Birding and Primates in the Western Ghats
14 Nights / 15 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Birding and Primates in the Western Ghats Wildlife Tour
Join us on a remarkable 15-day journey through the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This expertly curated tour combines the thrill of birdwatching with the unique opportunity to observe rare and endemic primates in their natural habitat. Beginning in Delhi and traveling through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, the itinerary is designed for nature lovers, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive wilderness experience.
The tour covers diverse ecosystems ranging from montane shola forests and tropical rainforests to dry deciduous woodlands and riverine tracts. You will explore iconic locations such as Kotagiri, Mysuru, Nagarhole, Wayanad, Annamalai (Pollachi), and Thattekad. These regions are home to avian treasures like the Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Treepie, and Sri Lanka Frogmouth, as well as charismatic mammals such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Elephant, and even the elusive Bengal Tiger.
Led by professional birding guides and naturalists, this tour offers expertly guided walks, jeep safaris, and serene forest experiences. In addition to exceptional wildlife encounters, you will also witness the cultural richness of Southern India – from colonial-era hill towns to regal palaces and local traditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or an adventurous traveler with a passion for nature, this journey promises an unforgettable blend of wildlife, landscapes, and culture in the heart of Southern India.
- Spot endemic Western Ghats birds like the Nilgiri Laughingthrush and Black-and-orange Flycatcher in Kotagiri.
- Enjoy guided birding in Longwood Shola, a pristine evergreen forest rich in rare avifauna.
- Experience the cultural heritage of Mysuru with a visit to the opulent Mysore Palace.
- Thrilling jeep safaris in Nagarhole to see elephants, tigers, and over 300 bird species.
- Walk through Brahmagiri Hills to observe Malabar giant squirrels and vibrant forest birdlife.
- Track rare primates like Lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs in the forests of Wayanad.
- Explore Annamalai’s rich biodiversity with chances to see gaur, elephants, and endemic birds.
- Discover over 300 bird species at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, including endemics and nocturnal species.
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Birding and Primates in the Western Ghats Wildlife Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Birding and Primates in the Western Ghats Wildlife Tour
Day 01 – 07th Feb 2026 : Arrival at New Delhi (flight)
Day 02 – 08th Feb 2026 : New Delhi – Coimbatore – Kotagiri (flight + 2-hour drive)
Breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Transferred to New Delhi Airport for your flight to Coimbatore. Met on arrival at Coimbatore Airport and transferred directly to your lodge in Kotagiri.
Explore tea plantations and shola fringes in the afternoon. Overnight stay is at the bungalow.
Kotagiri is a serene hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills. Its high-altitude forests and cool climate make it a hot spot for endemic bird species. The region is surrounded by tea gardens, eucalyptus groves, and shola forests, creating an ideal environment for rare species such as the Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. Kotagiri is also culturally rich with vestiges of British colonial architecture, making it a peaceful and picturesque base for birders.
Day 3 – 09th Feb 2026 : In Kotagiri
Morning and afternoon birding sessions. All meals and overnight at the lodge. Spend the day birding at Longwood Shola and surrounding patches of native forest. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, nestled near Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills, is a premier birdwatching destination in the Western Ghats. Recognized as both an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Ramsar wetland, this montane evergreen forest supports over 170 bird species, including 14 endemics unique to the Western Ghats.
Here, you can discover rare and threatened species such as the Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and Nilgiri Blue Robin. The forest also hosts the elusive, White-bellied Blue Robin, a ground-dwelling bird found in dense undergrowth. Other notable residents include the Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, and Tickell’s Leaf Warbler. Longwood Shola’s unique shola-grassland ecosystem, characterized by high elevation and isolation, fosters remarkable biodiversity. The forest’s trails meander through mossy undergrowth and mist-laden canopies, offering birders an immersive experience. Local conservation efforts have been pivotal in preserving this habitat, ensuring that Longwood Shola remains a sanctuary for both avian life and nature enthusiasts.
