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The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage hotspot, span a range of habitats from coastal lowlands to misty montane forests—home to over 500 bird species, including many endemics. Prime birding destinations include Goa’s forested interiors, the Tamhini Ghat corridor near Pune, Bhigwan’s winter wetlands, and the richly biodiverse Konkan region. The best time to visit is October to March, with easy access via Goa, Pune, or Mumbai. Alongside birding, enjoy lush landscapes, village life, and the rhythms of monsoon-fed forests.
At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Goa (Dabolim/Mopa), Pune, Mumbai
Best Time
October–March
Forests
Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Wetlands, and Coastal Scrub
Min Recommended Stay
03 Days
Main Destinations
Goa, Tamhini Ghat, Bhigwan, Konkan (North Konkan, Chiplun, Amboli)
These are some of the Western Ghats’ most rewarding birding landscapes. We can also add Bhimgad, Dandeli, or Coorg for extended itineraries.
Places to Go:
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Tamhini Ghat (700–1,100 m; mid-elevation moist forest): Grey-headed Bulbul, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush; lush trails near Pune in the heart of northern Western Ghats. .
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Bhigwan (~500 m; freshwater wetlands): Flamingos, Bar-headed Geese, Brahminy Ducks, Marsh Harrier; winter waterbird spectacle at Maharashtra’s premier wetland, best explored by boat..
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Konkan (North Konkan, Chiplun, Amboli) (0–800 m; coastal & lateritic forest): Malabar Crested Lark, Rufous Babbler, Forest Wagtail, Ceylon Frogmouth; a mix of scrub, rainforest, and red-soil ridges near the Arabian Sea. .
Suggested Itineraries
Trail of Scaled Shadows
9 nights, 10 days
Explore four diverse herping zones: Amboli, Goa, Coorg, Munnar.
Night walks spotlighting endemic amphibians and reptiles.
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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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Saurashtra & Salt Flats: Wild Gujarat Trails
6 nights, 7 days
The Little Rann of Kutch offers surreal salt-flats, with herds of Indian Wild Ass, desert wildlife, and winter flocks of flamingos and cranes.
Velavadar National Park’s wide grasslands are home to elegant blackbuck, wolves, and many migratory birds—especially striking in the early morning light
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Vibrant Heritage of Gujarat
9 nights, 10 days
Visit the historic Sabarmati Ashram
Experience the Rann Utsav in Kutch
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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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Explore Ladakh
12 nights, 13 days
Drive up to Khardung La Pass
Visit ancient monasteries in Leh
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