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TRIP EXTENSION BIRDING TOUR

Andaman Endemic Birding Quest

06 DAYS

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BEST SEASON

November – March
Tooltip Icon The dry, pleasant weather ensures accessible, leech-free trails and optimal visibility for spotting over 25 endemic species. This season also marks the peak arrival of winter migrants, making it the ideal time to explore hotspots like Chidiya Tapu without the hassle of heavy rain.

GRADE

Moderate (Grade 2)
Tooltip Icon Graded as Moderate (Grade 2), this tour is suited for active enthusiasts rather than casual sightseers. Expect 4–7 hours of daily activity including early starts and night birding across uneven terrain like forest interiors and foothills, offering a far more immersive experience than a standard leisurely trip.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

AVAILABILITY

Space Available
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09 DAYS Request Quote

BEST SEASON

Spring
Tooltip Icon Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for a red panda tour. These periods provide mild weather (10-20°C), minimal rain, clearer visibility for spotting elusive red pandas in bamboo forests, and active animal behavior without monsoon disruptions or winter snow.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

GRADE

Moderate
Tooltip Icon This level balances moderate daily hikes (4-6 hours on uneven trails up to 3,500m elevation), road travel between sites, and wildlife spotting efforts, suitable for fit travelers with some hiking experience.

AVAILABILITY

Space Available
Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis)
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Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Or call us: +975 17 11 96 64

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Trip Overview

The South Andaman Endemic Birding Quest is a thoughtfully planned birding journey focusing on the distinctive avifauna of South Andaman, a region celebrated for its high level of endemism. The itinerary is designed to cover a wide range of key habitats while allowing flexibility to respond to weather conditions and bird activity.

Based in Port Blair, the tour explores evergreen forest interiors, secondary woodland, wetlands, coastal areas, and forest-edge habitats. Repeated visits to selected sites enhance opportunities for observing both common and elusive species. The program includes early morning birding sessions as well as carefully timed evening walks, offering a balanced mix of diurnal and nocturnal observation.

With a strong emphasis on Andaman endemic species, the tour is led by experienced local naturalists who follow ethical, low-impact birding practices. This journey is ideal for birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a focused yet immersive experience in one of India’s most unique island ecosystems.

Please note:

The itineraries featured on our website are intended as general outlines. Should you be interested in this tour, we would be pleased to provide a detailed itinerary and cost breakdown upon request

Trip Highlights

A Ruddy Kingfisher perched in a mangrove thicket during an Andaman birding tour.
Request Detail Itineray
  • Dedicated focus on Andaman’s endemic bird species, with excellent chances to observe rare and localized taxa.
  • Carefully designed itinerary covering evergreen forests, wetlands, coastal zones, and forest-edge habitats.
  • Repeated visits to productive birding sites to maximize sightings and photographic opportunities.
  • Well-balanced schedule combining early-morning birding with strategic evening and nocturnal sessions.
  • Flexible program allowing adjustments based on weather conditions and bird activity.
  • Guided by experienced local naturalists following ethical, low-impact birding practices.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair | Chidiya Tapu Forest

Arrive in Port Blair and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we begin birding in the forested landscapes of Chidiya Tapu, a productive area for South Andaman endemics.

Key Species: Andaman Treepie, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Shama, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Coucal, White-headed Starling, Andaman Wood Pigeon, Ornate Sunbird, Pacific Reef Heron

Evening: Introductory nocturnal birding before dinner

Overnight: Port Blair
Day 2: Kalatang Forest | Evergreen Forest Specialists

An early start takes us to Kalatang Forest, characterized by dense evergreen vegetation and quiet forest interiors. The morning focuses on rare and localized species, followed by relaxed birding along forest edges.

Key Species:Andaman Crake, Andaman Cuckooshrike, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, Freckled Woodpecker, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Wood Pigeon.

Evening: Night birding in nearby forest blocks.

Overnight: Port Blair
Day 3: Sippighat Wetlands | Wetland & Coastal Birds

Today is dedicated to Sippighat Wetlands, an important freshwater and brackish habitat supporting endemic and migratory species.

Key Species:Andaman Teal, Pacific Golden Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, Pacific Swallow, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Striated Heron

Evening: Nocturnal birding along wetland edges and secondary forest

Overnight: Port Blair
Day 4: Mount Harriet Foothills | Forest Elevation Gradient

We explore forested slopes and foothills near Mount Harriet National Park, covering a slightly different elevation range and habitat structure.

Key Species: Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Flowerpecker, Asian Fairy Bluebird

Evening: Focused owl and nightjar survey

Overnight: Port Blair
Day 5: Flexible Birding Day | Target Species Mop-Up
This day remains flexible, allowing us to revisit the most productive locations based on earlier sightings. The focus is on securing remaining endemic targets and improving views of key species.

Possible Species: Andaman Crake, Andaman Nightjar, Andaman Scops Owl, Andaman Hawk-Owl, Andaman Masked Owl

Evening: Final night birding session

Overnight: Port Blair
Day 6: Departure from Port Blair
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward travel.

What to Expect

This is an immersive wildlife experience designed for dedicated nature enthusiasts. Expect a “Moderate” activity level with early pre-dawn starts to catch morning activity and late evening sessions for nocturnal species. The pace is focused but flexible, allowing us to maximize time in the field to secure sightings of the region’s 25+ unique endemic birds.

The tour centers around South Andaman, a tropical island ecosystem characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures. While we base ourselves in Port Blair, daily excursions involve travel to locations like Chidiya Tapu and Mount Harriet. Be prepared for walking on uneven forest trails, which can be slippery or muddy, especially in dense evergreen sections.

Sightings in the dense rainforests of Andaman require patience and silence. While some endemics like the Andaman Treepie are vocal and bold, others like the Andaman Crake or Hume’s Hawk Owl are elusive and secretive. Our guides use ethical tracking methods to find them, but sightings often depend on weather conditions and bird activity on any given day.

Unlike remote expeditions that require moving camps, this tour utilizes a comfortable, centrally located hotel in Port Blair as a base for all 5 nights. This “hub-and-spoke” style offers the convenience of modern amenities (AC, Wi-Fi, hot water) and eliminates the hassle of daily packing and unpacking, allowing you to relax fully after long days in the field.

Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Off to Bhutan” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.
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Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.
View Bird Sounds