Day 01 – Cochin

On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Afternoon for free walks in Fort Cochin Area, watching Black kites, Bhraminy kites , terns and few migratory birds like Western reef egret. The estuary is an ideal habitat of Dolphins (Bottlenose) . Evening, enjoy Greenix Show which is a kaleidoscope of Indian classical art forms and martial arts. Overnight at Hotel .

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

Day 02 – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon return to Cochin for a guided tour of Cochin. Overnight at the Hotel.

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 JewishSynagogue 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.

Fort Cochin &Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era. Jewish, Arabs, Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port. While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters, Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favourite destination for tourists. Its getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India. Fort Cochin was also a part of Muzirisroute. It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Jains, Sikhsetc are few among them.

Village backwater Cruise – A 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…. You will witness coir making,toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch – a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree… While scrolling through this amazing village, you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood. You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making, a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts, later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

The backwater village is an ideal habitat of many resident water birds like White breasted water hen, cinnamon bittern, black bittern , egrets, cormorants etc. The Island ecosystem is an ideal habitat of other birds like Racket tailed drongo, orioles (2sp. Seasonal) , koel, flame back wood peckers, king fishers (3 species), shikra etc. The reeds and riverside bushes harbours warblers and prinia.

Day 03 – Cochin-Alleppey Houseboat

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey Backwaters to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Evening your crew will guide you for a village walk. Overnight on Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.

Day 04 – Alleppey – Periyar (4.5 Hours drive)

After breakfast on board, you will be transferred to Periyar , the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Afternoon visit a spice farm. Evening for free walks near to the Tiger Sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel.

Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.

Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Day 05 – Periyar

Full day explore the wildlife of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Go for a full day jungle activity which includes guided trekking in the wildlife park. You will also do a bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake. Lunch will be served inside the Sanctuary. Overnight at the Hotel.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opprtunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rest of the area is a combination of moist deciduous forests and grasslands. Of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the country and the largest in the State. The abundant wildlife here attracts a lot of visitors. Apart from being a recognised breeding ground for tigers, the reserve has also been identified as the best place for researching elephantine life. The tiger population in the area is estimated to be about 40. Though it is difficult to sight them, visitors often spot pugmarks and scats around the reserve.Thirty-five species of mammals have been identified here. They include rare and endangered species. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to spot the wild elephants, the Gaur, the Sambar and so on. While the Gaur is the largest of the bovines here, the Sambar, the largest deer in India, is the main prey of the tiger and the wild dog

Apart from these, there are wild pigs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears etc.The endangered species in the area include Nilgiri Langurs and the Lion-tailed Macaque, that is usually seen only in the evergreen interiors. NilgiriTahrs are also found in the reserve, especially in the higher rocky areas. Salim Ali’s fruit bat, one of the rarest bats, is also reported to have been found in the area. The stripe-necked mongoose, usually found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the extremely rare Nilgiri Marten – the only species of marten found in southern India- and endemic mustelids are also seen here.

Day 06 -Periyar – Munnar (3 Hours Drive)

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise . On arrival at Munnar ,check into your Resort. Afternoon go for a short Shola trek in Pampadumchola National park. Overnight at a plantation home.

Munnar …breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantations… pristine valleys and mountains…exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests…aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more…. It’s the place you would love to visit… It’s the place you would wish never to leave. 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.

Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geographical and zoological significance of Pampadum Shola, the Government of Kerala declared it as a National Park in December 2003. The Park is located in the eastern part of Southern Western Ghats of Kerala on the way to Vattavada, near Top Station about 35 Kms from Munnar town.The fauna includes several threatened, rare or endemic species. There are about 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies and 93 species of moths recorded from the Shola. The important animals found in the Park are elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar and common langur. The clear blue sky, clean air, stretch of green meadows and thick foliage teeming with flora and fauna makes it a dream destination for tourists. All the Eco-tourism activities are organized jointly by the Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees (EDCs) of the local tribals. The activities are designed to offer a wide spectrum of wilderness opportunities to the visitors and to provide means of sustainable livelihood for local communities. Some notable birds found here include the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, white-bellied shortwing, vernal hanging parrot, blue rock-thrush, blue-capped rock-thrush and Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange flycatchers

Day 07: Munnar

Full day guided trekking.Starting from Pothamed.you will be trekking through Westridge Mountain(Tahr Mountains) to reach a peak of 1500 Mtrs. The terrain is undulated rocky patches through spice plantations, grasslandand and forest. If you prefer a soft trek, it will not reach the peak and will be through specified trek path. But if you prefer medium or hard trek, it will be a mix of specified path with new routes. Your Mini lunch and drinking water will be packed by our guide to carry along. Return to your Plantation home for overnight stay.