Day 4 – 10th Feb 2026 : Kotagiri – Mysuru (4.5-hour drive)
Day 5 – 11th Feb 2026 : Mysuru – Ranganathittu – Mysuru (day trip)
Today promises a rich blend of birding and natural beauty as you set out on a day trip from Mysuru to the renowned Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located about 20 km away. After an early breakfast, drive to the sanctuary, a cluster of islets on the banks of the River Cauvery that transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during the migratory season.
As you arrive in the soft morning light, the sanctuary comes alive with the sights and sounds of hundreds of birds. Enjoy a boat ride that brings you up close to nesting colonies and roosting spots. Ranganathittu is famous for hosting large flocks of Painted Storks, Asian Openbills, Black-headed Ibises, and Spot-billed Pelicans. You may also spot Stork-billed Kingfishers, River Terns, Indian Shags, Darters, and the elegant Little Egret.
Apart from birds, keep an eye out for Mugger Crocodiles basking on the rocks and Smooth-coated Otters darting through the water. The lush vegetation and calm waters make this one of the most scenic and rewarding birding experiences in South India. Return to Mysuru by lunchtime and enjoy some rest at your hotel. In the afternoon head out to the Mysore Palace.
The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and the former royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Located in the heart of Mysuru, the palace is renowned for its grand domes, intricately carved wooden doors, and ornate interiors adorned with stained glass, mirrors, and vibrant murals. The opulent Durbar Hall and the golden throne are key highlights. Illuminated by nearly 100,000 lights during evenings and festivals, the palace offers a magical experience. It stands as a symbol of Mysuru’s regal past and remains one of India’s most visited historic landmarks. Overnight at the hotel
Day 6 – 12th Feb 2026 : Mysuru – Nagarhole National Park (2.5-hour drive)
After breakfast, depart from Mysuru and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Nagarhole National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife reserves. Upon arrival, check in and relax amidst the tranquil forest setting.
After lunch, head out on an afternoon jeep safari through the park’s diverse habitats of teak forests, bamboo groves, and riverine ecosystems. Keep an eye out for Asian elephants, gaur, sloth bears, leopards, and the elusive tiger, along with vibrant birdlife like Malabar trogons and crested serpent eagles. Return by evening to your lodge for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Come back to the lodge after the afternoon safari and relax for the evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7 – 13th Feb 2026 : In Nagarhole National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the untamed beauty of Nagarhole National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife destinations. Tucked away in the southern state of Karnataka, Nagarhole forms a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is a designated tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Known for its dense forests, serene rivers, and rich biodiversity, the park offers a thrilling experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The day begins early with a morning jeep safari, venturing deep into the park’s varied terrain of teak and sandalwood forests, grassy swamps, and riverbanks. As the sun rises, the forest awakens with birdsong and the rustle of movement in the underbrush. This is one of the best times to spot Nagarhole’s famed inhabitants — tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs (dholes), gaur, and more than 300 species of birds including crested serpent eagles, Malabar trogons, and hornbills. The Kabini River, which borders the park, attracts a wide variety of wildlife and enhances the chances of sightings.
After the safari, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some leisure time. The tranquil setting of the lodge offers a perfect backdrop to unwind, perhaps with a book or a nature walk around the property. Lunch is served at the lodge, with regional and continental dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients.
In the late afternoon, set out once more for an evening jeep safari, when the forest takes on a golden hue and nocturnal animals begin to stir. Guides and trackers share fascinating insights about the flora and fauna of the park, adding depth to the experience.
Return to the lodge after the safari for dinner and overnight stay, with the sounds of the forest in the background—a perfect end to a day immersed in the wilderness of Nagarhole
Day 8 – 14th Feb 2026 : Nagarhole – Brahmagiri Hills – Nagarhole (1 hour-drive one way)
Today, you will embark on the Brahmagiri Nature Trail, a scenic and immersive walk through the enchanting forests at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Hills, located near Nagarhole. The trail offers a quieter, more intimate experience of the Western Ghats’ incredible biodiversity, with opportunities to observe wildlife, birds, and native flora at close quarters.
