Where to Go Birding in South India?
South India is the most important birding zone in the Indian subcontinent, with 35 highly sought-after endemics. Besides great endemics, there are numerous near endemics in South India, shared only with neighbouring Sri Lanka. South India differs greatly from north India in terms of greenery, culture, and socioeconomic conditions.
The endemic birds of South India are diverse; many of them have Nilgiri or Malabar in their common English names. The central point of endemicity in south India is the Western Ghats mountain range, which is much older than the Himalayas. The life and climate of the region are controlled by the Western Ghats mountain ranges, which run parallel to India’s west coast. The Western Ghats is rich in well-preserved national parks and protected areas, and it is a birder’s paradise with its endless valleys, tea gardens, and verdant forests.
I’ve listed the top five birding destinations in South India for a touring birder or bird photographer to add to their itinerary. I chose them based on species availability, ease of birding, guide availability, and safe accommodation facilities.
1. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), The Best Birding Destination In South India
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (a.k.a Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary) is probably India’s best endemic birding destination. It is a small sanctuary of fewer than 25 km2 in size and is home to over 260 bird species (including winter visitors), 23 of which are endemic. Thattekkad is about an hour’s drive from Cochin International Airport.
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport (COK) |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | Kayaking, Trekking |
Birding trails & spots | Orulanthani, Charupara, Kalappara and Cheekod. |
Key species | Cylon Bay owl, Sri Lankan frogmouth, Grey-headed bulbul, Indian Pitta, White-bellied tree-pie, Malabar hornbill, Malabar parakeet, Malabar Trogon |
No of nights | 2 |
| Best Birding Accommodations in Thattekkad |
|---|
2. Munnar, Kerala: Birding In Tea Country.
1532m ASL Google locator: Munnar
Munnar is a colonial-era hill station on the western slope of the Western Ghats surrounded by tea gardens. Munnar is also a significant biodiversity hotspot, famous for its Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr. It is a popular tourist destination that can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
Distance from Thattekad to Munnar: 68Km
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport (COK) |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | Kayaking, Trekking, Honeymoon, Feel good family outings |
Birding trails & spots | Eravikulam National park, Deshadan Hills, Gap road |
Key species | White-bellied Sholakili, Palani Laughing Thrush, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Square-tailed Bulbul, Nilgiri Pippit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Legge’s Hawk Eagle etc. |
No of Nights | 2 |
| Best Birding Accommodations in Munnar |
|---|
3. Periyar National Park , Kerala: Home of Hornbills
1020m ASL Google locator: Periyar
Periyar Tiger Reserve is an easily accessible national park in Kerala. Though tiger sightings are extremely rare, a boat ride (not recommended for birders or wildlife photographers) through the lake can get you sightings of Asian elephants, doles, Gaur (Indian bison), Lion-tailed macaques, Sambar deer, etc. I strongly recommend partaking in nature walks ( advanced booking required) here as it will allow you to see many western ghats and forest birds at a reasonable distance. Periyar National Park is 93Km away from Munnar.
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport (COK) |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | Kayaking, Trekking,Boating, Honeymoon, Feel good family outings |
Birding trails & spots | |
Key species | Wayanad laughing Thrush, Rufous Babbler, Great Indian Hornbill, While-bellied blue flycatcher, etc. |
No of Nights | 2 |
| Best Birding Accommodations in Thekkady |
|---|
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Home of Nilgiri Endemics
2240m ASL Google locator: Ooty Dhodabetta
Ooty is another popular resort town in South India, on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Many colonial-era stone buildings, churches, and tea plantation bungalows, most of them in good condition, can be found in and around Ooty. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, honeymooners, and others due to its marvellous tea gardens, pine forests, and sholas. Though it is a long drive from Munnar, I strongly recommend visiting Ooty for its birds and landscapes. The distance between Thekkady and Ooty is 270 kms.
| Nearest Airport | Coimbatore Airport (CJB) |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | Trekking, Boating, Honeymoon, Feel good family outings. |
Birding trails & spots | Dhodabetta, SIMS park, and Botanical garden |
Key species | Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush, Nilgiri sholakkili, Indian robin, Black and orange flycatcher, spot-breasted fantail etc. |
No of Nights | 2 |
| Best Birding Accommodations in Ooty |
|---|
5. Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu: Great Place of Lowland Westernghats Birding
950m ASL Google locator: Masinagudi
Masinangudi is a wildlife sanctuary located 30 kilometres away from Ooty. Because it is located at a lower elevation than Ooty, the avian life you will encounter here is very different here. It is a natural itinerary extension for a visiting birder because it is only a short drive down the hill. I recommend spending a day there to see the endemic white-bellied minivet and other lowland birds.
| Nearest Airport | Coimbatore Airport (CJB) |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | Wildlife watching |
Birding trails & spots | Maya Road, Borkapuram Temple, Silver rock tree area |
Key species | White-bellied minivet, Spot Bellied Eagle owl, Yellow-legged button quail, Jungle bush quail, Read headed Vulture, Malabar lark |
No of Nights | 1 |
| Best Birding Accommodation in Masinagudi |
|---|
6. Mysore (Mysuru), Karnataka: Home to Aquatic Birds
Mysore, a historical city in Karnataka state, recently changed its name to Mysuru. The opulent Mysore Palace, the landmark building of Mysuru built in a fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput architectural styles, is highly recommended for all types of travellers for a visit. Though the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is the best place for a birder to spend time in Mysore, some nearby grasslands and lakes are also popular with birders.
The distance between Masanagudi to Mysore is 115Kms.
| Nearest Airport | Mysuru or Bengaluru (BRL) International Airport |
|---|---|
Best time to visit | November - March |
Also good for | History & Cultural travel |
Birding trails & spots | Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary( Boat trip) Bannur grassland |
Key species | Great Thick-knee, Painted Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Streek throated Swallow, Rufous-tailed lark, Syke’s lark, Singing bush lark, Indian Eagle Owl etc. |
No of Nights | 1 |
| Best Birding Accommodations in Mysuru |
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