Birding Across the Nilgiris, Anamalais & Kerala's Evergreen Forests
A 14 day birding journey through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots covering Mysore, Masinagudi, Kotagiri, Pollachi, Valparai, Chinnar, Munnar, Eravikulam and Thattekad.
Western Ghats Birding Tour In India
13 Nights / 14 Days
Covers Mysore, Ranganathittu, Masinagudi, Kotagiri, Pollachi, Valparai, Chinnar, Munnar, Eravikulam & Thattekad (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary)
Target Species: Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Sholakili, Shaheen Falcon, White-bellied Minivet, Bugun Liocichla & Great Hornbill
Boat birding, jeep birding, walking birding sessions and night birding
Why Choose Western Ghats Birding Tour
Some forests reveal themselves slowly, and the Western Ghats are one of them. Our Western Ghats birding tour in India has been carefully designed for travellers who appreciate all the small moments that bring nature to life. Across the 14 days of this journey, you will get to explore a wide variety of habitats & landscapes. Starting from wetlands of Karnataka and the forests of the Nilgiris to the tea-covered slopes of Valparai and the lush evergreen forests of Kerala. Each destination of this Western Ghats Birding expedition in India has its own character, its own story and its own birds.
Unlike a typical India birdwatching tour providing only a couple of birdwatching sessions in one or two birding hotspots, this journey focuses on the remarkable biodiversity of the Western Ghats, with 20 Birding sessions including boat birding, jeep birding, walking birding sessions and night birding. Whether you’re hoping to photograph the elusive Sri Lanka Frogmouth, admire the vibrant Malabar Trogon, or finally tick off the Nilgiri Flycatcher and White-bellied Treepie, every day brings fresh opportunities to encounter the extraordinary endemic birds of Western Ghats.
This Western Ghats birding tour is quite extensive, spanning over 14 days and is ideal for serious birdwatchers, professional wildlife photographers and nature lovers. This also makes for one of the best Western Ghats bird photography tour with ample opportunities to photograph beautiful endemic species. During the entire course of our South India birding tours, you’ll be guided by experienced naturalists who know these forests intimately.
Best Time to Visit
Destinations Covered
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore
Masinagudi, Nilgiri Foothills & Sigur Plateau
Kotagiri, Nilgiri Tea Town at 1,600 m
Pollachi & Valparai, Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Munnar & Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), Kerala
Birding Highlights
- Explore one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
- Search for the iconic endemic birds of the Western Ghats, including the Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Sholakili and White-bellied Treepie.
- Enjoy peaceful boat birding at Ranganathittu, where nesting pelicans, Painted Storks and kingfishers can often be photographed at close range.
- Experience the ever-changing landscapes of the Nilgiris, Valparai, Munnar and Thattekad, where every habitat reveals a completely different birding experience.
- Enjoy birdwatching alongside experienced naturalists on one of the finest guided birding tours in India, learning not only where to find birds but also how to understand their behaviour.
- Ideal for photographers looking for a rewarding bird photography safari in India, with extended time in the field and carefully selected locations.
- Accommodate your target species, photography goals or other requirements in our customised Western Ghats birding tour.
- Stay in carefully selected nature retreats and comfortable lodges, offering a peaceful base close to the forests and birding trails.
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Detailed Itinerary
Read through our 14-day day-by-day itinerary for Western Ghats India Birding Tour covering South Indian birding hotspots and destinations including Mysore, Masinagudi, Kotagiri, Pollachi, Valparai, Chinnar, Munnar, Eravikulam and Thattekad. This tour is fully customisable and can be tailored to fulfill your requirements & expectations such as target species, photography goals, accommodation type, travel pace and more.
- DAY 1: Arrival In New Delhi
- DAY 2: New Delhi - Mysore
- DAY 3: Mysore - Masinagudi
- DAY 4: Masinagudi - Kotagiri
- DAY 5: In Kotagiri
- DAY 6: Kotagiri & Shaheen Falcon
- DAY 7: Kotagiri - Pollachi
- DAY 8: Pollachi - Valparai
- DAY 9: Pollachi - Munnar
- DAY 10: Top Station & Pambadum Shola
- DAY 11: Munnar - Thattekad
- DAY 12: In Thattekad
- DAY 13: In Thattekad
- DAY 14: Thattekad - Kochi
DAY 1: Arrival In New Delhi
Flight : Arrive in New Delhi
- Arrive at New Delhi Airport and meet our representative in the arrivals area.
- Get assistance with your luggage and a comfortable, private transfer to your hotel in the city.
Check-in: Hotel
- At the hotel, receive help with check-in and a brief orientation about your upcoming India Birding Tour With Taj & Tigers, including all travel related documents, permits and emergency contact numbers.
