Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is not just about backwaters and beaches—it’s also a bird watcher’s paradise! With lush forests, serene wetlands, and rich biodiversity, Kerala offers some of the best birding experiences in India.
If you’re a bird enthusiast looking for Kerala bird watching tour packages, this guide covers everything—top birding spots, best seasons, tour itineraries, and expert tips to make your birding adventure unforgettable.
Why Kerala is Perfect for Bird Watching?
✔ Diverse Ecosystems – From Western Ghats forests to coastal wetlands
✔ Rich Avian Diversity – Home to 500+ bird species, including rare & migratory birds
✔ Top Bird Sanctuaries – Thattekad, Kumarakom, and Mangalavanam
✔ Expert-Guided Tours – Knowledgeable naturalists for spotting rare birds
✔ Photography-Friendly – Great opportunities for bird photography
Best Bird Watching Destinations in Kerala
1. Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali’s Paradise)
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a dream experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Located near Kochi in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Thattekad—also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary—is one of the richest bird habitats in South India.
Home to over 300 species of birds, the sanctuary offers a peaceful escape into dense forests, riverbanks, and evergreen vegetation. Early morning guided walks are the highlight of this tour, where you can spot rare and endemic species such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Indian Pitta, and Ceylon Bay Owl.
What to Expect on the Tour:
- Expert naturalist-guided birding trails
- Easy forest walks suitable for beginners
- Photography opportunities
- Boat rides along the Periyar River (seasonal)
- Ideal climate between October and March
Thattekad is perfect for families, bird photographers, and eco-tourism travelers who want a relaxed yet enriching experience. The calm atmosphere and untouched greenery make this bird watching tour in Kerala both educational and rejuvenating.
If you’re planning a wildlife-focused Kerala itinerary, adding Thattekad Bird Sanctuary to your tour ensures a unique and memorable nature experience.
📍 Location: Near Kochi
🐦 Key Species: Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, Indian Pitta
🕒 Best Time: November to March
Thattekad, fondly called “Salim Ali’s Bird Paradise,” is Kerala’s most famous birding hotspot. The dense tropical forest is home to endemic and migratory species, making it a must-visit for serious birders.
2.Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful and rewarding experience for nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake near Kumarakom, this beautiful sanctuary is one of the best places in Kerala to spot migratory and native birds in their natural habitat.
Spread across lush mangrove forests and wetlands, the sanctuary is home to species like Siberian cranes, herons, egrets, kingfishers, darters, and teal. Early mornings are the best time to visit, when the forest comes alive with bird calls and soft golden light filters through the trees — perfect for photography.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary through shaded walking trails or enjoy a serene boat ride along the backwaters for a closer look at water birds. The calm environment makes it ideal for families and senior travelers as well.
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can be easily combined with a houseboat stay in Alleppey or a relaxing backwater resort experience, making it a must-add activity in any Kerala itinerary.
📍 Location: Vembanad Lake, Kottayam
🐦 Key Species: Siberian Crane, Kingfishers, Herons, Egrets
🕒 Best Time: November to February
Set along Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a haven for waterbirds and migratory species. A boat ride through the mangroves offers excellent sightings.
3. Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a perfect experience for nature lovers visiting Kochi. Often called the “green lung of Kochi,” Mangalavanam is a protected mangrove ecosystem located in the heart of the city, yet surprisingly peaceful and rich in biodiversity.
This compact sanctuary is home to a variety of resident and migratory birds, making it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking for a short nature escape.
What Makes Mangalavanam Special?
- Dense mangrove forest ecosystem
- Over 70 species of birds recorded
- Ideal for migratory bird spotting (November to March)
- Easy walking trails suitable for all age groups
- Quiet, pollution-free environment
Visitors can spot species like brahminy kites, cormorants, herons, egrets, and occasionally migratory birds during the winter season. The calm pathways and shaded trails make it perfect for early morning bird watching tours.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time for a Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is between October and March, especially during early mornings when bird activity is highest.
Who Should Visit?
- Nature photographers
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Families with children
- Eco-tourism travelers
- Bird watching groups
A guided bird watching tour enhances the experience, helping you identify rare species and understand the ecological importance of the mangrove habitat.
Whether you are starting your Kerala journey from Kochi or adding a quick nature break to your itinerary, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary offers a peaceful and educational wildlife experience right within the city.
📍 Location: Kochi
🐦 Key Species: Whimbrel, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Cormorant
🕒 Best Time: Early mornings & late evenings
A small but thriving urban bird sanctuary, Mangalavanam is perfect for a quick birding stop in Kochi.
