Western Ghats Explorer - Indian wildlife and birding tour package.

Western Ghats Explorer - Indian wildlife and birding tour package

This programme is so well designed by our Naturalist Mr Benny Kurien who is an authority on the flora & fauna in Western Ghats and published many books on the Western Ghats.The main attraction is that Mr Benny Kurien will be accompanying the group to give the best experience and knowledge.
Mountain ranges of the Western Ghats run parallel to the west coast of India from north at Tapti river to Cape Comerin at South and extended to Srilanka after a gap.The Western Ghat mountains are continuous approximately to a distance of 1500 kms.The mountains are believed to be a part of the ancient Gondwanaland.The archeological sites of the Ghats give us a clear picture of the South Indian ethnology and civilization.The Shola forests known as the living fossils are the home for many of the ancient species trace back to the Gondwana land.

Western Ghats Explorer is to provide you the best in wildlife,adventure,bird watching,trekking experience in a distinctively different way.This programme spreads over Kerala,Tamilnadu and Karnataka in South India.

Image tag- collection of thumbnail images

Day 01 - Cochin

On arrival at Cochin, you will be met by our meet & greet service and transferred to hotel.After check in you will meet our naturalist who will give you an introduction to what you can expect on your experience and answer any questions you may have.Our ground representative will also be on hand to explain ground arrangements etc.Rest of the day go for shopping or just explore the city at your own pace accompanied by our driver. Evening, enjoy a fusion of traditional dance forms of Kerala at a cultural center in Cochin. Overnight at the hotel for a well deserved rest.

A leisurely walk through the Fort Cochin area which gives you a close look at the operation of the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, low flying turns and black kites, if lucky you can spot dolphins in the estuary.

Day 02 – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon enjoy the sightseeing of Cochin. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise - A four hour journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing… Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.

Day 03 - Cochin – Munnar (140kms-4 hours drive)

Early morning ,drive to Munnar.Enroute visit Kodanad elephant camp to see the elephant bathing etc.Later visit Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.After lunch at Thattekkad,continue the drive to Munnar through the Midland farms like Rubber, tuber crops, pineapple, vanilla etc. On arrival at Munnar, check in at the Hotel & at leisure for free walks. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Located on the shores of river Periyar, Ernakulam district, Kodanad is also the headquarters of Malayattoor forest division. This village is famous for its elephant kraal and a mini zoo. Baby elephants from nearby forests, either washed away in the floods or abandoned by herds, are brought here and domesticated. They are housed in Kraals, traditional wooden cages.Trained mahouts groom the animals and the training is quite scientific and systematic. About five babies are received every year.In olden days elephants were captured from the Malayattoor forests and domesticated here. But it is no longer a practice since the government has banned capturing of elephants.Elephant safari is another attraction here. Large number of wild life enthusiasts and tourists from around the world visit Kodanad every year.

Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is one of the low altitude evergreen forest. It is a home for 280 species of birds including 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 is a misty, lush green hill station up in the Anamalai range of Kerala; Munnar's tea gardens, some of the highest in the world, stretch up the sides of the hills and are interspersed with pockets of forest rich in birds. Its is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Surrounded by almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats.

Day 04 - Munnar

After early breakfast at the Hotel, proceed for a Nature History Trail of Munnar.Also visit Tea Museum.You will have options for soft biking through the Tea plantations.Overnight at Hotel.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

Munnar History Trail is a soft hiking programme highlighting the following:

Head works dam- the first hydro –electric project in Kerala built during the British period. The trail leading to the next destination from this point is passing through tea garden and lake side which gives a fine birding walk.
The Blossoms Park – The Blossom park is attached to the Head works dam. The tunnel from the dam to the power house is located in the park. Plenty of exotic trees and plants from British period can be seen in this park.
High range club – It is a club of plantation managers constituted during the British period. An old golf course is also located in this club.
Heather cottage – built and found during the British period , this is the first of its kind in Kerala. The founders practiced worshiped Anti-Christ.
Old hanging bridge – connecting the Old Munnar market with Club road.
The CSI church- Built during the British period where early planters were buried. It was built in memory of Eleanor Isabel – young wife of a planter died after 7 days of Marriage.
Munnar Market- a beautiful vegetable and provision market.
Fusion Hill- where a mosque, church and temple are located face to face. It is the place which is mentioned in ‘Life of Pie’-

Day 05 – Munnar – Indira Gandhi National Park (Topslip) - 70 kms

After breakfast at the Hotel, drive to Marayoor Sandalwood forest for a soft trek and later to visit a tribal village.Afternoon you will be taken to Chinnar National Park for a 3 hour trekking through the forest.Today you will stay at a Farm Resort owned by one of the planters of the region.

