Bird Watching Tour
Itinerary covers whole Western Ghat region.
DAY-1 : THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY
You will be picked up from Cochin Airport and start drive towards Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is an evergreen low land forest situated on the banks of river Periyar . The sanctuary is a habitat for 280 species of birds which includes forest birds and water birds. Some of the birds found here are Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Fairy blue bird, Grey-headed fishing eagle, Blackwinged kite, Grey heron, Common Grey Hornbill and Malabar Hornbill, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon. Guests will have accommodation at Periyar river lodge ,which is in the midst of Sanctuary.
DAY-2 : MUNNAR FOR HIGHLAND BIRDING
Enjoy a second day of birding in Munnar, is situated 1600 m above sea level, which was the most favored retreat of the British Government in South India. Shola Forests,here surrounded by Tea plantation biodiversity initiatives provide habitat for rare birdlife and other species. Munnar birding offer lush green surroundings with panoramic views and walkable hiking trails where bird life is abound. You can locate many endemics of western Ghats like Nilgiri pipit, Grey-breasted laughing thrush, Broad tailed grass bird, White-bellied short wing, Nilgiri flycatcher, Black & orange flycatcher, etc
DAY-3 : CHINNAR FOR DRYFOREST BIRDING
In the early morning you will be awaken by the Whistling sound of the Malabar Whistling Thrush. You will have an early morning birding in the grasslands for morning glimpse of bird life. Then proceeds to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to catch the awe- inspiring sight of rare species. At the confluence of Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau, this rain shadow region comprises dry deciduous to dry vegetation. Sanctuary carpeted with grasslands and thorny shrub forests add to the diversity of the sanctuary. Marayur, an extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction at Chinnar. Overnight stay at Chandana Residency.
DAY-4 : FARMFOREST BIRDS AND FARM RESORT STAY
Head towards to Banyan Tree Farm Resort in the out skirts of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. The resort furnished with modern facilities is located on a 4500 acre multi-crop farm . The surroundings are quiet and peaceful, the only sounds being the chirping of birds and the flowing of water on rocky river beds. Spending here in a serene setting is a one-of-a-kind experience. Bird life is plentiful here. Sightings of forest birds can be done even without venturing on long walks as the undisturbed environment naturally attract birds.
DAY-5 : GREAT INDIAN HORNBILL WATCH
Day 05 is fully dedicated for exploring bird life of Anamalai Hills, especially discovering great Indian Hornbill. Dinner & overnight at the Hotel.
DAY-6 : MASINAGUDI
Depart in the morning to Masinagudi, is a beautiful place on the foothills of Nilgiri. It is a forest between the Bandhipur national park (Karnataka) and Mudhumalai National park (Tamilnadu). On arrival, check in at the Hotel and relax. Later Enjoy as many times as wildlife comes across your way. Overnight stay at hotel. Masinagudi is home to over 320 species of birds like Grey headed bulbul, White napped woodpecker, Streak throated woodpecker sometimes you may even spot a Rufus bellied hawk eagle, Black eagle, Brown fish owl.
DAY-7 : BANDIPUR
Morning, we will go to Bandipur. On arrival, check in at the Hotel & relax . Overnight at the Hotel. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating and well managed wildlife center, situated in the foothills of the Nilgiri. The visitors can enjoy an elephant or jeep safari to explore the natural wealth of the park. It will pamper you with lush greenery and vast forest regions. It is home to a diverse range of bird and animal life.
DAY-8 : MYSORE
After breakfast, proceeds to see Mysore, the city of palaces and one of the friendliest cities in India. On the way one can enjoy variety of nature scenic views .On arrival check in at the Hotel and relax . In the evening you are free to find the city in its enchanting beauty and for shopping. Overnight at the Hotel. Mysore, a city of amazing depth and contrast, offers many attractions like music festivals, myriad temples, fabulous Dasara Festival, scenic spots, etc.
DAY-9 : MYSORE TO EXPLORE WATERBIRDS
Full day free to explore the Rangathittu Bird Sanctuary famous for white storks, flamingos, Spot billed pelicans, and more. And hence this region is a favorite haunt of Bird photographers. As this bird heaven is home to many migratory birds from as far away as Siberia, in winter it turns into a prime area for the birds and the bird-watchers as well. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY-10 : KABINI
Morning, proceed towards Kabini, one of popular wildlife destination in Karnataka. On arrival, check in to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level marks to form rich grassy meadows.
DAY 11 : KABINI
Leisure at own activities. The Kabini lake and its catchments support many water and land birds of southern India. Bird watch in one of the most Bird-rich areas where thousands of birds can be seen at ease. Overnight at the Hotel. Some of the animals found here are panther, spotted deer, leopard, , sambhar, cheetah.. Dense forests teeming with wildlife, serpentine roads, cool bracing breeze, moonlit nights, songs of the birds, sun rays trying to peep through the trees adds memorable chapters to your holidaying.
DAY 12 : WAYANAD
After breakfast, depart to Wayanad, the forest district of Kerala. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Day free for own activities. Overnight at the Hotel. Wayanad is nestled amidst the mountains of Western Ghats and its flora and fauna is identical to Western Ghats. The major plantation crops include coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber are grown in abundance here.
Coffee based farming system is a notable feature of Wayanad. Trees of the wild type like rose-wood, anjili (Artocarpus), Mullumurikku (Erthrina), are still preserved here.
Day 13 : WAYANAD
You are free to explore the wilderness of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is one of the most rich and extensive forest belts of Peninsular India. Overnight at the Hotel. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, shares its boundary to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. This Sanctuary is irreplaceable part of environment and are a major part of the strategy to conserve the biological richness of the region.
Day-14 : RETURN TO KOCHI FOR TRANSFER
If you want to break the tour at Mysore you can fly back from Bangalore or after visiting Wayand you can fly back from Calicut instead of Cochin.
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