- Relax at your hotel or step out on your own to explore a café or local market, depending on your arrival time.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi
DAY 2: New Delhi - Bengaluru - Mysore
Flight - New Delhi to Bengaluru
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Bengaluru.
- On arrival, meet our representative and depart for Mysore (143 km / 3 hrs).
- Check-in to your hotel.
Birding Session No. 1: Evening Boat Birding - Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Cauvery River)
- Post lunch, drive to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (40 mins). Emark on a two-hour boat ride through rocky outcrops, tree-covered banks and teeming mudflats on the Cauvery river.
- Key species: Pelicans, Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibis, Thick Knees and a plethora of waterfowl. The bird diversity here is unique within the entire tour. Return to Mysore after the boat ride.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel in Mysore
DAY 3: Mysore - Masinagudi (97 Km / 2 Hrs)
Birding Session No 2: Morning Birding - Chamundi Canal Trail
- Morning birding walk along the Chamundi Canal at the edge of Mysore town (20 mins drive). Seek the elusive Indian Eagle Owl and Brown Fish Owl that roost along the canal walls.
- Other species: Baya Weavers, Small Minivets, White-rumped Munias, Swallows, Martins and a variety of scrub habitat species. Tracks and signs of urban leopards that roam the Mysore periphery may also be encountered.
Transfer: Drive to Masinagudi (97 km / 2 hrs)
- After breakfast, depart for Masinagudi at the periphery of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, a small forested area on the Sigur plateau at 1,000 m altitude.
- The drive cuts through the forests of Bandipur Tiger Reserve with plenty of stops for birding along the way. Arrive at the lodge by lunchtime.
Birding Session No. 3: Afternoon Walk
Afternoon walk around the lodge area searching for Nilgiri foothill specials: Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Grey-headed Bulbul, Yellow-browed Bulbul, owlets, scops owls, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Red Spurfowl and nightjars.
Dinner & Overnight stay at lodge in Masinagudi
DAY 4: Masinagudi - Kotagiri (57 Km / 1-2 Hrs)
Birding Session No. 4: Morning Birding - Moyar Gorge Scrub Forests
- Morning session in the scrub forests around the Moyar gorge area. Primary focus: White-bellied Minivet.
- Other key species: Blue-faced and Sirkeer Malkohas, Bay-backed Shrikes and dry land Aquila raptors.
Transfer: Drive to Kotagiri via Ooty & Coonoor (with birding stops)
- After breakfast and check-out, drive uphill into the heart of the Nilgiris with packed lunch, birding at key spots along the way.
- Key stops: Botanical Gardens at Ooty and Sims Park at Coonoor searching for Kashmir Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Crested Goshawk and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Check-in at Kotagiri Lodge
- Arrive at Kotagiri, a small tea town at ~1,600 m altitude amid large tea plantations and remnant shola and degraded forest areas.
- Rich bird diversity and good populations of Indian Gaur, leopards and sloth bears. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight stay at lodge in Kotagiri
DAY 5: Full Day Birding - Kotagiri
Birding Session No. 5: Dawn Birding - Shola Patch
Visit a small shola patch at dawn seeking Nilgiri endemics: Nilgiri Sholakili (Sholicola), Nilgiri Chilleppen and Nilgiri Thrush. Chances of vagrants like Blue-and-white Flycatcher and Pied Thrush are also a possibility.
Birding Session No. 6: Mid-Morning Birding - Tea Estate Fringe
- After breakfast, head to a tea estate along the fringe area.
- The hedgerow and meadow habitat is one of the best places to find Red Avadavats, Indian Blackbird & Pipits. A small population of Indian Eagle Owls also resides here.
Birding Session No. 7: Afternoon Birding
- Post lunch, drive to the lower Kotagiri area to watch soaring raptors and magnificent Great Hornbills, Black Eagles are the top priority. A small grove frequented by Crested Tree Swifts, Vernal Hanging Parrots and the Large Hawk Cuckoo.
- Note: Birding hides are set up in Kotagiri specifically for photographers and can be arranged on request.
Dinner & Overnight stay at lodge in Kotagiri
DAY 6 : Kotagiri & Shaheen Falcon
Birding Session No. 8: Morning Birding
Morning birding session revisiting previously productive areas to check for any species missed. Spot plan can be made for specific target birds depending on interests.
Birding Session No. 9: Afternoon - Shaheen Falcon Cliff
- After lunch, drive ~1 hr 30 mins to the edge of a cliff, home to a resident pair of Shaheen Falcons.
- Arrive in the afternoon to ensure the light is behind you for optimal viewing. A dedicated vantage point provides the best sightlines for these fast-flying raptors.
Dinner & Overnight stay at lodge in Kotagiri
DAY 7: Kotagiri - Pollachi
Birding Session No. 10: Optional Morning Birding - Kotagiri
Optional short morning birding session around the lodge before checking out.
Transfer: Drive to Pollachi (131 km / 3 hrs)
- Drive towards the plains and south to the agricultural town of Pollachi.
- It is located at the heart of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats, with the Nilgiris to the north and the Anamalais range to the south. This will be the base for the next two days.
- Chak-in and have lunch.
Birding Session No. 11: Evening - Anamalai Foothills Walk & Night Drive
Evening excursion to the foothills of the Anamalais, a mix of walking and driving after dark in search of forest and grassland species: Orange Minivets, Malabar Trogon, various munias, Brown Fish Owl and Mottled Wood Owl.
Overnight stay at lodge in Pollachi
DAY 8: Pollachi - Valparai (Anamalai Tiger Reserve)
Birding Session No. 12: Full Day Birding - Valparai & Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- Post breakfast, full day at the tea town of Valparai nestled inside Anamalai Tiger Reserve, one of the last strongholds of the endemic Lion-tailed Macaque.
- Key bird species: Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Hill Swallow, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle and the rare Yellow-throated Bulbul.
- Wildlife: Nilgiri Marten, Dholes, Flying Squirrels, endemic Brown Mongoose and Jerdon's Palm Civet. Herds of Nilgiri Tahr which is the endemic mountain goat may be encountered on rocky roadside cliffs.
- The day comprises a mix of driving and walking with roadside wildlife viewing and birding halts.
Dinner & Overnight stay at lodge in Pollachi
DAY 9: Pollachi - Munnar (114 Km / 3 Hrs)
Birding Session No. 13: Morning Walk - Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Early morning check-out & Drive 1.5 hrs to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.
- Breakfast stop with a short walk along a stream seeking the endemic Grizzled Giant Squirrel.
- The stream area has also produced encounters with large owls and the rare Yellow-throated Bulbul.
Transfer: Drive to Munnar (114km/2 hrs)
- Continue drive to Munnar in the Anamalai hills.
- The Palghat Gap has caused geological separation of populations and led to the emergence of distinct bird species in this region.
Birding Session No. 14: Evening Trail - Cardamom Estate
- On arrival, settle into the lodge set amid a beautiful cardamom plantation.
- Evening trail through the estates to familiarise with the local birdlife and the ways of the cardamom planters.
Overnight stay at lodge in Munnar
DAY 10: Top Station & Pambadum Shola
Birding Session No. 15: Morning Birding - Lodge & Surrounding Area
Short relaxed morning excursion around the lodge followed by breakfast.
Birding Session No. 16: Full Day - Top Station & Pambadum Shola National Park
- Depart late morning with packed lunch to Top Station and Pambadum Shola National Park which is one of the best-protected pristine shola forests in the region, well known for Nilgiri Martin sightings.
- The drive crosses large lakes and pastures with views of high-altitude elephants around Munnar town.
- Key species in the shola: Scimitar and Dark-fronted Babblers, Square-tailed Bulbuls, Bluebirds, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons and Mountain Imperial Pigeons.
Dinner & Overnight stay at lodge in Munnar.
DAY 11: Munnar - Thattekad (65 Km / 1-2 Hrs)
Birding Session No. 17: Early Morning - Rajamalai / Eravikulam National Park
- Early morning drive to Rajamalai, the high peak within Eravikulam National Park. It is accessed via non-polluting electric vehicles in keeping with the ecological sensitivity of the area.
- Key species in the grasslands, shola forests and dense thickets: White-bellied Sholakili, Painted Bush Quail, Palni Chilleppen, Nilgiri Pipit and the prized Broad-tailed Grassbird. Nilgiri Tahr abundant on the trails.
Transfer: Drive to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (1.5 hrs)
- Return to the lodge, freshen up and check out.
- Drive downhill along the windward side of the mountains into Kerala towards Thattekad, the birding mecca of South India.
- Check in on arrival, followed by lunch.
Overnight stay at lodge in Thattekad.
DAY 12: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Day 1
Birding 18: Full Day Birding - Thattekad (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary)
- Full day birding in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Thattekad Bird Sanctuary), located on the banks of the Periyar River among rubber groves and forests. The only low-land evergreen forest in India and one of the country's best birding hotspots. The 25 sq km sanctuary supports over 300 species.
- Diurnal highlights: Sri Lanka Frogmouth (the species that put Thattekad on the map), White-bellied Treepie, Slaty-legged Crake, Southern Hill Myna, Mottled Wood Owl, Flame-throated Bulbul, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodpecker and Heart-spotted Woodpecker.
- Migratory specials: Black Baza, Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher and Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher.
Birding Session No. 19: Dusk & Night Birding
- At dusk, Great-eared Nightjars fly from their roosts. Their large raptor-like wings and slow wingbeat make for a visual spectacle. Jerdon's Nightjars seen in the same spot.
