Itinerary
Day 1, 2 & 3
Arrival at Kochi and Transfer to Thattekkad
Thattekkad is a lowland forest with several types of eco-systems – riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, dry deciduous, lowland forest, enabling it to be one of the best birding destinations in India. This is also home to most of the endemics of the Western Ghats. One should sight the Whitebel¬lied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimsonbacked Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Orien¬tal scopes owl, Brown Fish Owl, Oriental Scopes Owl and Spotbellied Eagle Owl. You should also be able to sight the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey headed fishing eagle. O/N at the Hornbill Camp: www.hornbillcamp.in Meal Plan: All Meals
Day 4
Periyar
Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife & birding destinations in South India. With over 320 bird species identified and a leading habitat for the Bengal Tiger, this sanctuary is an ideal destination of the tour. Periyar National Park contains a variety of habitats from grassland and dry decidu¬ous forest to evergreen forest and riverside scrub. As a result of its wide range of habitats Periyar boasts an impressive list of resident species including about half the peninsular endemics and near-endemics We will spend the day searching here for some very special species including the Wynaad Laughingthrush. Other birds to look out for include White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black Eagle, the striking Black Baza, Pompadour Green and Mountain Imperial Pi¬geon, the migratory Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Gray-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed Warbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, and the Asian Fairy Bluebird among other more widespread species. We may also sight the Woolly-necked Stork, Besra, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Jungle Owlet, White-rumped Spinetail, Black-naped Monarch and the Little Spiderhunter. O/N Abad Green Forest - https://www.abadhotels.com/green-forest-resort-thekkady/ Meal Plan: All Meals
Day 5 & 6
Munnar
We will leave for Munnar via the Ghats to Khambam where we should sight the Large Grey Babbler, Common Babbler, Jungle Bush Quail and the Grey Francolin. We will proceed to Bodi Ghats en-route Munnar and stop over for sighting the rare Yellow Throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, Sirkeer Malkoha, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Bluefaced Malkoha and the Black eagle. We will reach Munnar by evening. The next day we will go birding in the sholas (high altitude montane forests) and grasslands for the Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Whitebellied Shortwing, Broadtailed Grassbird, Grasshopper Warbler. Accommodation: Tea County - www.ktdc.com/tea-county Meal Plan: All Meals
Day 7
Ooty
We will start early in the morning birding at Chinnar (dry scrub forest) looking for White-bellied Drongo, Blue faced Malkoha, White-naped woodpecker, Blue-beared bee-eater, Sirkeer Malkoha, Jungle Bush Quail and the Yellow-legged Button quail. From here taking the long drive, we will reach Ooty by evening. Ooty - a hill station, at about 2,200m in the Nilgiri Hills - is where we will look for the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and Black-and-rufous, Rusty-tailed and Nilgiri Flycatchers. Accommodation: Accord Highland - https://www.theaccordhotels.com/property/accord-highland-ooty/ Meal Plan: All Meals
Day 8
Departure
Depart back to Kochi after morning birding. (also option of drop to Coimbatore)
Inclusion
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Accommodation & meal plan as given above
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All birding walks
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Entrance fees to parks & sanctuaries
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Transfers in Aircon car / mini bus
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Birding Guide or guide cum driver
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Bottled water
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All Government Taxes
Exclusion
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Tips to birding guide / driver
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Camera Fees if charged
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Personal expenses like beverages, liquor, Laundry
Cost (Euro 1345)
2- 3 Pax – 1345, 4-5 Pax – 1045, 6- 8 Pax - 900
NOTE: To access the group rate for 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8 participants, it is required that bookings be made as a cohesive group. For individual bookings, the cost per person is set at 1345 euros.
1, A minimum of two adults is required to operate the trip.
2, In order to qualify for the child discount, a child must share a room with at least two adults.
OPTIONAL:
The applicable rate for a single supplement euro 800
About the Tour
Western Ghats is home to some of the best National parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. This mountain range is one of the 36 bio-diversity ‘hot spots’ on earth due to its large volume of endemic species and diversity. Our journey will take us through the lowland forests of Thattekkad to Periyar Tiger Reserve and onwards to the high altitude montane forests & grasslands at Munnar, Ooty, the dry forests at Chinnar.
Touring with B T A-
In order to give you a surreal experience during the tour, Bike and Trek Adventure have planned the itineraries and routes meticulously. We have allocated enough time to be spent in each place, so that you don’t miss the breath-taking locales and the finest amenities each place has to offer.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is obtainable in any respect locations. Most of the resorts are birder friendly properties. Our value is primarily based totally on dual sharing. For individuals who wishes single occupation room, we provide single occupation room with extra cost.
FOOD
We believe that eating local is not just a lot of fun but also are of those important elements of the destination experience- Very much a part of the adventure as they say! So, be flexible and prepared to savour and enjoy the varied and wonderful food of the world. Meals included and excluded are clearly specified on the detailed itinerary. When meals are included you will need to adhere to timings as these meals are usually at local restaurants. When meals are not included, your trip leader will be happy to make restaurant recommendations of favourite places frequented by the locals. Choice of vegetarian food can sometimes be limited and repetitive. Though special food, including vegetarian, child meals etc., can never be guaranteed. We do our best to accommodate your requests. On guided trips, please ensure you inform your leader if you are a vegetarian.
PRECAUTIONS
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Bring all of the crucial medications. Do now no longer ignore
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Consume quite a few liquids. Don’t drink faucet water. Use handiest bottled water that's constantly stored in the vehicle
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our trips and all details of your insurance policy including the policy number must be received by us prior to the start of your trip. We are unable to send you your travel certificate / Vouchers unless we receive them.
Money to Carry: Keep with you sufficient Indian Rupees in cash, money exchange or your international card.
Medical facilities available: There are medical facilities (First Aid) available but we suggest carrying your own first aid kit and personal medicines as well. Also consult with the family Doctor before coming on our tour.
Overview
TOUR TYPE : Guided
REGION : Kerala, Tamilnadu (India)
GRADE : Moderate
DURATION : 8 days / 7 nights
GROUP SIZE : 02 – 15 People
SUITABLE FOR : 15 + Years
BASE CAMP : Kochi (Kerala)
SEASON : November, December, January, February
SERVICE FROM : Cochin – Cochin/ Coimbatore
MEALS : Meals veg + Non-veg (As per Itinerary)
STAY : Best birder-friendly lodging available locally
AIRPORT : Cochin Airport
Rail Head : Cochin
Key Highlights
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Endemic Birds of the Western Ghats
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Wildlife sightings including endemic mammals
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Journeys through some of the best National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of South India
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Field Expert as guide
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Birder-friendly accommodation
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A/c Chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout
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Visit Periyar Tiger Reserve
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Visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary