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India - Western: Forest Owlet Extension

© Jungle Owlet by Markus Lilje
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 (GBP1,284 * EUR1,466 * AUD2,450)

Single Supplement: USD250 (GBP189 * EUR216 * AUD361)

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD130 (GBP98 * EUR112 * AUD188)

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
SS, India 2018

David Hoddinott is wonderful and a great leader.

Gregory de Klerk
HS, India 2018

Greg de Klerk and David Erterius were great - super knowledgeable and really kind. You can tell that they both care about birds and their guests. I hope I can go on a Rockjumper tour with them again.

Quinton Paul Josop
GM, India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

I had a wonderful time on this tour. The group had great chemistry, the accommodations and food were excellent and we visited many beautiful places. This and much more made for a very pleasurable experience. I hadn't been with Paul before on a tour; I'll certainly be checking on his tours now. Put simply, he was excellent. In addition to his obvious birding skills, he handled all phases very efficiently, and he made sure everyone could/would see as many birds (and mammals, etc) as they could, and his outgoing, pleasant personality all added up to a very rewarding and memorable experience. The guides and many other people of India really added to our trip. They were very friendly and helpful. That added a lot to our trip. Lastly, but not least, THANK YOU to all the Rockjumper staff. They helped me with all my questions and requests. They always do this. (Side note; this was my 11th nd 12th tours with Rockjumper) Again , THANKS to all at Rockjumper.

Quinton Paul Josop
GS, India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

An excellent tour! Paul Josop lived up to our expectations for a Rockjumper guide - excellent knowledge of the birds; conscientious about getting everyone on the birds; on top of all the arrangements for meals, lodging and transportation; worked well with the local guide; and shared his excitement and good humor throughout the trip. The WhatsApp group that he set up was brilliant. He shared photos with us, as did other participants, and it was an easy way for us all to keep in touch. We would love to travel with Paul again.

Glen Valentine
DH - India 2024

We had a great tour. It was smaller even than usual, as two of the participants departed after two days due to illness. Glen, was as always his uber-keen birder, cheerful self. His magic pulled out quite a few surprising sightings.

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