Birding & Wildlife Safari - Western Ghats
Whats included?
Itinerary
20x Breakfast
20x Breakfast
6x Dinner
6x Dinner
4x Lunch
4x Lunch
Accommodation included: 19 nights
Accommodation included: 19 nights
Entry/Admission - Kerala Kathakali Centre
Entry/Admission - Kerala Kathakali Centre
Entry/Admission - Alleppey Backwaters
Entry/Admission - Alleppey Backwaters
Entry/Admission - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Periyar Spice &...
Entry/Admission - Periyar Spice & Ayurvedic Garden
Entry/Admission - Periyar Tiger Reserve
Entry/Admission - Periyar Tiger Reserve
Entry/Admission - Pampadum Shola National...
Entry/Admission - Pampadum Shola National Park
Entry/Admission - Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Salim Ali Bird...
Entry/Admission - Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Athirappilly Waterfalls
Entry/Admission - Athirappilly Waterfalls
Entry/Admission - Anamalai Wild Life...
Entry/Admission - Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary
Entry/Admission - Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Entry/Admission - Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Entry/Admission - Nilgiri Biosphere Nature...
Entry/Admission - Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park
Entry/Admission - Bandipur National Park...
Entry/Admission - Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve
Entry/Admission - Mysuru Palace
Entry/Admission - Mysuru Palace
Entry/Admission - Kokkarebellur
Entry/Admission - Kokkarebellur
Not included:
WiFi on board
WiFi on board
Gratuities
Gratuities
Airfare,Trainfares,any guide services except at...
Airfare,Trainfares,any guide services except at local sightseeing places
Start planning your experience
ยAbout experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Cochin Arrival-Kathakali Dance
Stop At: Kerala Kathakali Centre, near Santa Cruz Basilica K.B. Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi (Cochin) 682001 India
On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Afternoon for free walks in Fort Cochin Area, watching Black kites, Bhraminy kites , terns and few migratory birds like Western reef egret. The estuary is an ideal habitat of Dolphins (Bottlenose) . Evening, enjoy a live Kathakali performance, which is the dance drama of Kerala. Overnight at Hotel.
Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach Kochi-682001 Kerala India, Kochi (Cochin) 682001 India
You could opt a free walk through the Chinese Fishing Nets and beach
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Fort Abode,a 3 star boutique hotel centrally located in Fort Cochin
Day 2: Guided Canoe Cruise & Heritage city tour
Stop At: Fort Kochi, Fort Kochi, Kochi (Cochin), Ernakulam District, Kerala
Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon return to Cochin for a guided tour of Cochin. Overnight at the Hotel.
Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.
Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favourite destination for tourists.Its getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.Christians,Muslims,Hindus,Jews,Jains,Sikhs etc are few among them.
Village backwater Cruise - A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing.... You will witness coir making,toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree.....While scrolling through this amazing village,you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts,later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.
The backwater village is an ideal habitat of many resident water birds like White breasted water hen, cinnamon bittern, black bittern , egrets, cormorants etc. The Island ecosystem is an ideal habitat of other birds like Racket tailed drongo, orioles(2sp. Seasonal) , koel, flame back wood peckers, king fishers (3 species), shikra etc. The reeds and riverside bushes harbours warblers and prinia.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Poothotta - Kanjiramattam Road, Poothotta - Kanjiramattam Rd, Kanjiramattom, Kulayettikara, Kerala 682315, India
Village backwater Cruise - A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: Home cooked lunch at the village farm house
Accommodation included: Fort Abode,a 3 Star boutique Hotel
Day 3: Houseboat
Stop At: Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha India
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey Backwaters to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Evening your crew will guide you for a village walk. You will get a chance to watch many water birds during your cruise through the backwaters. Overnight on Houseboat.
What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters.
Duration: 21 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
โข Dinner: All meals on Houseboat are freshly cooked and served on board in the Alleppey traditional cuisine
Accommodation included: Traditional Houseboat with Airconditioned Bedroom on board
Day 4: Periyar Spice Farms
Stop At: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumily, Thekkady India
After breakfast on board, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Afternoon visit a spice farm. Evening for free walks near to the Tiger Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.
Periyar - Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Periyar Spice & Ayurvedic Garden, Munnar Thekkady Road, Kumily, Thekkady 685551 India
A private Spice garden to familiarize the Spices of India
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Pepper County Homestay located in a Spice Garden
Day 5: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki and Pathanamthitta Districts, Thekkady 685536 India
Full day explore the wildlife of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Go for a full day jungle activity which includes guided trekking in the wildlife park. You will also do a bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake. Lunch will be served inside the Sanctuary. Overnight at the Hotel.
The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opprtunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.
Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rest of the area is a combination of moist deciduous forests and grasslands. Of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the country and the largest in the State. The abundant wildlife here attracts a lot of visitors.Apart from being a recognised breeding ground for tigers, the reserve has also been identified as the best place for researching elephantine life. The tiger population in the area is estimated to be about 40. Though it is difficult to sight them, visitors often spot pugmarks and scats around the reserve.Thirty-five species of mammals have been identified here. They include rare and endangered species. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to spot the wild elephants, the Gaur, the Sambar and so on. While the Gaur is the largest of the bovines here, the Sambar, the largest deer in India, is the main prey of the tiger and the wild dog
Apart from these, there are wild pigs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears etc.The endangered species in the area include Nilgiri Langurs and the Lion-tailed Macaque, that is usually seen only in the evergreen interiors. Nilgiri Tahrs are also found in the reserve, especially in the higher rocky areas. Salim Aliโs fruit bat, one of the rarest bats, is also reported to have been found in the area. The stripe-necked mongoose, usually found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the extremely rare Nilgiri Marten - the only species of marten found in southern India- and endemic mustelids are also seen here.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: You will be provided with a hot packed Lunch to be consumed inside the National Park
Accommodation included: Pepper County Homestay
Day 6: Munnar Tea Plantations
Stop At: Munnar, Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala
Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature loverโs paradise. On arrival at Munnar, check into your Resort. Afternoon go for a guided plantation walk and birdwatching.. Overnight at the Hotel.
Munnar โฆbreathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - an idyllic tourist destination in God's own country with unending expanses of tea plantationsโฆ pristine valleys and mountainsโฆexotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forestsโฆaroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and moreโฆ. It's the place you would love to visitโฆ Itโs the place you would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort,a family run Nature Resort located amidst Tea gardens and an Orchard with Sanctuary border
Day 7: Shola Forest birding
Stop At: Pampadum Shola National Park, Vattavada (Kerala) Koviloor Rd, Vattavada 685615 India
After breakfast, drive to Kundala and Pampadumchola for short treks for bird watching. You will also walk through the Tea Plantations. Overnight at the Resort.
Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geographical and zoological significance of Pampadum Shola, the Government of Kerala declared it as a National Park in December 2003.The Park is located in the eastern part of Southern Western Ghats of Kerala on the way to Vattavada, near Top Station about 35 Kms from Munnar town. The fauna includes several threatened, rare or endemic species. There are about 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies and 93 species of moths recorded from the Shola. The important animals found in the Park are elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar and common langur. The clear blue sky, clean air, stretch of green meadows and thick foliage teeming with flora and fauna makes it a dream destination for tourists. All the Eco-tourism activities are organized jointly by the Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees (EDCs) of the local tribals. The activities are designed to offer a wide spectrum of wilderness opportunities to the visitors and to provide means of sustainable livelihood for local communities. Some notable birds found here include the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, white-bellied shortwing, vernal hanging parrot, blue rock-thrush, blue-capped rock-thrush and Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange flycatchers
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort
Day 8: Marayoor & Chinnar
Stop At: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar 685612 India
After breakfast at the Hotel, go for a full day guided explorations covering Eighth mile shola, Marayoor & Chinnar. This trip will be a mix of safari through National Park, trekking in Dry Forest,tribal village visit etc. Traditional lunch will be served at the village. Return to Munnar for overnight stay
Drive to Eighth Mile Shola forest area for bird watching. This forest harbors many endemic species of primitive plants, orchids and animals. It has high endemism of plants and birds. It posses 12 species of endemic birds of western ghats like, Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush etc. The golden tree ferns and other spore producers from Gondwanaland is the high light of this forest. This forest also holds Tiger, leopard including black panther, rare and endemic Nilgiri marten, clawless otter, golden cat etc. Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the arboreal animals of the forest.
We have a soft walk through the forest to enjoy the forest canopies, birds and flowers.Reach Perumala โ in the out skirt of the forest by noon. Have a quick visit to a mountaoin village and tribal settlement- their contour farming, agricultural activities, lemon grass farm and distillery etc.
Later proceed to Marayoor valley. Taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists.Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing.Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: A traditional Lunch will be served in Marayoor Village
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort
Day 9: Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Stop At: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Near Kothamangalm of Ernakulam, Munnar India
After breakfast, drive to Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of the low altitude evergreen forests, situated by the banks of River Periyar. On arrival, check into your hotel and later go for a birding trek at Thattekkad and Urulanthanni rain forest patches. Overnight at your hotel in Thattekkad.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Bluewings Homestay run by a Retired Professor located on the border of the Sanctuary
Day 10: Athirappally Waterfalls,Valparai Reserve Forest
Stop At: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Sholayar Forest Ranges, Thrissur India
After an early breakfast, drive to Athirappally forest to watch the amazing waterfalls inside the forest. You will be taken for a birdwatching walk through the banks of Athirappally river. Later continue drive through Sholayar Forest ranges to Sethumadai through Valparai, the beautiful tea garden route. Overnight stay at a farmsaty set on a private estate growing vanilla, banana & coconuts, in the edge of Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
You will be received in Athirapally for a 2hrs birding walk through catchment of Chalakudy river, which is an ideal habitat of Malabar Pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus). It is one of the best hotspot for Malabar Pied Hornbill in Western Ghats. The drive from Athirapilly to Anamalai through Sholayar rainforest, Anamalai forests of Valpari will give ample scope for spotting Malabar Grey horn bill (endemic), ruby throated bulbul (endemic), Great Hornbill, Emerald pigeon, Indian Dollar bird, Grey Headed fish eagle, and many other species of forest birds. During the drive we have only permission to stay short time slots for birding. This drive will also gives us chances of spotting two endemic species of primates of Western Ghats, wild gaur, giant squirrels, elephants etc.
