Western Ghats Wildlife Tour

OVERVIEW

Embark on an exhilarating journey through South India’s most captivating wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and birding hotspots. This tour offers a rich blend of birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and scenic landscapes across the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

The adventure begins in Thattekkad, at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter an array of rare bird species in its semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. This area is renowned for sightings of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, and other regional avian gems. As evening falls, you may even glimpse the elusive Grey Slender Loris.

From Thattekkad, the tour ascends to Munnar, a charming hill station surrounded by tea estates and shola forests. Here, the focus is on high-altitude endemics, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit, and White-bellied Blue Robin. Explore Eravikulam National Park, where the Nilgiri Tahr roams the grasslands, and Pampadum Shola National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Marten and Palani Laughingthrush.

Next, the tour takes you through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique dry-deciduous forest. Chinnar’s diverse wildlife includes the near-threatened Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Tufted Grey Langur, and a variety of butterflies and bird species. Moving onward to Valparai, you’ll delve deeper into the rainforests, encountering the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque, Asiatic Elephants, and Gaur in the lush tea-covered hills.

The tour continues to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, a thriving haven for both birds and large mammals. Mudumalai’s mosaic of grasslands, shrubland, and forests hosts Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears, and herds of Spotted Deer. Safaris here offer a high chance of witnessing the Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Blackbuck, and even the rare Black Panther.

Bandipur National Park, with its open forests and grassy plains, follows, providing a thrilling opportunity to observe Bengal Tigers, Leopards, and Elephants up close. Both Mudumalai and Bandipur offer rich birdlife as well.

The journey concludes with a transfer to Mysore, the cultural heart of Karnataka, before heading to Bangalore International Airport for departure. Throughout this tour, the beauty of South India’s landscapes and the incredible biodiversity will captivate nature lovers, making it a truly immersive wildlife experience

HIGHLIGHTS

Unique Wildlife sightings Across Varied Habitats
Exceptional Birdwatching in Biodiversity Hotspots
Safari Adventures in Bandipur and Mudumalai Reserves.

ITINERARY

Day 1:

Salim Ali Bird sanctuary, Thattekkad

All Meals

Birding & Night Walk for Wildlife

Detailed Plan

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the bird-rich region of Thattekkad. Known for its moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, Thattekkad (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary) hosts a diverse avifauna. Spend the day relaxing or start birdwatching in the evening, targeting species such as the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, Flame-throated Bulbul, Mottled Wood Owl, and nightjars. Keep an eye out for possible nocturnal sightings of the elusive Grey Slender Loris

Day 2:

Munnar

All Meals

Birding & night walk

Detailed Plan

In the morning, you’ll set forward on a walk in Thattekkad, with opportunities to observe endemic birds such as the Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Barbet, Malabar Woodshrike, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Malabar Trogon, and Malabar Flameback. After birding, we’ll journey to the picturesque, biodiverse tea town of Munnar, home to a variety of endemic species. Enjoy enroute birdwatching through plantations and moist deciduous forest patches.In the evening, take a walk in Munnar to spot species such as the Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and Palani Laughingthrush. As dusk approaches, sightings of mammals such as the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, Brown Palm Civet, and Indian Crested Porcupine are possible in the shola forests.

Day 3:

Munnar

All Meals

Wildlife watching and hiking

Detailed Plan

Today, you’ll explore the high-altitude grasslands and montane forests of Munnar, which are teeming with wildlife. The highlight of the day is a visit to Eravikulam National Park, a protected area for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. This park offers excellent chances to spot the Nilgiri Pipit and Painted Bushquail, along with bird species such as the Square-tailed Bulbul, Hill Swallow, Malabar Whistling-Thrush, and Nilgiri Flycatcher.In the afternoon, you’ll visit Pampadum Shola National Park, searching for the elusive Nilgiri Marten. As you explore the park, there’s potential for sightings of rare birds and mammals unique to this habitat.

Day 4:

Valparai

All Meals

Wildlife watching and hiking

Detailed Plan

You will head towards Valparai, making a stop enroute at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique dry deciduous forest offers sightings of species like the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and Tufted Grey Langur, along with a diverse range of birds such as the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Sirkeer Malkoha, White-bellied Drongo, Brown-headed Barbet, and Jungle Prinia. Upon arrival at Valparai, explore the tea estates and surrounding evergreen forests in search of the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque, along with Gaur, and Indian Elephants.

Day 5:

Mudumalai tiger Reserve, Masinagudy

All Meals

Wildlife watching and hiking

Detailed Plan

We leave Valparai and travel to the dry deciduous and moist broadleaf forests of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. This area is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and offers some of the best wildlife experiences in South India. Evening safari in Mudumalai, with chances of observing Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Indian Gaur, and herds of Chital (Spotted Deer).

Day 6:

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Masinagudy

All Meals

Wildlife Watching and Hiking

Detailed Plan

You will set forward for morning and evening safaris in Mudumalai Tigere, expected species include Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Indian Chevrotain, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Sambar, Elephants, Gaur, Indian Giant Squirrel and Leopard.

Day 7:

Mysore

All Meals

Wildlife watching and hiking

Detailed Plan

After an early morning safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, we journey to the cultural city of Mysore, known for its historic landmarks. Along the way, we will make birdwatching stops to catch glimpses of the region’s rich avifauna. Amidst the city’s growing population Mysore has a numerous birding hotspot in the outskirts. In the evening you will look for Rufous-tailed Lark, Rock Eagle Owl, Indian Bushlark, Red Avadavat, Mottled Wood Owl and Singing Bushlark.

Day 8 Departure:

Bangalore

All Meals

Wildlife watching and Hiking

Detailed Plan

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your South India wildlife adventure.

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GALLERY

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Please note that the cost of our tour includes the activities and accommodations specified in the itinerary. Any additional expenses, such as laundry services or beverages (including alcoholic drinks), are not covered and can be settled directly with the hotels or establishments where these services are provided.