Thattekad & Munnar
Birding Trip | Jan 12 – 16, 2022 (4N - 5D) | Ex. Cochin Airport
Thattekad
Constituted during 1983, Dr. Salim Ali, the world famous ornithologist, is directly responsible for the wonders on display at the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. His famous survey of Travancore in the 1930s led to the formation of this modern day paradise for avian life. He noted that the area was rich in bird diversity and ought to be turned into a sanctuary to conserve the same. The over 300 species that reside in these tropical and deciduous forests are testament to his great vision.
One can run across the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Racket Tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, White-bellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and the Malabar Grey Hornbill in these parts. Beautiful teak, rosewood and mahogany plantations can also be viewed here. It also boasts of over 28 mammal species and over 9 species of reptiles.
Stay – With all basic needs but the neat clean hotel. Room twin sharing basis.
Food – Here you can get only Local veg & Non-veg food.
DAY 0
Meet me at the airport at 6 PM, on 11th Jan.
It will take 3.30 hrs to 4 hrs from Airport to our first destination, Munnar.
Dinner, rest in Munnar Black Forest, or similar.
Meal Plan – Dinner
DAY 1
Today we are going to Munnar hills for endemic birds.
Overnight at Munnar Black Forest, or similar.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner
DAY 2
Wake up by 6 AM.
Today we will go to the hide and will do photography till 4 PM.
By 5 PM we leave for Thattekad. Reach Thattekad by night and have a sumptuous meal and retire for the day.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner
DAY 3
Wake up by 6 AM.
Today morning head to the jungle in search of Malabar trogon and Srilankan Frogmouth, Black Baza.
Return to homestay for Lunch.
Post lunch we will be doing Hide photography ( Flycatcher Hide or White-bellied Treepie Hide)
Return by dusk and post-dinner go for night trail in search of Nightjars, Owls, and Slender Loris.
Overnight at Eldhoes Homestay.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea
DAY 4
Wake up by 6 AM.
Morning we again head out to the forest in search of Birds. in search of Malabar trogon and Srilankan Frogmouth, Black Baza. Also, we search for Owls and woodpeckers endemic to the region.
Post lunch we will be doing Hide photography ( Flycatcher Hide or White-bellied Treepie Hide)
Overnight at Eldhoes Homestay.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner.
DAY 5
Wake up by 6 AM.
Today we have time till lunch.
We visit the hide very near to our stay for Malabar parakeet, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Kingfisher, Greater Racquet tailed drongo, Waterhen and other birds which frequent the Hide.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch
BIRDS WE CAN SEE HERE
Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher, Kerala Laughingthrush, Grey-breasted Laughingthrush, Black and Orange Flycatcher), Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Asian Fairy Blue Bird, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Crimson-backed sunbird, Lotens Sunbird, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Little Spiderhunter, Yellow Browed Bulbul, Malabar trogon, Srilankan Frogmouth, Black Baza, Malabar parakeet, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Kingfisher, Greater Racquet tailed drongo, Orange-headed Thrush,
and more…
MAMMALS WE CAN SEE HERE
Malabar Tahr, Slender loris, Indian giant Squirrel
Arrive Cochin
Arrive at Cochin airport before 6 PM.
Return Flight to your destination
Book return flight after 7 PM.
GEARS AND GETTING READY OR THE TRIPS
- Carry Telephotos lenses (at least 300mm) and one below 250mm. At some places, you may not require a bazooka lens.
- Please do carry a sturdy tripod, it is a must. For good sharp pictures in low light.
- Binoculars, Torch is a must.
- Backup memory cards and Laptop.
- This place is cold, so carry heavy woolen clothes for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Please ensure to carry spare batteries and Memory cards. Spare batteries are a must as the batteries loos charge fast in cold weather.
- A basic first aid kit along with your regular medicines as may be advised (if any)
NOTE
- The seats will be confirmed only against the advance amount on a first-come basis.
- The day plan can be changed anytime depending on weather and sighting. The decision of the skipper will be final.
- Each one comes at his / her own risk and responsibility.
- Birds and Animals move at freewill, so we do not guarantee any sightings.
- Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Tours.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
- Please install AAROGYA SETU APP on your mobile with a clear history for the last 14 days.
- Must have both vaccines.
- Please carry and wear a mask all the time when outside in the field or in the group.
- Please bring basic medication.
- Maintain social distancing and hygiene throughout the trip.
INR 29,900 per person (Twin sharing accommodation)
Register for the tour and reserve your seat on advance payment of INR 11,000/-
Rest of the payment before 1 month of the tour date.
COST INCLUDES
- Twin accommodation. Munnar Black Forest or a similar Hotel in Munnar. Homestay in Thattekad
- All meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
- Pick up & Drop at Cochin International Airport.
- Guide charges,
- Vehicle charges
- Park entry charges
COST EXCLUDES
- Travel charges from your locations to Cochin Airport and vice-versa.
- Camera charges in Park.
- Cold Drinks, Laundry Charges, telephone expenses, tips, etc.
- Medical and Travel Insurance.
BANK DETAIL
Account Name – Dilip C Gupta
Account Number – 642301505076
Account Type – Savings
IFSC – ICIC0006423
Bank Name – ICICI Bank
Area – Chembur(W), Mumbai
GPay & PayU – 9702660099
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellation before 45 days of the event, 25% refund will be provided.
- Cancellation within 30 days of the event, No refund will be provided.