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 Western Ghats Endemic Birding Tour
Western Ghats Endemic Birding Tour, India
Western Ghats Endemic Birding Tour (KBG - 02)
Region : South India
8
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$ 1580

Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling

Tour Overview

The Western Ghats, known locally as the Sahyadri Hills, stretch along India's western coast, running about 30 to 50 kilometers inland from the Malabar Plains. This mountain range intercepts the South Western Monsoon winds, resulting in diverse rainfall patterns and a complex geography that supports a wide range of vegetation types. These include scrub forests in rain shadow areas and plains, deciduous and tropical rainforests up to 1,500 meters, and unique cloud forests and rolling grasslands above 1,500 meters. The region's varied eco-tones and ecosystems are home to numerous endemic species of birds, mammals, and vegetation. Our 8-day Western Ghats Endemics Birding Tour focuses intensively on birding, with minimal time for sightseeing. The itinerary covers lowland forests in Thattekkad, the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the shola-grasslands found in Munnar and Ooty.



Western Ghats Endemic Birding Tour

Day 1-3: Thattekkad
Explore Thattekkad, a diverse lowland forest boasting a variety of ecosystems including riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, and dry deciduous forests. Renowned as one of India's premier birding destinations, it harbors numerous Western Ghats endemics. Look out for the White-bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimson-backed Sunbird, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. Owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and others add to the avian diversity. Keep an eye out for the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia, and Grey-headed Fishing Eagle.
Day 4: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Head to Periyar Tiger Reserve, a premier wildlife and birding destination in South India. Home to over 320 bird species and key habitats for Bengal Tigers, it offers diverse landscapes from grasslands to evergreen forests. Seek out special species like the Wynaad Laughingthrush, along with White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black Eagle, and Black Baza. Migratory species such as Chestnut-winged Cuckoo and Gray-breasted Prinia add to the birding experience. Other highlights include Woolly-necked Stork, Besra, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Jungle Owlet, and more.  
Day 5-6: Munnar
Travel to Munnar via the Ghats, stopping at Khambam for bird sightings including Large Grey Babbler, Common Babbler, Jungle Bush Quail, and Grey Francolin. Proceed through Bodi Ghats for sightings of Yellow-throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, and others. In Munnar, explore sholas (montane forests) and grasslands for Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, and more.  
Day 7: Ooty
Begin the day birding at Chinnar's dry scrub forest for species like White-bellied Drongo, Blue-faced Malkoha, White-naped Woodpecker, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, and Jungle Bush Quail. Afterward, journey to Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. Here, seek out endemic species such as Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and various Flycatchers like Black-and-Rufous, Rusty-tailed, and Nilgiri.  
Day 8: Kochi
Conclude your birding journey with a morning session at Ooty before heading back to Kochi. Bird along the way as you return, marking the end of the tour.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for 7 nights with all  meals
  • All surface transportation, driver’s allowances, parking fees & toll,
  • Highly experinced birding guide 
  • Bottled water & refreshments in the field
  • All birding walks, safaris and entrance fees to parks & sanctuaries
  • All taxes

Holiday Feedback

Spent a wonderful three weeks with the boys, Deepu and ornithologist Jijo. Deepu probably the best driver/guide we've had in 20 years of travelling. Great itinerary, largely custom designed and magnificent birding. Judith Poole Pilley 2016-08-30

It has been one of the best birding holidays I have ever been on. I'm seriously thinking to come back to India with the same company. I'd like to remark the excellent work of Peter as a guide, he's a fine birding guide and a very concerned tour leader about well-being of the clients. The trip has fulfilled my expectations. It was a trip focused on endemic birds from Western Ghats and I got 17 from a total of 18 possible species. It's a big success. The total list raised to 214 species, a high number to an 8 days trip.  Luis Mario Arce 2015-03-09

We just finished a nine-day birding tour with Kalypso Adventures in Kerala, India and couldn't be happier with our experience. We were in India to attend a July wedding, which meant that we were there well outside the normal birding season—during monsoon, in fact!—but Kalypso worked with us to arrange a birding tour that let us make the most of time in the country. We visited a number of different biomes during our nine day adventure and Kalypso arranged our transportation, accommodation, and meals throughout. Overall, we highly recommend Kalypso Adventures for anyone interested in experiencing South India's amazing wildlife.  Eli Shupe 2023-07-25

Thank you Kalypso for a wonderful birding trip. A particular mention to our wonderful driver Das and our bird guide Peter Augustin. Both were great travel companions and went over and above what was expected of them. They really made the trip special. Most of the accommodations were first rate and we experienced a wonderful diversity of the bird life of Southern India. Kathy Aggiss 2024-01-20

Route Maps

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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