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Western Ghats And Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour
Western Ghats And Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour
Western Ghats And Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour (KBS 02)
Region : South India
15
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$ 2390

Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling

Tour Overview

The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot is extraordinarily rich in endemic species of birds, mammals & vegetation. Extending along the West coast of India, the Western Ghats contains more than 30 percent of all plant, fish, reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal species found in the country. This ‘hot spot’ extends into Sri Lanka giving rise to a profusion of endemic species especially birds. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka endemic birding tour takes you through the lowland forests of Thattekkad, the mountains of Munnar and Ooty, the dry scrub forests of Chinnar, the rain forests at Singharaja & Kitulagala and the hill country at Nuwara Eliya which are all bird rich areas. The aim of this 2 weeks tour is to sight most of the 24 endemics of the Western Ghats and more than 30 endemics of Sri Lanka.



Western Ghats And Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour

Day 1-3: Thattekkad
Thattekkad is a lowland forest with several types of eco-systems – riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, dry deciduous, lowland forest, enabling it to be one of the best birding destinations in India. This is also home to most of the endemics of the Western Ghats. One should sight the Whitebellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimsonbacked Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental scopes owl, Brown Fish Owl, Oriental Scopes Owl and Spotbellied Eagle Owl. You should also be able to sight the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey headed fishing eagle.
Day 4-6: Munnar
Today you will go birding in the sholas (high altitude montane forests) and grasslands for the Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Whitebellied Shortwing, Broadtailed Grassbird, Grasshopper Warbler. We will proceed to Bodi Ghats en-route Munnar and stop over for sighting the rare Yellow Throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Bluefaced Malkoha and the Black eagle. A trip is also planned to the Pampadum Shola forest for the elusive Wayand laughing Thrush.  
Day 7: Ooty
You will be starting early for Ooty with a stop over at Chinnar dry scrub area looking for White-bellied Drongo, Blue faced Malkoha, White-naped woodpecker, Blue-beared bee-eater, Sirkeer Malkoha, Jungle Bush Quail and the Yellow-legged Button quail. On arrival at Ooty - a hill station, at about 2,200m in the Nilgiri Hills - birding will be for the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and Black-and-rufous, Rusty-tailed and Nilgiri Flycatchers.
Day 8: Colombo - Kitulgala
After morning birding at birding at Ooty and surrounding areas, transfer to Coimbatore to board the afternoon flight to Colombo. Meet & assist at Colombo and transfer to Kitulgala. 
Day 9: Kitulgala
Morning birding around Kitulgala. After breakfast visit to Kitulgala rain forest. Species include Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Crested Goshawk, Besra, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Serendib Scops Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Dollarbird, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Crimson-backed Goldenback, Indian Pitta, Black-naped Monarch, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Swallow, Black-capped Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Green Warbler, Large-billed Leaf Warbler,Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Dark-fronted Babbler, Orange-billed Babbler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sri Lanka myna, Spot-winged Thrush, Indian blue Robin, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Legge’s Flowerpecker. 
Day 10-11: Nuwara Eliya
Morning birding at Kitulgala. Afternoon proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Birding at Hagala Botanical Gardens and Horton Plains. Species likely sighted include Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka White-eye, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler & Sri Lanka Dusky Blue Flycatcher among others. 
Day 12-14: Singharaja
Morning birding around Nuwara Eliya and proceed Singharaja. Species sighted include Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Drogon, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka White eye, Sri Lanka Thrush.
Day 15: Departure - Colombo
After morning birding around Singharaja, transfer to Colombo. Tour ends. 

Inclusions

  • Accommodation with most meals
  • All transfers
  • Driver cum birding guide,
  • Birding walks
  • Bottled water
  • Entry fees to forest areas and taxes.
  • Accommodation upgrades available.
  • Excludes flights and camera fees.

Gallery

FAQs

For India

Q: Do I need a Visa to enter India?
Yes. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html

Q: What kind of climate should I expect?
India is tropical and would be hot and humid most of the year except during November to February when it is cooler. In addition, the highlands are cooler and cold at nights during the winter months.

Q: Are tour dates flexible?
Yes.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations we use are all birder friendly accommodations near the birding areas, clean and with great service.

Q: Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
It would be sent along with the detailed itinerary we send to you.

Q: Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour ?
Yes, we can arrange pre and post night extensions.

Q: Do you cater to dietary requirements?
Yes we do but we would require adequate advance notice.

Q: What is the Indian currency?
Indian Rupee. The higher denomination notes are 100, 500 and 2000 rupees.

Q: Are foreign currencies accepted locally?
The USD, GBP and EURO are easily accepted at all places.

Q: Are there ATMs available?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs available throughout South India

Q: Are credit and charge cards widely accepted ?
Yes, all the hotels we use & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance before travelling ?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to India, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q: What vaccinations will I require?
Please check with your doctor. The areas which fall within this tour are malaria-free.

Q: Air airport transfers included?
Yes. Pick up from the airport and drop to the airport are included as mentioned in the itinerary.

Q: What kind of electrical travel adaptor will I need?
India uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have either grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). The two pin plug is also called the Europlug. It has two round 4 mm (0.157 in) pins. It can be inserted in either way into the socket. Hence there is no fixed live (hot) and neutral (cold) terminals. The three pin plug is rated at 6A / 250V. It has three round pins in a triangular pattern. The earth terminal is slightly larger than the live and neutral terminals. For Higher current, there is a 15 Amp version of the same 3 Pin plug, usually called the Power Plug or the M Plug. Live and neutral are 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart. Earth terminal is 1+1⁄8 in (28.58 mm) away from live and neutral terminals. Typically, refrigerators, heaters and other high power devices are connected to this 15 Amp socket.

