8-day Kerala Western Ghats Birding Tour
An 8-day Kerala birding journey through Thattekkad, Periyar and Munnar, linking lowland rainforest, moist forest, shola and high-altitude grassland.
About this tour
Explore three contrasting Western Ghats birding areas on an eight-day route from Kochi. The journey starts in the lowland forests and riverine habitats of Thattekkad, continues through the evergreen and moist deciduous forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve, and finishes among the shola forest and montane grassland around Munnar.
Three nights in Thattekkad provide time for daytime and nocturnal birding around Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The compact mix of rainforest, wetland and teak woodland supports regional specialities, while evening sessions focus on frogmouths, nightjars and owls when conditions allow.
The middle of the itinerary moves to Periyar, with a birding stop during the transfer and a full day on forest trails. The final birding section climbs toward Munnar, using Bodi Ghats and the high-elevation habitats around the hill station to add a different group of Western Ghats birds.
The published programme includes all meals, twin-share accommodation, private air-conditioned transport and guided birding. The listed price is based on at least two participants; the single-traveller price and exact availability are confirmed after inquiry. All sightings involve wild birds and depend on season, weather and current activity.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Birds you can spot
Ficedula nigrorufa
target
Psittacula columboides
target
Rubigula gularis
target
Treron affinis
target
Brachypodius priocephalus
target
Ocyceros griseus
target
Harpactes fasciatus
target
Anthus nilghiriensis
target
Columba elphinstonii
target
Argya subrufa
target
Batrachostomus moniliger
target
Pterorhinus delesserti
target
Dendrocitta leucogastra
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kochi arrival and transfer to Thattekkad
Meet the Tropic Trails team at Kochi International Airport and transfer about 45 kilometres to Thattekkad. Begin exploring the lowland forest and river habitats as time permits.
Day 2
Thattekkad forest and wetland birding
Bird the rainforest, riverine edges, wetlands and teak woodland around Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The habitat mix supports both resident and migratory species, including several Western Ghats specialities.
Day 3
Thattekkad day and nocturnal birding
Continue daytime birding on the most productive local trails. An evening session may search for frogmouths, nightjars and owls according to current conditions.
Day 4
Thattekkad to Periyar
Travel about 120 kilometres to Periyar Tiger Reserve, normally around four hours, with a birding stop on the way. Settle near Thekkady and begin exploring the reserve area.
Day 5
Periyar forest birding
Spend a full day on trails through evergreen and moist deciduous forest. The programme seeks regional forest birds while allowing for possible encounters with elephants, deer and gaur.
Day 6
Periyar to Munnar via Bodi Ghats
Leave early for Munnar and pause for birding around Bodi Ghats. The climb introduces drier slopes before reaching Munnar's shola forest and high-altitude grassland.
Day 7
Munnar highland birding
Explore the high-elevation habitats around Munnar for Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit and other regional specialities. Exact sites depend on current access and bird activity.
Day 8
Departure for Kochi
Transfer from Munnar to Kochi International Airport for departure.
Locations & map
- Thattekkad and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - Kerala India (Lowland tropical forest, riverine habitat and wetlands.)
- Periyar Tiger Reserve and Thekkady - Kerala India (Evergreen and moist deciduous forest with lake and grassland habitats.)
- Munnar and Bodi Ghats - Kerala India (Cooler high-elevation shola forest and montane grassland.)
3 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: October to March
Transport & stays
- Private air-conditioned vehicle Road transfers connect Kochi, Thattekkad, Periyar and Munnar. | Meet: Kochi International Airport | Pickup: Arrival pickup and final airport drop-off are included for the confirmed itinerary.
Accommodations
- Eco-lodges, homestays and wildlife resorts near the birding areas
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
When is the recommended season?
The official programme recommends October through March. Exact dates and availability are confirmed after inquiry.
How demanding are the walks?
Most field sessions involve relaxed walks of roughly one to three hours, with frequent stops for observation and photography.
Can the tour be adjusted for photography?
Yes. Tropic Trails can emphasize fewer locations, favorable light and longer observation sessions, subject to current access and availability.
Are nocturnal species guaranteed?
No. Guided evening sessions create opportunities for frogmouths, nightjars and owls, but sightings depend on weather and wild bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.