Exotic and pristine, Marayoor is a unique place where tourism meets adventure. The enchanting beauty of Marayoor offers diversity in every aspect of the land and culture. Hamlets, rocky hills, rivers, brooks, cave temples, paddy and sugar cane fields, waterfalls, sandal wood and bamboo forests…Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests grown in natural abundance. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where natural sandalwood forest is seen. Chinnar wild sanctuary is the haven for two highly endangered species-the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise.

As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. In your journey to Anamalai, you will touch the main land again but on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. On the way you can see an entirely different way of village life from Kerala. The vast expanse of hundreds of crops, sacred groves, termite mount temples and if in season, can participate in a village festival like fire walk, Jelly Kettu (Bullfight) etc.

Chinnar Sanctuary is located in the eastern slope of Western ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. 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 etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species.

Day 06 - Indira Gandhi National Park (Topslip)

Visit to Indira Gandhi National Park. Hike through the sanctuary. Full day to discover the wilderness of Anamalai Hills. Trek to Kariayanchola National Park. Enjoy an evening safari through the moist deciduous forest to spot animals. Overnight stay at the resort.

Kariayanchola National Park - a unique wet evergreen primary forest having high density of endemic plants, reptiles and amphibians. It harbors 14 out of the 16 Western Ghats endemics. Anamalai Hills, a range of mountains in southern India, a portion of the Western Ghats, after this range has been broken by the Palghat Pass, south of the Nilgiris. They really consist of a forest-clad and grassy tableland, with summits rising about 8000 ft.

Day 07 – Ooty(Tamilnadu)

After breakfast, proceed to Ooty through the Mountain train (heritage steam engine).You will board the Blue Mountain Train from a suitable station to Ooty - An amazing climb 2000 MSL.AS there are chances of cancellations on the schedules of the Mountain train,we don’t guarantee the same. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. After lunch, visit to Botanical Garden and around. Overnight at Ooty.

The journey to Ooty has to cross the biggest gap in the mountains which separate Anamalai (Elephant Hills) and Nilgiris (Blue Mountains). Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests.

Day 08 - Ooty

Full day to explore the scenic beauty of Ooty. Overnight at the Hotel.

The "Queen of hill stations", is the capital of Nilgiri district. Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, it is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes.

Day 09 – Ootty-Mysore

Morning, proceed to Mysore.Enroute visit to Bandipur & Mudumalai Sanctuaries.Arrive Mysore by late evening.Overnight at the Hotel in Mysore.

The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centers, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri. As you penetrate deep into the forests, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There's a lot, lot more to discover. Bandipur National Park is a playground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role.Be prepared for an unforgettable experience-you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous and evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.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 forsts and scrubland vegetation. Mammals include the tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Dhole, sambar, spotted deer,barking deer,mouse deer and the slender loris.Reptiles found are rat snake,Russell’s viper,common krait, Indian python, flying snake and the cobra. Over 200 species of birds have been identified making it a bird watchers’ paradise.Some of the most notable ones are the heron, stork, egret, grey jungle fowl, partridge, quail, green pigeon, hornbill, lapwing and peafowl.

Day 10 - Mysore

Day to explore the royal Palace of Mysore and the rich heritage.Mysore is known as the city of Palaces and the entire architecture and decorum of the place is in harmony with the Royal style for which Mysore is known.Today you will visit,Maharaja’s Palace,Chamundi Hills,Nandi Bull etc.Evening you may opt to go for a shopping. Mysore Silk is very popular and worth to have a look. Overnight at the Hotel.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposingbuildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.

Maharaja’s Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map.Its built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,turrets,arches and colonnades.The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum,temples and shrines including Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple.The jewel studded golden throne,the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity,displayed here during Dussehra festival in October.The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Day 11 - Kabini (50 kms-1.5 hours drive)

Morning, proceed to Kabini. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Rest of the day to discover the wildlife. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.

Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.

Day 12 – Kabini

Early morning go for a guided Jeep Safari through the National Park.Rest of the day option for boating in the Kabini River or free walks.Overnight at the Hotel in Kabani.

Nagarhole ,a Kannada name has meaning of Snake River.The name derives from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests.Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife,especially the Asiatic elephant.The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains,the natural sounds of the jungle,the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds,make a trip to Nagarhole a memorable experience.It has an area of 643.39 Sq.km.Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests,and dominated by teak,rosewood and dry deciduous forests in the eastern limits of the peak.Mammals include elephant,tiger,leopard,wild dog,sambar,barking deer,sloth bear,wild boar,Indian bison,mouse deer,spotted deer,slender loris,black –naped hare,jackal,langur,wild pig,porcupine,Malabar squirrel,striped hyena and four-horned antelope.Birds in this Park consists mainly of Herons, storks, egrets, ducks, kites, egales, falcons, partridges, peafowl, lapwings, sandpipers, woodpeckers, sunbirds, agtails, warblers, babblers, shrikes and owls. Reptiles commonly found are marsh crocodile,star tortoise,common indian monitor,chameleon,rat snake,Russell’s viper,common krait and Indian python.

