Birds Murmur Camp, Thattekad

Unspoilt, understated, and utterly quiet (save for the call of the birds), this eco-friendly camp is a very atmospheric place to stay.

Deep within Thattekad on the banks of the Periyar River, the location is a rural idyll home to over 500 species of rare and endemic birds (yes, really!). Take to the water by hopping into a kayak or opting for a bamboo raft to drift down the river and see the wildlife flitting about you.

The tented camp itself is simple but has everything you need. There’s a communal area for dining and swapping stories with fellow guests and just 8 bedrooms, which all come with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.

You’ll feel totally immersed in Keralan countryside here, as Birds Murmur Camp offers rural rambles to the surrounding villages and pineapple plantations, giving you insights into the local community that lives off the land. During this excursion, you’ll also spot birds along the way, and you can choose to have a naturalist accompany you if you’d like to learn from them en route.