Overview
Birdwatching in Andaman is a special experience because so many of the islands' birds are found nowhere else. Isolated for millions of years, the archipelago is home to endemic species and subspecies such as the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, Andaman serpent eagle, Andaman coucal, Andaman treepie and Andaman wood pigeon, along with kingfishers, sunbirds, parakeets and migratory shorebirds in winter.
Our birdwatching walks start early, when the forest is cool and birds are most active. Depending on your base and the season, we visit places such as Chidiyatapu, the forested trails of Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park, wetland edges near Sippighat and quiet mangrove fringes. Your naturalist knows the calls, the feeding trees and the habits of each species, and helps you find and identify what is around.
Good birding is about patience and silence rather than ticking off a list. We keep groups very small, move slowly, never use playback calls to lure birds and keep a respectful distance from nests. Sightings are never promised, but even a quiet morning brings rich sounds, beautiful light and a deeper understanding of island ecology. Binoculars and a field checklist are provided.
Highlights
- Endemic birds
- Naturalist guide
- Early morning
What to Expect
- An early pickup and a short briefing on the species you might encounter.
- A slow, guided walk along forest edges, trails or wetlands.
- Help with spotting and identifying birds by sight and call.
- Quiet breaks for photography and a flask of tea or coffee.
- A shared checklist of what was seen and heard at the end.
Location
Chidiyatapu, Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park, Sippighat wetlands and mangrove fringes in South Andaman, or forest edges on Swaraj Dweep, chosen for the season and permissions.
Duration
About three to four hours, starting around sunrise.
What's Included
- Naturalist birding guide
- Binoculars to borrow
- Field checklist of Andaman birds
- Tea, coffee and a light snack
- Transfers from your stay in South Andaman
Best For
Birders, photographers and curious beginners.
Rewarding for experienced birders looking for endemics and for beginners who simply enjoy nature. Photographers should tell us their gear so we can plan the light and pace.
Best Time
November to April is best, with settled weather and winter migrants. Early mornings are most productive all year.
Permissions & Availability
Birdwatching is subject to permissions, sea conditions and host availability. National park trails have opening hours and entry fees, and some areas may close for maintenance or weather. We plan around them.
We confirm every element a day or two before you travel and keep you informed if plans need to change. Safety, local rules and our hosts' wishes always come first.
Responsible Travel
Birdwatching follows our responsible travel promise. We keep groups small, use established routes and permitted locations, pay hosts fairly and leave every place as we found it. We never promise wildlife sightings, and we never market, visit or photograph the islands' indigenous communities, whose privacy and protected status we fully respect.
Please carry a refillable bottle, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or wildlife and ask before photographing people.
Gallery
Sample itinerary
- 05:45
Early pickup
Leave in the cool before sunrise.
- 06:15
Forest edge
First light is the best time for endemic birds.
- 07:30
Trail walk
A slow walk with frequent stops to listen.
- 08:30
Tea in the field
A flask of tea and a look through the checklist.
- 09:30
Wetland or coast
A final stop for waders and kingfishers.
Sample itinerary – final plan depends on permissions, sea conditions and host availability.
FAQs
Which endemic birds can be seen in Andaman?
Species such as the Andaman woodpecker, drongo, serpent eagle, coucal, treepie and wood pigeon live in the islands. What you see varies, and no sighting is ever promised.
Where is the best birdwatching in Andaman?
Chidiyatapu, Mount Harriet National Park and wetlands such as Sippighat are good places to start. Your guide chooses based on season and conditions.
Do I need my own binoculars?
No, we lend binoculars, though you are welcome to bring your own.
Is the walk difficult?
Most walks are easy to moderate on forest trails or roads, at a slow pace with frequent stops.
How much does birdwatching cost?
Price on request. It depends on the location, duration and group size, and we send a clear quote.