Birds of South India

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Cochin.

DAY 2: COCHIN

Upon arrival, meet your guide for the private transfer to your first hotel. You'll be able to orientate yourself with a guided sunset cruise of the waterways of Cochin with views of the famous Marine Dive, Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Cochin Harbour before reaching the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

DAYS 3 & 4: THATTEKAD

Today you will travel to Thattekad where you will stay at Hornbill Camp for two nights. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, nicknamed ‘cuckoo paradise’, is one of the most diverse bird sanctuaries in India. Spread across 25km of evergreen lowland forest and nestled between branches of the Periyar River, it is home to over 270 bird species, including the rare mottled wood owl, the Malayan night heron, the Sri Lankan frogmouth and, of course, various cuckoos. You’ll spend day 4 exploring the local area with a resident naturalist, taking part in village walks, bird-watching, bicycle trips and kayaking.

DAYS 5 & 6: VALPARAI

Day five will see you travelling through the rolling green hills and tea plantations on your way to Valparai. Here you can explore the beautiful lush landscape, visit a tea factory or walk amongst the tea plantations, watching ladies in colourful saris picking tea and glimpsing some of the most endangered birdlife in south India. Discover many viewing points, local temples and waterfalls too. You can, of course, take in the amazing wildlife the region has to offer by visiting one of the nearby forest reserves with an expert naturalist.

DAYS 7 & 8: VILLAGE LIFE IN TAMIL NADU

After a two hour drive, you will reach the Banyan Tree farm and spend the afternoon at your leisure. The next day you have plenty of options to choose from to explore the area (you can just relax and enjoy the surroundings!).  Options include visiting local plantations and temples experiencing the working farm itself. There is a birding trail on the property, and we highly recommend going on a jeep ride deep into the countryside for beautiful views and if you're lucky, wildlife sightings.

DAY 9: THE Lush NILGIRI HILLS

Today you will journey five hours north into the Nilgiri Hills towards Ooty. The former colonial hill station offers respite from the heat and a perfect mix of parks, gardens and colonial architecture filled with typical Indian colour. You could choose to head out of the town through the dramatic pine forests and tea plantations, or marvel at the thousands of tree, plant and shrub species at the colourful Botanical Gardens.

DAYS 10 & 11: Big game in a remote national park

Head north this morning into Karnataka to Bandipur National Park, where you will stay for two nights. Over the next 48 hours or so, you’ll take four jungle safari drives in the park. The first will be at sunrise when many animals are more active than in the later heat of the day. In the afternoon, you will head to a different area of the park for a safari at sunset. The national park is diverse, and the ever-elusive tigers can sometimes be seen, with sightings on the increase. You are, however, more likely to see elephants and gaurs, along with spotted and sambar deer and an array of birdlife.

For ardent twitchers, we recommend spending time in Mudumalai on the edges of Bandipur National Park - an area of beautiful, undulating forests and incredible birdlife.  Speak to an India expert if interested!

DAY 12: Palatial Mysore

This morning you will journey two or three hours to Mysore, the second-largest city in the state of Karnataka. Mysore centres around the opulent, world heritage listed palace and are known for its atmospheric bazaar district. In the evening, you will visit the Lalitha Mahal Palace for a tour, followed by a drink and dinner in the atmospheric restaurant of this incredibly intricate designed former palace.

DAY 13: RANGANANTHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY & BANGALORE

Early this morning, you will visit the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to approximately 170 bird species and mugger and marsh crocodiles. You will then head into Bangalore, a city with cosmopolitan touches amongst pockets of Victorian-era architecture and lovely parks. It is also home to an exciting art, culture and dining scene.

DAY 14: FLY HOME...or stay!!!

You will be transferred from your airport hotel to Bangalore Airport today for your flight home.

If you want to extend your stay, then South India is your oyster...why not travel north through Karnataka to boulder-strewn Hampi or catch a short flight to the fascinating city of Hyderabad, home of the Biriyani.  Just ask your India expert for more information.