Bird Watching Wildlife South India Tour
18N / 19DCustomizable

Bird Watching Wildlife South India Tour

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Package Overview

Embrace an extraordinary 19 day custom wildlife expedition across the iconic biospheres of Southern India, expertly created by Magic Moment Holidays for dedicated bird watchers and photographers from the UK, Western Europe, the US, and Russia. This deep wilderness route is led by specialist trackers to help you spot rare endemics and majestic big cats. Traverse the dense riverine forests of Thattekad, the high montane grasslands of Munnar, dry scrub preserves, and lush rainforest canopies. Conclude with deep forest safaris in Mudumalai and Kabini. Every premium jungle lodge and eco-resort includes a fresh, daily morning breakfast.

Duration

18 Nights / 19 Days

Tour Type

Adventure / Solo / Group Tour / Wildlife / Hill Station

Group Size

2+ People

Meals

Daily breakfast

Transport

AC vehicle with driver

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Your Trip Day by Day

D1

Day 1: Cochin Arrival | Specialist Wildlife Meet

Morning

Airport arrival and private naturalist welcome.

Afternoon

Hotel check-in and luggage unpacking rest.

Evening

Detailed expedition route briefing with tracker.

Night

Welcome dinner buffet at your hotel.

Meals: B L D
Cochin
Touch down at Cochin International Airport where your professional chauffeur and a specialist wildlife tracker warmly welcome you. Transfer directly to your premium eco-hotel near the coast to unpack, rest after your long flight, and enjoy an evening briefing outlining the incredible species of birds and mammals you will track over the coming weeks.
D2

Day 2: Cochin to Thattekad | Salim Ali Bird Haven

Morning

Scenic drive from Cochin to Thattekad.

Afternoon

Forest lodge check-in and organic lunch.

Evening

Introductory birding walk on resort trails.

Night

Traditional dinner served by the riverside.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Thattekad
Savor a hearty breakfast before driving inland to the lowland forests of Thattekad, famously described by Dr. Salim Ali as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. Check into your premium jungle lodge overlooking the Periyar River and spend your afternoon exploring the immediate resort trails with your expert birding guide.
D3

Day 3: Thattekad | Endemic Species Forest Walk

Morning

Guided deep forest walk searching for endemics.

Afternoon

Rest at your lodge and species logging.

Evening

Riverside birding session to spot kingfishers.

Night

Local Kerala dinner at the forest lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Thattekad
Dedicate your morning to a quiet walking safari through the dense evergreen forests of Thattekad. Search for highly elusive species like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, and the striking Malabar Grey Hornbill. In the afternoon, explore the river fringes to spot majestic kingfishers, darters, and various water birds nesting along the banks.
D4

Day 4: Thattekad | Wetland Boat Safaris

Morning

Silent boat safari for wetland birding.

Afternoon

Relaxed lunch and wildlife photo review.

Evening

Sunset walking trail near forest borders.

Night

Night hike to find owls and frogmouths.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Thattekad
Board a private non-motorized boat after breakfast for a silent cruise along the tranquil lake margins of the sanctuary. The gentle drifting allows you to approach nesting water birds and raptors without disturbing them. Spend your afternoon resting, then head out for an exciting night walk to search for nocturnal owls and frogmouths.
D5

Day 5: Thattekad to Munnar | Mountain Grasslands

Morning

Scenic uphill mountain drive to Munnar.

Afternoon

Hillside lodge check-in and fresh lunch.

Evening

Birding walk along high-altitude shola paths.

Night

Cozy fireside dinner at your retreat.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Munnar
Enjoy a fresh breakfast before driving up winding mountain roads toward Munnar. Watch the vegetation transition from lowland tropical forests to high-altitude shola woods and endless tea valleys. Check into your mountain-view lodge and spend your evening searching for high-altitude birds like the Nilgiri Pipit and Nilgiri Flycatcher.
D6

Day 6: Munnar | Nilgiri Tahr Tracking

Morning

Guided mountain trekking in Eravikulam Park.

Afternoon

Return to your lodge for hot lunch.

Evening

Relaxed walk around organic tea gardens.

Night

Specialty regional dinner at the lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Munnar
Lace up your hiking boots after breakfast for an early morning trek into Eravikulam National Park, home to the largest surviving population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat. Walk along the mist-clad mountain grasslands to photograph these rare animals scaling the cliffs, and search for endemic high-altitude bird life.
D7

Day 7: Munnar to Chinnar | Dry Scrub Transition

Morning

Scenic downhill drive to dry Chinnar.

Afternoon

Nature lodge check-in and local lunch.

Evening

Guided scrub jungle trek for star tortoises.

Night

Traditional dinner served at the lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Munnar
After your morning breakfast, descend into the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The dramatic climate shift introduces a dry thorny scrub forest ecosystem. Check into your nature lodge and head out to spot the rare star tortoise and various specialized dry-zone birds.
D8

Day 8: Chinnar | Grizzled Giant Squirrel Trek

Morning

Riverine forest trek to spot giant squirrels.