Athirapally waterfall nicknamed as โThe Niagra of Indiaโ, is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 42-metre high waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.It is situated on the border of Sholayar Forests of the Western Ghats in South India.
From the point of view of a Naturalist or Wildlife enthusiast,these waterfalls consist of 14850 hectares of tropical wet, evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous riparian forest ranges. The protected forestland of Athirapally & Vazhachal is one among the worldโs top biodiversity hotspots, as it serves as a home to endangered, as well as some threatened species of flora and fauna. This place supports the natural riparian ecosystem which consists of about 319 species of flowers out of which 24 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Out of 85 species of fresh water fish found in River Chalakudy, 35 are endemic and 9 are endangered species.Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 metres (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills โ the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala) , Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found living together.Its been said that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an โImportant Bird Area' and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India's best elephant conservation efforts.
Duration: 8 hours
Pass By: Valparai, Valparai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
You will be driving through Valparai
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Cotsvilla Resort,a forest theme farm resort located close to Anamalai Sanctuary
Day 11: Anamalai Tiger Sanctuary & Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary, Topslip, Pollachi Town, Pollachi 642001 India
Early morning go for a safari at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and later a walking tour at Parambikulam Tiger Sanctuary. Today we will go with packed lunch. Early evening return to your farm stay to go for a Nature trail through the estate to try sighting butterflies, Paradise flycatchers and blue-winged parakeets. Later in a dusk walk we can try owling for mottled wood owl. Overnight at Farm stay.
Anamalai is located in the foothill of Anamlai Bio-sphere and the highest mountain in South India. This day is for a visit to Anamalai Tiger Reserve, sharing flora and fauna with Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Walking safari through Maruthum Koodam moist deciduous forest and Kariyanchola Rainforest for wildlife and birds (GPH, SFG etc). Early morning go for a safari at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and later a walking tour at Parambikulam Tiger Sanctuary.Today we will go with packed lunch.Early evening return to your farmstay to go for a Nature trail through the estate to try sighting butterflies, Paradise flycatchers and blue-winged parakeets. Later in a dusk walk we can try owling for mottled wood owl.Overnight at Farmstay.
Sethumadai village around Anamalai Tiger reserve is so great to walk around and full of vegetation.You will pass through thick plantations of banana,Coconut and other vegetables.There are few units processing Coconut and its by products like coir,coconut oil,cattle feed etc.The village is so lively with men and women working in the fields,children going to the local school,regular ceremonies at the village temple and so on.Though roads are good and facilities like water and electricity are in abundance,we may see that the urban culture is yet to enter this village.
Target species : Sri Lankan frog mouth, yellow throated bulbul, gray headed bulbul , Indian pita Kerala laughing thrush etc. apart from other forest species
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Road Anappady, Thunakadavu, Palakkad 678661 India
You will be doing a wildlife activity inside the Sanctuary as per the availability of programs during the period of travel
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Cotsvilla Farm Stay
Day 12: Nilgiris
Stop At: Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, Thuvaipathy Village Anaikatti, Coimbatore 641108 India
After breakfast, drive to Ooty which is a nice climb through the Nilgiris. Afternoon visit Botanical Garden. Overnight at Hotel
Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests.
Target species : Black and orange fly catcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri fly catcher, Wayanad laughing thrush, Nilgiri laughing thrush, etc
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Sullivan Court,a 3 star hotel centrally located
Day 13: Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Bandipur 571126 India
After breakfast, drive to Bandipur Forest. You will be driving through Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival check into your resort set on the borders of the Sanctuary. Evening go for a guided safari through the Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
Extremely picturesque drive through the plateau towards South east section of Nilgiri bio reserve, where Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centers, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri. As you penetrate deep into the forests, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There's a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambhar, barking deer, etc. An endless variety of wildlife flourishes here and the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. The green fauna and flora of these rain forests are unimaginable with a thick population of wild animals.If you opt for a safari,you will be taken deep into the forest in safari jeeps/vans escorted by the wildlife wardens.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Windflower Wildlife Resort,a 4 Star theme resort on the Sanctuary Border
Day 14: Bandipur
Stop At: Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Bandipur 571126 India
Early morning and evening guided safaris inside the sanctuary. During daytime, go for short walks around the resort to spot birds and other wildlife. Overnight at Hotel.
