particularly in winter.
Day 13: Bangalore – Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Day trip to Cauvery
(Day Excursion | 100 km / 2 hrs one way)
Our final birding day takes us to Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, a dry zone sanctuary nestled on the banks of the Cauvery River. Key species include Jungle Bush Quail, Rufous-tailed Lark, Mongolian Lark (winter visitor), Indian Cuckooshrike, and Black-headed Cuckooshrike. Raptors such as Lesser Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Brahminy Kite patrol the skies. The open rocks, thorn forest, and riverbanks create a dramatic backdrop for photography. Mammals like the Indian Grey Mongoose and even Leopard are occasionally seen here. After a rewarding day, we return to Bangalore for an overnight stay.
Day 14: Departure
End of tour
Tour Cost
$ TBA
Please call us for more details
Single Room Supplement: USD TBA (Subject to availability)
If you are a solo traveller, we will try to arrange a roommate for you. However, if this is not possible, a single-room supplement may be required. 2.
The accommodations we will be staying in during the tour may be modest, with basic facilities, but they are comfortable and ideally situated for birding and wildlife activities.
Tour Leader:
An experienced guide/tour manager will accompany you throughout the trip, supported by various local guides.
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
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