Endemics Birding Tour of South India

Package Overview

06-0430-09

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Cochin

  On arrival our representative will greet you at the Cochin airport and then transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room. Explore the rest of the day at your own leisure by moving around on the local several quaint spots. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 2 : Cochin

  Morning after breakfast a half day tour is planned for you which includes Fort Kochi which is the oldest European settlement in India (1500), and has a mixture of English, Dutch and Portuguese influence. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, but extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later earned it the name the Dutch Palace. It has some of the best murals in India, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other great legends. On our tour we visit the Jew town synagogue where Kochi's surviving Jewish community come to worship. Nearby are the interesting cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets.
  In the early evening we see a performance of Kathakali, which is thought by some to be the very essence of the culture of Kerala. Its origins may have come from traditional temple rituals and from an art form known as Koodiyattam. It is the face make up which makes this dancing so unique. The dancers can take up to three hours painting their faces - the features are heavily emphasised as it is the facial expressions and coordinated eye movements which are important in the dance. The dances usually portray events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, great Indian epics. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Hotspots : Mattancherry Palace, Kathakali, Dutch Palace

• Day 3 : Cochin - Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

  In the morning after breakfast drive to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (approx. 65kms / 02 hours). Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This is the prime birding destination in South India. Specialties here include Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Red Spurfowl, Bay Owl, Rufous Babbler, Blue-faced Malkoha, Brown-breasted, White-bellied Blue-tailed and Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, Grey-headed Bulbul and Wynad Laughing Thrush. Moreover, Thattekkad is ideal for seeing a good number of the 16 endemics of the Western Ghats. The more difficult birds are Wynad Laughing Thrush and Grey-headed Bulbul. Proceed to Orullathany, at one end of the reserve for the Bulbul and Laughing Thrush. Overnight at the lodge.

• Day 4 : Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

  Morning after breakfast, visit Edamalayar Power Plant land and the South side of the river for the owls, Streak-throated Woodpecker and Yellow-billed Babbler. Other notable species likely to be seen within the Reserve are Red Spurfowl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Blue-faced Malkoha, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied and Heart-spotted Woodpeckers, Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Treepie and Black-throated Munia. Overnight at the lodge.

• Day 5 : Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Periyar

  In the morning after breakfast drive to Periyar (approx. 125kms / 04 hours). Periyar is well located as a centre for seeing most of these ornithological specialties of the Western Ghats, as well as large numbers of other resident hill species and migrants. In deciduous forest around Thekkady the commonest species in mixed foraging flocks are, in descending order Racket-tailed Drongo, Scarlet Minivet, Velvet fronted Nuthatch, Bronzed Drongo, Grey Tit, Golden-back Woodpeckers, White-bellied Tree Pie, Jungle Babbler, Indian Rufous Tree Pie, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Large Wood Shrike, Ashy Drongo, Small Minivet, Gold-fronted Chloropsis, Small Green Barbet, Flower peckers. Other common members includes Orioles, Fairy Bluebird, Leaf Warbler Flycatchers and Quaker Babbler. Very few species recorded in the sanctuary cannot be find at one time or another seen in the Tourist Zone, though it is necessary to climb to the grassy hilltops to find some birds such as Brown Rock Pipit and Pied Bush Chat. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 6 : Periyar - Munnar

  In the morning after breakfast drive to Munnar (approx. 110kms / 04 hours). Munnar is a hill station at the altitude above 1600m above MSL means an agreeable climate throughout the year, though in December-January the temperatures can fall to the single digits. The rain fall of over 300cm is recorded mainly during June to September. The shola-grassland eco- system so typical of Munnar is home to large numbers of birds, many of them endemic.
  Upon arrival check-in at your hotel and later start your birding tour with beautiful sightings of endemics like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, Grey-headed Bulbul, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Broad tailed Grassbird, Crimson backed Sunbird, Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Indian Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Shortwing, White-bellied Treepie & the Wyanad Laughing Thrush can be the highlights of a birding trip to Munnar & surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Themes : Hill Stations & Valleys

