NILGIRIS THE MOST POPULAR BIRDING LOCATION.
Western Ghat range of Nilgiris, as a whole is considered to be the best place for Birding and Bird Photography. Yet, we give a detailed account of the most popular birding locations in Nilgiris, here, in this blog.
‘ Nilgiris ’ range is known for its rich, abundant and greeny flora and expansive as well as diverse fauna. This wonderful area also offers picturesque & breathtaking scenic spots and rich bio diversity together.
These area also offers unending possibilities of sighting endemic birds both native and migrated, endangered species as well as native mammals, we may come across along our birding tour within the Nilgiris range.
Placed along side is a collage of few birds photographed at different locations of Nilgiris. (viz, Asian Fairy Blue Bird, Oriental White Eye, Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Flycatcher (f), Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White Bellied Blue Fly catcher, Flame Throated Bulbul, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.
So, its only worthwhile to mention that of all the places in Southern India, Nilgiris occupies the primary spot as the most popular birding locations for Bird watching and Bird Photography.
Placed along side is a collage of images of Brown Fish Owl, Crested Goshawk, Tree Swift and Brown Wood owl captured near Kotagiri, in Nilgiris Dist. Tamil Nadu.
THE MOST POPULAR LOCATIONS FOR BIRDING IN NILGIRIS
Based on our experience as birders and bird photographers, the following locations are considered as the most popular for Birding in Nilgiris.
Viz., Kotagiri, Coonoor and Ooty, the three Hill Stations of Nilgiris. Specific locations are given below
More specifically Kallar, Maamaram, Kunjappanai, Mullur, Sethupettai, Longerwood shola and Catherine Falls areas along the Mettuppalayam – Kotagiri Road. Orasolai, kattabettu, Bettati, Nadduhatti, Ellithorai and Sims Park areas along the Kotagiri – Coonoor Road . Bandi shola, Billikombai, Kenathorai, Attabettu and Dhottabetta along the Kotagiri – Coonoor – Dhottabetta Road and Aracode, Kokode in Kil Kotagiri are the specific areas for birding, worthwhile to mention.
Placed along side is a collage of Images of Banded Bay Cuckoo, Emerald Dove, Dark-fronted Babbler, Sq Tailed Bulbul, Indian Yellow Tit, Indian Scimitar Babbler and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, photographed at various locations in and around Conoor and Kotagiri. ( Photographed by ‘ Narain ‘ )
The Botanical Garden in Ooty and Sims Park in Coonoor are the two hotspots for bird photographers. Sims Park offers excellent opportunities for a calm and satisfied Birding and Bird Photography experience, than the former.
Sims Park collects an entry fee of Rs.30/ and they also collect a fee for cameras ( Presently Rs. 30/ for still and 150/ for video cameras ). The parks opens at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM. With a special permission from the Sims Park Admin, it is possible to venture into the park much early, specially for Birding and Bird Photography
Placed along side is a collage of images of Yellow Browed Bulbul, Cinereous Tit, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Nilgiri Sholaikili, Kashmiri Flycatcher & Nilgiri Flycatcher photographed at various locations in Nilgiris. ( photographed by Narain )
PROMISING BIRDS LIST OF NILGIRIS
Here comes the comprehensive list.
Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black and orange Flycatcher, While Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Bar winged Flycatcher, Nilgiri Thrush, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Asian Fairy Blue Bird, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Nilgiri Sholai Kili , Indian Blue Robin, Scaly Breasted Munia, Red Avadavat, Cinereous Tit, Himalayan Black Lored Tit, Indian Yellow Tit, Golden fronted Leaf Bird, Black Bird, Oriental White Eye, Dark-fronted Babblers, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Puff throated Babbler, Malabar parakeets, Vernal Hanging parakeets , Malabar Trogons, Indian great hornbill, Yellow Browed Bulbul, Flame Throated Bulbul, Jungle Myna, Lesser Hill Myna, Tree Swift, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Emeral Dove, Painted Bush Quail, Minivets, Copper smith Barbets, Malabar Barbets, Velvet-fronted Nuthach, Brown Fish Owl, Brown Wood Owl, Crested Hawk Eagle, Goshawk, & many more.
While doing a birding tour, nothing prohibits us to take a good shot of the mammals and other species that come across.
The list may include:
Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Elephants, Indian Gaur, Leopard, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri langur , Slender Loris and Martens etc.,
( Photos by ‘narain’ )
BEST SEASON TO VISIT:
Entire Nilgiris offers wonderful opportunities for travel and touring through out the year. However, we can avoid the rainy months of June to August and November. Remaining period in a year, gives us an amazing birding experience. This is the period we can explore the areas to locate the winter visitors too.
HOW TO REACH.
The so called popular birding locations in Nilgiris , mentioned above are situated in the three hill stations namely Kotagiri, Coonoor and Ooty . For people coming from Karnataka they can reach Ooty via Mysore. The people from Kerala either via Coimbatore or Calicut they can reach.
For the tourists coming from Coimbatore, they have to reach Mettuppalayam. From there they can approach Kotagiri, Coonoor and Ooty.
Coimbatore is the nearest Airport, situated at around 40 kms, in one hour drive to Mettuppalayam.
Coonoor and Kotagiri lies within 35 KMs ( appx., one hour drive ) from Mettuplayam. Ooty lies within 25 Kms from Coonoor and Kotagiri through 2 different routes.
Engaging a well known and well informed guide will provide us a satisfying Birding and Bird photography experience.
WHERE TO STAY?
These days quite a number of resorts, home stays and hotels with restaurants are available. It would be advisable to go through the Hotels’ review and have your own choice.
WHOM TO CONTACT.
Several local guides and birders are there to help you around. Please check the authenticity before booking. In case of need please contact us for more information, through emailing system details given in our contact page.
WHAT IS IN YOUR BAG:
This is an important area. Make out a list of essential items ( other than the Camera, lenses, tripod and Bino ). It can include medicines, appropriate dress , sweat shirts & woolen garments to bear the chill and what not !
A long zoom lens for the Bird Photography and a wide angle for the Landscape would be the ideal choice.
Once again a cautionary note: Do not carry any plastic item in your bag. Your bags will be subjected to search at the Local check posts in the Nilgiris.
To CONCLUDE:
Before ending, we wish you an amazing Birding and Bird Photography experience, in the Most Popular Birding Locations of Nilgiris.
Please share this Blog’s link to your friends and remember to offer your valuable comments too.
Have a satisfied Birding Trip.