Afternoon

Hearty lunch followed by afternoon rest.

Evening

Educational birding trail looking for bulbuls.

Night

Jungle sounds stargazing at the lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Chinnar
Spend your morning tracking the highly endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel along the riverine forests of the Chinnar and Pambar rivers. Walk silently under the massive canopy of native trees to spot these large arboreal mammals and search for the beautiful, yellow-throated bulbul nesting in the dry branches.
D9

Day 9: Chinnar to Topslip | Rainforest Canopies

Morning

Road trip from Chinnar to Topslip.

Afternoon

Forest cottage check-in and warm lunch.

Evening

Guided rainforest canopy walking safari.

Night

Jungle dinner hosted by local naturalists.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Topslip
Enjoy breakfast before driving to the famous Topslip area within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Check into your peaceful jungle retreat surrounded by towering teak and bamboo forests. In the afternoon, join our expert tracker for your first walking safari through some of the finest wet evergreen rainforests in the country.
D10

Day 10: Topslip | Great Indian Hornbill Search

Morning

Early morning walk to spot giant hornbills.

Afternoon

Midday rest and wildlife photography logging.

Evening

Guided forest edge walk for rare parakeets.

Night

Cozy overnight stay at your forest retreat.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Topslip
Set out at dawn for an immersive forest walk to spot the magnificent Great Indian Hornbill feeding in the towering rainforest canopy. With over two hundred and fifty bird species recorded here, you will also search for the unique, white-bellied treepie and the rare, blue-winged parakeet flying through the ancient trees.
D11

Day 11: Topslip to Ooty | Mudumalai Border

Morning

Scenic uphill road drive to Nilgiri Hills.

Afternoon

High-altitude lunch and descent to Mudumalai.

Evening

Jungle resort check-in and evening rest.

Night

Traditional Nilgiri buffet at the lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Ooty
Savor breakfast before driving up into the scenic Nilgiri Hills, stopping at Ooty before descending to the forest borders of Mudumalai National Park. This critical wildlife corridor connects three key southern sanctuaries. Check into your rustic jungle lodge and relax while listening to the distant calls of deer.
D12

Day 12: Mudumalai | Biosphere Forest Safari

Morning

Core zone jeep safari tracking big cats.

Afternoon

Warm lunch followed by river walk.

Evening

Birding walk along the Moyar River banks.

Night

Starry outdoor dinner at your jungle lodge.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Ooty
Wake up for an early morning jeep safari conducted by the forest department into the core zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Search for majestic Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and massive herds of Indian gaur. In the afternoon, enjoy a quiet walk along the Moyar River to spot nesting raptors and riverine birds.
D13

Day 13: Mudumalai | Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Search

Morning

Shola forest birding trek for wood pigeons.

Afternoon

Educational visit to the historic elephant camp.

Evening

Leisurely independent walk near forest borders.

Night

Fireside sharing of wildlife tracking stories.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Ooty
Dedicate your morning to exploring the unique shola forest pockets to photograph the rare, endemic Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the cheerful Malabar Whistling Thrush. Spend your afternoon visiting the historic Theppakadu Elephant Camp to observe how these gentle forest giants are cared for by their mahouts.
D14

Day 14: Mudumalai to Kabini | Big Cat Country

Morning

Cross-border forest drive from Mudumalai to Kabini.

Afternoon

Luxury waterfront resort check-in and lunch.

Evening

Guided riverside walk looking for water birds.

Night

Gourmet dining overlooking the beautiful river.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Kabini
Leave Tamil Nadu behind after breakfast as your private driver takes you across the state border into Nagarhole National Park, globally famous as Kabini. Check into your luxury waterfront resort on the banks of the Kabini River, a prime gathering spot for massive herds of Asian elephants and elusive leopards.
D15

Day 15: Kabini | Deep Jungle Jeep Safari

Morning

Deep forest 4x4 jeep safari tracking predators.

Afternoon

River-view lunch and wildlife photo logging.

Evening

Guided afternoon boat safari on Kabini River.

Night

Outdoor tribal dance performance at the resort.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Kabini
Board an open 4x4 jungle jeep for an early morning safari into the dense teak forests of Nagarhole. With some of the highest predator densities in Asia, Kabini offers excellent chances to photograph Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and dholes. Return to the resort for lunch, and head out for an evening boat safari.
D16

Day 16: Kabini | Riverboat Wildlife Safari

Morning

Morning river boat safari for elephant herds.

Afternoon

Rest at resort and infinity pool swim.

Evening

Guided nature walk tracking rare forest insects.

Night

Candlelit dinner served on the river deck.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Kabini
Embark on a spectacular morning boat safari, cruising slowly along the river where herds of wild elephants gather to drink and bathe. Look out for massive mugger crocodiles basking on the sandy banks and beautiful birds like the Crested Serpent Eagle and Osprey hunting fish directly from the water.
D17

Day 17: Kabini | Independent Photography Walks

Morning

Guided macro-photography walk on resort grounds.