Bandipur National Park is a playground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role.Be prepared for an unforgettable experience-you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous and evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains with their mist-covered peaks,Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharajaโs private hunting ground.It was brought under project Tiger in 1974.This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.A temple perched atop Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta,the highest peak in the Bandipur range,is worth a visit.Bandipur National park has an area of 874.2 Sq.Km and flanked by Karnatakaโs Rajiv Gandhi National Park to its northwest,Tamilnaduโs Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest and Keralaโs Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Northwest.Together these constitute the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.The Flora and Fauna are of deciduous and evergreen forsts and scrubland vegetation.Mammals include the tiger,leopard,elephant,gaur,sloth bear,Dhole,sambar,spotted deer,barking deer,mouse deer and the slender loris.Reptiles found are rat snake,Russellโs viper,common krait,Indian python,flying snake and the cobra.Over 200 species of birds have been identified making it a bird watchersโ paradise.Some of the most notable ones are the heron,stork,egret,grey jungle fowl,partridge,quail,green pigeon,hornbill,lapwing and peafowl.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Windflower Resort
Day 15: Nagarhole Tiger Sanctuary
Stop At: Nagarhole National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Morning, proceed to Nagarhole National Park, where former Maharajahs of Mysore used to go for hunting. This deciduous forest patch inhabits Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, different monkeys, Malabar trogon and Indian pitta. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Evening go for a safari. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.
Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays Kabini, a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits. Karnatakaโs forests and wildlife are the natural heritage for which the State is boasted of.From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains,a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna,some of them endemic to the region.Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.Presently Karnataka Sanctuaries boast to have a population of 400 plus Tigers which is the largest share in Indiaโs total Tiger populationโฆ
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Red Earth Tribal theme resort run by the host family
Day 16: Nagarhole Tiger Sanctuary
Stop At: Nagarhole National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Early morning go for a guided Jeep Safari through the National Park. Evening go for a boat safari through Kabani river. Day time for visiting local tribal village and birding spots. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.
Nagarhole ,a Kannada name has meaning of Snake River.The name derives from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests.Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife,especially the Asiatic elephant.The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains,the natural sounds of the jungle,the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds,make a trip to Nagarhole a memorable experience.It has an area of 643.39 Sq.km.Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests,and dominated by teak,rosewood and dry deciduous forests in the eastern limits of the peak.Mammals include elephant,tiger,leopard,wild dog,sambar,barking deer,sloth bear,wild boar,Indian bison,mouse deer,spotted deer,slender loris,black โnaped hare,jackal,langur,wild pig,porcupine,Malabar squirrel,striped hyena and four-horned antelope.Birds likeHerons,storks,egrets,ducks,kites,egales,falcons,partridges,peafowl,lapwings,sandpipers,
woodpeckers,sunbirds,wagtails,warblers,babblers,shrikes and owls are found in this park.Reptiles commonly found are marsh crocodile,star tortoise,common indian monitor,chameleon,rat snake,Russellโs viper,common krait and Indian python.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Red Earth Resorts
Day 17: Palace Town Mysore
Stop At: Mysuru Palace, Sayyaji Rao Rd Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru (Mysore) 570001 India
Early morning go for a final safari. Later after breakfast, drive to Mysore. After lunch , visit to Mysore palace, Devaraja Vegetable, flowers and fruits market. Mysore is known as the city of Palaces and the entire architecture and decorum of the place is in harmony with the Royal style for which Mysore is known. The still existing colonial buildings add charm to the Royal city. Overnight at Hotel.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposingbuildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.
Maharajaโs Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map.Its built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,turrets,arches and colonnades.The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum,temples and shrines including Shwetha VarahaswamyTemple.The jewel studded golden throne,the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity,displayed here during Dussehra festival in October.The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Gitanjali Homestay run by a local traditional family
Day 18: Kokkerabellur Pelicanery
Stop At: Kokkarebellur, Maddur, Bengaluru 571422 India
After breakfast, drive to Kekkerebellur Pelicanery. You may stop at Maddur village entrance on the highway to have your lunch before driving to Bangalore. Later drive to Bangalore for overnight stay.
