Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Bangluru a travel-to-nature Asia guide/representative will be at the airport to greet and take us to our hotel to freshen up. Please look out for your name-card once you exit out of arrival area.

Later we will leave for Mysore. En-route we will stop at Kekkerebellur Pelicanery in Maddur village to see one of the best and undisturbed natural habitats for various migratory birds, especially famous for its Spot Billed Pelicans and the Painted Storks that can be sighted here in large numbers. Overnight in Mysore.

The city of palaces, Mysore, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the foothills of the majestic Chamundi Hills, Mysore is considered to be the one of the most well-planned and cleanest cities in the country. Adorned with a number of palaces, Mysore is the place that takes one back in time to the magnificent and affluent ‘royal era of India’. It is the previous capital of the Mysore Maharajahs, who ruled Mysore state from this royal city for several centuries. Thanks to royal patronage a large number of artists, writers and craftsmen have flourished in Mysore, making it the cultural epicenter of Karnataka. Mysore still retains an aura of old-world charm and much of the city’s architectural heritage remains intact. The city’s proximity to famous national parks makes it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

After an early breakfast, we drive to Ranganathitta Bird Sanctuary just outside Srirangapatna. The Cauvery river meanders around a string of tiny islets, which together form a splendid nesting site for birds at Ranganathitta . We explore the wetland on boat that takes us within touching distance of the birds, as marsh crocodiles bask in the sun on the sandy beach. Delight in watching the winged visitors making happy forays into the water.

Later we will do some sightseeing in Mysore. Highlights of this will include the breathtaking Maharajah’s Palace and the delightful Brindavan Gardens, which spread over 150 acres and have a series of dancing fountains built on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Other sights we may visit include v Srirangapatnam, the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, St. Philomena’s Church, built in an imposing Gothic style and City Market.

The main attraction of Mysore is the Mysore Palace. A breathtaking assemblage of Indo-Saracenic, Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic architecture styles, this palace once served as the residence of the Wodeyars, the royal family who ruled Mysore for more than seven centuries. The Jagmohan Palace is another worth-visiting site in the city. This palace too served as the residence of the Wodeyar Kings, before the Mysore Palace was built. Today, it has been tastefully converted into an art gallery that displays one of the widest collections of artefacts and paintings in South India.

Evening Palace visit again (optional) for light & Sound show followed by palace lighting. Overnight in Mysore.

Highlighted Species (between Bengaluru and Kabini)
Birds: Egyptian Vulture, Spot bellied Pelican, Painted Stroke, Open bill, Spoon bill, little grebe, purple heron, purple moorhen, Bhramini kite, spot billed duck , River tern etc – Renganathittu, Kukkarahalli Lake in Mysore city, are excellent for photographing those birds
Mammals: Smooth coated otter – best in Renganathittu
Reptile: Mugger crocodile and Monitor lizard

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

Today we will drive to Nagarhole National Park, to the west of Mysore, where we will spend two nights at the cottages. From here we can explore this 640-square kilometre National Park, sitting in the Western Ghats, the lengthy chain of mountains running right down the western side of peninsula India. In the earlier era, this was a private hunting spot of Mysore’s king and then became shikhar hotspot for British viceroys and Indian royalties. A region of hills and hollows, Nagarhole contains a mixture of Teak and Mathi forest, little villages and cultivated land. Travelling by jeep, we will explore these grasslands and forests where we will see some of the 1,000 Elephants that range through the area. The Park should also provide us with our first chance of seeing the Gaur or Indian Bison, the largest and most impressive of all the world’s wild cattle. With luck we may see Tiger, Leopard or Sloth Bear, or perhaps a pack of Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog). Chital (Spotted Deer), Common Langurs and Wild Boar are numerous here.

We will be staying at the Kabini River Lodge during our time exploring Nagarhole. This lodge has a scenic location on the bank of the River Kabini, at the southern fringes of Nagarhole National Park, and offers basic but comfortable accommodation. The restaurant overlooks the River Kabini and offers Indian, Chinese and Continental buffet-style meals. In Nagarhole we will undertake game drives in shared jeeps or shared canters.

