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South India Endemic Birding Tour
South India Endemic Birding and Mammals Tour
South India Endemic Birding Tour (KBG - 01)
Region : South India
13
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$  2200

Tour Overview

Embark on a specialized tour crafted to discover all 24 Western Ghats endemics and a majority of the 68 South Indian endemics, alongside encountering over 500 bird species and endemic mammals like the Nilgiri Tahr and Nilgiri Langur. Southern India boasts some of the finest national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country, many nestled along the Western Ghats, recognized as one of the 35 biodiversity 'hot spots' globally due to its rich concentration of endemic species and ecological diversity. Our journey begins in the lowland forests of Thattekkad, moves through the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve, and continues to the high-altitude montane forests and grasslands of Munnar and Ooty. We explore the dry forests of Chinnar and Mudumalai before concluding our expedition at Ranganthittu near Mysore. This comprehensive itinerary promises unparalleled opportunities to witness unique flora and fauna, providing a deep immersion into the diverse ecosystems of Southern India.



South India Endemic Birding Tour

Day 1-3: Thattekkad
  Explore the diverse ecosystems of Thattekkad, a lowland forest renowned as one of India's premier birding destinations. Encounter Western Ghats endemics such as the Whitebellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimsonbacked Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. Keep an eye out for various owl species including the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and Spotbellied Eagle Owl. Additionally, spot the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia, and Grey headed fishing eagle.  
Day 4-5: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Journey to Periyar Tiger Reserve, a premier wildlife and birding sanctuary in South India. Explore its diverse habitats ranging from grasslands and dry deciduous forests to evergreen forests and riverside scrub. Seek out the Wynaad Laughingthrush and a variety of other special species such as White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black Eagle, Black Baza, Pompadour Green Pigeon, and Mountain Imperial Pigeon. Keep an eye out for migratory birds like the Chestnut-winged Cuckoo and resident species including Yellow-browed Bulbul, Gray-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed Warbler, and Asian Fairy Bluebird. Possible sightings also include the Woolly-necked Stork, Besra, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Jungle Owlet, and Little Spiderhunter.    
Day 6-7: Munnar
Travel through the scenic Ghats and tea estates to Munnar, stopping at Khambam and Bodi Ghats to spot birds like the Large Grey Babbler, Common Babbler, Jungle Bush Quail, Grey Francolin, Yellow Throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Bluefaced Malkoha, and Black Eagle. Explore Munnar's sholas (high-altitude montane forests) and grasslands for species including Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Whitebellied Shortwing, Broadtailed Grassbird, and Grasshopper Warbler.  
Day 8: Ooty
Begin early morning birding at Chinnar, a dry scrub forest, searching for species like White-bellied Drongo, Blue-faced Malkoha, White-naped Woodpecker, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Sirkeer Malkoha, Jungle Bush Quail, and Yellow-legged Button Quail. Continue to Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, to seek out the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and Black-and-rufous, Rusty-tailed, and Nilgiri Flycatchers.  
Day 9-10: Mudumalai
Travel to Mudumalai at the foothills of the Nilgiris, characterized by varied terrain and diverse habitats ideal for birding. Look for Jerdon’s Bushlark, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Blue Robin, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, White-bellied Minivet, Yellow-billed Babbler, White-bellied Woodpecker, Large Cuckooshrike, Banded-bay Cuckoo, Thick-billed Warbler, Malabar Lark, and Painted Bush Quail.  
Day 11: Mysore
Bird along the route to Mysore, with opportunities to spot any missed endemics, including the rare Broadtailed Grassbird near the Bandipur Reserve. Keep an eye out for species like Paddyfield Pipit, Richards Pipit, and Ashcrowned Finch Lark.We will proceed towards Mysore birding along the way. Here we have a chance to look for any of the endemics missed especially the very rare Broadtailed Grassbird near the Bandipur Reserve. Also seen are the Paddyfield Pipit, Richards Pipit and the Ashcrowned Finch Lark.
Day 12: Bangalore
Visit the heronry on an island at Ranganthittu Wildlife Sanctuary, observing Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cormorants, River Tern, and Thick Knee during a rowing boat cruise. Transfer to Bangalore, birding along the way, and check into the airport hotel by late evening.  
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure. Tour concludes.  

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in birder friendly hotels / resort / luxury camps with most meals
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers mentioned as per the above mentioned itinerary
  • English speaking birding guide 
  • All entrances to Wildlife Sancturies and National Parks
  • Local forest guides (appointed by forest department – wherever mandatory)
  • 01 boat safari at Ranganthittu
  • All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions

  • Any International airfare to/from India including International airport tax.
  • Camera fee wherever levied.
  • Any additional taxes levied by the Government of India on the tourism sector
  • Any expenses of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
  • Any increase in the entrance fees to the National parks. The quote is based on the presently applicable entrance fee.

IMPORTANT: Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you. 

Holiday Feedback

We had a fantastic time and were very happy with Sudeesh’s guiding and Deepu’s care and careful driving. We were very impressed with the beautiful scenery of southern India, having been to several other parts of India before. Sudeesh‘s knowledge, perseverance and amazing eyesight contributed to the fantastic trip. We will definitely recommend Kalypso to anyone looking for a reliable travel organisation in Southern India. Barbara Knight and Henk ter Borg 2024-03-05

Thank you for an amazing trip. My birding guide Joji worked so hard to find the birds for me and I appreciate it so much. Thanks to him, my trip is one I will remember for the rest of my life. Ann Kovich 2024-03-04

"I saw 68 species of bird that I had not seen on my previous trips to India and Sri Lanka, so I was happy." - Gavin on Trip Advisor. Gavin also rated our birding guide Joji, a 100%, especially for sighting owls; his driving & "Getting to areas where you can see birds involves driving on dirt roads"; his timekeeping and general guiding. Gavin also mentioned Joji's attention to detail, he wrote -" I had not packed my walking pole, but Joji had one in the car (he must have come across people like me before). This was a lifesaver.". Thanking Gavin for his detailed and candid review on TripAdvisorGavin Anderson 2024-11-21

Route Maps

Gallery

FAQs

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.

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