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Kerala, nestled along the southern stretch of the Western Ghats, offers a rich mix of lowland wetlands, hill forests, and montane grasslands. Over 500 species are recorded here, including more than 30 Western Ghats endemics. The key birding zones—Thattekad, Munnar, and the Kumarakom wetlands—combine beautifully for a short but diverse birding circuit. Visit between November and April for the best sightings. Major entry points include Cochin (Kochi) and Madurai (for Munnar). Birding in Kerala is immersive, scenic, and deeply rewarding—with tea gardens, waterways, and tropical forests all within reach.
At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Kochi (Cochin International), Madurai (for Munnar)
Best Time
November–April
Forests
Evergreen, Shola Grasslands, Freshwater Wetlands
Min Recommended Stay
03 Days
Main Destinations
Thattekad, Munnar, Kumarakom
These three destinations cover Kerala’s essential birding habitats. We can also extend trips to include Periyar, Silent Valley, or Wayanad for longer journeys or deeper exploration.
Places to Go:
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Munnar (Eravikulam–Chinnar region) (1,600–2,600 m; shola-grassland & montane forest): Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, White-bellied Shortwing—cool, misty hills perfect for endemics and dramatic scenery..
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Kumarakom Wetlands (~10–30 m; backwaters & freshwater marsh): Lesser Whistling Duck, Purple Heron, Oriental Darter, Marsh Harrier; tranquil birding by canoe or lakeside trails amid Kerala’s iconic backwaters..
Suggested Itineraries
From Sholas to Streams: Avian Gems of Kerala
5 nights, 6 days
Thattekad , Kerala’s premier lowland forest site, with rich mixed flocks, Malabar endemics, and specialties like Malabar trogon, frogmouths, and flame-throated bulbuls.
High-altitude mosaics of shola forest and grassland, home to Nilgiri woodpigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, laughingthrushes, and montane raptors.
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A South Indian Odyssey
11 nights, 12 days
Explore Brihadeeswarar and Meenakshi temples
Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed Shore Temple
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Hampi
3 nights, 4 days
Explore Virupaksha and Vittala temple complexes
Walk through royal enclosures and market streets
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Sundarbans
3 nights, 4 days
Boat cruises through tidal mangrove creeks
Search for Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles
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Evergreen Echoes: Birding the Western Ghats
5 nights, 6 days
Look for Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Flame-throated Bulbul, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Sahyadri Whistling-Thrush & more in forest zones.
Explore Bhagwan Mahavir, Bondla, and Salim Ali sanctuaries for Malabar trogon, blue-eared kingfisher, Malabar grey hornbill, and winter waders in the estuaries.
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Rivers, Wetlands & Winged Wonders: West Bengal Birding
7 nights, 8 days
Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar show great numbers of oriental pied, grey, and rufous-necked hornbills in forest canopy.
Waterbirds, geese, and raptors gather around the water for dramatic winter displays at sunrise.
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Wings Over Water: Birding in Odisha
7 nights, 8 days
Glide through creeks to spot saltwater crocodiles, kingfishers, monitor lizards, and estuarine birdlife in India’s “Mini-Amazon.”
Witness the world’s largest mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches (Nov–Dec)
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Taj, Tigers & Temples
11 nights, 12 days
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
Go on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore
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Explore Ladakh
12 nights, 13 days
Drive up to Khardung La Pass
Visit ancient monasteries in Leh
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