We will be looking for some of southern India’s bird specialties here, such as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-backed Woodpecker and Malabar Crested Lark. Nearby, where the river has been dammed, we may take to the water in coracles in search of the waterbirds that favour its marshy fringes. Indian Shags, Little Cormorants, and a variety of storks and kingfishers are all to be found here. Overnight in Kabani.

Highlighted Species-Kabini
Birds: Indian Cormorant , Greater cormorant, Woolly necked stroke, Osprey etc – best location for photographing them during boat safari.
Land safari offers:  Lesser adjutant (Between November and March) in Tiger tank area. White bellied woodpecker, Indian Roller, Crested serpent eagle etc .
In house area: River tern, sun birds, Indian pitta, Bhramini starling , lap wing, plovers and snipes , copper smith barbet , Malabar barbet , puff throated babbler, Asian paradise fly catcher, Malabar parakeet, Indian grey horn bill etc.
Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Elephant, Wild gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, common Langur
Reptile:  Mugger

Accommodation: Red Earth Kabini
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Extremely picturesque drive through the plateau towards South east section of Nilgiri bio reserve and through King Sanctuary where we make birding stops en-route and where Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centers, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri.

On arrival we check into our resort set on the borders of the Sanctuary for couple of nights stay. Evening we take a game drive for a guided safari through the Sanctuary.

As we penetrate deep into the forests, we can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There’s a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambhar, barking deer, etc. An endless variety of wildlife flourishes here and the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. The green fauna and flora of these rain forests are unimaginable with a thick population of wild animals. Overnight in Bandipur.

Accommodation: The Wildflower Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Early morning and evening we go on Game drive inside the park and during daytime we explore around the resort to spot birds and other wildlife. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience. We might encounter a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous and evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.

Bandipur National Park is a playground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains with their mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja’s private hunting ground. It was brought under project Tiger in 1974.This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit. Bandipur National park has an area of 874.2 Sq.Km and flanked by Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park to its northwest, Tamilnadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Northwest. Together these constitute the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Flora and Fauna are of deciduous and evergreen forests and scrubland vegetation. Overnight in Bandipur.

Highlighted Species in Bandipur:
Birds:  Grey hornbill, White rumped vulture , Indian roller and more
Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Elephant , sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, ruddy mongoose)

Accommodation: The Wildflower Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast, drive to Ooty, a colonial hill station known as the queen of Nilgiris. By 1.30 PM, reach Ooty railway station to board the Nilgiri Mountain train to Mettupalayam. (Any last minute cancellation of the train will end up in driving down through the scenic road)  On arrival at Mettupalayam, your driver will receive you to drive to Coimbatore . Overnight at Coimbatore Hotel.

Accommodation: The Residency Towers
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Athirappally . You will be driving through Valparai and Sholayar in which is a good stretch  through Sholayar Forest which region is known for its presence of Lion Tail Macaque and Great India Hornbill. On arrival, check into your hotel near to the waterfalls Overnight at hotel.

Athirappally is one of the best hotspot for Malabar Pied Hornbill in Western Ghats. The drive from Athirapilly to Anamalai through Sholayar rainforest, Anamalai forests of Valpari will give ample scope for spotting Malabar Grey horn bill (endemic), ruby throated bulbul (endemic), Great Hornbill, Emerald pigeon, Indian Dollar bird, Grey Headed fish eagle, and many other species of forest birds. During the drive we have only permission to stay short time slots for birding. This drive will also gives us chances of spotting two endemic species of primates of Western Ghats, wild gaur, giant squirrels, elephants etc.

From the point of view of a Naturalist or Wildlife enthusiast,these waterfalls consist of 14850 hectares of tropical wet, evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous riparian forest ranges. The protected forestland of Athirapally & Vazhachal is one among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, as it serves as a home to endangered, as well as some threatened species of flora and fauna. This place supports the natural riparian ecosystem which consists of about 319 species of flowers out of which 24 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Out of 85 species of fresh water fish found in River Chalakudy, 35 are endemic and 9 are endangered species.Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 metres (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills — the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala) , Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found living together.Its been said that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an ‘Important Bird Area’ and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India’s best elephant conservation efforts.

