In addition to the more than 500 species of birds found on the peninsula and endemic mammals like the Nilgiri Tahr and the Nilgiri Langur, this journey is specifically planned to see all 24 Western Ghats endemics as well as the majority of the 68 South Indian endemics. Some of India's top national parks and wildlife refuges found in the southern part of the country. The Western Ghats, one of the 35 bio-diversity "hot zones" on earth due to its abundance of endemic species, are where the majority of these parks are found. We will go through the lowland forests of Thattekkad, the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the high altitude montane forests and grasslands of Munnar and Ooty, the dry forests of Chinnar and Mudumalai, and finally the town of Ranganthittu, which is close to Mysore.
After arriving at Kochi Airport, proceed to Thattekkad, settle into your hotel, and then go bird watching after lunch. Lowland woodland THATTEKKAD has a vast variety of different sorts of trees. The majority of the Western Ghats' indigenous birds can also be found here. The Grey-fronted green pegion, White-bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimson-backed Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Barbet, White Checked Barbet, Grey-headed bulbul, Flame-Throated bulbul, Malabar Barbet, White Checked Barbet, and Nilgiri Flowerpecker, among others Non-endemic species can be seen, including Legge's Hawk Eagle, Indian Pitta, Red Spurfowl, Black-throated Munia, and Grey Jungle Fowl. There is also a decent possibility to see nocturnal animals such Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Jerdon's Nightjar, Great-eared Nightjar, Oriental Bay Owl, Spotbellied Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Scopes Owl, and Mottled Wood Owl. We'll go birding in a variety of places, including Oorlanthani and Charrupara. The landscape is essentially flat.
After doing some bird watching in the area of Thattekkad in the morning, drive to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The following destination, PTR, is located at 1000 MSL and is a 5-hour trip from Thattekkad. Some of the remaining species in Thattekkad get a second shot. Around 2:30 PM in the afternoon, we'll take a stroll in the Tiger reserve.
Day 0 4 - We'll go for two strolls in the PTR today (morning 7:30 am and afternoon 2:30 pm). The Wynaad Laughingthrush would be our primary objective in this area. White-rumped spinetail, Brown-backed Needletail, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Black Baza, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Common Flameback, White-bellied Woodpecker, Rusty-Tailed Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon, Heart Spotted Woodpecker, etc. are additional birds to keep an eye out for. There is also a good chance to see mammals like the endemic Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Gaint Squrrell, Gaur
Instead of birding, it is also possible to go to a spice garden and practise evening Kalaripayattu and Katha Kali (a traditional martial art and dance).
We will travel to MUNNAR (1500 MSL) this morning through BODI GHATS, where we hope to see Yellow-billed Babbler, White-browed Bulbul, Indian Robin, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Bluefaced Malkoha, Jungle Prinia, and Grey-bellied Cuckoo, among other species. Munnar can be reached in six hours or so by car. Bird watching in and around Munnar after lunch. Keep an eye out for high-altitude endemics such the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-bellied Blue Robin, Kerala Laughing Thrush, etc. The following morning in the Munnar area, there is a possibility to see Nilgiri Pipit, Painted Bush Quail, and Nilgiri Thrush. Excellent opportunity to see the critically endangered Nilgiri Thar and other leftover species in the afternoon near Podamadu.
Other than birding, we advise visiting TEA MUSEUM.
We shall travel to Ooty this morning via the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Go for a quick stroll around the Sanctuary. Opportunities for Spot-bellied Eagle Owls, Brown Fish Owls, and a few other species of dry woodland. Then we make the five-plus-hour drive to Ooty. We'll eat lunch along the road and arrive at Ooty by sunset. We will search for Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Thrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Malabar Lark, and Painted Bush Quail in Ooty, a historic Colonial hill station in the Nilgiri Hills at about 2,500 MSL.
After breakfast, drive (at least 10 hours) to Kochi airport.
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252-Rajendra Nagar, Opposite Main Gate of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India 321001
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10:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST
