Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Best Birdwatching Destinations

Kerala, with its diverse ecosystems, is a paradise for birdwatchers. From wetlands and backwaters to rainforests and hill stations, the state is home to 500+ species of birds, including endangered and migratory species. Whether you’re a serious ornithologist or a casual bird lover, here are the best places for birdwatching in Kerala:

1. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

 Location: Ernakulam
 Best for: Rare and endemic birds, guided birding tours

Why Visit?

✅ Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, home to 300+ bird species.
✅ Spot Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, and Indian Pitta.
✅ Best for bird photography and expert-guided birdwatching.
✅ Stay at Hornbill Camp for an immersive jungle experience.

 Best time to visit: November – March (for migratory birds)

2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – The Wetland Haven

 Location: Kottayam (Near Vembanad Lake)
 Best for: Migratory waterbirds, backwater birding

Why Visit?

✅ A prime wetland habitat, attracting Siberian cranes, herons, and egrets.
✅ Best for canoe birdwatching tours through the backwaters.
✅ Walk through mangrove forests and spot kingfishers and woodpeckers.

 Best time to visit: November – February (peak migration season)

3. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – The Jungle Birding Spot

 Location: Thekkady, Idukki
 Best for: Forest birds, boat birding on Periyar Lake

Why Visit?

✅ A mix of evergreen forests and lake habitats, home to 200+ bird species.
✅ Spot Great Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, and Nilgiri Flycatcher.
✅ Take a boat safari for watching waterbirds like kingfishers, darters, and cormorants.

 Best time to visit: October – April

4. Silent Valley National Park – The Pristine Rainforest

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Endemic species, deep jungle birding

Why Visit?

✅ One of India’s last unspoiled rainforests, home to Lion-Tailed Macaques and rare birds.
✅ Best place to spot the Malabar Trogon, Indian Pitta, and Great Indian Hornbill.
✅ Offers guided trekking through dense forests for birdwatchers.

 Best time to visit: December – April

5. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – The Urban Birding Spot

 Location: Kochi
 Best for: Migratory shorebirds, urban wetland species

Why Visit?

✅ A hidden birding gem in the heart of Kochi, next to the Arabian Sea.
✅ Home to Black-crowned Night Herons, Little Cormorants, and Whimbrels.
✅ Ideal for quick birdwatching trips while exploring Kochi.

 Best time to visit: November – March

6. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – The Western Ghats Birding Hotspot

 Location: Wayanad
 Best for: Hill birds, migratory raptors

Why Visit?

✅ A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, home to peacocks, jungle fowls, and cuckoos.
✅ Spot Malabar Larks, Crested Serpent Eagles, and Rufous Woodpeckers.
✅ Best explored through forest jeep safaris and eco-tourism stays.

 Best time to visit: October – March

7. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary – The Offbeat Birding Destination

 Location: Kollam
 Best for: Rainforest birds, hornbill watching

Why Visit?

✅ One of Kerala’s least explored sanctuaries, rich in tropical birds.
✅ Best place for spotting four species of hornbills in one location.
✅ Offers jungle treks and boat rides along the reservoir.

 Best time to visit: November – February

8. Ponmudi Hills – The Highland Birding Spot

 Location: Thiruvananthapuram
 Best for: High-altitude birdwatching, scenic trails

Why Visit?

✅ A hill station rich in Western Ghats endemic birds.
✅ Spot Nilgiri Pipits, Black Eagles, and Pied Bushchats.
✅ Best for birding along the misty trekking trails.

 Best time to visit: October – March

9. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – The Jungle Birding Retreat

 Location: Palakkad
 Best for: Forest birds, rare owl species

Why Visit?

✅ A quiet and untouched wildlife reserve, perfect for birdwatching.
✅ Home to rare owls like the Brown Fish Owl and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl.
✅ Stay in eco-lodges and take guided safaris for deep jungle birding.

 Best time to visit: November – April

10. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Dry Forest Birding

 Location: Idukki
 Best for: Rare dry-zone birds, night birding

Why Visit?

✅ The only dry deciduous forest in Kerala, attracting unique bird species.
✅ Spot Yellow-throated Bulbuls, Painted Sandgrouse, and Jungle Nightjars.
✅ Best for offbeat birding away from tourist crowds.

 Best time to visit: November – May

Birdwatching Tips for Kerala

✅ Best Time: November – March (peak migratory season)
✅ Best Gear: Carry binoculars, a zoom lens camera, and a bird guidebook
✅ Guided Tours: Many sanctuaries offer trained naturalist-guided birdwatching walks
✅ Silent Observation: Birds are best spotted in the early morning or late afternoon

 Best Birdwatching Spots for Different Interests

✅ For Serious Birdwatchers: Thattekad, Silent Valley, Shendurney
✅ For Wetland & Migratory Birds: Kumarakom, Mangalavanam, Periyar
✅ For Offbeat Birding: Parambikulam, Ponmudi, Chinnar
✅ For High-Altitude Birds: Wayanad, Ponmudi Hills, Eravikulam