Kokkerebellur Pelicanery is in Maddur village. This place is famous for its Spot Billed Pelicans and the Painted Storks that can be sighted here in large numbers during season time. This scenic village has paddy fields, cattle, water, and lots of exotic birds. Kokkare is the local name for โPainted Storksโ that are very famous in this region, โBellurโ meaning village of jaggery (raw sugar from sugarcane); hence, the village has derived its name from the bird. Other than Pelicans , Storks and other water birds are richly seen in the fields around.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Lemontree Hotel,a 4 Star Boutique hotel located Centrally in Bangalore
Day 19: Bangalore City
Stop At: Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Morning go for a short orientation tour of Bangalore. Afternoon at leisure. You may opt for shopping on your own. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and best known internationally as an IT hub that rivals silicone valley.It is easy to see why it is the favourite of the Tecchies with its salubrious climate, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy bars and clubs,it is a city of striking contrasts. Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. The VidhanSoudha is a major attraction which presently functions as the state legislative assembly and a marvelous example of Neo-Dravidian architecture.The City boasts of spacious gardens,parks,tree-lined avenues,a profusion of flowering trees and lakes earning it the synonym of Garden City.With its booming economy and racy lifestyle,the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of Indiaโs fastest growing cities.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Lemontree Hotel
Day 20: Bangalore Departure
Pass By: Bangalore District, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Today you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport to connect your flight home.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Cochin Arrival-Kathakali Dance
Stop At: Kerala Kathakali Centre, near Santa Cruz Basilica K.B. Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi (Cochin) 682001 India
On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Afternoon for free walks in Fort Cochin Area, watching Black kites, Bhraminy kites , terns and few migratory birds like Western reef egret. The estuary is an ideal habitat of Dolphins (Bottlenose) . Evening, enjoy a live Kathakali performance, which is the dance drama of Kerala. Overnight at Hotel.
Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach Kochi-682001 Kerala India, Kochi (Cochin) 682001 India
You could opt a free walk through the Chinese Fishing Nets and beach
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Fort Abode,a 3 star boutique hotel centrally located in Fort Cochin
Day 2: Guided Canoe Cruise & Heritage city tour
Stop At: Fort Kochi, Fort Kochi, Kochi (Cochin), Ernakulam District, Kerala
Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon return to Cochin for a guided tour of Cochin. Overnight at the Hotel.
Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.
Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favourite destination for tourists.Its getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.Christians,Muslims,Hindus,Jews,Jains,Sikhs etc are few among them.
Village backwater Cruise - A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing.... You will witness coir making,toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree.....While scrolling through this amazing village,you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts,later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.
The backwater village is an ideal habitat of many resident water birds like White breasted water hen, cinnamon bittern, black bittern , egrets, cormorants etc. The Island ecosystem is an ideal habitat of other birds like Racket tailed drongo, orioles(2sp. Seasonal) , koel, flame back wood peckers, king fishers (3 species), shikra etc. The reeds and riverside bushes harbours warblers and prinia.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Poothotta - Kanjiramattam Road, Poothotta - Kanjiramattam Rd, Kanjiramattom, Kulayettikara, Kerala 682315, India
Village backwater Cruise - A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: Home cooked lunch at the village farm house
Accommodation included: Fort Abode,a 3 Star boutique Hotel
Day 3: Houseboat
Stop At: Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha India
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey Backwaters to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Evening your crew will guide you for a village walk. You will get a chance to watch many water birds during your cruise through the backwaters. Overnight on Houseboat.
What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters.
Duration: 21 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
โข Dinner: All meals on Houseboat are freshly cooked and served on board in the Alleppey traditional cuisine
Accommodation included: Traditional Houseboat with Airconditioned Bedroom on board
Day 4: Periyar Spice Farms
Stop At: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumily, Thekkady India
After breakfast on board, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Afternoon visit a spice farm. Evening for free walks near to the Tiger Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.
Periyar - Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Periyar Spice & Ayurvedic Garden, Munnar Thekkady Road, Kumily, Thekkady 685551 India
A private Spice garden to familiarize the Spices of India
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Pepper County Homestay located in a Spice Garden
Day 5: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki and Pathanamthitta Districts, Thekkady 685536 India
Full day explore the wildlife of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Go for a full day jungle activity which includes guided trekking in the wildlife park. You will also do a bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake. Lunch will be served inside the Sanctuary. Overnight at the Hotel.
The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opprtunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.
Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rest of the area is a combination of moist deciduous forests and grasslands. Of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the country and the largest in the State. The abundant wildlife here attracts a lot of visitors.Apart from being a recognised breeding ground for tigers, the reserve has also been identified as the best place for researching elephantine life. The tiger population in the area is estimated to be about 40. Though it is difficult to sight them, visitors often spot pugmarks and scats around the reserve.Thirty-five species of mammals have been identified here. They include rare and endangered species. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to spot the wild elephants, the Gaur, the Sambar and so on. While the Gaur is the largest of the bovines here, the Sambar, the largest deer in India, is the main prey of the tiger and the wild dog
Apart from these, there are wild pigs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears etc.The endangered species in the area include Nilgiri Langurs and the Lion-tailed Macaque, that is usually seen only in the evergreen interiors. Nilgiri Tahrs are also found in the reserve, especially in the higher rocky areas. Salim Aliโs fruit bat, one of the rarest bats, is also reported to have been found in the area. The stripe-necked mongoose, usually found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the extremely rare Nilgiri Marten - the only species of marten found in southern India- and endemic mustelids are also seen here.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: You will be provided with a hot packed Lunch to be consumed inside the National Park
Accommodation included: Pepper County Homestay
Day 6: Munnar Tea Plantations
Stop At: Munnar, Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala
Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature loverโs paradise. On arrival at Munnar, check into your Resort. Afternoon go for a guided plantation walk and birdwatching.. Overnight at the Hotel.
