India - Western: Forest Owlet Extension 2026

28 Feb 2026 - 03 Mar 2026 (4 days)

USD1,695 3 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Tour Price (Per person): USD1,695 (GBP1,300 * EUR1,481 * AUD2,597)

Single Supplement: USD250 (GBP192 * EUR218 * AUD383)

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD130 (GBP100 * EUR114 * AUD199)

The main purpose of this short extension is to visit Tansa Forest where we shall search for the recently rediscovered Forest Owlet. Long feared extinct, it was rediscovered in 1997 and has since been found in a handful of areas of central India. It was very recently found in this forest, which now offers the most accessible viewing of this species. In addition to this fascinating diurnal owl, we can look for a few other specialties which may include the very localized Vigor’s Sunbird, along with possibilities for Malabar Trogon, Mottled Wood Owl and Jerdon’s Leafbird amongst many others in this lush deciduous forest.

 

Top Birds

Forest Owlet; Vigors's & Loten's Sunbird; Jerdon’s & Golden-fronted Leafbirds; Pale-billed Flowerpecker; Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher; Malabar Lark; White-naped Woodpecker; White-eyed Buzzard; Blue-winged Parakeet; Indian Paradise Flycatcher.

Habitats Covered

deciduous woodland

Expected Climate

warm to hot, with cooler nights

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

moderate, some long drives

Accommodation

comfortable

Ease of Birding

mostly unchallenging

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
FG, India 2018

David Hoddinott was at his best even on new grounds full of lifers.

Glen Valentine
BG, Pvt Castleman India

This was a great trip. A terrific itinerary and we saw lots of birds and we saw tigers at Ranthambhore and Corbett. Glen and [the local leader] were excellent guides—great spotting skills, and they made sure everyone saw the bird. The logistics worked very well because Glen and [the local leader] were a great team.

David Hoddinott
PJ, Andaman Islands 2018

The Andaman Islands were a first for RockJumper and a first for David Hoddinott. It was an incredible experience and also exciting to share the first of all new endemics  with David .

Stephan Lorenz
LC & PD, Northern India 2017

We had a wonderful trip with Rich Lindie and Stephan Lorenz, and we would certainly be happy to travel with either of them again. They were both excellent with the birds, had a great sense of humour, and were helpful and patient when individuals required extra assistance. In addition to the birding, we enjoyed a long list of mammals sighted in the various national parks. The accommodations and meals were also very good.

David Hoddinott
LB - India 2019

To David Hoddinott with many thanks. In my book, you are still the best guide I’ve ever birded with. Please give my regards to the office team. I am very proud to be part of the Rockjumper Family.

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