By Diane & Nick Carter
Guided by Anoop Jacob, Tropic Trails | Driver: Shafi
From 28 March to 8 April 2023, we joined a South India birding tour with Tropic Trails, exploring the rich landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Guided by expert naturalist Anoop Jacob, we covered national parks, hill stations, and sanctuaries in search of some of the subcontinent’s most iconic birds and mammals. Over the course of the trip, we encountered an exceptional range of species, from the dazzling Indian Pitta to the mighty Great Hornbill, along with unforgettable sightings of Asian Elephants, Lion-tailed Macaques, and elusive forest owls.
Tadoba to Mudumalai (28 March)
Our journey began early with a transfer from Tadoba via Nagpur and Bangalore, where Anoop and our driver Shafi welcomed us. Even before reaching our lodge at Jungle Hut in Mudumalai, the birding was rewarding. We spotted Asian Palm Swifts, Indian Grey Hornbill, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Red-rumped Swallow, and flocks of Jungle Mynas. A highlight was our first Asian Elephants inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve. As dusk settled, we enjoyed views of Indian Giant Squirrel, Jerdon’s Nightjar, and a calling Brown Hawk Owl.
Mudumalai (29–30 March)
The grounds of our lodge delivered Great Flameback, Crested Hawk-Eagle, and Coppersmith Barbet before we ventured deeper into the forest with local guide Rajesh. The checklist quickly grew to include Spotted Owlet, Yellow-billed Babbler, Indian White-eye, Rufous Treepie, Bay-backed Shrike, and, most memorably, the Indian Nuthatch and Jerdon’s Bushlark.
Later, torrential rain could not dampen the excitement—sightings included Striped-necked Mongoose, Asian Elephants, and a wealth of forest species. On the following safari, we encountered Dhole (Indian Wild Dogs), Brown Wood Owl, and fresh tiger tracks.
Ooty & Surroundings (30–31 March)
From Mudumalai we ascended into the Nilgiri Hills and the colonial hill station of Ooty. Here we tracked down several Western Ghats endemics: Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Blue Robin, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the striking Black-and-Orange Flycatcher. Exploring the botanical gardens added Hoopoes, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, and Tickell’s Leaf Warbler to the list.
Valparai & Anamalai Tiger Reserve (31 March–1 April)
Traveling south into the tea-clad hills of Valparai, we located specialties such as Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Malabar Whistling Thrush, and Rufous Babbler. A magical encounter with Lion-tailed Macaques among coffee estates was a mammal highlight. Moving through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, we recorded Tufted Langurs, Brown Fish Owl, and the localized Kerala (Palani) Laughing Thrush.
Munnar & Eravikulam National Park (2–3 April)
In Munnar, at Eravikulam National Park, we watched Nilgiri Tahr grazing on the hillsides, encountered Dusky-striped Squirrel, and located high-altitude endemics like White-bellied Blue Robin, Nilgiri Pipit, and Palani Laughing Thrush. A soaring Black Eagle was an unforgettable sight, while roadside birding produced Indian Scimitar Babbler, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, and Grey-fronted Green Pigeon.
On 3 April—my 70th birthday—we were gifted sightings of Malabar Trogon, the awe-inspiring Great Hornbill, and a close encounter with Dhole. Few birthday presents could top such a day in the wilds of Kerala!
Periyar Tiger Reserve (3–4 April)
Periyar brought more leech-filled but rewarding treks. We observed White-bellied Treepie, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, and a second Indian Pitta. Mammal encounters included Asian Elephants, Gaur, and Bonnet Macaques. A boat safari across the lake offered further wildlife moments with raptors and herds along the water’s edge.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (5–7 April)
Our final stop was the famed Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), a hotspot for Western Ghats endemics. Here, we saw Crimson-backed Sunbird, Flame-throated Bulbul, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, and the giant White-bellied Woodpecker. Evening birding brought Great-eared Nightjar, Indian Scops Owl, and Jerdon’s Nightjar under torchlight.
On our last morning, a Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Loten’s Sunbird, and Lesser Yellownape rounded off the trip in spectacular fashion before our return to Kochi.
Conclusion
This 12-day birdwatching tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with Tropic Trails was a remarkable journey across forests, hills, and wildlife sanctuaries. Led by the expert guidance of Anoop Jacob, we recorded a dazzling array of species, including the region’s most sought-after endemics: Indian Pitta, Malabar Trogon, Great Hornbill, Nilgiri Thrushes, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, and Blue-bearded Bee-eater.
The diversity of landscapes—from the Nilgiri Hills to Eravikulam, from Periyar to Thattekkad—ensured unforgettable encounters with both birds and mammals. For keen birders, a South India tour is an essential experience, and Tropic Trails provided the perfect balance of expert guiding, local knowledge, and seamless logistics.
