Kerala Birdwatching Tour

Welcomed by Globe 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. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on Cochin Harbour, offering stunning views of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the vibrant hues of the setting sun. Overnight at the Secret Garden.

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, checkout from your hotel and set out for a sightseeing tour of Cochin which will include - JewTown, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders.Later drive to Thattekkad, a lowland forest with several types of ecosystems including the riverine, grassland, evergreen and lowland forest - making it one of the best bird watching destinations in India. Here you will check into the resort. Thattekkad is also home to most of the endemics of the Western Ghats. You should be able to sight the White-bellied Treepie, Rufus Babbler, Crimson Backed Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill and owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl. You should also be able to sight the Red Spur Fowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle. Spend the evening to explore the campsite and its surrounding area. Overnight at the Birds Murmur Camp on a full-board plan.

This morning visit the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary with an experienced naturalist. 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 and teak. 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. Midday is free for walks in and around the camp or take a cycle ride through the local village. In the afternoon embark on a second visit to the bird sanctuary. Overnight at the Birds Murmur Camp on a full-board plan.

This morning visit the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary with an experienced naturalist. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening enjoy a 45-minute kayaking session on the Edamalayar River. Overnight at the Birds Murmur Camp on a full-board plan.

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. Go on a spice garden visit in the afternoon where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Overnight at the Cardamom County.

This morning proceed for a dawn to afternoon range hiking and rafting program in Periyar. This is a conservation-oriented hiking and rafting trail taking up half a day, starting at 07:30 am and ending at 12:30 pm, covering an approximate distance of 05 Miles. The route passes through undulating terrains. Altitudinal ranges of 900 meters to 1300 meters will be covered and trekkers obtain glimpses of the lofty escarpments bordering the park watershed and the vast plains down below. Gaur sloth bear, elephant etc. are often sighted along this route apart from birds and butterflies. The trekkers will go with an English speaking guide and an armed guard. Spend the afternoon at leisure or explore the spice markets and shops on your own. Overnight at the Cardamom County.

Drive to Alleppey and embark on your private houseboat cruise of the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats, or Kettuvalloms, are luxurious boats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it's the life along the coast that makes this a fascinating experience. The locals travel in canoes, and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods door-to-door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters, you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight stay on board with full board.

This morning after breakfast, disembark from your houseboat at your backwater resort in Kumarakom. Kumarakom, a serene village on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a picturesque destination renowned for its breathtaking backwaters and lush landscapes. The region is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes can be viewed here. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon.

This morning take an excursion to the bird sanctuary with an experienced naturalist. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoy a relaxing Ayurveda full-body massage at the hotel. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon.

In good time you will be transferred to Cochin airport to board your onward flight.