Day 1. Arrive Cochin
The journey commences with your arrival at the Cochin airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the hotel. In the evening you can explore the port city on your own popular for its Portuguese architecture.
Day 2. Cochin –Thattekad
This morning have breakfast and depart for Thattekad which is the richest bird habitat in the words of Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds and is thus the best birding spot in South India. In the evening go for night birding which is quite rare activity possible here unlike all other birding spots. At night you can spot Nightjars, Frogmouths and Owls. Overnight in Thattekad.
Day 3. Thattekad
Rise early to spot several exotic and popular birds of the place that are Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Grey-headed Bulbul, White bellied Blue tailed and Rusty tailed Flycatchers, Blue faced Malkoha, Black-throated Munia and more. One need to move to Urullathany, the other end of the reserve to spot Grey headed Bulbul and Wynad Laughing Thrush, the secretive species of birds which are quite difficult to spot. Overnight in Thattekad.
Day 4. Thattekad – Periyar
Today you will proceed to one of the best kept wildlife sanctuaries of South India, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. The place is an ideal location for any wildlife enthusiast and nature lover. On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel where rest of the day is at your disposal. Enjoy your stay in the picaresque town and surreal atmosphere that will win your heart.
Day 5. Periyar
Today you will explore the Periyar wildlife sanctuary which, due to its strategic location, is extremely rich in flora and fauna. It is home to a significant population of tigers and elephants and other than those- rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison are found here. Periyar is also a dwelling place of over 320 species of birds including Yellow Brown Bulbul, Gray breasted Prinia, Jungle Owlet, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Thick-Billed Warbler, Mountain Imperial Pigeon and many more species. As you explore the wildlife sanctuary cruising in a boat, the scenic beauty of the place will lure you. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 6. Periyar – Munnar
This morning have breakfast and depart for Munnar, a popular hill station and major tea producing region of South India. You are driven through lush green valleys and hills to reach Munnar which will be a treat to your soul. On your arrival in the evening you will be transferred to the hotel to stay for the night.
Day 7. Munnar
This morning you will again set out to explore the exotic birds in their natural habitat. In the dry scrub forests of Munnar, one may spot birds like Yellow-legged Button Quail, Jungle Bush Quail, Sirkeer Malkoha, Blue-beared Bee eater, White-naped woodpecker and White-bellied Drongo. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 8. Munnar – Coonoor
Eary morning leave for birding in the grasslands of Munnar and spot Nilgiri Pipit, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Broadtailed Grassbird, Grasshopper Warbler, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon,etc. Later you will depart for Coonoor, another hill station of South India. On arrival you will be transferred to a hill resort for overnight stay.
Day 9. Coonoor – Mudumalai
Have breakfast and leave for birding in Coonoor wherein you will look for the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Rusty tailed Nilgiri Flycathers and White-bellied Shortwig. One can even record the voices of the varied bird species. From here you will be driven to Mudumalai, nestled at the foothills of Nilgiris. You will be assisted to the hotel on arrival for overnight stay.
Day 10. Mudumalai – Mysore
This morning you will leave the hotel to reach Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve is home to several endangered and vulnerable species including Royal Bengal Tigers, Gaur and Indian Leopards. There are also over 266 species of birds in the sanctuary including endangered species like Indian white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Large Cuckooshirke, Banded-bay Cuckoo, Malabar Lark and Painted Bush Quail are other birds that are found here. In the evening you will be driven to Mysore where you’ll stay overnight.
Day 11. Mysore
Early morning you will leave the hotel to visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary situated on six islets on the banks of Cauvery River. Around 120 birds have been recorded here and it is a breeding ground of many species including Herons, Oriental darter, Egret, Cormorant, Stork- billed kingfisher, Indian Shag, wolly-necked Stork and many more. Large numbers of migratory birds flock here during winter months. Later return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12. Mysore – Bangalore
Later in the morning you will be driven to Bangalore. On arrival you are free to pursue independent activities. Explore the capital city on your own and take a stroll in nearby markets to experience the local lives. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 13. Departure
You will dropped at the airport today at the appropriate time for your departure.
