South India Bird Watching Tour

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Thattekkad bird sanctuary situated in Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulum District on the northern bank of the Periyar River. Thattekkad is made up of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and some grassland patches. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. After his famous bird survey of Travancore in the early 1930s, he reported that this area is extremely rich in bird diversity and that it should be made into a bird sanctuary. Thus his efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent. More than 300 species of birds are found here.

On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon proceed to have tour for its rare in endemic birds. Overnight stay at hotel/camp.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to birding tour at Urulanthanni, Signal station, Edamalayar Dam and its surrounding areas. We will also cover all the distinct eco-systems of Thattekkad - evergreen, dry deciduous, grasslands, riverine and the marshy lands during our birding trip. At night proceed for a stint of night birding for the nightjars. Overnight stay at hotel/camp.

After breakfast we’ll continue on our bird watching trip on third day here to have the glimpse of some more birds. Overnight stay at hotel/camp.

After breakfast drive to Munnar, the beautiful hill station of Kerala. We also Spot number of birds en-route. On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, enjoy picturesque landscape. Overnight stay at hotel.

Munnar: Munnar is located in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar, the queen of hill station is located at the confluence of the three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuza, Nallathanni and Kunala. Munnar is located about 6,500 feet above the sea level along the western ghats on the eastern border of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

After breakfast proceed to have full day city tour of Munnar. Enjoy panoramic views of Anaimudi, the highest peak of South India at 2695 m, is visible from Munnar. Visit the Christ Church and proceed for wildlife watching at Eravikulam National Park (16 km).(Note: Park would be close from 01Jan to 28 Feb every year) Continue to Rajamala Hills lying adjacent to the park and stop by at Madupetty Dam, a famous picnic spot for boating and horse riding en route to Top Station. Evening transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive across the Tamil Nadu border to the Indira Gandhi national park (Top Slip) - a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife - birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs dholes, king cobra and the lion-tailed macaques in their natural habitat - all within an area known as Top Slip. We will also do the birding at the adjacent Parambikulam Reserve as well drive on a wildlife safari through the forest trails. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed to have full day birding in the forest. Overnight stay at hotel.

There is a watch tower overlooking a reservoir around 1km from the edge of the Karian Shola on Top Slip. Many of the birds can be seen on the way as well as from the watch tower. The common birds includes, the Racquet Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Fly-catcher, Whistling Thrush, Emerald Dove, Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Great Indian, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Fairy Bluebird.

After buffet drive to Ooty. Upon arrival in ooty check into the hotel. After fresh-n-up we will have birding around Avalanche road, where the endemic Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, and Black-and-rufous, Rusty-tailed and Nilgiri Flycatchers all occur. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

After breakfast, half day birding at Ooty looking for the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, then drive through the Sirgur Ghats to Masinagudi. Mudumalai at the foot of the of the Nilgiris hills, is one the many reserves located within the forest belt between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains. The terrain being varied with hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps, moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests is ideal birding country.

The avifauna includes Jerdon's Bushlark, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Blue Robin, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, White-bellied Minivet, Yellow-billed Babbler, White-bellied Woodpecker, Large Cuckooshrike, Banded-bay Cuckoo, Thick-billed Warbler and Painted Bush Quail.

Later continue drive to Bandipur. On arrival at Bandipur check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning & afternoon jungle safari into the national park for Birding & wildlife viewing. Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Mysore, visit the famous heronry on islands on the Cauvery River at the Ranganthittu Wildlife sanctuary. Rowing boat cruise enables view of Eurasian spoonbill, Black-crowned night heron, three species of Cormorant, River Tern and Thick Knee, and many others. Marsh crocodiles will also be seen. Also visit the remote village Kokre Bellur for the Nesting Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans followed by birding at a nearby reservoir. On arrival at Mysore check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel drive to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore drop you at airport to connect flight for onward destination.