Western Ghats And Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour

Tour Overview

The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot is renowned for its exceptional richness in endemic species of birds, mammals, and vegetation. Stretching along the west coast of India, the Western Ghats alone harbor over 30 percent of all plant, fish, reptile, amphibian, bird, and mammal species found in the country. This hotspot extends into Sri Lanka, fostering a diverse array of endemic species, particularly birds. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka endemic birding tour spans across diverse habitats, including the lowland forests of Thattekkad, the mountainous regions of Munnar and Ooty, the dry scrub forests of Chinnar, the rainforests of Singharaja and Kitulagala, and the hill country of Nuwara Eliya – all renowned for their bird-rich environments. The primary objective of this two-week tour is to observe most of the 24 endemics of the Western Ghats and over 30 endemics specific to Sri Lanka.

Day 1-2: Thattekkad

Thattekkad, with its diverse ecosystems including riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, and lowland forests, is renowned as one of India's premier birding destinations. This area is particularly rich in endemics of the Western Ghats. Expect sightings of the White-bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimson-backed Sunbird, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. Owls such as the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl are also frequently encountered. Other notable species include the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia, and Grey-headed Fishing Eagle.

Day 3: Periyar

Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife & birding destinations in South India. With over 320 bird species identified and a leading habitat for the Bengal Tiger, this sanctuary is an ideal destination of the tour. Periyar National Park contains a variety of habitats from grassland and dry decidu¬ous forest to evergreen forest and riverside scrub. As a result of its wide range of habitats Periyar boasts an impressive list of resident species including about half the peninsular endemics and near-endemics. We will spend the day searching here for some very special species including the Wayanad Laughing Thrush. Other birds to look out for include White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black Eagle, the striking Black Baza, Pompadour Green and Mountain Imperial Pigeon, the migratory Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Gray-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed Warbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, and the Asian Fairy Bluebird among other more widespread species.    

Day 4-5: Munnar

Transfer to Munnar via the Ghats to Khambam where you should sight the Large Grey Babbler, Common Babbler, Jungle Bush Quail and the Grey Fancolin. This will be followed by a trip through the Bodi Ghats looking for the rare Yellow Throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Bluefaced Malkoha and the Black eagle & arriving Munnar by evening. The hill country at Munnar is amongst the highest areas along the Western Ghats. The Eravikulam National Park is where the next day’s birding would be. The sholas (high altitude montane forests) and grasslands here is home to the Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Whitebellied Shortwing, Broadtailed Grassbird and the Grasshopper Warbler.  

Day 6: Ooty

Today is a long day as you move down to the plains once again and head to Ooty visiting the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located in the rain-shadow areas of the Western Ghats. You should see birds including Jacobin Cuckoo, Grey Junglefowl, White-bellied Drongo, Blue-faced and Sirkeer Malkohas, White-naped Woodpecker, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Jungle Bush Quail and Yellow-legged Buttonquail. This forest reserve is also the ideal habitat for one of the endangered mammals of India, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Grey-footed Langur. After the walk at Chinnar, you will be on your way to Ooty, - a hill station, at about 2,200m in the Nilgiri Hills - where you will be visiting important birding areas at Dodabetta and Cairnhill to look for the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and Black-and-rufous, Rusty-tailed, Nilgiri Thrush and Nilgiri Flycatchers.

Day 7-8: Kitulgala

After morning birding, transfer to Coimbatore and take the noon flight to Colombo. Transfer to Kitulgala. The area around the riverside town of Kitulgala is a mix of wet lowland rainforest, second growth, and agricultural fields. Though perhaps a bit less pristine than some of the countries larger protected areas, the Makandawa Forest Park still contains many of the island’s endemics. The Kelani Valley, a lowland tropical rainforest along the river Kelanai, is of special interest for this birding tour for the lowland endemics & is one of the prime birding areas of Sri Lanka. During your two day stay here, you should sight the 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. Also look out for 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 9-10: Nuwara Eliya