Munnar โฆbreathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - an idyllic tourist destination in God's own country with unending expanses of tea plantationsโฆ pristine valleys and mountainsโฆexotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forestsโฆaroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and moreโฆ. It's the place you would love to visitโฆ Itโs the place you would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort,a family run Nature Resort located amidst Tea gardens and an Orchard with Sanctuary border
Day 7: Shola Forest birding
Stop At: Pampadum Shola National Park, Vattavada (Kerala) Koviloor Rd, Vattavada 685615 India
After breakfast, drive to Kundala and Pampadumchola for short treks for bird watching. You will also walk through the Tea Plantations. Overnight at the Resort.
Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geographical and zoological significance of Pampadum Shola, the Government of Kerala declared it as a National Park in December 2003.The Park is located in the eastern part of Southern Western Ghats of Kerala on the way to Vattavada, near Top Station about 35 Kms from Munnar town. The fauna includes several threatened, rare or endemic species. There are about 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies and 93 species of moths recorded from the Shola. The important animals found in the Park are elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar and common langur. The clear blue sky, clean air, stretch of green meadows and thick foliage teeming with flora and fauna makes it a dream destination for tourists. All the Eco-tourism activities are organized jointly by the Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees (EDCs) of the local tribals. The activities are designed to offer a wide spectrum of wilderness opportunities to the visitors and to provide means of sustainable livelihood for local communities. Some notable birds found here include the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, white-bellied shortwing, vernal hanging parrot, blue rock-thrush, blue-capped rock-thrush and Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange flycatchers
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort
Day 8: Marayoor & Chinnar
Stop At: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar 685612 India
After breakfast at the Hotel, go for a full day guided explorations covering Eighth mile shola, Marayoor & Chinnar. This trip will be a mix of safari through National Park, trekking in Dry Forest,tribal village visit etc. Traditional lunch will be served at the village. Return to Munnar for overnight stay
Drive to Eighth Mile Shola forest area for bird watching. This forest harbors many endemic species of primitive plants, orchids and animals. It has high endemism of plants and birds. It posses 12 species of endemic birds of western ghats like, Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush etc. The golden tree ferns and other spore producers from Gondwanaland is the high light of this forest. This forest also holds Tiger, leopard including black panther, rare and endemic Nilgiri marten, clawless otter, golden cat etc. Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the arboreal animals of the forest.
We have a soft walk through the forest to enjoy the forest canopies, birds and flowers.Reach Perumala โ in the out skirt of the forest by noon. Have a quick visit to a mountaoin village and tribal settlement- their contour farming, agricultural activities, lemon grass farm and distillery etc.
Later proceed to Marayoor valley. Taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists.Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing.Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch: A traditional Lunch will be served in Marayoor Village
Accommodation included: Camelot Resort
Day 9: Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Stop At: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Near Kothamangalm of Ernakulam, Munnar India
After breakfast, drive to Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of the low altitude evergreen forests, situated by the banks of River Periyar. On arrival, check into your hotel and later go for a birding trek at Thattekkad and Urulanthanni rain forest patches. Overnight at your hotel in Thattekkad.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Bluewings Homestay run by a Retired Professor located on the border of the Sanctuary
Day 10: Athirappally Waterfalls,Valparai Reserve Forest
Stop At: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Sholayar Forest Ranges, Thrissur India
After an early breakfast, drive to Athirappally forest to watch the amazing waterfalls inside the forest. You will be taken for a birdwatching walk through the banks of Athirappally river. Later continue drive through Sholayar Forest ranges to Sethumadai through Valparai, the beautiful tea garden route. Overnight stay at a farmsaty set on a private estate growing vanilla, banana & coconuts, in the edge of Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
You will be received in Athirapally for a 2hrs birding walk through catchment of Chalakudy river, which is an ideal habitat of Malabar Pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus). It is one of the best hotspot for Malabar Pied Hornbill in Western Ghats. The drive from Athirapilly to Anamalai through Sholayar rainforest, Anamalai forests of Valpari will give ample scope for spotting Malabar Grey horn bill (endemic), ruby throated bulbul (endemic), Great Hornbill, Emerald pigeon, Indian Dollar bird, Grey Headed fish eagle, and many other species of forest birds. During the drive we have only permission to stay short time slots for birding. This drive will also gives us chances of spotting two endemic species of primates of Western Ghats, wild gaur, giant squirrels, elephants etc.
