Thattekad| Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Jewels of the Ghats
Three nights and four days in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, described by Dr Salim Ali as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, with wildlife photographer Phillip Ross.
The richest bird habitat in peninsular India
Dr Salim Ali described Thattekad as “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only to the Eastern Himalayas.” Officially notified in 1983, this 25 km² sanctuary hosts over 250 bird species, including the Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar trogon, black baza, flycatchers, bulbuls, Indian pitta and the oriental bay owl.
Phillip Ross, who has visited since 2015, guides participants through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and bird behaviour across the sanctuary’s trails.
What you come home with
With a small group and Thattekad’s trails at our doorstep, you are sure to have an unforgettable birding experience. The specifics include:
- Only 4 participants and 1 instructor, for individualised attention
- Single-occupancy accommodation, with all travel from Kochi included
- Comprehensive photography and wildlife understanding
- Abundant bird sightings
- Three nights and four days in premier bird habitat
- Expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross
Four days, as they run
Day1
Airport pickup (8:30 a.m. arrival requested) and a two-hour drive to Thattekad. After check-in and lunch, an afternoon birding trail near the camp, then an evening presentation on composition and animal behaviour before dinner.
Day2-3
Early morning departures for full-day guided sanctuary walks seeking the Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar trogon and black baza. Evening walks search for owls and nightjars.
We gather each day for a photography learning session and a celebratory dinner.
Day4
A breakfast meeting, checkout, and the return drive to the airport.
How much does it cost?
Individuals
INR 49,900/- per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)Pals
INR 98,800/- for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker
INR 47,900/- per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.
Inclusions
- Return road transfers (Cochin Airport ↔ Thattekad)
- Single-occupancy, basic but clean rooms
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages
- Guide fees and sanctuary entrance fees
- Photography learning and activities
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Airfare and inter-city travel
- Any extra meals and beverages ordered
- Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list
Payment Terms
100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.
Payment can be made via bank transfer to our account. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.
Cancellation Fees
- 10% outside 30 days before the tour
- 25% between 29 and 22 days before the tour
- 50% between 21 and 15 days before the tour
- 75% between 14 and 8 days before the tour
- 100% within 7 days before the tour
From the sanctuary
Have questions about this tour?
We hope you’ll find your answers here.
Who is this tour for?
Anybody above the age of 18 with a passion to learn and master photography. There are no other eligibility criteria.
How many participants can be expected to attend?
A maximum of 4 participants and 1 instructor are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the group strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!
Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?
We will be staying at a homestay on the forest’s edge, with basic but clean single-occupancy rooms and a delicious spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.
What are the requisites for the tour?
Bringing your own camera is strongly recommended. This camera should ideally be a Mirrorless or Digital SLR (DSLR) and lens with a focal length of at least 300mm to make the most out of the photography tour. In case you do not have the recommended equipment, please contact us and we will help you hire a camera or lens.
How do I register for the tour?
Fill up the form in the enquiry section below and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.
Book now!
Please submit your details, to enrol for this event. Tell us how many participants are travelling.
Plan a customised trip
If these dates don’t suit you, we’d be happy to create a customised wildlife tour around your preferred travel dates.
Whether you choose to travel independently or with one of our photography guides, we’ll arrange the best naturalists, drivers, and accommodation to match your interests and budget. With over two decades of experience in wildlife travel, we’ll ensure you enjoy an exceptional and well-planned safari experience.