Morning birding at Kitulgala & thereafter transfer to the “city of light”, Nuwara Eliya, where we will spend the next two nights. This is in the heart of “Tea Country”, the Hill Country, where the finest Ceylon Tea is produced and exported to the world. The sharp rise in altitude to nearly 2000m, will be accompanied by a change in the weather to a much cooler weather than the plains. We will be birding amongst the hills near Victoria Park & at Horton Plains nearby to look for the high altitude endemics. Key birds include Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush Indian Pitta and Indian Blue Robin. Other highlights include Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Hill White-eye and Dull blue Flycatcher. Also visit a nearby wetland for Black-throated Munia, Paddyfield Pipit, Pied Bush Chat, Pintail Snipes, Zitting Cisticola, Plain Prinia, Blyth's Reed Warbler and if lucky Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler. Transfer to Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya. Horton Plains is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. It is situated 2200 m above sea in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, approximately 20 km south of Nuwara Eliya and covers 3162 hectares in extent. The climate here is a wet montane climate. Several deep ravines cut through the hillsides and is a destination for tourists. The trail to these is swathed in wet cloud forests and grasslands. Amidst the Cloud Forests and rare montane fauna, species to look out for include the endemic Rhino-horned Lizard, which was featured in Charles Darwin's monumental work on evolution, Bear Monkey, Giant Squirrel and Sambhar. The birds to look out for include the endemic, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. Also visit the famous ‘Arrenga pool’ before the light breaks, to try our luck with this crepuscular Thrush. Look for the montane endemics, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon Sri Lanka White Eye and Dull Blue Flycatcher. In addition we may look for Scaly Thrush, Brown Wood Owl, Eurasian Blackbird, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Grey Wagtail Indian Blue Robin, Zitting Cisticola, Pacific Swallow, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk and Indian Pied Bush Chat. The arboreal mammals consist of Bear Monkey, Giant Squirrel & Toque Monkey.

Day 11: Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park with its tidal lagoons, mudflats, mangroves, and scrubby thickets is an internationally recognised RAMSAR site for its significance as a hotspot for migratory waterbirds. Among the possibilities among the shorebirds include Curlew Sandpiper, Small Pratincole, Eurasian Curlew, Red-necked Phalarope, Kentish, Little Ringed and Common Ringed Plovers and Little Stint. There are chances for the Jerdon’s and Indian Nightjars too. Look out also for White-tailed Iora, Watercock, Ruddy-breasted Crake, Lesser WhistlingDuck, Garganey, Little and Indian cormorants, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, Great and Eurasian thick knees, Oriental pratincoles, Oriental Skylark, White-winged Tern, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Blyth’s and Clamorous reed-warblers. There is also a huge roost of Indian Flying-Foxes (a huge, fruit-eating bat species) that make for great photos in this area too. There would be an afternoon game drive, the last of the tour, in Bundala National Park. Among the possibilities among the shorebird horde include Small Pratincole, Red-necked Phalarope, Eurasian Curlew, Kentish, Little Ringed and Common Ringed Plovers, Curlew Sandpiper, and Little Stint. As we head out of the park around dusk, we will get more chances for two nightjar species (Jerdon’s and Indian), if needed.  

Day 12-13: Sinharaja

Transfer to Sinharaja (2.5hrs). Known as the “Kingdom of the Lion” this forest area is a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot, being a designated biosphere reserve and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the premier site in the country since almost all the Sri Lankan endemic birds occur here and it is easier to sight many of them here. Birds to look out for include Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Sri Lanka wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sri Lanka Myna, White-faced Starling, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Serendib Scops Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Crimson-backed Goldenback, Indian Pitta, Biack-naped Monarch, Sri Lanka Drogon, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Black-capped Bulbul, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Sri Lanka White eye, Green Warbler, Large- Billed Leaf Warbler, Brown-capped Babble, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Thrush, Indian Blue Robin, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Black-throated Munia.    

Inclusions

• Accommodation with all meals in India & Half Board in Sri Lanka
• All transfers
• Driver / birding guide,
• Birding walks
• Bottled water
• Entry fees to forest areas and taxes.
• Accommodation upgrades available.
• Excludes flights and camera fees.

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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