4.Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream experience for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in Kerala to witness rare and vibrant bird species in their natural habitat.
Spread across dense forests, bamboo groves, and moist deciduous woodland, the sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds. During your bird watching tour, you may spot:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Indian Pitta
- Racket-tailed Drongo
- Peafowl
- Woodpeckers and flycatchers
Early morning guided walks offer the best sightings, as birds are most active at dawn. The cool forest air, gentle sounds of nature, and expert naturalist guidance make the experience both educational and peaceful.
Apart from birding, visitors may also encounter elephants, deer, and other wildlife during safari rides. The sanctuary forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making it ecologically rich and biodiversity-friendly.
Ideal for families, photographers, and serious birding enthusiasts, a Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary combines adventure, learning, and serene forest immersion — making it a must-add experience to any Kerala wildlife itinerary.
📍 Location: Wayanad District
🐦 Key Species: Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Great Hornbill
🕒 Best Time: October to May
Wayanad’s dense forests and grasslands are ideal for spotting Western Ghats endemics.
5. Kerala Bird Watching Tour in Silent Valley National Park
A Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Silent Valley National Park is a dream experience for nature lovers and serious birders. Located in the Nilgiri hills of Kerala, Silent Valley is one of India’s most untouched tropical rainforests, known for its rich biodiversity and rare endemic bird species.
This pristine national park offers guided birding trails through dense evergreen forests, riverbanks, and canopy viewpoints. Early morning safaris provide the best opportunity to spot species like the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied treepie, and the great Indian hornbill. The calm, pollution-free environment makes bird calls crystal clear — a magical experience for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
A typical Kerala Bird Watching Tour at Silent Valley National Park includes forest entry permits, expert naturalist guides, jeep transfers inside the park, and comfortable eco-lodge stays nearby. The best time to visit is between October and March, when migratory birds arrive and the weather remains pleasant.
Perfect for wildlife photographers, eco-travelers, and families who enjoy nature, this tour combines conservation awareness with unforgettable rainforest exploration.
📍 Location: Palakkad
🐦 Key Species: Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher
🕒 Best Time: December to April
One of India’s last pristine rainforests, Silent Valley is a treasure trove for rare birds.
Best Kerala Bird Watching Tour Packages
1. Classic Kerala Bird Watching Tour (5 Days / 4 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Thattekad – Kumarakom
💰 Starting Price: ₹25,000 per person
Kerala Bird Watching Tour – Thattekad & Kumarakom (4 Nights / 5 Days)
If you are a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, this Kerala Bird Watching Tour covering Thattekad and Kumarakom is a perfect 4 nights and 5 days escape into Kerala’s most vibrant bird habitats. From rare migratory species to serene backwaters, this itinerary blends forest exploration with tranquil lake experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Transfer to Thattekad
Arrive at Kochi Airport and drive to Thattekad (approx. 2 hours). Check into your eco-lodge near the forest. Evening nature walk around the village trails with a local guide.
Highlight: Introduction to Kerala’s rich birdlife ecosystem.
Day 2: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Exploration
Spend the day at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, one of the most important destinations for a Kerala Bird Watching Tour.
Birds You May Spot:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Indian Pitta
- Ceylon Frogmouth
- Paradise Flycatcher
Early morning and late afternoon guided birding sessions offer the best sightings.
Day 3: Thattekad – Kumarakom
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (approx. 3.5 hours). Check into a lakeside resort near Vembanad Lake. Evening at leisure enjoying backwater views.
Day 4: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Backwaters
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, another major highlight of your Kerala Bird Watching Tour.
Experience Includes:
- Walk through mangrove forests
- Spot migratory birds (seasonal)
- Watch herons, egrets, and kingfishers
- Optional sunrise canoe ride
Evening sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi Airport for departure with unforgettable memories of your Kerala Bird Watching Tour.
Best Time for Kerala Bird Watching Tour
- November to March – Peak migratory season
- Early mornings are ideal for bird sightings
This 4N/5D Kerala Bird Watching Tour is ideal for photographers, wildlife lovers, and families who enjoy peaceful nature-based travel experiences.
