India - Forest Owlet Extension 2026

28 Feb 2026 - 03 Mar 2026 (4 days)

USD1,695 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Tour price (Per person): USD1,695 * GBP1,373 * EUR1,627 * AUD2,698

Single Supplement: USD250 * GBP202 * EUR240 * AUD398

Can be linked with: India - Western: Desert Specials 2026

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD130 * GBP105 * EUR125 * AUD207

The main purpose of this short extension is to visit Tansa Forest where we shall search for the recently rediscovered Forest Owlet. Long feared extinct, it was rediscovered in 1997 and has since been found in a handful of areas of central India. It was very recently found in this forest, which now offers the most accessible viewing of this species. In addition to this fascinating diurnal owl, we can look for a few other specialties which may include the very localized Vigor’s Sunbird, along with possibilities for Malabar Trogon, Mottled Wood Owl and Jerdon’s Leafbird amongst many others in this lush deciduous forest.

 

Top Birds

Forest Owlet; Vigors's & Loten's Sunbird; Jerdon’s & Golden-fronted Leafbirds; Pale-billed Flowerpecker; Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher; Malabar Lark; White-naped Woodpecker; White-eyed Buzzard; Blue-winged Parakeet; Indian Paradise Flycatcher.

Habitats Covered

deciduous woodland

Expected Climate

warm to hot, with cooler nights

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

moderate, some long drives

Accommodation

comfortable

Ease of Birding

mostly unchallenging

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

Peter Kaestner
JR, India 2020

This trip was great! We were told the trip should generate about 250 bird species and our total was very close. Peter was excellent at finding birds, leading us and keeping a positive group atmosphere. The local guides also were competent and helpful. Accommodations are not an important aspect of a trip to me but the ones we stayed at were excellent, as were the meals. The trip was an excellent introduction to India for me tho I was happy to have it very much concentrate on birding.

David Hoddinott
LB - India 2019

To David Hoddinott with many thanks. In my book, you are still the best guide I’ve ever birded with. Please give my regards to the office team. I am very proud to be part of the Rockjumper Family.

Robert Williams
PR, India 2023

As usual another fantastic journey masterfully organized and enabling us to discover places and birds in the best possible way. Supreme guide, all matters perfect, except the lack of heating in the bus. Chilly India, believe it or not !

Stephan Lorenz
LC & PD, Northern India 2017

We had a wonderful trip with Rich Lindie and Stephan Lorenz, and we would certainly be happy to travel with either of them again. They were both excellent with the birds, had a great sense of humour, and were helpful and patient when individuals required extra assistance. In addition to the birding, we enjoyed a long list of mammals sighted in the various national parks. The accommodations and meals were also very good.

David Hoddinott
PJ, Andaman Islands 2018

The Andaman Islands were a first for RockJumper and a first for David Hoddinott. It was an incredible experience and also exciting to share the first of all new endemics  with David .

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Route Map

Tour Route Map