• Day 7 : Munnar

  Morning after breakfast visit Eravikulam National Park which is a plateau at an average height of 6500 feet, about 30kms from Munnar, high up in the mountains of Western Ghats. This park was originally established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), which found its way into the endangered list of animals in the Wildlife schedule. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq. kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas. Enroute visit Kundala Lake, Echo Point, View Point & green carpet of Tea Gardens. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 8 : Munnar - Top Slip

  Today we will start very early morning with our packed breakfast to Top Slip to visit Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 130kms / 04 hours) which is situated in the Anamalai Hills and is one of the best natural history locations in southern India. The Shola forests and diverse habitats of the National Park warrant a thorough exploration and you will be spending the remainder of the day and the next, following a variety of trails in search of the very special birds and mammals that inhabit Top Slip.
  Upon arrival check-in at your lodge having basic facility but it is important to be able to take advantage of the morning and late afternoon periods when wildlife is most active. Although best known for its birdlife, the National Park boasts a very impressive mammal population including both Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur. Larger herbivores are also present and Indian Elephant, Sambar, Chital and Gaur have all been recorded in the Park. Overnight at the lodge.

• Day 9 : Top Slip - Ooty

  Today early morning explore the wildlife in surrounding area. After breakfast drive to Ooty (approx. 180kms / 05 hours). Upon arrival check-in at your hotel and later explore the local area for Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Common Wood shrike and Blue-winged Leaf birds, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Malabar Parakeet, Greenish Warbler and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. Black-throated Munia, Dark-throated and Tawny-bellied Babblers, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Rufous Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Nilgiri Laughing-thrush, Black-and orange Flycatcher, Greater Flame backs and Great Tit, Eurasian Blackbird etc. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 10 : Ooty - Mudumalai National Park

  Today morning after breakfast, proceed for Ooty sightseeing, major attractions of Ooty are Botanical Garden, a stylish garden bordering immense variety of flowering bushes, flowers, plants, fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids, a clear pool are some of the highlights of this garden. "The Dodabetta Peak is located at an altitude of 2,623 meters and is the highest point of Nilgiris hills.
  Later drive to Mudumalai National Park (approx. 45kms / 01 ½ hours). After clearing check-in formalities at the entry gate (Karnataka - Tamil Naidu Border) we will enter to the national park. Mudumalai is an ideal home to several endangered and vulnerable species nestling Indian elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard. There is a high diversity of animal life in the sanctuary with about 50 species of fishes, 21 species of amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds and 55 species of mammals.
  Mudumalai is rich in bird life and many of the regions endemics can be seen on a trip to the Park. It is a good place to see Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Pied and Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, The Crested variety of the Changeable Hawk Eagle, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Indian Swiftlet, Jerdon’s Bushlark, White-bellied Drongo, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Rufous Babbler, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Indian Scimitar Babbler and Malabar Trogon. The road to Mudumalai is good for White-bellied Minivet, Grey-headed Bulbul, Malabar Lark and Malabar Whistling Lark.
  Upon arrival check-in at the forest lodge and relax amidst the comforts of your room. Evening explore the beauty of the surroundings with the chirping and singing of birds. Overnight at the forest lodge.

• Day 11 : Mudumalai National Park

  Today after breakfast, we will again get ready for wildlife exploration & birding within the periphery of the national park. This we will be on foot and will be doing a guided walk to explore its amazing wildlife. Later in the evening return to the lodge. Evening enjoy the activities offered by the lodge. Overnight at the forest lodge.