Accommodation: Casa Rio Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Athirappally is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 42 m, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. The drive from Athirapilly to Anamalai through Sholayar rainforest, Anamalai forests of Valpari will give ample scope for spotting Malabar Grey horn bill (endemic), ruby throated bulbul (endemic), Great Hornbill, Emerald pigeon, Indian Dollar bird, Grey Headed fish eagle, and many other species of forest birds. During the drive we have only permission to stay short time slots for birding. This drive will also gives us chances of spotting two endemic species of primates of Western Ghats, wild gaur, giant squirrels, elephants etc.

An iconic must-see attraction of Kerala is Athirapally waterfall nicknamed as “The Niagra of India”, is also found here. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 42-metre high waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. It is situated on the border of Sholayar Forests of the Western Ghats in South India.

No doubt Athirapilly-Vazhachal area is one among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, as it serves as a home to endangered, as well as some threatened species of flora and fauna. This place supports the natural riparian ecosystem which consists of about 319 species of flowers out of which 24 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Out of 85 species of fresh water fish found in River Chalakudy, 35 are endemic and 9 are endangered species. Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 metres (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills — the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala) , Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found living together. Its been said that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an ‘Important Bird Area’ and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India’s best elephant conservation efforts.

Highlighted Species Athirapally:
Birds: Malabar Pied horn bill, Malabar Grey horn bill, lesser fish eagle ,Great horn bill, lesser hill myna, Indian Dollar Bird, White bellied wood pecker, blue caped rock thrush, lesser fish eagle
Mammals- Nilgiri Langur, Lion tailed Macaque , Elephant
Reptiles: King cobra, large scale pit wiper etc )

Accommodation: Casa Rio Resort
Meals: Breakfast

We leave early today to Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of the low altitude evergreen forests, situated by the banks of River Periyar where we go for a guided birding tour in Thattekkad Sanctuary and Urulanthanni rain forest patches. After lunch, we head to Munnar for 2 nights stay.

Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, covering an area of barely 25 km2, was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologist described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is an evergreen low-land forest located between the branches of Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. is one of the low altitude evergreen forest. It is a home for 280 species of birds including Cylone Frog Mouth, Grey hornbill, White-bellied tree pie, Rufous babbler, Wayanad laughing thrush, Grey headed bulbul, White-bellied blue flycatcher, Crimson-backed sunbird, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar parakeet etc. and a number of water birds.

Munnar in the heart of tea-growing country in the rolling hills and grassland provide a last refuge for the Nilgiri Tahr, the only species of wild goat found south of the Himalaya. Now much reduced in numbers and restricted to a few isolated ranges, this Sanctuary retains a thriving population of Tahr. The unique grassland vegetation of the High Range stands in marked contrast to the lush tropical forests. The rhododendrons in the sholas should be flowering, and they offer a fine spectacle. The Sanctuary also provides a good opportunity to observe two of the region’s endemic bird species, the White-breasted Laughingthrush and Nilgiri Pipit. We will stay at Tea County, Munnar.

Highlighted Species Thattekad
Birds: Srilankan Frogmouth , Malabar grey horn bill, Jerdon’s nightjar, Indian pitta, ruby throated bulbul. White bellied tree pie, Indian dollar bird, Malabar Trogan, lesser whistling teal, legge’s hawk eagle, Black Bazza etc
Reptiles: King cobra, large scale pit wiper etc.

Accommodation: Devonshire Greens
Meals: Breakfast

We’ll have a full day (and second night) at Munnar with a visit to Marayoor & Chinnar in order to fully explore and appreciate the wildlife of this unique region.

Todays trip will be a mixture of game drive and short hikes in tribal villages, sandalwood forest and hike to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Farm lunch will be provided at Marayoor village where we will also visit a tribal village and the dolmen site.

Driving through Shola Forest patches which harbors many endemic species of primitive plants, orchids and animals. It has high endemism of plants and birds. It posses 12 species of endemic birds of western ghats like, Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush etc.

