Expertly guided birding tours in the heart of Kerala's dense evergreen forests. Experience rare endemics and world-class photography opportunities.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekad is one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India. Characterized by dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, it is a haven for both migratory and endemic bird species.
Our indigenous guides have spent their lives navigating these trails. Whether you are a professional photographer looking for the perfect golden-hour shot, or a nature lover wanting to see the legendary Ceylon Frogmouth, we tailor our treks to your exact needs.
Check AvailabilityDecades of generational experience navigating the deep trails of Thattekad to locate the most elusive endemics.
We know exactly how to position you for the perfect golden-hour shot with minimal disturbance to the wildlife.
Committed to strict zero-trace policies to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
For Serious Birders
A highly specialized trek focused entirely on locating specific rare endemics on your checklist.
Optimized for Lenses
Paced for patience. We prioritize perfect lighting, strategic positioning, and long observation periods.
Owls & Frogmouths
Venture into the forest edges after dusk to spot elusive nocturnal species like the Sri Lanka Bay Owl.
"Absolutely incredible experience. Our guide spotted the Ceylon Frogmouth within the first hour of our trek. A must-do for any serious birder visiting Kerala!"
"The Photographer's Special tour was perfectly paced. They understood lighting and positioning perfectly. I got the best shots of my entire trip right here."
"We did the village walk and light birding. It was serene, deeply educational, and completely respectful of the local wildlife. Highly recommended."
The ideal birding season in Thattekad is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sanctuary becomes home to a massive influx of migratory species alongside our resident endemics.
Yes, guests are required to bring their own optical and photography gear. While our guides are experts at spotting and positioning you for the perfect shot, we do not provide camera equipment or binoculars for rent at this time.
We offer tours for all fitness levels. Our "Village & Culture Walk" is very flat and relaxed, while the "Guided Sanctuary Trail" involves deeper forest trekking. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know when booking so we can customize a flat-terrain route for you.
During the dry season (Dec-March), leeches are very rare. However, if you visit right after the monsoon, they can be present. We highly recommend wearing closed-toe trekking shoes and long trousers. We also provide organic anti-leech remedies (like salt/tobacco powder) before entering the deep trails.
Birding relies on nature. We operate rain or shine. Full refunds are provided for cancellations made 48 hours in advance. If severe weather (e.g., heavy monsoon flooding) forces us to cancel, you will be fully refunded or rescheduled.
Please wear dull-colored, breathable clothing (greens, browns, greys) to blend into the forest. Bright colors startle the birds. Closed-toe trekking shoes and long trousers are mandatory.
During damp months, leeches are a natural part of the ecosystem. We provide organic salt/tobacco powder repellents, but leech socks are highly recommended if you are visiting right after the monsoon.
Bring your own binoculars and camera gear. We practice strict ethical birding: no playback calls to stress the birds, and no flash photography for nocturnal species.