: The Nicobars 2027
Lying in the middle of the Andaman Sea, almost 1,100 kilometers to the east of Peninsular India, India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are remote from the Indian subcontinent and, in fact, closer to southern Myanmar and Indonesian Sumatra than Mainland India itself. This isolation is reflected in its avifauna, which has more similarities with the Malaysian region than the Indian subcontinent. With over 8 endemic birds on Great Nicobar, including the critically endangered Nicobar Megapode, a visit to the tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands provides not just an outstanding environment to explore but also a fabulous place to photograph birds.
Great Nicobar Island
Endemics: Nicobar Megapode / Nicobar Serpent Eagle / Nicobar Parakeet / Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher / Nicobar Hooded Pitta / Nicobar Imperial Pigeon / Nicobar Scops Owl
Others: Long-tailed Parakeet / Orange-headed Thrush / Stork-billed Kingfisher / Olive-backed Sunbird
South Andaman Island
Endemics: Andaman Coucal / Andaman Woodpecker / Andaman Treepie / Andaman Shama / Andaman Bulbul / Andaman Drongo / Andaman Teal / Andaman Flowerpecker / Andaman Boobook / Hume’s Boobook / Andaman Scops Owl / Oriental Scops Owl / Andaman Masked Owl / Andaman Nightjar
Others: Violet Cuckoo / Long-tailed Parakeet / Red-breasted Parakeet / Beach Stone Curlew
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-4, South Andaman Island (3N / 2D / 5S): Arrive in Port Blair [Overnight: Port Blair].
Days 4-5, MV Nalanda (1N / 0D / 0S): Boat to Great Nicobar Island [Overnight: MV Nalanda].
Days 5-13, Great Nicobar Island (8N / 8D / 16S): Photographic Targets: Nicobar Megapode / Nicobar Serpent Eagle / Nicobar Parakeet / Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher / Nicobar Hooded Pitta / Nicobar Imperial Pigeon / Nicobar Scops Owl / Long-tailed Parakeet / Orange-headed Thrush / Stork-billed Kingfisher / Olive-backed Sunbird [Overnight: Campbell Bay].
Days 13-14, MV Nalanda (1N, 0D / 0S): Boat to South Andaman Island [Overnight: MV Nalanda].
Days 14-15, South Andaman Island (1N / 0D / 1S): Photographic Targets: Andaman Coucal / Andaman Woodpecker / Andaman Treepie / Andaman Shama / Andaman Bulbul / Andaman Drongo / Andaman Teal / Andaman Flowerpecker / Andaman Boobook / Hume’s Boobook / Andaman Scops Owl / Oriental Scops Owl / Andaman Masked Owl / Andaman Nightjar / Violet Cuckoo / Long-tailed Parakeet / Red-breasted Parakeet [Overnight: Port Blair].
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S=Session / Half-Day]
Lobsang is an experienced guide with a first-class understanding of the needs of the bird photographer. One of India's top bird guides and currently serving as President of the Arunachal Pradesh Bird Club, Lobsang has a wealth of bird photography experience throughout India, particularly the bird-rich Himalayan region, growing up in Dirang and living not far away today in the mountains surrounding the Tenga Valley. Appointed as a Director and Shareholder of Bird-Photo-Tours Asia, Lobsang is 'India Managing Director' with particular responsibility for both India inbound and outbound Bird-Photo-Tours.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
