South India Bird Watching Tour

Your journey begins in the vibrant port city of Cochin, where you’ll be staying in the atmospheric district of Fort Cochin. With its rich mix of cultures and colonial history, Cochin is a fascinating introduction to South India.

On arrival, you’ll have time to settle in before enjoying a sunset cruise, watching the famous Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the glowing evening sky. The following day, explore the highlights of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, from the bustling fish market and the 16th-century St Francis Church to the mural-adorned Dutch Palace and the intricately decorated Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerising Kathakali dance performance, with its striking costumes and elaborate make-up.

Accommodation: Hotel Fort House, Cochin

An Asian Paradise-flycatcher or Terpsiphone paradisi (Female) in the reserved forest in Thattekkad, Kerala, India

Leaving Cochin, you’ll travel to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, one of South India’s finest birding destinations. With over 270 recorded species, this compact sanctuary offers thrilling opportunities to see a wide range of Western Ghats specialities. Expect sightings of the Red Spurfowl, Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, and Rusty-tailed Flycatcher.

Your stay includes a night birding tour to seek out nocturnal species such as frogmouths and nightjars. The following day, explore deeper into the sanctuary, with excursions to areas like Urulanthanni and Edamalayar, home to rare birds including the Wayanad Laughingthrush, Grey-headed Bulbul, Streak-throated Woodpecker and Yellow-billed Babbler.

Accommodation: Birds Murmur Camp, Thattekkad

Next, you’ll continue to Periyar National Park, a sanctuary for over 320 bird species as well as elephants, sambars, bison and Malabar giant squirrels. Begin with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Periyar, where you may encounter Great Pied Hornbills, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Blue-winged Parakeets and flocks of waterbirds.

On your second day, set out deeper into the sanctuary by jeep and on foot, guided to the best spots for rare species such as the elusive Wayanad Laughingthrush. Other highlights could include the Oriental Honey-buzzard, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Black-naped Monarch and Jungle Owlet.

Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort, Periyar

Journey into the cool heights of Munnar, the famous hill station surrounded by rolling tea plantations and bird-rich montane forests. En route, a stop at the Bodi Ghats offers the chance to spot the rare Yellow-throated Bulbul and Short-toed Snake-Eagle.

Over two days, explore Munnar’s varied habitats, from the lush shola forests and grasslands of Eravikulam National Park to the drier terrain of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Birding highlights include the Painted Bush-Quail, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Sholakili, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Grasshopper Warbler and Blue-bearded Bee-eater.

Accommodation: Ambady Estate, Munnar

Tea Estate, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

An early birding stop at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the chance to spot the Sirkeer and Blue-faced Malkohas before continuing into the Nilgiri Hills. By evening, you’ll reach Coonoor, set at 2,200 metres. This hill station is excellent for endemic species such as the Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-bellied Sholakili and Nilgiri Laughingthrush.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6 hours, 225 km

Accommodation: Kurumba Village Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Spend the morning birding in Coonoor before driving to Mudumalai at the foot of the Nilgiris. The varied habitats here are alive with species, from the Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch and White-bellied Minivet to Jerdon’s Bushlark and Banded Bay Cuckoo. You’ll also explore both Mudumalai National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, adding a chance of larger wildlife sightings to your birding adventures.

Accommodation: Jungle Retreat, Mudumalai

Mysore Palace, Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Travel to Mysore with opportunities for birding along the way, especially in the Bandipur reserve, where you might encounter the rare Broad-tailed Grassbird. In Mysuru, enjoy a cultural change of pace with a visit to the Chamundi Hills to see the Nandi Bull statue and a stroll through the bustling Devaraja Market.

The following morning, take to the water for a serene boat ride through Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary on the Cauvery River, home to heron colonies, cormorants, spoonbills, river terns and many more. Later, explore the grand Mysuru Palace, one of South India’s most impressive landmarks.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3hrs, 110 km

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza, Mysore

Meals included: Breakfast

You’ll be transferred to Bangalore International Airport for your return flight, and there ends your incredible journey with us on our South India Bird Watching Tour!

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hrs, 150 km

Meals included: Breakfast