Upon arrival at the Kochi Airport, you will meet with our representative that will transport you to Thattekad – one of the best birding hotspots in India found by none other than Dr. Salim Ali. Check into your forest lodge and spend a quiet evening amidst the chirping of birds and lush greenery. In the afternoon, embark on a small introductory birding walk to see birds such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Racket-tailed Drongo and numerous kingfishers. Overnight stay in Thattekad.

For some birdwatching, start early with a guided session in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which has more than 300 species. Hiking trails take you through thick, wet forests and swamps with pockets of bamboo as you search for more of the region’s rare endemics including such oddballs as Ceylon Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, and Malabar Parakeet. After lunch, spend the afternoon wandering along nearby fine birdlife-filled trails and riverbanks. The day concludes with a serene sunset by the Periyar River, after which it is back to your lodge for dinner.

After breakfast, checkout and proceed to Munnar visiting tea gardens along the way. Check in and relax, then head out with your guide for a late-afternoon birding walk in the high-altitude grasslands. Native species such as the Nilgiri Flycatchers, Laughing Thrushes and Black-throated Munias are frequently spotted. Spend the night relaxing in your hill station resort, where you can enjoy the refreshing mountain air and peaceful setting.

The tour starts with a sightseeing of Eravikulam National Park- a home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (a type of mountain goat) and an unique high altitude flora. Hunt for hill birds like the Nilgiri Pipit and Painted Bush Quail as you walk through viewpoints and shola forests of the park. After lunch, some of the tea estates can be visited with a guided nature walk through fragrant plantations where butterflies and small bush birds prosper. Then relax this evening at your resort.

Post breakfast drive to Thekkady – the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Settle in at your jungle lodge and get ready to head out on a Periyar lake boating safari, where you might see elephants, gaur, otters, and an array of birdlife along the banks. Later on the second day, a guided tour of a spice plantation awaits, followed by your own leisure. You can also visit an optional cultural show (or martial arts performance) in the evening. Overnight in Thekkady.

Begin the day with a guided walk of the forest, through thick bamboo woods and wildlife paths popular for sightings of Malabar giant squirrels, woodpeckers and hornbills. After checkout, drive to Alleppey for a serene change of pace. Glide through the calm canals in a canoe and look for wetland birds such as egrets, herons and cormorants. Overnight in a relaxing lakeside lodge.

Post your breakfast, travel to Kochi for a heritage sightseeing tour of attractions such as Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, waterfront promenade and the color art streets. Depending on your flight you might have time for spice, gift or handicraft shopping. Troper Tours then drops you to airport and your further journey. You head back from your wildlife and birding trip with lasting memories of the forest, bird calls, wild animals and Kerala’s rich biodiversity.