Southern Avian Trail
Eleven nights birding the southern Western Ghats, from the lowland rainforest of Thattekad to the shola and grassland of Eravikulam and the Nilgiris.
A dedicated birding itinerary built around Western Ghats endemics, with pre-dawn starts, a night excursion and eight full days in the field.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
11
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Endemics of the Western Ghats
One of Asia's Richest Birding Regions
This comprehensive birding journey explores the finest avian habitats of the southern Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots and home to an extraordinary concentration of endemic bird species.
Beginning in the lush lowland rainforests of Thattekad, the tour progresses through the montane grasslands and shola forests of Eravikulam National Park and into the high-altitude landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills. Target species include Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, Wayanad Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Pipit, Black-and-orange Flycatcher and Nilgiri Laughingthrush, alongside Nilgiri Tahr, Asian Elephant and Gaur.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Three elevations, three bird communities, and a guide team that starts before sunrise every day.
The Sri Lanka Frogmouth
A nocturnal excursion at Thattekad in search of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, plus Brown Hawk-Owl, Jungle Owlet and nightjar species.
Thattekad's Endemics
The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary holds Malabar Trogon, Flame-throated Bulbul, Grey-headed Bulbul and Malabar Grey Hornbill.
High-Altitude Specialists
Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri Pipit, Palani Laughingthrush, White-bellied Blue Robin and Nilgiri Flycatcher.
Avalanche and Upper Bhavani
Two days in the remote shola and grasslands of Avalanche and Upper Bhavani, among the finest endemic birding in southern India.
Nilgiri Tahr
Eravikulam offers outstanding chances to see the endemic Nilgiri Tahr grazing the grassy slopes and rocky escarpments.
Mixed Feeding Flocks
Productive flocks at Thattekad yielding Malabar Woodshrike, Orange Minivet, and Asian Fairy-bluebird together.
Your Journey
From Lowland Rainforest to the Nilgiri Hills
A steady climb from sea level to 2,600 metres, with the bird list changing completely at every stop.
Cochin
Stop 1
Thattekad
Stop 2
Eravikulam
Stop 3
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Stop 4
Sample Itinerary
Your Southern Avian Trail Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Cochin - Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Days 1–2
Kochi and Into the Rainforest
A warm reception at Cochin International Airport. A morning in Fort Kochi for the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church and a tuk-tuk through Mattanchery to the spice market, then the drive to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekad.
Days 03 - 04 : Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Day 3-4
Southern India's Finest Birding
Early morning birding before sunrise along forest trails for White-bellied Treepie, Flame-throated Bulbul, Grey-headed Bulbul, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. Afternoons in riverine habitat for Malabar Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Brown-breasted Flycatcher and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. After dinner, a night excursion for the Sri Lanka Frogmouth.
Days 05 - 07 : Thattekad - Eravikulam National Park
Day 5-7
Shola Forest and Montane Grassland
Drive through tea plantations and cardamom estates to Eravikulam National Park, between 1,200 and 2,600 metres. Two full days beginning before sunrise with birding excursions for Nilgiri Pipit, Palani Laughingthrush, White-bellied Blue Robin, Nilgiri Thrush and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, plus the endemic Nilgiri Tahr.
Days 08 - 10 : Eravikulam - Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Days 8-10
Avalanche and Upper Bhavani
Drive to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve at around 2,200 metres. Two days in the remote high-altitude landscapes of Avalanche and Upper Bhavani, searching for Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, Jerdon’s Leafbird, Painted Bush Quail and Malabar Whistling Thrush.
Days 11 - 12 : Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve - Cochin
Days 11-12
A Final Morning and Departure
A morning session for woodland birds, raptors and hornbills active in the cooler hours, then the long drive back to Cochin, with the evening free to review the bird list. Departure the following morning.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 11 nights accommodation at lodges close to each birding area
- All meals served at the lodges at Eravikulam and the Nilgiris
- Daily birding excursions with expert guides, beginning before sunrise
- A nocturnal excursion at Thattekad for frogmouth, owls and nightjars
- Guided sightseeing in Fort Kochi, including a tuk-tuk ride
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver throughout
- Access arrangements for Eravikulam, Avalanche and Upper Bhavani
Tailor Your Holiday
- Travel November to February for the peak of the birding season
- Add nights at Thattekad, the richest single site on the itinerary
- Add a dedicated photographic hide session
- Extend to Munnar's tea estates or the Periyar reserve
- Add Wayanad for a fourth Western Ghats habitat
- Arrange a specialist guide for a particular target list
- Adjust the balance between birding and general wildlife
Plan Your Journey
Travel the Western Ghats Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel? Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Extra Nights at Thattekad
The single richest site on the route, and the one most worth more time.
Add Wayanad
A fourth Western Ghats habitat, and the most reliable area for Wayanad Laughingthrush.
A Photographic Hide
Dedicated hide sessions rather than trail birding, for the species that reward patience.
A Specialist Guide
Bring us your target list and we will build the field days around it.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your the Western Ghats Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.