Tour code
T0394843
Country
India
No. of Days
7 Days
Cost
Type tour
FIT
About
Highlights
🐦 Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – Explore one of Kerala’s premier birdwatching destinations, home to 300+ species of birds.
🔭 Guided Birdwatching Experiences – Spot hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, drongos, and endemic bird species with a local naturalist.
🌿 Kerala Rainforest Experience – Immerse yourself in lush forests, rubber plantations, spice estates, and the scenic Western Ghats.
🐘 Periyar Wildlife Experience – Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake with opportunities to spot elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boars, otters, and diverse birdlife.
🚣 Periyar Eco-Tourism Activities – Choose from optional experiences such as bamboo rafting, nature walks, jungle patrols, and border hiking.
🌳 Gavi Eco-Tourism Adventure – Discover Gavi’s untouched rainforests, scenic viewpoints, lakes, and cardamom plantations.
🦜 Gavi Birdwatching & Nature Activities – Enjoy opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks, boating, and jeep safaris, subject to availability and forest regulations.
🌊 Kumarakom Backwater Escape – Experience the peaceful beauty of Vembanad Lake and Kerala’s iconic backwaters.
🌅 Sunset Cruise Experience – Enjoy an optional sunset cruise across the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake.
🛶 Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Explore another beautiful birding destination surrounded by Kerala’s serene backwater landscape.
✨ Complete Kerala Nature Trail – A unique 7-day journey combining birdwatching, wildlife, rainforests, eco-tourism, and backwaters.
Description
Discover the lush rainforests, rich wildlife, and peaceful backwaters of Kerala with this immersive wildlife journey. Explore the renowned Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, home to over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, followed by the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its elephants, tigers, and scenic lake. Experience the untouched wilderness of Gavi, an eco-tourism destination nestled within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, before ending your journey amidst the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. This itinerary brings together wildlife, birdwatching, rainforest experiences, eco-tourism, and the natural beauty of Kerala.
Tour plans
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT KOCHI – THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY
Approx. 65 km / 2 hrs
Upon arrival at Kochi Airport/Railway Station, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with your transfer to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Enjoy a scenic drive through Kerala’s lush countryside, passing through rubber plantations and charming village landscapes.
Upon arrival, check in to your nature resort and relax. In the evening, enjoy a guided nature walk around the sanctuary, where you may spot hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, bee-eaters, drongos, and several endemic bird species, subject to availability.
Dinner and overnight stay at Thattekad.
DAY 02: THATTEKAD BIRDING EXPERIENCE
Start your day early with an exciting birdwatching session inside Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, accompanied by a local naturalist.
One of India’s finest birding destinations, the sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, along with butterflies and small mammals.
Return to the resort for breakfast. Later, visit the nearby Bhoothathankettu Dam and enjoy the beautiful reservoir, forests, and surrounding hills.
Spend the evening at leisure amidst the peaceful rainforest surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay at Thattekad.
DAY 03: THATTEKAD – PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (THEKKADY)
Approx. 160 km / 4–5 hrs
After breakfast, check out from the resort and proceed towards Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady.
Enjoy one of Kerala’s most scenic drives through spice plantations, cardamom estates, tea gardens, and the beautiful Western Ghats.
Upon arrival, check in to your wildlife resort and relax. In the evening, visit a spice plantation or explore the local market, known for its spices and traditional handicrafts.
Dinner and overnight stay at Periyar (Thekkady).
DAY 04: PERIYAR WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari on the picturesque Periyar Lake, subject to availability.
The safari offers opportunities to spot wild elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boars, otters, and a variety of bird species along the lake shores.
Later, you may choose from optional eco-tourism activities such as bamboo rafting, guided nature walks, jungle patrols, or border hiking, subject to availability.
Spend the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at Periyar (Thekkady).
DAY 05: PERIYAR – GAVI ECO-TOURISM
Approx. 40 km / 2 hrs
After breakfast, proceed towards Gavi, one of Kerala’s popular eco-tourism destinations located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Upon arrival, enjoy the untouched rainforest surroundings, scenic viewpoints, cardamom plantations, and beautiful lakes.
Depending on availability and forest department regulations, you can enjoy activities such as jeep safaris, nature walks, birdwatching, boating, and interpretation programmes.
Check in to your eco-lodge and relax amidst nature.
Dinner and overnight stay at Gavi.
DAY 06: GAVI – KUMARAKOM
Approx. 130 km / 4 hrs
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Kumarakom, one of Kerala’s most beautiful backwater destinations.
Upon arrival, check in to your backwater resort and relax.
Later, enjoy an optional sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake or explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kumarakom.
DAY 07: KUMARAKOM – KOCHI DEPARTURE
Approx. 50 km / 1½ hrs
After breakfast, check out from the resort and proceed to Kochi Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey.
Depart with unforgettable memories of Kerala’s rainforests, wildlife, birdlife, eco-tourism experiences, and tranquil backwaters.
Inclusions
Accommodation at well-appointed hotels, eco-lodges, and wildlife resorts on a double-sharing basis.
All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Meal plan on MAP basis, including breakfast and dinner.
All applicable fuel charges, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowances.
Exclusions
Airfare, train fare, or helicopter tickets, domestic or international, unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Boat safari charges, jeep safari charges, eco-tourism activity charges, guide charges, entrance fees, camera fees, and permit charges, wherever applicable.
Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, tips, telephone calls, and travel insurance.
Any service not specifically mentioned under the Inclusions section.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to take this Kerala wildlife and birding tour?
The ideal time is generally from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and conditions are favourable for birdwatching and wildlife experiences.
2. What birds can we expect to see at Thattekad?
Thattekad is home to 300+ bird species. Depending on the season and conditions, you may spot hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, drongos, and several endemic species.
3. Is the Periyar boat safari included in the package?
The boat safari is not included in the package. Boat safari charges, permits, and other applicable fees are payable separately and are subject to availability.
4. What activities can we enjoy at Gavi?
Depending on availability and forest department regulations, guests can enjoy jeep safaris, nature walks, birdwatching, boating, and interpretation programmes at Gavi.
5. Can we see elephants and other wildlife during the Periyar safari?
Yes, Periyar offers opportunities to spot wild elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boars, otters, and various bird species. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
6. Is this itinerary suitable for families and senior travellers?
Yes, the itinerary can be enjoyed by families and nature lovers. However, some optional activities such as trekking, bamboo rafting, and border hiking may require a moderate level of fitness.
7. Are eco-tourism activities and guide charges included?
No. Jeep safaris, eco-tourism activities, guide charges, permits, entrance fees, and boat safari charges are excluded unless specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
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