Birding in the backwaters of Kerala
This is a suggested tour. It can be tailor-made to suit your requirements. Please contact us for a tailor made tour.
Day 01 – Arrival / Cochin
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to
hotel. Cochin also known as Kochi, is the present is the industrial and
commercial capitol of the state of Kerala. The Dutch, the British, Arabs,
Chinese and the Portuguese have all left their influence on this major city,
which now boasts of a world class port and international airport. Overnight
Hotel
Day 02 – Cochin / Thattekad
Early morning visit the fish market. After breakfast
city sightseeing of Cochin visiting various historical and important monuments.
Later drive 3 hrs to Thattekkad, another bird paradise of South India.
The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is about 65 kms from Cochin
and covers an area of approximately 25 square kms and considered one of
the important bird sanctuaries of India. The region is an evergreen low
land forest located along river Periyar, the longest river of the region.
The sanctuary has a rich and varied birdlife and several species of birds,
both forest birds as well as the water birds, visit the sanctuary. Some
of the important ones are: -
The Indian Pitta, which visits the sanctuary during winter
and spends almost six months here. Ground Thrush, Large-billed Leaf-warbler,
Jerdon's Nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Darters, Cormorants, Whiskered Terns,
Collared Scops Owl, Frogmouths (nocturnal birds), Pompadour Green Pigeon,
Yellow-browed Bulbuls, Drongo Cuckoo, Indian Hawk Cuckoo, Large Hawk Cuckoo.
On arrival stay at Hornbill Camp. Evening nature walk around the camp.
Day 03 – Thattekad
Morning visit the Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary, famous
for various species of birds and other animals. Sanctuary, also known as
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is based on the River Periyar. It has more than
250 species of birds. Apart from birds you can also see some wild animals.
Overnight Camp
Day 04 – Thattekad / Kothamangalam
Another day to enjoy the bird sighting at this world
known sanctuary. Afternoon drive about 1 hr to Plantation homestay at Kothamangalam.
Overnight plantation Home stay.
Day 05 - Kothamangalam
Morning nature walk around the home stay situated
amongst rubber and spice plantation. Evening enjoy the sumptuous dinner
with the hosts. Overnight Home stay.
Day 06 – Kothamangalam / Kumarakom
Spend the morning in the quiet and beautiful surroundings.
Afternoon drive 3 hrs to Kumarakom, a backwater paradise.
Kumarakom - is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. An enchanting backwater destination,
Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. One can also visit
the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres. Egrets, darters, herons,
teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild ducks and the migratory bird, Siberian Stork
can been seen here. On arrival check into your lodge / backwater resort
for overnight.
Day 07 – Kumarakom
After breakfast visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary by
motor boat or a houseboat. Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for a soul
soothing ayurvedic massage. Evening explore the backwaters on your own and
enjoy the beautiful of the region.
Day 8 – Kumarakom / Cochin / Departure
After breakfast say good bye to your hosts and proceed
to Cochin airport for your flight to onward destination.
