India - Western: 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 * GBP1,310 * EUR1,566 * AUD2,698

Single Supplement: USD250 * GBP193 * EUR231 * AUD398

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

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD130 * GBP100 * EUR120 * 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.

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.

David Hoddinott
FG, India 2018

David Hoddinott was at his best even on new grounds full of lifers.

David Hoddinott
SS, India 2018

David Hoddinott is wonderful and a great leader.

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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Route Map

Tour Route Map