- Once darkness sets in, head for a guided night walk in search for the Slender Loris which is a small old-world insectivorous primate active at night. The walk also targets Sri Lanka Bay Owl, Oriental Scops Owl and additional nightjar species.
Overnight stay at lodge in Thattekad
DAY 13: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Day 2
Birding Session No. 20: Full Day Birding - Thattekad
- Second full day birding in Thattekad focusing on any species not yet seen, repeating the most productive trails and attempting remaining targets from the extensive wishlist.
- The dense foliage, thick undergrowth and tall trees make viewing a challenge, but local guides are exceptionally skilled at locating elusive species. Continued search for Sri Lanka Bay Owl, Slaty-legged Crake and the less vocal Heart-spotted Woodpecker.
Overnight stay at lodge in Thattekad.
- From New Delhi, fly back home or continue to an onward destination.
- Our representative will assist with your airport transfer and onward connection. Concludes your Birding in North East India tour covering Nameri, Dirang, Sela Pass and Eaglenest across 10 extraordinary nights.
DAY 14: Thattekad - Kochi + Fly Home
Check-out & Transfer: Drive to Kochi (65 km / 1.5-2 hrs)
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive to Kochi (1.5-2 hrs).
Flight - Kochi to Onward Destination
- Board your flight from Kochi back home or to any onward destination.
- This Concludes your Birding in Western Ghats tour covering Mysore, Masinagudi, Kotagiri, Pollachi, Valparai, Chinnar, Munnar, Eravikulam and Thattekad across 13 extraordinary nights.
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After nearly a year of planning, I finally experienced the safari I had been dreaming about — and it was absolutely worth the wait. Mr. Shishir and his team made the entire journey feel effortless. Across Jim Corbett and Bandhavgarh, our group of five spotted 8 tigers along with incredible wildlife and birds. The guides were knowledgeable, respectful toward wildlife and passionate about conservation. Nothing felt rushed — it felt raw, real and deeply connected to nature.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
The Tour Plan Includes:
- Accommodation in Delhi and Mysore on bed and breakfast basis
- All meals included in Masinagudi, Kotagiri, Pollachi, Munnar and Thattekad
- Local / nature guides as per requirement at each destination
- All entrances, safaris and sightseeing tours charge
- Assistance at airports and hotels throughout
- All land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles throughout
- All currently applicable taxes
The Tour Plan Excludes:
- International and domestic airfare
- Still / video camera fees in national parks and monuments
- Personal expenses including tips, beverages, laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Travel insurance or medical coverage
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
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At Jungle Revives, your itinerary is planned & designed by our safari planning experts to accommodate all your requirements. We offer full flexibility & customization options so that you get to enjoy each wildlife experience exactly the way you want.
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Our carefully selected naturalists do more than just lead your personalised wildlife safaris. They share fascinating stories, wildlife secrets, and expert insights that transform each safari into an unforgettable experience.
Seamless Journey, Zero Hassles
From the moment you arrive until your farewell, we handle all logistics so you can fully relax. Enjoy your expert- planned safari without stress. Every transfer, stay, and activity is planned for a smooth, carefree journey.
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With decades of on-ground expertise and real-time insights, we take you to the most active safari areas, positioning us among trusted India safari operators for wildlife travellers.
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We select accommodations that bring you close to the wilderness without compromising on comfort. Each stay is chosen for its natural surroundings, ensuring you can relax and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle.
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Our wildlife safari tours in India are designed with nature first. Following ethical practices and supporting conservation initiatives, we ensure your safari helps protect wildlife and preserves their natural habitats.
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Personalized Tours
At Jungle Revives, every itinerary of wildlife safari in India is thoughtfully planned and designed around your individual requirements, not a fixed template. We offer complete flexibility and customization, allowing you to shape your India safari tour according to your interests, pace, and travel style. Whether you prefer unhurried game drives, focused wildlife photography, birdwatching sessions, or a balanced pace, we tailor every detail to suit you.
Planning to book tiger safari in India? Share your preferences with us via the enquiry form or get in touch with us directly by dropping an email at info@junglerevives.com
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Planning a tiger safari in India can raise many questions in your mind such as which national park to visit, how the safari permit system works, when is the best time to travel or what to expect once you’re inside the forest. So, to help travellers get a better understanding of Safaris in India, we share practical insights, on ground information & experiences through our blogs.
In our blogs you will find guides to some of the most iconic national parks in India, tips on planning a wildlife safari in India, and stories from real journeys in the jungle. So, whether you’re preparing for your first tiger safari or just exploring India’s wildlife destinations, these write ups are meant to give you a clearer picture of what your safari experience in India can be like.
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