Indira Gandhi Internal Airport, Delhi

Arrive in Bengaluru, the vibrant capital of Karnataka, often referred to as the “Garden City” for its lush green spaces and temperate climate. Bengaluru is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming birding adventure. Take the evening to explore the city’s rich heritage, perhaps visiting the famous Cubbon Park or the historical Bangalore Palace, reminiscent of English Tudor architecture.

Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive of 145 km (approximately 3 hours) to Mysore. On the way, visit Kokkare Bellur, a charming village known for its symbiotic relationship with Spot-billed Pelicans and Painted Storks. The village’s name, “Kokkare,” translates to stork in Kannada, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted conservation ethos. This unique conservation model, where villagers actively protect and nurture these birds, offers a fascinating glimpse into grassroots conservation. Continue your journey to Mysore, a city steeped in history, known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Mysore.

Start your day with an early morning visit to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located about 18 km from Mysore. Nestled along the banks of the Kaveri River, this sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Key species include the Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked Stork, and the Black-headed Ibis. The sanctuary is also home to the Indian Mugger Crocodile, adding a touch of wilderness to the serene environment. After lunch, enjoy a guided city tour of Mysore, famous for the opulent Mysore Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Explore the vibrant Devaraja Market, known for its colorful array of spices, flowers, and traditional artifacts.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Mysore.

After breakfast, drive 100 km (approximately 3 hours) to Nagarhole National Park, a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. En route, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka’s rural countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Nagarhole, meaning “Snake River” in Kannada, is home to a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its population of Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, and the elusive Leopard. Birdwatchers will find joy in spotting species like the Malabar Trogon, Blue-winged Parakeet, and the White-bellied Treepie.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Nagarhole.

Spend the day immersed in the wild beauty of Nagarhole. The park’s varied habitats include dense tropical forests, open grasslands, and tranquil water bodies, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Morning and afternoon safaris offer excellent opportunities to spot mammals like the Indian Gaur, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), and Sloth Bear. Birding highlights include the Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Indian Pitta. Between safaris, relax at your lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Nagarhole.

After a final morning game drive, journey 80 km (approximately 2 hours) to Mudumalai National Park, situated at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. This park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is known for its rich biodiversity and significant populations of the Indian Elephant and the critically endangered Indian Vulture. Mudumalai’s diverse habitats range from dry deciduous forests to moist tropical and montane forests, making it an important area for conservation. After arriving, check in to your lodge.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Mudumalai.

Spend the day exploring the avian diversity of Mudumalai. The park’s varied ecosystems support a wide range of bird species, including the Malabar Lark, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Nilgiri Flycatcher. Look out for the rare White-bellied Minivet and the majestic Black Eagle soaring above. The park is also home to the Great Indian Hornbill, a symbol of the Western Ghats’ rich biodiversity.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Mudumalai.

Another full day of birding in Mudumalai allows for a deeper exploration of its unique habitats. In addition to birdwatching, you may also spot larger mammals like the Gaur, Spotted Deer, and even the elusive Tiger. The park’s elevation ranges from 960 to 1,266 meters, creating microclimates that support different species, including endemic birds like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the Black-and-orange Flycatcher.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Mudumalai.

After breakfast, drive 60 km (about 1.5 hours) to Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam. Ooty, often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” is situated in the Nilgiri Hills and is renowned for its tea gardens, rolling hills, and cool climate. Birdwatching en route offers chances to spot species like the Nilgiri Blue Robin and the Black-chinned Laughingthrush. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Later, you might explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens or take a stroll around the picturesque Ooty Lake.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ooty.

Spend a full day birding in and around Ooty, which boasts several unique habitats, from dense shola forests to open grasslands. Key species include the Nilgiri Warbler, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, and the White-bellied Shortwing. The high-altitude forests are also home to the endemic Nilgiri Laughingthrush and the Indian Blackbird. Explore the nearby forests and tea estates, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Nilgiris while searching for these avian treasures.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ooty.

Embark on a scenic drive of 275 km (approximately 6 hours) to Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and rich biodiversity. En route, keep an eye out for species like the Malabar Whistling Thrush and the Crested Goshawk. Munnar’s unique landscapes provide excellent birding opportunities, with species like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the Grey-headed Bulbul making their homes here. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Munnar.

In the morning, visit Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and lush shola forests. This high-altitude park is also a hotspot for bird species like the Nilgiri Pipit and the Kerala Laughingthrush. After exploring Eravikulam, spend the afternoon birding around Munnar, where you can spot species such as the Indian Scimitar Babbler and the Black-and-orange Flycatcher. The park’s rolling grasslands and dense forests offer a stunning backdrop for a day of exploration.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive 150 km (about 4 hours) to Periyar National Park, located in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. Known for its rich biodiversity, Periyar is one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, with a significant population of Bengal Tigers and Asian Elephants. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may embark on a boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering a peaceful way to observe the park’s wildlife, including species like the Great Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Periyar.

Spend the full day birding in Periyar National Park. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from evergreen forests to open grasslands, are home to a wide array of bird species. Key sightings may include the White-bellied Treepie, Blue-winged Parakeet, and the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. Periyar’s landscape, characterized by dense forests and serene water bodies, provides an idyllic setting for birdwatching.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Periyar.

After breakfast, drive 160 km (about 4 hours) to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the famous Indian ornithologist. This sanctuary is one of the richest bird habitats in India, hosting over 300 species, including rarities like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth and the Malabar Trogon. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon birding session.

Overnight stay at a lodge near Thattekad.

Begin your day with a morning birding session at Thattekad, where you might spot species like the Black Baza, Indian Pitta, and the White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. After lunch, drive 70 km (approximately 2 hours) to Cochin, known for its historic Fort Kochi area, with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture. Transfer to your hotel and, if time permits, explore the local markets or enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Cochin.

After a memorable journey through the birding hotspots of Southern India, transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you vivid memories of the region’s rich avian diversity, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.