Tillari, Banda, and Talkat: A Konkan Birding & Photography Haven

#BeyondMumbaiQuest Bird Photography Tour

For bird photographers seeking Western Ghat’s endemics without the long journeys to Dandeli or Thattekad, the Tillari, Banda, and Talkat regions near Sawantwadi offer an ideal alternative. Jungle Buddies Tours recently organized a #BeyondMumbaiQuest bird photography tour to this Konkan gem, showcasing its rich biodiversity and accessibility.

Beyond Mumbai Quest is an exclusive series of birding and Photography tours that take you beyond the city limits of Mumbai

Our base at Green Valley Resort in Banda provided a comfortable starting point for exploring these three key birding hotspots. The tour proved to be a remarkable experience, blending exceptional bird sightings with the warmth of local hospitality.

Day 1: An Owl Extravaganza in Banda

Our first day focused on the forests surrounding Banda, delivering an incredible owl photography session. We encountered Brown Fish Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Brown Wood Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Spotted Owlet, and Jungle Owlet, photographing a significant portion of Maharashtra’s owl species in a single session. This, coupled with sightings of Yellow-wattled Lapwing and the rare Grey-headed Bulbul, made for an unforgettable start. The coexistence of these species with the local communities was a fascinating aspect of the day.

Day 2: Tillari’s Wildlife and Nighttime Wonders

We ventured into the Tillari Conservation Reserve, a crucial wildlife corridor. The lush habitat rewarded us with sightings of Flame-throated Bulbul, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Malabar Starling, and Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike. The afternoon bird hide, set up by Vanoshi Homestay, yielded sightings of Yellow-browed Bulbul, Asian Emerald Dove, and Brown-cheeked Fulvetta. Our evening birding session near Bhide’s Homestay delivered the highlight of the day: the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, followed by a pair of Brown Wood Owls.

Day 3: Talkat’s Forest Delights and Hornbill Spectacle

Our final day took us to Talkat Vanudyan (Garden), a birding hotspot amidst dense semi-evergreen forest. The towering trees and vibrant bird calls provided an immersive experience, allowing us to photograph the Indian Blue Robin, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Tailored Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Malabar Barbet, and Grey-headed Bulbul. Our evening session back in Banda focused on hornbills, where we witnessed a breeding pair of Malabar Grey and Malabar Pied Hornbills and Vernal Hanging Parrots feeding.

The tour was a resounding success, combining exceptional bird photography opportunities with the warmth of local Malvani cuisine and the expertise of our hosts, Pravin Satoskar and Rajeev. The accessibility of Tillari, Banda, and Talkat makes them an ideal destination for those seeking a rich birding experience without venturing too far from Mumbai.