Afternoon

Indoor resort activities or soothing spa treatments.

Evening

Sunset photography session overlooking the reservoir.

Night

Premium lakeside dinner at the resort.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Kabini
Enjoy your breakfast and spend your day focusing on capturing perfect wildlife and landscape shots. Join our expert resident naturalist for an exclusive morning macro-photography walk to spot rare butterflies and insects, leaving your afternoon free to enjoy the premium indoor activities and luxury spa therapies of the resort.
D18

Day 18: Kabini to Bangalore | Urban Transit Hub

Morning

Comfort drive from Kabini back to Bangalore.

Afternoon

Premium city hotel check-in and rest.

Evening

Final shopping excursion for local sandalwood crafts.

Night

Farewell dinner celebration with your private driver.

Meals: B Breakfast included L D
Bangalore
Savor your final morning breakfast in the wild before checking out of your river lodge. Your private chauffeur ensures a comfortable, smooth drive north to the bustling transit city of Bangalore. Check into your premium hotel and spend your evening relaxing, packing your heavy gear, and preparing for your flight home.
D19

Day 19: Bangalore Departure | Flight Journey Home

Morning

Final hotel breakfast and camera gear packing.

Afternoon

Private chauffeur transfer to the airport terminal.

Evening

Airport check-in assistance for your departure flight.

Night

Safe international flight journey back to your home.

Meals: B L D
Bangalore Drop
Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Your dedicated private driver handles all your heavy bags and cameras, coordinating a smooth, timely transfer directly to Bangalore International Airport. Board your outbound flight back home to Europe, the UK, the US, or Russia with memories of an incredible wilderness journey.

What's Included

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in selected hotels, resorts, or houseboats
  • Airport / Railway Station pickup and drop
  • Daily breakfast & dinner at all stays
  • Daily breakfast at all stays
  • Experienced driver/guide throughout the trip
  • Fuel, toll, parking, driver allowance, and road taxes
  • Houseboat meals including welcome drink, lunch, dinner, tea/snacks, and breakfast.
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Travel assistance throughout the tour

Exclusions

  • Airfare, train tickets, and bus tickets
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, shopping, and phone calls
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Entry tickets, boating charges, and activity fees
  • Optional activities and adventure sports
  • Travel insurance
  • Gala dinner charges during Christmas and New Year
  • Additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Expenses arising from delays, weather conditions, or unforeseen events
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Expected Weather

Expect warm, tropical conditions in the lowlands ranging from 24°C to 32°C. The high-altitude sanctuaries of Munnar and Ooty are cooler, with refreshing mountain temperatures dropping between 12°C and 22°C.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen SPF 30+ Sunglasses Hat / cap Light cotton clothes Warm jacket Raincoat / umbrella Power bank Universal adapter Camera Original passport Visa copy Travel insurance copy Government ID

Pack lightweight, earthy-colored cotton clothing, a warm jacket for mountain mornings, sturdy water-resistant hiking boots, high-quality binoculars, camera rain-covers, a sun hat, and premium insect repellent.

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Thattekad Travel Guide

Destination Guide

Thattekad Travel Guide

Discover everything about Thattekad — best time to visit, top attractions, local cuisine, travel tips and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What specific endemic bird species can we expect to spot on this 19 day South India wildlife tour?
You can spot key endemics like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the Nilgiri Pipit across our carefully selected high-altitude and riverine forest zones.
Are all daily breakfasts included at the jungle lodges, forest cottages, and luxury retreats on this trip?
Yes, every single premium wilderness accommodation, rustic forest lodge, and luxury waterfront resort chosen for this long-distance loop fully includes a fresh, daily morning breakfast buffet.
How does the wildlife search behavior of Western European and North American travelers differ on this nature route?
Travelers from the UK, Germany, France, the USA, and Russia strongly prefer low-impact walking safaris, bird-watching, macro-photography, and peaceful, slow-paced tracking over rushed commercial jeep outings.
Is the high-altitude trekking in Munnar and Chinnar safe and comfortable for older photography enthusiasts?
Our private driver trips are fully customized, meaning the walking speed and difficulty of our Eravikulam Nilgiri Tahr tracking and Chinnar giant squirrel walks can be adjusted to match your fitness levels.
Do we get dedicated specialist birding guides and trackers at each forest destination along the way?
Yes, Magic Moment Holidays arranges certified regional birding guides and indigenous forest trackers in Thattekad, Topslip, and Mudumalai to ensure the highest quality birding and wildlife tracking experiences.
What are our actual chances of spotting rare big cats like the Bengal Tiger and Indian Leopard in Kabini?
Kabini and Mudumalai are world-famous for their high predator density, and our multiple morning and evening 4x4 jeep safaris and boat safaris significantly maximize your chances of spotting these elusive big cats.
How does our private vehicle handle the long road transits across the three southern Indian states?
We provide a premium, spacious, air-conditioned SUV driven by an experienced, English-speaking professional chauffeur who smoothly handles all inter-state checkpoints, winding mountain curves, and rural highway conditions.
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