Description

Join butterfly expert Dr Simon Spencer for an exploration of Kerala in the South Western Ghats of Goa!

This immersive natural history tour explores the Southern Western Ghats of India, one of the world’s great biodiversity hotspots and a region of extraordinary endemism. Running parallel to India’s western coast, the Western Ghats are an ancient chain of hills whose forests, grasslands and wetlands support an astonishing array of life found nowhere else on Earth. Our journey focuses on the butterfly diversity of Kerala, particularly its many endemic and near-endemic species, while also embracing the wider wildlife, landscapes and cultural richness of the region.

The tour begins with an overnight flight from London to Kochi, followed by a relaxed transfer to Thattekkad. Nestled along the Periyar River, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary—also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary—is famed for its biological richness. Described by Salim Ali in the 1930s as the finest bird habitat in peninsular India, the remaining forest fragments still offer a vivid insight into Kerala’s original lowland evergreen forests. Over two full days we explore forest edges, wetlands and riverine habitats, as well as nearby butterfly-rich sites such as the Idamalayar Dam and Bhoothathankettu. An excursion to Urulan Thani, a precious evergreen forest patch, provides excellent chances to encounter Western Ghats endemics including Paris Peacock, Five-bar Swordtail, Malabar Banded Swallowtail and Malabar Rose, alongside a wide supporting cast of colourful species.

Continuing south, we journey into the Cardamom Hills and ascend into the misty landscapes of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This vast and scenic protected area is renowned for its forested hills, grasslands and tranquil waterways. Over three nights, we explore Periyar both on foot and by boat, the latter offering superb opportunities to observe large mammals such as Asian Elephant along the lake shores. While the reserve is famous for its Tigers, it also shelters Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur and the charismatic Lion-tailed Macaque. Butterfly diversity here is equally impressive, with species such as Tamil Catseye, Glad-eye Bush Brown and Clipper, while birdlife includes southern specialties like Malabar Trogon and Malabar Grey Hornbill.

From Periyar we travel to Munnar, a former British hill station set at around 1,500 metres above sea level and surrounded by rolling tea plantations. Nearby Eravikulam National Park protects high-altitude grasslands and shola forests, and is globally important for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. A full day here is devoted to searching for high-elevation endemic butterflies, including Red-disc Bushbrown, White Hedge Blue, Palni Fritillary and Palni Four-ring.

A dramatic shift in scenery follows as we descend into the rain-shadow landscape of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Its dry deciduous and thorn scrub forests host a distinct butterfly assemblage, including dryland species such as Crimson Tip and endemics like Nilgiri Tiger, providing a striking contrast to the lush forests visited earlier.

The final phase of the tour brings us to Kerala’s famed backwaters at Kumarakom, on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Here, butterfly watching continues around our lakeside resort, with highlights including the spectacular Southern Birdwing and Blue Mormon. The journey culminates in a full day and night aboard a traditional houseboat, drifting through palm-lined canals and villages. This tranquil finale offers a chance to absorb Kerala’s rhythms of life, savour local cuisine and reflect on an exceptional exploration of one of Asia’s richest natural regions, before returning to Kochi for the onward journey home

We hope to welcome you on this exclusive & unique trip!