Welcome—my name is Jacob, a professional birding guide born and raised in the lush forests surrounding Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, widely regarded as one of the finest birding destinations in India and a true jewel of the biodiverse Western Ghats.
Birding has been part of my life since childhood. Over the past 16 years, I have dedicated myself to studying the birds, habitats, and seasonal rhythms of this remarkable landscape. Today, I specialize in offering private and personalized birdwatching tours for international birders, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife travelers seeking an immersive experience in South India’s tropical rainforests.
My guiding style combines deep local knowledge, patient fieldcraft, and a refined approach to hospitality. Having spent thousands of hours in these forests, I understand the subtle calls, feeding movements, nesting behaviors, and hidden microhabitats that often lead to exceptional sightings. From iconic Western Ghats endemics such as the Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon to elusive nocturnal species encountered during night excursions, every tour is carefully designed to maximize meaningful wildlife encounters.
Beyond bird identification, I focus on creating a relaxed and rewarding experience tailored to each guest’s interests and pace. Whether you are an experienced birder with a target species list, a wildlife photographer searching for unique rainforest subjects, or a beginner hoping to enjoy the beauty of tropical birdlife, every outing is customized with attention to detail and genuine care.
My tours often include quiet early-morning forest walks, riverside birding sessions, rainforest photography opportunities, hide-based observation, and carefully planned night birding excursions. I also assist guests with accommodation arrangements, local logistics, and personalized itineraries combining destinations such as Munnar, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and other important birding regions across Kerala and the Western Ghats.
What makes birding in Thattekkad truly special is not only the diversity of species, but the experience of being immersed in an ancient rainforest ecosystem filled with sound, movement, and life. My goal is to help guests connect deeply with this environment—to observe birds naturally, understand their ecology and behavior, and appreciate the fragile ecosystems that support them.
For those who value expertise, authenticity, comfort, and a truly local perspective, I warmly invite you to explore Thattekkad with a guide who has spent a lifetime learning its forests.