Highlights:
✔ Guided birding walks in Thattekad
✔ Boat safari in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
✔ Stay in eco-friendly forest lodges
✔ Includes meals, transport, and expert guide
2. Kerala Bird Photography Tour (7 Days / 6 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Thattekad – Wayanad – Silent Valley
💰 Starting Price: ₹40,000 per person
Highlights:
✔ Focus on bird photography with expert tips
✔ Specialized hides for close-up shots
✔ Visit Wayanad & Silent Valley for rare species
Kerala Bird Watching Tour – 6 Nights / 7 Days (Thattekad – Wayanad – Silent Valley)
If you are passionate about rare species, forest landscapes, and peaceful wilderness, this Kerala Bird Watching Tour is designed for you. Covering Thattekad, Wayanad, and Silent Valley, this 6 nights and 7 days itinerary offers guided birding experiences, nature walks, and stays close to pristine forest habitats.
This Kerala Bird Watching Tour is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, researchers, and families who enjoy eco-tourism.
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Transfer to Thattekad
Arrive at Kochi Airport and drive to Thattekad (approx. 2 hours). Check into a forest lodge near the sanctuary.
Evening: Short orientation walk and introductory birding session.
Stay: Thattekad
Day 2: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Exploration
Full-day guided birding at the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Thattekad.
Common sightings include:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Sri Lanka Frogmouth
- Indian Pitta
- Woodpeckers and Drongos
Thattekad is considered one of the richest bird habitats in South India, making it the highlight of this Kerala Bird Watching Tour.
Stay: Thattekad
Day 3: Thattekad – Wayanad
After breakfast, drive to Wayanad (approx. 6–7 hours). Scenic journey through hills and plantations.
Evening leisure at eco-resort surrounded by greenery.
Stay: Wayanad
Day 4: Wayanad Birding & Nature Trails
Early morning bird watching session in forest areas and plantations.
Possible sightings:
- Great Hornbill
- Nilgiri Flycatcher
- Jungle Owlet
- Emerald Dove
Optional visit to Pookode Lake or Edakkal Caves.
Wayanad adds diversity to your Kerala Bird Watching Tour with high-altitude species and forest trails.
Stay: Wayanad
Day 5: Wayanad – Silent Valley
Drive to Silent Valley National Park (approx. 4 hours).
Evening relaxation near the buffer zone area.
Stay: Silent Valley region
Day 6: Silent Valley National Park Safari
Full-day guided exploration inside Silent Valley (subject to forest permissions).
This untouched rainforest ecosystem is home to:
- Malabar Trogon
- Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
- Black-and-Orange Flycatcher
- Lion-tailed Macaque (wildlife bonus)
Silent Valley is a pristine paradise and the most exclusive segment of this Kerala Bird Watching Tour.
Stay: Silent Valley region
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Coimbatore or Kochi Airport for onward journey.
Your unforgettable Kerala Bird Watching Tour concludes with rare sightings and lasting memories.
Tour Highlights
✔ Guided bird watching sessions
✔ Eco-friendly forest stays
✔ Private transfers
✔ Access to three major birding zones
✔ Ideal for photographers & researchers
3. Backwater & Birding Combo Tour (6 Days / 5 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Kumarakom – Mangalavanam – Alleppey
💰 Starting Price: ₹30,000 per person
Highlights:
✔ Bird watching in Kumarakom & Mangalavanam
✔ Relaxing houseboat stay in Alleppey
✔ Best for leisure birders & nature lovers
Best Time for Bird Watching in Kerala
- November to March – Peak season for migratory birds
- Monsoon (June-September) – Lush greenery but fewer sightings
- April-May – Good for endemic species before summer heat
Pro Tip: Early mornings (6 AM – 9 AM) and late afternoons (4 PM – 6 PM) are the best times for bird activity.
Essential Bird Watching Tips
✔ Carry Binoculars & Field Guide – Essential for spotting and identifying birds
✔ Wear Neutral-Colored Clothes – Avoid bright colors that scare birds
✔ Stay Quiet & Patient – Birds are sensitive to noise
✔ Hire a Local Guide – Increases chances of rare sightings
✔ Respect Wildlife – Maintain distance and avoid disturbing nests
How to Reach Kerala for Birding Tours?
✈ By Air:
- Kochi International Airport – Best for Thattekad & Kumarakom
- Calicut Airport – Best for Wayanad
- Trivandrum Airport – Best for Ponmudi & Neyyar
🚆 By Train:
- Major stations: Ernakulam (Kochi), Kottayam, Kozhikode
🚗 By Road:
- Well-connected highways from Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore
Conclusion
Kerala offers unmatched birding experiences, from dense rainforests to serene backwaters. Whether you’re a serious birder, photographer, or nature lover, Kerala’s bird watching tour packages provide the perfect adventure.
Ready to explore Kerala’s avian wonders? Book your birding tour today and witness the magic of India’s richest bird habitats!
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