This trip took place in November 2010 and was based around several academic commitments with a follow-up tour of the Western Ghats and South India. The entire trip was organised very efficiently by P L Worldways Ltd http://www.plworldways.com) We arrived in Thiruvananthapuram from London and stayed two nights, which allowed sufficient time to visit Neyyar Dam and the coast at Kovalam. A boat trip at Neyyar allowed first viewings of some birds and animals. The next part of the trip involved a transfer by train to Madurai for a conference and three nights in this large city. Following this a short journey took us to Kalasalingam University for a further night and a second conference. Once the business aspect of the trip was completed transfer by road took us into the mountains and the resort of Kodaikanal for three nights. Despite the often heavy mist we were able to trek through the Palni Hills around the village of Pallangi in good weather and see a variety of birds. Our next destination was the extensive tea plantations of Munnar at slightly lower altitude. Visits to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Anamudi Shola National Park were very successful, although the second was somewhat marred by heavy rainfall. Three nights in Munnar was followed by two nights at Thekkady in Periyar National Park. The park proved very productive for birds, partly due to a chance encounter with a group of very knowledgeable Indian birders, although sightings of large animals were fleeting and distant. We then moved on to the Kerala Backwaters at Kumarakom where a short trip on a houseboat brought us close to a number of spectacular birds. To round off the trip we spent a night in Fort Cochin and participated in the sightseeing round of Chinese Fishing Nets, Kathakali etc. Leaving Cochin by train we returned to Thiruvananthapuram for our flights home.