Birdwatching Across Kerala
Ernakulam • Munnar • Thekkady • Alleppey
Our Kerala Birdwatching Journey
Kerala is often celebrated for its tea plantations, backwaters and wildlife, but for bird lovers it offers something equally special. Our journey began in Ernakulam before climbing into the cool hills of Munnar, continuing through the forests of Thekkady and ending in the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey. Every destination introduced a different habitat, and with it a different collection of birds.
We never planned this as a dedicated birding expedition. The camera was always ready during roadside stops, morning walks, boat rides and forest drives. Some birds appeared only for a few seconds, while others patiently posed long enough for memorable photographs. This gallery is a collection of those moments.
From graceful egrets standing motionless in shallow water to colourful kingfishers and soaring Brahminy Kites, Kerala reminded us that wildlife can be found almost everywhere if you slow down and observe carefully.
About this Bird
Brahminy Kite – One of Kerala’s most iconic birds of prey, commonly seen soaring above rivers, lakes and coastal backwaters.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes & coast • Diet: Fish, crabs & carrion
Brahminy Kite
A soaring bird of prey photographed during our Kerala road trip.
Story from the Wild
Often seen circling silently above Kerala’s rivers and backwaters, the Brahminy Kite is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger that thrives wherever water meets open skies.
Did You Know?
Its striking chestnut body and white head make it one of India’s easiest raptors to identify.
Little Cormorant
Resting after fishing in Kerala’s wetlands.
Story from the Wild
This expert diver disappears underwater for several seconds before surfacing with a fish, then spreads its wings to dry in the sun.
Did You Know?
Unlike ducks, its feathers are not completely waterproof, helping it dive deeper.
Egrets
Elegant white wading birds in the wetlands.
Story from the Wild
These elegant hunters move with remarkable patience, waiting motionless before striking at fish or frogs.
Did You Know?
They often follow grazing animals to catch insects disturbed by their movement.
Red-whiskered Bulbul
A colourful garden bird commonly seen in Kerala.
Story from the Wild
Red-whiskered Bulbul was often the lead singer. Its energetic movements and melodious calls added life to quiet mornings in the hills and gardens.
Did You Know?
Its cheerful calls are commonly heard around villages and forest edges.
Pond Heron
Patiently waiting for prey near the water.
Story from the Wild
Perfect camouflage allows it to blend into muddy banks until prey comes within reach.
Did You Know?
When it flies, its bright white wings surprise many first-time observers.
Great Egret
Graceful and elegant along the water’s edge.
Story from the Wild
A graceful wetland specialist, it relies on slow deliberate movements to catch fish.
Did You Know?
It can remain perfectly still for several minutes.
Purple-rumped Sunbird
A tiny nectar-feeding bird among the foliage.
Story from the Wild
This tiny nectar feeder darts rapidly between flowers, helping pollinate many native plants.
Did You Know?
Despite its size, it fiercely defends flowering trees.
Brahminy Kite
Scanning the landscape from above.
Story from the Wild
Often seen circling silently above Kerala’s rivers and backwaters, the Brahminy Kite is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger that thrives wherever water meets open skies.
Did You Know?
Its striking chestnut body and white head make it one of India’s easiest raptors to identify.
Brahminy Kite
Another memorable sighting during the journey.
Story from the Wild
Often seen circling silently above Kerala’s rivers and backwaters, the Brahminy Kite is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger that thrives wherever water meets open skies.
Did You Know?
Its striking chestnut body and white head make it one of India’s easiest raptors to identify.
White-throated Kingfisher
One of Kerala’s most colourful birds.
Story from the Wild
Not restricted to water, it hunts insects, lizards and even small snakes from exposed perches.
Did You Know?
Its brilliant blue wings flash vividly in flight.
Indian Pond Heron
Perfect camouflage near the wetland.
Story from the Wild
Frequently overlooked because of its camouflage, it becomes dazzling white when airborne.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most widespread herons in India.
Indian Pond Heron
Another beautiful wetland encounter.
Plan the Journey
For the complete itinerary covering Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar and Alleppey, visit TravelOnTales.
Bird Photography in Kerala
One of the biggest lessons from this journey was that patience matters more than expensive equipment. Early mornings provided the best light, while wetlands and forest edges rewarded us with repeated sightings. Moving slowly, keeping a respectful distance and allowing birds to behave naturally resulted in much stronger photographs than trying to approach too closely.
Why Kerala is a Paradise for Bird Lovers
Within a single road trip you can experience mountain forests, tea gardens, freshwater lakes, rivers and coastal backwaters. Each ecosystem supports different birdlife, making Kerala one of India’s most rewarding destinations for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Planning the Same Route?
Our complete Kerala itinerary covers the route from Ernakulam → Munnar → Thekkady → Periyar Boat Safari → Gavi Safari → Alleppey Houseboat, including travel tips, wildlife experiences and photography highlights.
Read the Complete Kerala Travel Guide on TravelOnTales →
Final Thoughts
These photographs represent more than individual bird sightings—they capture the quiet moments that make travelling through Kerala unforgettable. Whether you are an experienced birder or simply enjoy spending time in nature, keep your camera ready and your eyes open. The next memorable photograph could be waiting around the very next bend in the road.