The golden tree ferns and other spore producers from Gondwanaland is the high light of this forest. This forest also holds Tiger, leopard including black panther, rare and endemic Nilgiri marten, clawless otter, golden cat etc. Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the arboreal animals of the forest.

We will reach Marayoor valley where we taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Time permits we will also visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. and hike to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As we go on the nature trail in Chinnar, we are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic vegetation . The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months. Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor ,long eared fish owl and many more inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species found here.

Highlighted Species Munnar:
Birds: Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri Thrush, Indian robin, Nilgiri flower pecker, Black and orange fly catcher, broad tailed grass bird, Rufous babbler , Kerala laughing thrush, Indian black bird, Black eagle, lesser kestrel, white bellied blue robin, yellow browed bulbul, Yellow throated bulbul, Spot bellied eagle owl, brown fish owl, Shama, Small minivet, Jacobin Cuckoo, Spectacled piculet, brown checked fulveta, etc .

Mammals:  Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Brown mongoose, Brown palm civet, Malabar giant squirrel (southern Morph), dusky squirrel, Nilgiri Marten , velvet fronted nuthatch Elephants, Grizzled giant squirrel, Wild gaur, barking deer

Reptiles: large scale pitwiper, green vine snake, Anamalai SalaiaHighlighted Species Chinnar Starred tortoise, Rock Agama

Accommodation: Devonshire Greens
Meals: Breakfast

We’ll drive to Kumarakom which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, it’s never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. And that is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

On arrival, we check into our resort on the backwaters. Early evening we go for a wetland birding. Overnight at the Resort.

Accommodation: Lakesong Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Early morning we visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This will provide the opportunity for a last look at a wide variety of water and forest birds. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the highlights of the trip – these enchanting boats, built of Anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats.

The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. As our boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation we have the opportunity to view not only the prolific bird life but also gain a different perspective on village life. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, copia (coconut meat) and cashews are loaded on to dugouts. In the evening the boat is anchored by a bank and we can watch the sunset over the rice paddies. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have 2-5 twin bedded rooms with a bathroom. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food served is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. No trip to Kerala would be complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional vessels.Overnight Houseboat.

Accommodation: Evergreen Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We enjoy your breakfast on board and leave our houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala.

On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. We may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage or a village walk. Overnight at the Resort.

Marari
Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Accommodation: Turtle Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Full day at the resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. You may opt to take an Ayurvedic Massage…Visit the fishermen villages. By evening it may interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Overnight stay in Marari Beach.

Accommodation: Turtle Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast

On the way to the airport we visit Cochin. Set on the Malabar, or ‘Pepper Coast’, Cochin (Kochi) is one of South India’s most interesting towns and is believed to have been the first European settlement in India. Rich in history despite recent growth it retains a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Narrow spits of land and coconut covered islands jut out into the wide, almost enclosed bay whose neck is lined with the famous Chinese fishing nets.

Depending upon our flight schedule we may have time today to do a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, where most of the historic buildings are located in amongst the narrow streets. The Portuguese Vasco de Gama landed here in 1498 and began trading with the Raja of Cochin. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the mid 1500’s and then was largely rebuilt by its second occupants, the Dutch.

Built in traditional Kerala style the wooden architecture and wall paintings of scenes from the Ramayana are still well preserved. Jewish settlers first arrived in Cochin in 587BC and a synagogue dating from the late 1500’s still stands in Fort Cochin. Although now there are only about half a dozen Jewish families, the synagogue is a real gem and the individual hand painted 18th century blue ceramic Cantonese floor tiles are evidence of past trading with China. St Francis Church is where Vasco de Gama died in 1524 and the building reflects the new European influence in the area. The Santa Cruz Cathedral is close by and was originally used as a warehouse by the British. The Chinese fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour and were introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th century. There is time to wander round the tiny back streets of Jew Town hunting for souvenirs in the many antique shops and warehouses.

We will be taken to a hotel for freshen up and farewell dinner before leaving for the airport.  Our ground handling team will assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for our flight back home!!

Highlighted Birds: Plovers, sandpipers, frigate bird (between November to March), reef egret , black kite etc
Mammal: Dugong or sea cow, Short beaked Dolphin etc