Athirapally waterfall nicknamed as โThe Niagra of Indiaโ, is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 42-metre high waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.It is situated on the border of Sholayar Forests of the Western Ghats in South India.
From the point of view of a Naturalist or Wildlife enthusiast,these waterfalls consist of 14850 hectares of tropical wet, evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous riparian forest ranges. The protected forestland of Athirapally & Vazhachal is one among the worldโs top biodiversity hotspots, as it serves as a home to endangered, as well as some threatened species of flora and fauna. This place supports the natural riparian ecosystem which consists of about 319 species of flowers out of which 24 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Out of 85 species of fresh water fish found in River Chalakudy, 35 are endemic and 9 are endangered species.Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 metres (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills โ the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala) , Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found living together.Its been said that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an โImportant Bird Area' and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India's best elephant conservation efforts.
Duration: 8 hours
Pass By: Valparai, Valparai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
You will be driving through Valparai
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Cotsvilla Resort,a forest theme farm resort located close to Anamalai Sanctuary
Day 11: Anamalai Tiger Sanctuary & Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary, Topslip, Pollachi Town, Pollachi 642001 India
Early morning go for a safari at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and later a walking tour at Parambikulam Tiger Sanctuary. Today we will go with packed lunch. Early evening return to your farm stay to go for a Nature trail through the estate to try sighting butterflies, Paradise flycatchers and blue-winged parakeets. Later in a dusk walk we can try owling for mottled wood owl. Overnight at Farm stay.
Anamalai is located in the foothill of Anamlai Bio-sphere and the highest mountain in South India. This day is for a visit to Anamalai Tiger Reserve, sharing flora and fauna with Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Walking safari through Maruthum Koodam moist deciduous forest and Kariyanchola Rainforest for wildlife and birds (GPH, SFG etc). Early morning go for a safari at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and later a walking tour at Parambikulam Tiger Sanctuary.Today we will go with packed lunch.Early evening return to your farmstay to go for a Nature trail through the estate to try sighting butterflies, Paradise flycatchers and blue-winged parakeets. Later in a dusk walk we can try owling for mottled wood owl.Overnight at Farmstay.
Sethumadai village around Anamalai Tiger reserve is so great to walk around and full of vegetation.You will pass through thick plantations of banana,Coconut and other vegetables.There are few units processing Coconut and its by products like coir,coconut oil,cattle feed etc.The village is so lively with men and women working in the fields,children going to the local school,regular ceremonies at the village temple and so on.Though roads are good and facilities like water and electricity are in abundance,we may see that the urban culture is yet to enter this village.
Target species : Sri Lankan frog mouth, yellow throated bulbul, gray headed bulbul , Indian pita Kerala laughing thrush etc. apart from other forest species
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Road Anappady, Thunakadavu, Palakkad 678661 India
You will be doing a wildlife activity inside the Sanctuary as per the availability of programs during the period of travel
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Cotsvilla Farm Stay
Day 12: Nilgiris
Stop At: Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, Thuvaipathy Village Anaikatti, Coimbatore 641108 India
After breakfast, drive to Ooty which is a nice climb through the Nilgiris. Afternoon visit Botanical Garden. Overnight at Hotel
Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests.
Target species : Black and orange fly catcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri fly catcher, Wayanad laughing thrush, Nilgiri laughing thrush, etc
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Sullivan Court,a 3 star hotel centrally located
Day 13: Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop At: Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Bandipur 571126 India
After breakfast, drive to Bandipur Forest. You will be driving through Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival check into your resort set on the borders of the Sanctuary. Evening go for a guided safari through the Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.
Extremely picturesque drive through the plateau towards South east section of Nilgiri bio reserve, where Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centers, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri. As you penetrate deep into the forests, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There's a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambhar, barking deer, etc. An endless variety of wildlife flourishes here and the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. The green fauna and flora of these rain forests are unimaginable with a thick population of wild animals.If you opt for a safari,you will be taken deep into the forest in safari jeeps/vans escorted by the wildlife wardens.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Windflower Wildlife Resort,a 4 Star theme resort on the Sanctuary Border
Day 14: Bandipur
Stop At: Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Bandipur 571126 India
Early morning and evening guided safaris inside the sanctuary. During daytime, go for short walks around the resort to spot birds and other wildlife. Overnight at Hotel.