Day 08: Munnar-Eravikulam-Chinnar

Early morning visit Eravikulam National park to spot Nilgiri Tahr and later drive to Marayoor village for a tribal village visit and a soft walk through the sandalwood forest. You will also walk through the Tea Plantations. By early evening arrive into your jungle lodge. Overnight at a jungle lodge in Chinnar.

We have a soft walk through the forest to enjoy the forest canopies, birds and flowers. ReachPerumala – in the out skirt of the forest by noon. Have a quick visit to a mountaoin village and tribal settlement- their contour farming, agricultural activities, lemon grass farm and distillery etc.

Later proceed to Marayoor valley. Taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoidcists. Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing. Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

Day 09: Chinnar

After breakfast go for a full day trekking through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary with a Packed Mini lunch. Evening return to your jungle lodge for overnight stay.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. 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, long eared fish owl etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species

Day 10:Chinnar-Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Topslip)

Early morning go for another short trek in Chinnar Sanctuary and later after breakfast, check out and drive to Anamalai Tiger Sanctuary. Onarrival, check into your resort. Evening for short walk through the village on the border of the Tiger reserve. Overnight at your resort.

Sethumadai village around Anamalai Tiger reserve is so great to walk around and full of vegetation. You will pass through thick plantations of banana, Coconut and other vegetables. There are few units processing Coconut and its by products like coir, coconutoil, cattle feed etc. The village is so lively with men and women working in the fields, children going to the local school, regular ceremonies at the village temple and so on. Though roads are good and facilities like water and electricity are in abundance, we may see that the urban culture is yet to enter this village.

Day 11:Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Topslip)

After an early breakfast,go for a safari in Topslip Sanctuary followed by a walking safari in ParambikulamSanctuary. By evening return to your resort for overnight stay.

Anamalai is located in the foothill of Anamlai Bio-sphere and the highest mountain in South India. This day is for a visit to Anamalai Tiger Reserve, sharing flora and fauna with Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Walking safari through MaruthumKoodam moist deciduous forest and Kariyanchola Rainforest for wildlife and birds (GPH, SFG etc). Early morning go for a safari at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and later a walking tour at Parambikulam Tiger Sanctuary. Today we will go with packed lunch.

Target species : Sri Lankan frog mouth, yellow throated bulbul, gray headed bulbul , Indian pita Kerala laughing thrush etc. apart from other forest species

Day 12:Topslip-Valparai

After an early breakfast, One more safari in Anamalai Tiger Sanctuary.Later check out and drive to Valparai , the beautiful terrain with tea gardens.On arrival , check in at a Tea bungalow. Later go for a short trek through the tea plantations and nearby forest ranges. Overnight stay at a tea bungalow in Valparai. Extension of Anamalaihills, the drive through this area is breathtaking. You will climb the hilly road through winding hair pin type bends and the scenery around is mesmerizing.

Day 13:Sholayar-Athirappally-Cochin Departure

After an early breakfast,drive to Athirappally forest to watch the amazing waterfalls inside the forest. You will be driving through Sholayar Forest Ranges.Will be stopped enroute for bird watching and animal sighting. Herds of elephants could be spotted enroute. You will be taken for a short trek through the banks of Athirapally River for bird watching. Further drive to Cochin Airport to check into an airport Hotel for wash & change. You will be dropped at Cochin International Airport on time to connect your flight home.

You will be received in Athirapally for a 2hrs birding walk through catchment of Chalakudyriver, which is an ideal habitat of Malabar Pied hornbill (Anthracoceroscoronatus). It 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.

Athirapallywaterfall nicknamed as “The Niagra of India”,is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 42-metre high waterfall and the nearbyVazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.It is situated on the border of Sholayar Forests of the Western Ghats in South India.

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.