DAY 01 – Arrival Cochin
Welcomed by our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Cochin. 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.
DAY 02 – Cochin – Thattekad (60 Km / 1 ½ h)
Early morning, drive to Thattekad, a lowland forest with several types of eco-systems – riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, dry deciduous, lowland forest, enabling it to be one of the best birding destinations in India.
DAY 03 – Thattekad
Take your first excursion to the Thattekad bird sanctuary.
DAY 04 – Thattekad
Take a second excursion to the Thattekad bird sanctuary.
DAY 05 – Thattekad – Periyar (160 Km / 4 h)
Drive to Periyar/Thekkady. The name Periyar comes from the dam built here by the English in 1895. This wildlife reserve is the ideal place to track down wild animals such as gaurs, elephants, deer, and various species of birds. 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.
DAY 06 – Periyar
Today you could go for an escorted 03 hrs jungle trek. In the evening you could also go for a boat ride where you will get the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals along the bank.
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.
DAY 08 – Periyar – Kumarakom (130 Km / 3 ½ h)
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. After a full day birding at the paddy fields and lagoons at Kumarakom.
DAY 10 – Kumarakom
Day excursion to the bird sanctuary. Evening at leisure. Enjoy a full body Ayurveda massage.
DAY 11 – Kumarakom – Cochin – Departure (100 Km / 3 h)
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight.