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India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats

© 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 * GBP4,156 * EUR4,991 * AUD8,262

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 & Grey-fronted Green Pigeons; Malabar Grey Hornbill; White-cheeked Barbet; 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 & Rufous Babblers; Wynaad, 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 Woodpecker.

Top Mammals

Dhole (rare); Gaur (Indian Bison); Smooth-coated Otter; Nilgiri Tahr.

Habitats Covered

sholas (montane forests), teak woodlands, lakes, wetlands, montane grassland

Expected Climate

warm during day, cool at night, rain unexpected

Max Group Size

12 with 2 Rockjumper leaders / 8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate

Accommodation

basic to comfortable lodges and hotels

Ease of Birding

mostly unchallenging

Number of Species Expected

+-250

Other Attractions

Lake Periyar, roadside temples and shrines, Western Ghats Mountains, tea plantations

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

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 !

David Hoddinott
SS, India 2018

David Hoddinott is wonderful and a great leader.

Stephan Lorenz
MM & GM, Southern India 2018

We really enjoyed both tours. The leader, Stephan Lorenz, was very helpful and worked hard to make the birding trips a success. We appreciated the local guides on both trips as well. They were all very good at getting the job done and making it all enjoyable and seamless. We always feel we are in good hands when we go on a Rockjumper tour.

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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