BIRD WATCHING IN KERALA TOUR

9 Nights / 10 Days

A great tour to Explore Kerala - Hill Stations, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Jungle Walks, Elephant Rides, Birdwatching on Lake Vembanad, Deluxe Houseboat Cruise through the tropical backwaters, the world famous Kovalam Beach - a great way to explore Gods Own Country - beautiful Kerala.

Cochin – Munnar – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat – Kovalam - Trivandrum

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Cochin Arrival

You will be met in Cochin by a Tour Packages India Representative who will then escort you to your hotel. Spend some time seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show on the harborfront overlooking the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 2: Cochin to Thattekkad (60 km / 90 minute drive)

Spend the day seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show on the harborfront overlooking the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 3: Thattekkad

After breakfast, you'll be driven through the Cardamom Hills to Munnar - famous for rolling hillsides of tea plantations. Dinner and overnight in Munnar.

Day 4: Thattekkad

A fun day of exploration. Vist the Eravikulam National Park - covering 97 sq. km. along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of the Idukki District. The Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr as well as Ruddy Mongoose, Clawed Otter and various other fauna. Later, enjoy a visit to the Tea Museium to learn about the production of tea. Afterwards, enjoy an elephant ride on the way back to Munnar.

Day 5: Thattekkad to Periyar (160 km / 4 hour drive)

Take another wonderfully scenic drive through the hilly countryside en route to Periyar where you'll explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a Guided Jungle Walk. Later, enjoy a Guided Tour of a Tea Plantation and end the day on a short ride atop an elephant. Spend the evening relaxing.

Day 6: Periyar

Descend to the backwaters of Kumarkom - the Rice Bowl of Kerala. Kumarkom rests along the shores of Lake Vembanad, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Abundant in fish and fowl, coconut and palm groves and rice paddies, it's a virtual feast for the eyes. Relax and take it all in under nature's canopy. Pay a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - home to migratory flocks as far away as Siberia - an ornithologist's dream. Relax over a fresh fish dinner prepared Kerala style.

Day 7: Periyar to Alleppey Houseboat (135 km / 3 hour drive)

Enjoy the scenic drive down the Cardamom Hills to the Alleppey backwaters and board your private deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise. All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service including an on-board chef who will no doubt create some of the best food you'll find on the entire tour. Meander around the boat, perch yourself on top and observe the peaceful way of backwaters life, pull up next to a fishing boat and buy a fresh catch, stop off for fresh coconut juice, relax in the back open-ended sitting room and drift away to the morning.

Day 8: Alleppey to Kumarakom (via Boat)

Enjoy a boat ride through the backwaters to Kumarakom and disembark at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Resting in one of the most popular migratory routes of Asia, the Bird Sanctuary host birds from as far away as Siberia. Spend the day bird watching and the evening relaxing by the shores of Lake Vembanad in the peaceful environs of the Bird Sanctuary.

Day 9: Kumarakom

A full day at the Bird Sanctuary. Spend the night.

Day 10: Kumarakom to Cochin Departure (100 km / 2.5 hours)

Transfer to Cochin to your point of departure.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

ACCOMMODATIONS - Twin sharing basis, includes Breakfast

Tour Price Includes

• AC Transport as per Itinerary
• All Meals at Hornbill Camp and on Overnight Houseboat Trip
• Entrance fees into Sanctuaries and Parks
• Birding Guide at Thattekhad, Periyar and Kumarakom
• One boat ride at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• A 3-Hour Guiided Forest Trek Periyar
• An evening Kathakali Dance Performance in Periyar
• Applicable taxes

Tour Price Excludes

• Meals not specified in the Itinerary
• Camera Fees, Special Guide charges, Tips
• Personal nature items