Wildlife and birds · Srikhola
Birding the Sri Khola valley at dawn
At about 1,900 m Srikhola lies in warm broadleaf forest beside a fast river, a different bird world from the ridge. Walk the bank and the road toward Rimbik at dawn for river specialists and colourful forest birds.
Start at the bridge at first light. On the rocks, look for plumbeous and white-capped redstarts, forktails and grey wagtails; brown dippers sometimes dive in the faster water. Kingfishers occasionally pass along the river.
Then walk slowly along the road toward Rimbik, where forest edges and fields alternate. Minivets, bulbuls, barbets, sunbirds and drongos are active in the early morning, and in spring cuckoos call from the slopes. The road is quiet at dawn before the first jeeps.
An hour and a half is enough before breakfast. Combine this with the walk to Rimbik if you are going on foot; you will see more birds walking than in a jeep.
Cost: Included in your guide fee
Questions people ask
Good to know
What birds can I see at Srikhola?
River birds such as redstarts, forktails, wagtails and dippers, plus forest birds like minivets, barbets, bulbuls, sunbirds and drongos. The mix differs from the high ridge, so it adds variety to a trek list.
Is walking from Srikhola to Rimbik good for birds?
Yes, especially early in the morning. The road passes forest, fields and streams, with good chances of mid-altitude birds. It takes about 2 hours on foot; go slowly with binoculars.
When is the best time for birding at Srikhola?
Early mornings from March to May for song and breeding birds, and October to November for clear weather. Dawn to about 8 am is the most active period.
Also in Srikhola