Tour Route
Cochin » Thattekkad » Periyar » Kumarakom » Cochin
Overview
Enjoy the amazing variety of birds that Kerala attracts with this 9 Night Bird watching Tour. Tour includes: Stay in the vibrant port town of Cochin, Stay at a bird sanctuary, Stay in a wildlife resort, jungle treks to spot birds, Bamboo Rafting.
DAY 01: Arrival Cochin
Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. Those interested in seeing the many cultural attractions of Cochin can take a sightseeing tour which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch palace, the spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders.In the evening you go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Secret Garden. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 02: Cochin - Thattekkad
(60kms/1.5hrs)Early morning, drive to Thattekkad, a lowland forest with several types of eco-systems including the riverine, grasslands, evergreen and lowland forest, making it one of the best bird watching destinations in India. Check into the resort. This is also home to most of the endemics of the Western Ghats. One should be able to sight the White Bellied Tree Pie, Rufus Babbler, Crimson Backed Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental Scopes Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and Spot Bellied Eagle Owl. You should also be able to sight the Red Spur Fowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pittal, Black-throated Munia and the Grey Headed Fishing Eagle. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Hornbill Camp. (Full Board) (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 03: Thattekkad
Excursion to the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, designed by the renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. The Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species in Thattekkad. This bird sanctuary set in a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with deciduous forests and plantations of rosewood, teak etc. Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted. This rare haven offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Hornbill Camp. (Full Board) (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 04: Thattekkad
Take a second excursion to the Thattekkad bird sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hornbill Camp. (Full board) (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 05: Thattekkad - Periyar
(160kms/4hrs)Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. There are over 320 species of birds in Periyar, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Blue-winged Parakeets; White bellied Tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. Overnight at the Wildernest. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 06: Periyar
Today you could go for an escorted jungle trek where you will have the opportunity to sight many birds along with elephants and other animals. Overnight at the Wildernest. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 07: Periyar
You can go for a full day bamboo rafting expedition which will give you an opportunity to spot a large number of birds. Overnight at the Wildernest. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 08: Periyar - Kumarakom
(130kms/3.5hrs)Drive to Kumarakom, a bird sanctuary located on the banks of the backwaters and renowned for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as Waterfowls, Cuckoos and Owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. Day at leisure at the resort. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 09: Kumarakom
Day excursion to the bird sanctuary. Evening at leisure. Enjoy a full body Ayurveda massage. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (No vehicle)
DAY 10: Kumarakom - Cochin -Departure
(100kms/2hrs)Departure transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight. (Vehicle for transfer)
| Place | Nts | Resort | Room Type |
|
| Cochin | 1 | Secret Garden | Regular Room |
| Thattekkad | 3 | Hornbill Camp | Standard Room |
| Periyar | 3 | The Wildernest | Standard Room |
| Kumarakom | 2 | Coconut Lagoon | Bungalow |
| Tour | 1 May 11-30 Sep 11 | 1 Oct 11-19 Dec 11 | 20 Dec 11-15 Jan 12 | 16 Jan 12-30 Apr 12 |
| Standard | £ 1383 | £ 1666 | £ 1738 | £ 1666 |
| Superior | - | - | - | - |
| Deluxe | - | - | - | - |
|
Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre. Price Includes: Bed & Breakfast at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, sunset cruise, chauffeur driven AC car, Ayurveda massage, guide charges, all entrance fees, jungle trek in Periyar. Price Excludes: International Flights - Please contact Kerala Travel Centre for booking flights. |
Kerala Climate and Weather
Being a coastal state surrounded by the Arabian Sea and because of its proximity to the equator, Kerala has a more or less consistent temperature pattern in the summers and the monsoons alike. The temperature hovers around 29�32 degrees (Celsius) throughout the year with varying levels of humidity.
Best months for travel to Kerala:
The months of October through to March are considered to be the most favourable months to travel to Kerala when the weather is sunny and pleasant.
The months of April and May are also favourable for travel but the humidity tends to be comparatively higher.
August and September are also good months for travel.
Monsoon Months in Kerala:
June and July are monsoon months in Kerala, the showers being heavy at first and then easing off gradually. Whilst these are not the best months for tours, interestingly, this happens to the best time for travellers seeking the therapeutic Ayurveda treatment which is said to be most effective in these months.
Special Experiences
Kerala offers a myriad of delightful, lesser known experiences which one does not get to enjoy on a regular tour which is packed with standard excursions. At the Kerala Travel Centre we have always been keen to showcase these special, off-the-beaten-track experiences that will make your Kerala holiday a memorable experience like no other.
We have compiled a partial list experiences which you could choose to enjoy on this tour. When in doubt, just ask your Kerala Travel Centre driver and he will point you the right direction.
Cochin
- Stroll down the beach in Fort Cochin to see the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. Whilst they are not as frequently used as before, you can see a demonstration of how the fishermen use these gigantic nets. It is also possible to take part in this experience along with the fishermen.
- The bustling fish markets adjacent to the fishing nets also make for an interesting visit.
- The sunset cruise in Cochin along the harbour is also a great experience where you pass other ships and boats of all sizes and can see the Cochin skyline and the Cochin shipyard which is more than 200 years old.
- Fort Cochin has a number of seafood restaurants ranging from the high end 'History' restaurant at the Brunton Boatyard to the all vegetarian 'Roti Dal' restaurant where you can try the mouth watering food.
- Enjoy an enthralling Kathakali dance performance while you are in Cochin. Watching the dancers put on make up before the show is also quite a fascinating experience.
- Your sightseeing excursion in Cochin includes several fascinating highlights including the Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and others. Apart from this, you could also try exploring the streets with their many shops both in Fort Cochin and in the bustling Ernakulam part of Cochin. Cochin is great for shopping especially for jewellery and garments. (Our drivers should be able to point you to select shops that do not hassle customers). If you are a cigar aficionado don't miss the 100 year old R.Baliga & Sons who stocks cigars of all types.
- If Henna and bangles are of interest to you, you can pay a visit to a small, yet vibrant shop selling bangles and other ornaments in Cochin.
Periyar - In Periyar, we would strongly suggest the spice plantation visits and also the jungle trek.
- The Gavi sanctuary is worth a visit if you are staying for more than two nights in Periyar. Gavi is a one hour drive away from Periyar and is a great place for elephant sightings.
- Periyar has a few forest inspection bungalows. Those who are really adventurous can try these bungalows which are right inside the forest reserve.
- There are a large number of shops near the wildlife sanctuary selling handicrafts and other items. The handicraft shops are worth looking at as they make for excellent souvenirs. Please ensure you speak with your driver to point you to the appropriate shops.