Accompanied by a trained naturalist, you will walk through moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, along gentle undulating paths that provide excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters. The area is known for sightings of Malabar giant squirrels, bonnet macaques, barking deer, and occasionally even gaur or elephants.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the rich avian life, including species like the Malabar grey hornbill, racket-tailed drongo, Asian fairy bluebird, emerald dove, and Indian pitta. You may also encounter fascinating insects, butterflies, and forest-floor dwellers like the forest calotes (a type of lizard) and various frogs endemic to the Western Ghats.
The Brahmagiri trail is more than a walk—it’s a sensory journey through an ancient ecosystem. The sounds of the forest filtered sunlight, and the fresh, earthy air make this morning a refreshing contrast to jeep safaris, offering a slower yet equally rewarding exploration of the wild.
After the trail, relax for the day and take the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 9 – 15th Feb 2026 : Nagarhole – Wayanad (2.5 hour-drive)Day 9: Nagarhole – Wayanad (2.5 hour-drive)
This morning, set out for your final jeep safari in Nagarhole National Park, soaking in the magic of the forest one last time. As dawn breaks over the canopy, the forest becomes a stage for some of India’s most fascinating wildlife.
After returning from the safari, lunch will be served before you bid farewell to Nagarhole and begin your drive to Wayanad, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours through scenic forested roads and lush hillscapes. Dinner and overnight in Wayanad.
Day 10 – 16th Feb 2026 : In Wayanad
Today is all about immersing yourself in the serene natural beauty and biodiversity of Wayanad, one of the most picturesque regions of the Western Ghats. Your day begins with a guided morning walking safari, led by an expert naturalist. Unlike a jeep safari, walking through the forest allows for a slower, more intimate connection with the landscape, perfect for spotting and understanding the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
As you walk through evergreen forests, moist deciduous woodlands, and spice-scented plantations, keep an eye out for Wayanad’s resident primates, including the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, and Malabar grey langur. These primates are often seen foraging in the canopy or communicating through calls that echo through the trees. You may also encounter Malabar giant squirrels, Indian pangolins, porcupines, civets, and smaller mammals like the stripe-necked mongoose.
Birdwatchers can look forward to sightings of the Malabar trogon, Indian paradise flycatcher, emerald dove, white-bellied treepie, and the melodious Malabar whistling thrush. The trail also offers a chance to spot butterflies, amphibians, and a fascinating range of insects that make up the forest’s rich micro-ecosystem.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some downtime before lunch, which showcases fresh local produce and regional flavors. In the afternoon, you’ll head out again on a second guided nature walk, exploring a different trail or habitat. This extended time on foot allows you to delve deeper into the landscape and increases your chances of unique wildlife encounters.
Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner at the lodge and enjoy your overnight stay in this peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the forest.
Day 11 – 17th Feb 2026 : Wayanad – Pollachi (5.5-hour drive)
Day 12 – 18th Feb 2026 : In Pollachi
Today you will explore the wild and lesser-known treasures of the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, located in the southern part of the Western Ghats near Pollachi. This sanctuary is one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant biodiversity hotspots, encompassing a rich mosaic of landscapes including tropical wet evergreen forests, deciduous woodlands, grasslands, sholas, and riverine habitats.
You’ll begin the day with a morning guided walking safari, venturing into the forest on foot with a naturalist who will interpret the subtleties of the ecosystem. The Annamalai hills are home to a wide variety of species, including Indian elephants, Indian gaurs, sambar deer, and the shy yet intriguing sloth bear. Though large predators like leopards are elusive, the forest offers plenty of signs of their presence.
One of the highlights here is the variety of primates—you may spot the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, and common langur, often active in the early hours. Birdwatchers can look out for the Great Indian hornbill, Malabar trogon, crested serpent eagle, and various species of woodpeckers, flycatchers, and sunbirds.
Return to your lodge in Pollachi for lunch, followed by some rest before heading back to the sanctuary for an afternoon walk along a different trail. The changing light and cooling temperatures bring different activity in the forest — a chance to encounter nocturnal species just as they begin to stir, and catch some incredible forest vistas. These walks offer a rare opportunity to explore the wilderness up close and absorb the rhythms of the forest at your own pace. All meals and overnight stay will be at your lodge in Pollachi, surrounded by the beauty of the Annamalai hills.
Day 13 – 19th Feb 2026 : Pollachi – Thattekad (4-hour drive)
Breakfast and drive down to Thattekad, Kerala’s finest birding destination. Begin birding in the evening along forest trails or riverside habitats.
Nestled along the banks of the Periyar River in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary—also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary—is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning just 25 square kilometers, this sanctuary was established in 1983 following the recommendation of renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, who hailed it as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. The sanctuary’s varied ecosystems—tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, wetlands, and riverine habitats—support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, with over 300 recorded species.
Overnight in the lodge.
Day 14 – 20th Feb 2026 : In Thattekad
Today is devoted entirely to exploring the rich birdlife of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest birding destinations in southern India. You’ll begin your day with a guided morning birding session, venturing into the forested trails at first light when bird activity is at its peak. The cool, shaded paths echo with birdsong as you move quietly through a mix of evergreen, deciduous, and riparian forest habitats.
This region is known for its high density of endemic and rare species. With the help of a skilled bird guide, you’ll have the opportunity to spot endemics such as the Flame-throated bulbul and the shy Sri Lanka frogmouth, which roosts in thickets during the day. Other notable species include the Indian pitta, Black Baza, Grey-headed bulbul, Heart-spotted woodpecker, and the vibrant Asian fairy bluebird.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short break, you’ll set out again for an afternoon birding session in a different zone of the sanctuary. The late afternoon light enhances the chances of sighting nightjars, owlets, and other forest edge species. The sanctuary’s mosaic of habitats ensures that each trail offers something new — from canopy dwellers to ground foragers, from wetland species to dense forest specialists.
These immersive birding walks are not just about ticking species off a list, but about observing bird behavior, understanding their calls, and appreciating the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
Return to your lodge in the evening, where a wholesome dinner awaits. Overnight stay at the lodge ensures you are rested and ready for more discovery in this extraordinary landscape.
Day 15 – 21st Feb 2026 : Thattekad – Kochin – Fly Out (2.5-hour drive + international departure)
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi, Kotagiri and Mysuru on bed and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Nagarhole, Wayanad, Pollachi and Thattekad on room, all meals & exclusive safari basis
- Entrance and guide charges in Kotagiri, Nagarhole, Wayanad, Pollachi and Thattekad
- Entrance, guide, and monument fee in Mysuru
- 03 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Kotagiri with 5 other co-travelers
- 01 exclusive birding session will be provided in Ranganathittu with 5 other co-travelers
- 04 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Nagarhole with 5 other co-travelers
- 01 exclusive birding trek will be provided in Brahmagiri Trail with 5 other co-travelers
- 02 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Wayanad with 5 other co-travelers
- 02 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Pollachi with 5 other co-travelers
- 03 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Thattekad with 5 other co-travelers
- Assistance at airport and hotels
- All group land transfers in air-conditioned in 09-seater Tempo traveler & individual airport transfers in a Toyota Innova Crysta
- All currently applicable taxes
Trip Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date, there is no camera fee in either of the parks in the program.
- Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry, and telephone calls
- International airfare and domestic
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
Extend your stay
Extend your stay in India by choosing any one of the tours below. It could be a mix of wildlife and culture or focused on special interest activities such as food tours in Old Delhi, cycling through the historic remnants of the capital city or even beach holidays toward the end of the tour.
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Birding and Primates in the Western Ghats Wildlife Tour
