Enchanting Endemics

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Overview

An exploration into the Western Ghats in search of species unique to the region, with plenty of birding, herping, beautiful vistas, and forest hikes.

This journey winds through some of South India’s most biodiverse and scenically rich habitats from the lowland rainforests of Thattekad to the shola grasslands and high-elevation forests of the Nilgiris and beyond. We begin amidst the dense canopies of Thattekad, home to endemics like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, and Great Eared-Nightjar, along with a seasonal influx of winter migrants. From here, the trail leads us deeper into the mountains through Periyar and Munnar, where Laughingthrushes call from the undergrowth and Painted Bush-Quails skulk through grassy slopes. In Eravikulam, dramatic cliffs cradle herds of Nilgiri Tahr and offer a chance to spot rarities like the Nilgiri Marten and White-bellied Sholakili. The journey continues across varied landscapes, from riverine habitats and deciduous forests to dry scrub and coffee estates, each revealing its own cast of wildlife, including the Lion-tailed Macaque, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, and a diversity of raptors, hornbills, and forest specialists. Guests are hosted at comfortable nature lodges like the Birds Murmur Camp, Windermere Estate and Jungle Lodges and Resorts (or similar) throughout, making this a comprehensive, comfortable and immersive exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots.

16 Nights and 17 Days

A mix of safaris and walks through the stunning landscapes of Southern India including the western ghats’ shola grasslands, shola forest, and low-elevation ghats rainforest; tropical moist and dry deciduous forest, tropical thorn forest, savanna grasslands, and more!

Precautions

Carry leech socks, quickdry clothing, long-sleeved attire, flashlights, headlamps, rain gear, and basic first-aid.

Expected Weather

Cold and wet in the ghats, warm and moderately humid in the plains and lower reaches. Between 10°C – 25°C. Carry warm clothing for nights & early mornings.

Physical Level

Easy, with moderate amount of walking on inclined terrain and some hiking through trails.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Kochi and Thattekad

Arrive at Kochi airport in the morning and drive down to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, upon which the group will convene for a welcome briefing led by the tour leader. During this session, participants will receive a trip checklist of target species, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, important logistical notes and local contact details, as well as a general overview of field protocol. After the briefing, an evening birding session to cover some of the Ghats endemics, followed by a nocturnal session for owls, nightjars, frogmouths, among other fauna. Stay at the Birds Murmur Camp, Thattekad.

An early breakfast followed by a full day of birding around Thattekad, with a night session for nocturnal birds and an optional hide photography session. The low-elevation rainforests of Thattekad are home to the Sri Lanka Bay-Owl, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, White-bellied Woodpecker, Slaty-legged Crake, Great Eared-Nightjar, and numerous other ghats endemics. Migrants such as the Black Baza, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, and many Phylloscopus warblers congregate here in winters. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the Birds Murmur Camp.

An early breakfast, and another full day of birding around Thattekad, with a night session for nocturnal birds and an optional hide photography session. All meals served at the Birds Murmur Camp.

Morning birding and breakfast at Thattekad, followed by a transfer to Periyar Tiger Reserve ( 2.5h). Lunch at the Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady. In the afternoon, a walk through the forests of Periyar in search of the Wayanad Laughingthrush among other key low-elevation Ghats species. Dinner and an overnight stay at the Greenwoods Resort.

After another quick morning birding session in Periyar, a transfer post breakfast to Windermere Estate in Munnar via Bodhy Ghats with a packed lunch, or on field (3h). Evening birding on the Windermere property, followed by dinner and an overnight stay. Windermere is a great spot to catch the highly range-restricted Palani Laughingthrush, as well as the higher-elevation Ghats endemics like the Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Hill Swallow, Painted Bush-Quail, and others.

Head out to the Rajamalai area of Eravikulam National Park in the morning with a packed breakfast in search of the the White-bellied Sholakili, Hill Swallow, Palani Laughingthrush and other high-elevation endemics. Eravikulam is also a great spot to see the Nilgiri Tahr and Nilgiri Marten. Lunch on the field, followed by an afternoon birding session in the shola grasslands of the Lekshmi hills or the Deshadan area for the Broad-tailed Grassbird. Dinner and an overnight stay at the Windermere.

An optional morning birding session at Eravikulam or around Windermere Estate, and check out post breakfast. Drive to Pollachi stopping at Chinnar to look for the endemic Yellow-throated Bulbul, and a population of Grizzled Giant Squirrels along the river. Lunch on the field in transit. Dinner and overnight stay at By the Riverside, Pollachi.