Q: Will a standard European electric plug (2 round pins) fit into a power point in India?
Yes. To insert the 2 pin plug into a Type D 3 Pin socket which in some cases may be closed by default, push a pen into the Ground/Earth terminal. This opens up the protected 2 Pin terminals and you can insert the 2 Pin plug.

Q: Will a standard American electric plug fit into a power point in India?
No. But any electrical store will sell you an adapter for around 50 cents or less.

Q: What is included in my tour?
Accommodation with most meals, all transfers, all birding walks, birding guide.

Q: What is not included in the tour?
Tips, some meals, personal expenses, beverages and liquor.

Q: How much should I tip?
Tipping is the customary way of saying thank you for a good trip. Any amount is welcome and is certain to augment the income of the bird guide and driver. Please remember that this is their only means of livelihood.

Q: Tell me more about the birding guides?
Our birding guides are knowledgeable. For single or two guests we sometimes provide a car with a driver who is also an accomplished birding guide.

Q: Is there any restrictions on drinking liquor or smoking?
There are no restrictions on drinking liquor but consumption of liquor in public is not permitted. Please check with your guide or driver if the hotel has a liquor license. You can pick up liquor from liquor vends all over South India. Smoking in public is also not permitted.

Q: What will the meals be like on my tour?
Meals are usually ethnic Indian fare, both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Some hotels may provide Continental food.

Q: Is there a 24 hours hotline for me to call during an emergency?
Yes. The number will be provided to you before you start the tour

Q: What is the Internet access like?
All places have internet, not necessarily in the rooms but near the reception.

For Sri Lanka

Q: Do I need a Visa to enter Sri Lanka?
Yes. http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Q: What kind of climate should I expect?
Sri Lanka is tropical and would be hot and humid most of the year except during November to February when it is slightly cooler. In addition, the highlands are cooler and cold at nights during the winter months.

Q: Are tour dates flexible?
Yes.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations we use are all birder friendly accommodations near the birding areas, clean and with great service.

Q: Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
It would be sent along with the detailed itinerary we send to you.

Q: Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour ?
Yes, we can arrange pre and post night extensions.

Q: Do you cater to dietary requirements?
Yes we do but we would require adequate advance notice.

Q: What is the Sri Lankan currency?
Sri Lankan Rupee. The higher denomination notes are 500, 1000 and 5000 rupees.

Q: Are foreign currencies accepted locally?
The USD, GBP and EURO can be exchanged at most major towns.

Q: Are there ATMs available?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs are available throughout Sri Lanka

Q: Are credit and charge cards widely accepted?
Most of the hotels we use & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards. However the smaller places in remote locations would not accept cards.

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance before travelling?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to Sri Lanka, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q: What vaccinations will I require?
Please check with your doctor. The areas which fall within this tour are malaria-free.

Q: Air airport transfers included?
Yes. Pick up from the airport and drop to the airport are included as mentioned in the itinerary.

Q: What kind of electrical travel adaptor will I need?
Sri Lanka uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). The two pin plug is also called the Europlug. It has two round 4 mm (0.157 in) pins. It can be inserted in either way into the socket. Hence there is no fixed live (hot) and neutral (cold) terminals. The three pin plug is rated at 6A / 250V. It has three round pins in a triangular pattern. The earth terminal is slightly larger than the live and neutral terminals. For Higher current, there is a 15 Amp version of the same 3 Pin plug, usually called the Power Plug or the M Plug. Live and neutral are 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart. Earth terminal is 1+1⁄8 in (28.58 mm) away from live and neutral terminals. Typically, refrigerators, heaters and other high power devices are connected to this 15 Amp socket.

Q: Will a standard European electric plug (2 round pins) fit into a power point in Sri Lanka?
Yes. To insert the 2 pin plug into a Type D 3 Pin socket which in some cases may be closed by default, push a pen into the Ground/Earth terminal. This opens up the protected 2 Pin terminals and you can insert the 2 Pin plug.

Q: Will a standard American electric plug fit into a power point in Sri Lanka?
No. But any electrical store will sell you an adapter for around 50 cents or less.

Q: What is included in my tour?
Accommodation with most meals, all transfers, all birding walks, birding guide.

Q: What is not included in the tour?
Tips, some meals, personal expenses, beverages and liquor.

Q: How much should I tip?
Tipping is the customary way of saying thank you for a good trip. Any amount is welcome and is certain to augment the income of the bird guide and driver. Please remember that this is their only means of livelihood.

Q: Tell me more about the birding guides?
Our birding guides are knowledgeable. For single or two guests we sometimes provide a car with a driver who is also an accomplished birding guide.

Q: Is there any restrictions on drinking liquor or smoking?
There are no restrictions on drinking liquor but consumption of liquor in public is not permitted. Please check with your guide or driver if the hotel has a liquor license. You can pick up liquor from liquor vends all over Sri Lanka. Smoking in public is also not permitted.

Q: What will the meals be like on my tour?
Meals are usually ethnic Sri Lankan fare, both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Some hotels may provide Continental food. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Q: Is there a 24 hours hotline for me to call during an emergency?
Yes. The number will be provided to you before you start the tour

Q: What is the Internet access like?
All places have internet, not necessarily in the rooms but near the reception.

 

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