South India Birding Tour

Trivandrum - Kovalam - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Cochin - Palakkad (Silent Valley) - Ooty - Mudumalai - Wayanad - Coorg - Mysore - Bangalore

Day 1: Arrival: Trivandrum-Kovalam (13 kms)

On arrival at Trivandrum airport you will be greeted by our executive/representative and then transferred to Kovalam where you check in at resort. This is a perfect hide away, far from mass tourism. The rest of the day is at leisure and relaxation. Over night stay at Kovalam.

Day 2: Kovalam

After morning breakfast, the entire day can be enjoyed on the beaches. The clean white sandy beach will arouse a temptation irresistible, to lie idle on the sands and tan your body. You could get into any of the Ayurvedic massage centres and indulge in a rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic therapies or you could go surfing or swimming which are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beaches. Over night stay at Kovalam.

Day 3 : Kovalam - Alleppey (160 kms)

Morning after breakfast, check out from the resort and drive to Alleppey. Alleppey is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. The intricate network of canals through this town has earned it the sobriquet "The Venice of the East". At Alleppey board a private rice boat and then cruise through the narrow canals and wide lakes enjoying the scenic natural beauty - coconut trees, rice patties, small villages. Food and over night stay on houseboat.

Day 4 : Kumarakom - Cochin (67 kms)

After morning breakfast, check out houseboat. By the time the houseboat would have reached Kumarakom - an enchanting backwater destination. From Kumarakom drive to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin check in hotel and later in the afternoon proceed for a local tour of Cochin. Some of the places of tourist interest are the Jewish Synagogue, the 400-year-old synagogue, which is the oldest in the Commonwealth Countries. The interiors have exquisite hand painted Chinese tiles and Belgian Chandeliers. St. Francis Church - The first European church in India, Chinese Fishing Nets - The huge, elegant fishing nets, The Dutch Palace - built by the Portuguese in 1557and later occupied and renovated by the Dutch. In the evening you could rejuvenate your body and mind with our Complimentary Body Massage. Over night stay at Cochin.

Days 5 : Cochin - Palakkad (Silent Valley) (210 kms)

After morning breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Palakkad and then to Silent Valley. Silent Valley is a virgin, fragile forest, nestled in the mountain folds of the Nilgiris in Southern India. In God's own country, Kerala, Silent Valley is surely God's own abode. It has etymological connotations to the absence of noisy insect cicadas that are generally abundant in tropical rain forests, although now, cicadas form an integral part of the forest. On arrival, check in at The Forest Guest House or Govt. Inspection Bunglow. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 6: Silent Valley National Park

After morning breakfast, you can spend the whole day exploring this tropical evergreen rain forest, which is a precious biodiversity resource. Silent Valley National Park is one of the few remaining pristine forest areas in the Western Ghats. Silent Valley has an amazing range of wildlife. Tigers, deer, and mammals native to the South Indian Peninsula, such as the Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Flying squirrel and Civet Cat are found in Silent Valley National Park. More than 100 butterflies species and 400 moth species have also been observed in Silent Valley National Park. Birds such as the Malabar Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill, hoopoes, tree pie, barbets, crow pheasant, woodpeckers, rollers, drongoes, kingfishers and parakeets can be seen in abundance in Silent Valley National park. Many varieties of snakes, amphibians and lizards can also be seen in Silent Valley. Over night stay Silent Valley or Palakkad.

Day 7: Silent Valley - Ooty (170 kms)

After morning breakfast, check out hotel and proceed to Ooty. Ooty - The Queen of Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers to ooty. On arrival at Ooty, check in at resort/hotel and spend the afternoon in leisure. In the evening you could go for a boat ride at the lake. Over night stay at Ooty.

