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India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group)

© Malabar Whistling Thrush by Adam Riley
India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

06 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026 (12 days)

USD5,200 - 4 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD5,200 * GBP4,114 * EUR4,963 * AUD8,177

Can be linked with: Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game (Small Group) 2026

Hemming the rugged lands of southern India are the impressive Western Ghats Mountains, a land of endless valleys, rolling tea estates and breathtaking highland vistas, well-known for harbouring a superb range of highly localised endemic birds and a host of special mammals. This comprehensive tour showcases many of these special creatures: the gorgeous Indian Pitta, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, rare Sri Lanka Frogmouth, exquisite Malabar Trogon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker are just some of the incredible birds we will search for, while Indian Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Boar and Smooth-coated Otter are potential mammalian highlights. Join us for an unbeatable birding exploration to the southern part of this immense and extremely rewarding nation!

Top Birds

Painted Bush Quail; Red Spurfowl; Nilgiri Wood, Malabar Imperial & Grey-fronted Green Pigeons; Malabar Grey & Great Hornbills; Malabar & White-cheeked Barbets; Blue-winged Parakeet; Malabar Woodshrike; White-spotted Fantail; White-bellied Treepie; Indian Black-lored Tit; Malabar Lark; Grey-headed, Flame-throated & Yellow-throated Bulbuls; Broad-tailed Grassbird; Indian Scimitar Babbler; Dark-fronted & Rufous Babblers; Wayanad, Nilgiri & Palani Laughingthrushes; Malabar Starling; Nilgiri Thrush; White-bellied Blue, Black-and-orange & Nilgiri Flycatchers; Nilgiri Blue & White-bellied Blue Robins; Malabar Whistling Thrush; Nilgiri Flowerpecker; Crimson-backed Sunbird; Nilgiri Pipit; Indian Pitta; Sri Lanka Frogmouth; Malabar Trogon; Heart-spotted & White-naped Woodpeckers; Malabar Flameback; White-bellied Minivet.

Top Mammals

Gaur (Indian Bison); Nilgiri Tahr; Asian Elephant; Indian Giant Squirrel; Toque Macaque; Nilgiri Langur.

Habitats Covered

sholas (montane forest patches), deciduous (teak-dominated) woodlands, bamboo forest, lakes, wetlands, montane grassland, savanna & thickets

Expected Climate

Very pleasant: warm during day, cool at night, rain not expected

Max Group Size

6 with 1 Rockjumper 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 to comfortable. Suitable for most birding / wildlife interest levels. India is an assault on the senses first time around, requiring a little tolerance to begin with.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Moderate. Mostly forest & forest edge, some open savanna.

Number of Species Expected

+-250

Other Attractions

Rolling hills & valleys that are mostly naturally forested but in some areas are dominated by tea and other spice plantations, Mysore Palace, roadside temples & shrines, Lake Periyar, Western Ghats Mountains, some of the most delicious food on Earth if you like curries

Photographic Opportunities

Worthwhile to very good. No dedicated hides.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
CH, India 2018

David Hoddinott is simply outstanding: Calm, focused, truly excellent knowledge of the birds, their calls and habits. He has a wonderful sense of humour, too.

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 .

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.

Manish Tpss (Tester)
ST, Testing tour only for test (Tpss)

Good Trip ! Enjoy a lot

Erik Forsyth
NM, Northern India

I just have to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the N. India trip and how superb the leaders are… Erik and Rich worked so well together and both are so funny, such a great combination…. With much gratitude to RBT for bringing birds and mammals into my life.

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