• Day 12 : Mudumalai National Park – Bandipur - Nagarhole National Park

  Today we will wake a little early and get ready to explore Bandipur National Park by jeep safari. Bandipur is home to Leopard, Asiatic Wild Dogs, Stripped Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats, Rusty Spotted Cats, Palm Civet, Otters and four different species of Mongooses (the common stripe necked, brown and ruddy mongooses) and various species of birds and mammals.
  After enjoying wildlife safari, we will drive to Nagarhole National Park (approx. 130kms / 03 hours). Nagarhole comprises a varied selection of habitats, dominated by extensive dry deciduous forests. Raptors include Black-winged Kite, Shikra, Changeable Hawk-eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and Osprey. The area is home to the endemic Grey Jungle fowl, Common Peafowl, Asian Koel, Plum headed Parakeet, the endemic Malabar Parakeet, Spotted Owlet, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Indian Swiftlet, White-cheeked Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Malabar Lark, and two types of shrikes: Bay-backed and Brown.
  You’ll also be on the look-out for many other bird species, including: White-bellied, Ashy, Bronzed and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Chestnut-tailed and Brahminy Starlings, Southern Hill Myna, Rufous Treepie, Large and Black-headed Cuckoo-shrikes, Small Minivet, Common Iora, Yellow-billed Babbler, Common Tailorbird, Blyth’s Reed, Green and Greenish Warblers, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Indian Robin, Paddyfield Pipit, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Purple-rumped and Purple Sunbirds, and Chestnut-shouldered (or Yellow-throated) Sparrow. Overnight at the forest lodge.

  • Hotspots : Bandipur National Park
  • Themes : Wildlife Safari

• Day 13 : Nagarhole National Park

  Today we will enjoy morning and afternoon safari at Nagarhole National park. Nagarhole National Parks are a haven for mammals, though seeing the resident creatures requires a good deal of luck, especially as a third of the total area of these parks is designated a Wilderness Area from which human visitors are barred! Itis estimated that over a thousand Indian Elephants roam the mighty tracts of forest and at times large herds assemble at favoured locations near water sources such the banks of the Kabini River. Here wild Boar are numerous along with the Chital, provide prey for a formidable trio of predators: Tiger, Leopard and Dhole. Other mammal sightings which might entertain the visitor include the mostly nocturnal Sloth Bear, which can occasionally be seen digging for termites or lumbering across a clearing, Black-naped Hares, Jackals, Otter, four species of mongoose and the constantly active troupes of Grey Langur and Bonnet Macaques. Overnight at the forest lodge.

  • Hotspots : Nagarhole National Park, Nagarhole National Park
  • Themes : Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks

• Day 14 : Nagarhole National Park - Mysore

  Today early morning, we will again get ready for wildlife exploration & birding within the periphery of the national park. This we will be on foot and will be doing a guided walk to explore its amazing wildlife. Later drive to Mysore (approx. 55kms / 02 hours). Mysore the land with numerous domes, towers and battlements, it is sheer luxury in the form of a palace.
  Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and later visit the sprawling Maharaja’s Palace with its outstanding treasures and ivory inlaid doors. Also visit St. Philomena’s Church, a beautiful Cathedral reminiscent of Medieval Architecture with stained glass Windows and lofty Towers. Explore your evening by proceeding to Brindavan Gardens which is one of its kinds in the country and located 19kms from Mysore. This ornamental garden is situated at the base of Krishnaraja Sagar dam across Cauvery River. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Hotspots : Mysore

• Day 15 : Mysore - Bangalore

  Morning after breakfast drive to Bangalore (approx. 170kms / 04 hours) enroute visit Srirangapatna. Major attractions of Srirangapatna are Daria Doulata, Summer Palace & Gumbuz – Tippu’s Mausoleum. Thereafter continue your drive to Bangalore popularly known as the Garden City with well laid out parks and gardens, long avenues of brightly blossomed trees and salubrious climate throughout the year.
  Upon arrival, visit Tipus Sultan’s Palace - a fine specimen of military architecture of the 18th century with a two storeyed ornate structure built entirely in wood, Bull temple at Basavangudi, Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. Evening is free for individual activities.
  
  In night transfer to the airport to connect international flight for onward destination.

  • Hotspots : Vidhana Soudha, Bull Temple, Cubbon Park, Botanical Garden, Lalbagh Botanical Garden

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Package Start From

• Kochi, Kerala, India, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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