Day 8: Ooty

After morning breakfast proceed for a full day local tour of Ooty and Coonoor. Some of the important places of tourist interest are: Ooty Botanical garden-Lush green well maintained lawns and rare tree species are some of the many highlights of this garden. Doddabetta - At a height of 2,623 metres, is the highest point in the district. Rose garden, Wenlock Downs- a vast zone of amazing landscape, are other attractions of Ooty. In the afternoon, proceed to Coonoor to visit some more interesting places such as Dolphin Nose- is a great vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. Sim's park- the park more than 1000 plant species, including many flowering plants, pines, ferns and shrubs. Lambs Rock - another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. Evening return back to Ooty and over night stay at Ooty.

Days 09: Ooty - Mudumalai - Wayanad (150 kms)

Morning after breakfast, check out hotel and drive to Wayanad. On the way stop to visit the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Mudamalai Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species. Elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a common sight. Later in the afternoon drive to Wayanad. Wayanad- the land of Spicy Hills is set on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 Metres above mean sea level. Vythiri is a picturesque place located in the sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in Wayanad district. On arrival check into the resort and the evening at resort and spend the rest of the time at leisure to enjoy nature at its best. Over night stay at the resort.

Days 10 : Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary- Thattekad

Morning after breakfast, you could spend the day exploring some of the best places of tourist interest like: Chembra Peak: The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. Lakkidi: One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level. The lofty mountain peaks, the gorging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. Pookot Lake: It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with evergreen mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. Over night stay at the resort.

Day 11 : Wayanad - Kabini - Coorg (230 kms)

After breakfast in the morning, check out resort and drive to Coorg. On the way stop over to visit the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary Kabini, a scenic delight, was once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapid provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits. Later drive to Coorg. Coorg is known to visitors and tourists as the Scotland of India and the Kashmir of the south for its scenic beauty. Nestled in the Western Ghats, perched at 800 meters above sea level, Coorg - one of the India's finest holiday destinations. On arrival at Coorg, check in at resort and relax leisurely. Over night stay at Coorg.

Day 12: Coorg

Morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day local tour of Coorg. The places of tourist interest are: Talacuvery, the place from which the holly River Cauvery took birth. The Dubare forest, situated in the south of Coorg is an Elephant haven. It was here that originally elephants were trained for Dasara celebrations held in Mysore every year in the month of October. Nisargadhama is a popular family holiday spot. With ample cottages spread over forest area, it is an ideal place to spot deers. Habbi Falls - A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike. Valanoor-the backwater of river Cauvery is one of the most beautiful Angling sites in Karnataka. Evening return back to resort and over night stay at Coorg.

Day 13: Coorg - Mysore (120 kms)

After morning breakfast, check out resort and drive to Mysore. Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks .Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples and gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor. On the way to Coorg visit the famous Sri Rangapatna Temple and Tippu Sultan's summer palace. On arrival at Mysore check in at the hotel and the rest of the evening is at leisure. Over night stay at Mysore.

Day 14: Mysore

After morning breakfast, proceed for a full day local tour of Mysore city. After breakfast in the morning, proceed for a local tour of Mysore, visiting St.Philomena's church-a beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. It is one of the largest churches in the country. Chamundi hills- a well-known 335 metres high landmark, Mysore Maharaja's Palace- is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The Mysore Zoo- was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century, is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity. In the evening proceed to Brindavan Gardens to see the world famous lighting show. Later return back to hotel and over night stay at Mysore.

Day 15 : Mysore - Bangalore (135 kms)

After morning breakfast, check out hotel and proceed to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore, check in hotel and later proceed for a local tour of Bangalore visiting: Vidhana Soudha- A magnificent building of the Neo-Dravidian style, that houses the State Legislature, Lalbagh Gardens-an expanse of greenery and one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens, The Government Museum: One of the oldest museums in the country, ISKCON Temple: A blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony is the Hare Krishna Temple, built on the hillock with a panoramic beauty. Late in evening you could visit one of the several Pubs or Discothèques and spent your time in a party-kind atmosphere. Over night stay at Bangalore.

Day 16 : Departure: Bangalore

After morning breakfast, check out hotel and drive to airport for your onward journey.

Tour and Services End

South India Birding Tour (Tour Highlight)

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