On the banks of the Periyar River in the state of Kerala, Thattekad is South India’s top bird reserve, with a wealth of forest as well as water species present. Among them are the elusive Sri Lankan frogmouth, white-bellied treepie, Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeets, Wayanad laughingthrushes and the vibrant Malabar trogon.

Accommodation is in luxurious camps sited along the riverfront, and safaris are conducted on foot, by boat and kayak.