Bandipur National Park is a playground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role.Be prepared for an unforgettable experience-you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous and evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains with their mist-covered peaks,Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharajaโs private hunting ground.It was brought under project Tiger in 1974.This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.A temple perched atop Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta,the highest peak in the Bandipur range,is worth a visit.Bandipur National park has an area of 874.2 Sq.Km and flanked by Karnatakaโs Rajiv Gandhi National Park to its northwest,Tamilnaduโs Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest and Keralaโs Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Northwest.Together these constitute the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.The Flora and Fauna are of deciduous and evergreen forsts and scrubland vegetation.Mammals include the tiger,leopard,elephant,gaur,sloth bear,Dhole,sambar,spotted deer,barking deer,mouse deer and the slender loris.Reptiles found are rat snake,Russellโs viper,common krait,Indian python,flying snake and the cobra.Over 200 species of birds have been identified making it a bird watchersโ paradise.Some of the most notable ones are the heron,stork,egret,grey jungle fowl,partridge,quail,green pigeon,hornbill,lapwing and peafowl.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Windflower Resort
Day 15: Nagarhole Tiger Sanctuary
Stop At: Nagarhole National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Morning, proceed to Nagarhole National Park, where former Maharajahs of Mysore used to go for hunting. This deciduous forest patch inhabits Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, different monkeys, Malabar trogon and Indian pitta. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Evening go for a safari. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.
Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays Kabini, a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits. Karnatakaโs forests and wildlife are the natural heritage for which the State is boasted of.From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains,a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna,some of them endemic to the region.Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.Presently Karnataka Sanctuaries boast to have a population of 400 plus Tigers which is the largest share in Indiaโs total Tiger populationโฆ
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Red Earth Tribal theme resort run by the host family
Day 16: Nagarhole Tiger Sanctuary
Stop At: Nagarhole National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Early morning go for a guided Jeep Safari through the National Park. Evening go for a boat safari through Kabani river. Day time for visiting local tribal village and birding spots. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.
Nagarhole ,a Kannada name has meaning of Snake River.The name derives from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests.Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife,especially the Asiatic elephant.The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains,the natural sounds of the jungle,the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds,make a trip to Nagarhole a memorable experience.It has an area of 643.39 Sq.km.Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests,and dominated by teak,rosewood and dry deciduous forests in the eastern limits of the peak.Mammals include elephant,tiger,leopard,wild dog,sambar,barking deer,sloth bear,wild boar,Indian bison,mouse deer,spotted deer,slender loris,black โnaped hare,jackal,langur,wild pig,porcupine,Malabar squirrel,striped hyena and four-horned antelope.Birds likeHerons,storks,egrets,ducks,kites,egales,falcons,partridges,peafowl,lapwings,sandpipers,
woodpeckers,sunbirds,wagtails,warblers,babblers,shrikes and owls are found in this park.Reptiles commonly found are marsh crocodile,star tortoise,common indian monitor,chameleon,rat snake,Russellโs viper,common krait and Indian python.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Red Earth Resorts
Day 17: Palace Town Mysore
Stop At: Mysuru Palace, Sayyaji Rao Rd Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru (Mysore) 570001 India
Early morning go for a final safari. Later after breakfast, drive to Mysore. After lunch , visit to Mysore palace, Devaraja Vegetable, flowers and fruits market. Mysore is known as the city of Palaces and the entire architecture and decorum of the place is in harmony with the Royal style for which Mysore is known. The still existing colonial buildings add charm to the Royal city. Overnight at Hotel.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposingbuildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.
Maharajaโs Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map.Its built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,turrets,arches and colonnades.The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum,temples and shrines including Shwetha VarahaswamyTemple.The jewel studded golden throne,the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity,displayed here during Dussehra festival in October.The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Gitanjali Homestay run by a local traditional family
Day 18: Kokkerabellur Pelicanery
Stop At: Kokkarebellur, Maddur, Bengaluru 571422 India
After breakfast, drive to Kekkerebellur Pelicanery. You may stop at Maddur village entrance on the highway to have your lunch before driving to Bangalore. Later drive to Bangalore for overnight stay.
Kokkerebellur Pelicanery is in Maddur village. This place is famous for its Spot Billed Pelicans and the Painted Storks that can be sighted here in large numbers during season time. This scenic village has paddy fields, cattle, water, and lots of exotic birds. Kokkare is the local name for โPainted Storksโ that are very famous in this region, โBellurโ meaning village of jaggery (raw sugar from sugarcane); hence, the village has derived its name from the bird. Other than Pelicans , Storks and other water birds are richly seen in the fields around.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Lemontree Hotel,a 4 Star Boutique hotel located Centrally in Bangalore
Day 19: Bangalore City
Stop At: Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Morning go for a short orientation tour of Bangalore. Afternoon at leisure. You may opt for shopping on your own. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and best known internationally as an IT hub that rivals silicone valley.It is easy to see why it is the favourite of the Tecchies with its salubrious climate, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy bars and clubs,it is a city of striking contrasts. Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. The VidhanSoudha is a major attraction which presently functions as the state legislative assembly and a marvelous example of Neo-Dravidian architecture.The City boasts of spacious gardens,parks,tree-lined avenues,a profusion of flowering trees and lakes earning it the synonym of Garden City.With its booming economy and racy lifestyle,the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of Indiaโs fastest growing cities.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Lemontree Hotel
Day 20: Bangalore Departure
Pass By: Bangalore District, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Today you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport to connect your flight home.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
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