Day 13 –Kabani- Vythiri -3-4 hours

After Breakfast, proceed to Vythiri.Afternoon go for a Nature walk through the forest border. Overnight at the resort.

Wayanad, one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. Rains at Vythiri Village are like poems of nature wrapped in nostalgia as they bring the warmth of the earth to meld with the misty clouds. The aroma of the soil mingles with the wetness of the air and tingles our senses like the caress of a cool wind. Further, the little stream lowing creates a beautiful sound and whoever listens to it feels the beauty of nature. One gets easily mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings.

Day 14 –Vythiri – Cochin - 7 hrs

After an early breakfast, drive to Cochin. Drive through the forest route through Nilambur.You may opt to have lunch at a Heritage Palace Home at Nilambur.You may also visit Teak Musuem close to the Palace.Also visit the hanging bridge across Chaliyar River. By early evening continue the drive to Cochin Overnight at the Hotel.

Nilambur Kovilakams or palaces situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar, are architectural marvels known for their beautiful frescoes and wood work. These residences of the local rajas were built according to traditional Kerala architecture and boasts of excellent skill and craftsmanship.

The generous rulers of Nilambur who eventually emerged as one of the richest and most prosperous royal families of Kerala always gave impetus to the welfare of the society and played a significant role in shaping and evolving the Ernad Taluk into a modern township. Nilambur Kovilakam was one of the richest families in Kerala with over 125000 acres land as asset. But unlike many other royal families Nilambur kovilakam gave away a major chunk of its assets for the well being of the society without taking anything in return. More than 48 thousand acres of land was given to Muthumala wildlife sanctuary on lease which later came under the Government.

The well-known Teak Museum is regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995. The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The world's first Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British.

The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wild-life sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division. Another translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly's Plot at Nilambur offers the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago. Some of the other other attractions here are the traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel called Uru made of teak wood.

Detailed description on the flower, fruit and natural regeneration of teak as well as the prominent characteristics of these species of trees are exhibited in the first floor of the museum. In addition to this, the various methods of seed-grading, presowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps, vegetative propagation of teak and the different stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak from seed to mature tree are also on display.

Apart from teak, the mueusm also has a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations. Another exclusive section in the museum deals with the various physical disorders of teak, disease-causing insects and pests, plantation and other nursery diseases.Some of the special attractions of the Teak Museum at Nilambur are a series of interesting paintings portraying tree felling operations, a collection of photographs on the phonological events of teak at different seasons, exhibits on traditional harvesting tools and wood samples of different ages from various parts of the world.

The 800-metre long bio-resources nature trail on the museum campus is indeed, an interesting one. This nature trail passes through a heavy growth of shrubs, trees and bamboos. One can also find the different species of birds and reptiles here. There are 50 naturally grown tree species and 136 endangered and near-extinct tree species of the Western Ghats planted in this nature trail. About 58 species of birds, both resident and migratory, has been recorded in this area. A medicinal plant garden consisting of 150 species is also another attraction worth seeing.

Cochin known as ‘queen of the Arabian Sea’ is the commercial capital of Kerala and perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia's best preserve Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India - the St. Francis Church.

Day 15 – Departure

Like all good things,your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always take with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight home.

Package Cost Includes:
* 16 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the itinerary based on Standard Rooms
* Daily Breakfast at the hotels/ resorts
* All meals at Banyan Tree Forest Lodge & Hotels in Kabani
* Breakfast and Dinner at Vythiri
* All transfers and sightseeing by Standard A/c vehicles as per the itinerary
* English Speaking Escort cum Naturalist throughout the tour
*Arrival/Departure assistance
*All Entrance Fees
* Wildlife Safari at Kabani National Park
* Lunch at Thattekkad
*Greenix Cultural show at Cochin
* Village Backwater Cruise at Poothotta with lunch
*All Taxes including Service Tax
* Driver allowances, fuel, parking fees & tolls etc

Package Cost Excludes:
* Any meals other than those specified
* Any sightseeing unless otherwise specified
* Any train/ air/ Ship fare.
* Camera fee, Ride, Guide fee otherthan those specified etc.
* All expenses of personal nature like soft/ hard drinks, Telephone/ Fax, Laundry, Tip etc.
* All other services not mentioned under package cost includes section.
* Rates are valid till 31 March 2012 except between 15 Dec 2011 and 15 Jan 2012