Depart early in the morning with packed breakfast towards the Nilgiris (4.5h), and transfer to the Tea Nest, Coonoor for lunch. After lunch, birding around the Coonoor Kotagiri area for the endemic Nilgiri Laughingthrush followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the Tea Nest.

An early breakfast followed by morning birding at Doddabetta and Sim’s Park, Coonoor for some of the special targets in the Nilgiris: Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Thrush, Nilgiri Sholakili, and wintering populations of Kashmir Flycatcher. Lunch at the Tea Nest, followed by afternoon birding at Kotagiri. Dinner and an overnight stay at Tea Nest.

Another morning birding in Ooty and surrounds, followed by a short drive post breakfast down to the Kalhatty Ghats (1h) to bird around the Sigur plateau. Lunch on the field, and a drive to the Jungle Hut, Masinagudi (2h). If time permits, an evening birding session around Masinagudi for the plains deciduous forest specialists: White-bellied Minivet, Indian Nuthatch, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, and Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, among others. Dinner and overnight stay at the Jungle Hut, Masinagudi.

An early morning breakfast, followed by a transfer to the Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Kabini (7h). After lunch at the river lodge, an afternoon safari at Kabini. On return from the safari, dinner and an overnight stay at the resport. Kabini is known for its mammals: Tigers, dholes, elephants, and leopards are spotted frequently on safaris. Among the avifauna, Kabini is a great place to catch the Grey-headed Fish Eagle along the banks of the river, as well as Crested Serpent-Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, and Brown Fish-Owl.

Morning and afternoon safaris in Kabini, with all meals and overnight stay at JLR Kabini.

Morning and afternoon safaris in Kabini, with all meals and overnight stay at JLR Kabini.

Morning safari and Breakfast at JLR Kabini, followed by a drive down to Galibore in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (3h). The dry thorn forests of Cauvery are home to range-restricted subcontinent endemics such as the White-naped Tit, White-tailed Iora and Painted Sandgrouse, as well as a large population of Lesser Fish-Eagles along the Cauvery. Lunch at Galibore Nature camp, followed by evening birding in the forests of Galibore looking for the region’s specialties. Dinner and overnight stay at Galibore Nature Camp.

Another morning of birding around Sangama at Cauvery Sanctuary, followed by a post-breakfast drive to Kanakpura to the Ramadevara betta Indian Vulture Sanctuary (2h) to see one of the last remaining colonies of the Indian Vulture in South India. Lunch en route, and a drive to Bangalore (2h) to spend the evening repacking and preparing at Royal Orchid Resort for the onward journey the same night or the following morning.

Transfer to the Airport same night or Early Next Morning and Fly Out – End of Service.

Gallery

Map & Other Info
Cost Estimate: ₹ 69,000 onwards
Trip Inclusions:
  • Accommodation for all hotels mentioned, unless booked separately by the client
  • Meals at all places of accommodation, unless mentioned
  • Local guides and support at birding/wildlife sites
  • Internal flights, unless indicated otherwise by client
  • All entry fees in sanctuaries, monuments, safari drives, birding walks and
    excursions as per the itinerary.
  • All road transfers by air-conditioned SUV or Tempo Traveler (Urbania).
  • Taxes.
Trip Exclusions:
  • Expenses of personal nature (beverages, laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Meals/snacks and flights beyond what is mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities for local staff, guides and drivers.
MAP
PLAN YOUR TRIP

Extensions

Ela Blooms, Wayanad

1 Nights & 2 Days

This Wayanad birding extension targets the elusive Banasura Laughingthrush while offering a window into the Western Ghats’ high-elevation biodiversity. Landscapes shift between shola forest remnants and rolling montane grasslands, forming classic sky islands rich in endemic species and showcasing the region’s unique ecological character.

Mysore

3 Nights & 4 Days

This Mysore extension blends culture and nature: explore the lively Devaraja Market, then the iconic Indo-Saracenic Mysore Palace. Visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for nesting waterbirds, and take a day trip to Srirangapatna, Sravanabelagola, and Somnathpur, offering a rich mix of history, architecture, and wildlife.

Satpuras

4 Nights & 5 Days

Satpura offers an immersive wilderness experience through rugged hills, teak forests, and rivers. Safaris in the quiet Bori–Satpura reserves provide chances to see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, dholes, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. Diverse terrain and options for guided walks and canoeing create a uniquely intimate wildlife experience.