Small-Group India Western Ghats Birding Tour

A small-group 11-day Western Ghats itinerary through Mudumalai, the Nilgiris, Eravikulam, Periyar and Thattekad, estimated at 250-275 species.

  • India
  • 11 days
  • Group 2-4 people
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • From: $3,800
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Moderate
  • City: Delhi
Small-Group India Western Ghats Birding Tour
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Streak-throated Woodpecker - courtesy Leio De Souza

About this tour

This small-group 11-day birding route crosses the Western Ghats from Bangalore to Kochi. It begins with an extended stay around Mudumalai National Park before climbing to Ooty for a full day in the Nilgiri Hills. The itinerary then travels through Munnar to Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Eravikulam National Park.

Periyar provides the next two field days, followed by the Cardamom Hills and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. A final morning at Thattekad is included before the transfer to Kochi airport. The route is designed around endemic and near-endemic birds of southwest India, with an estimated total of 250-275 species.

Pace and difficulty are moderate. Most walking is on level trails or gently inclined roads, with the highest point around 2,650 meters and cooler conditions possible at elevation. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss suitable timing, dates, availability and final pricing.

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bangalore Airport

Reach Bangalore Airport, with time to prepare for the upcoming field itinerary. Make the overland connection to Mudumalai National Park. The overnight base is a hotel near the national park.

Day 2
Birding at Mudumalai National Park

Explore Mudumalai National Park throughout the day. The itinerary uses a hotel near the national park for the overnight.

Day 3
Mudumalai National Park

The first part of the day is used to spend the session at Mudumalai National Park. Later in the day, make the onward journey to Ooty. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in Ooty.

Day 4
Birding at Nilgiri Hills near Ooty

Set aside the entire field day for Nilgiri Hills near Ooty. Overnight at a hotel in Ooty.

Day 5
Travel to Munnar

The initial field period is used to proceed to Munnar. Continue for the rest of the daylight with birdwatching outside Munnar. The day finishes with accommodation at a hotel in Munnar.

Day 6
Birding at Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Eravikulam National Park

Use a complete day to explore Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Eravikulam National Park. Tonight's stay is at a hotel in Munnar.

Day 7
Travel to Periyar National Park

In the morning, continue to Periyar National Park. Continue birdwatching there through the remaining daylight. The planned overnight is at a hotel near the park.

Day 8
Birding at Periyar National Park

Keep the complete field day centered on Periyar National Park. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel near the park.

Day 9
Travel to Cardamom Hills

Open the day with time to continue to Cardamom Hills and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. Keep the field program going through the remainder of the day with birdwatching there. The itinerary uses a hotel in Thattekad for the overnight.

Day 10
Birding at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Keep the complete field day centered on Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. Overnight at a hotel in Thattekad.

Day 11
At Thattekad Bird Sanctuary as time

Dedicate the morning to spend time birdwatching at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary as time permits. Continue the route to international airport in Kochi. The tour concludes at the airport.

Locations & map

  • Delhi - India

Availability & pricing

Availability: Available on request · Season: November-March

Package Amount
Per person, small group (2-4) $3,800 / person

Send inquiry

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