A
week-long holiday for you in Kerala will take you on a journey
of discovery - through the countryside and the forests of
Kerala. The itinerary will take you through the sanctuaries of
Chinnar in Central Kerala, Periyar
Tiger Reserve and
through the beautiful countryside of Kerala. You will be
staying at comfortable Forest Lodges, Estate & plantation
Bungalows and well appointed farm houses situated in the
countryside. You will be accompanied by expert guides
throughout the journey.
Day
1 – Kochi. Arrive at Kochi International Airport.
Meet assist and transfer to hotel. Evening with ornithologist
/ lepidopterist for overview of the program. Overnight at
hotel.
Day
2 – Thattekkad. This area is rich butterfly
country and one should sight such species as Malabar
Rose (Pachliopta pandiyana), Blue
Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), Paris Peacock (Papilio
paris), Malabar Raven (Papilio dravidarum),
Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Gladeye Bushbrown (Mycalesis
patnia), Tamil Catseye (Zipoetis saitis),
Whitebar Bushbrown (Mycalesis anaxias), and the Red
Pierrot (Talicada nyseus).
Overnight at the local camp or Estate Bungalow.
Day
3 – Munnar. Depart Thattekkad by afternoon
and drive to Munnar (120 Kms), the tea town. Afternoon visit to Rajamalai to see the endangered
Nilgiri Tahr. This place is also home to several endemic bird
and butterfly species. Birds like the Blackwinged Kite,
Crested Serpent Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Painted Bush
quail, Rufous-backed Shrike, Grey headed Myna etc.. are seen
as well as butterflies like Bluebottle
(Graphium sarpedon), Common Jezebel ( Delias
eucharis) , Indian Cabbage White (Artogeia canidia),
Nilgiri Tiger (Parantica nilgiriensis), Red Helen (Paplio
helenus), Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon), Giant
Orange Tip (Hebomoia glaucippe), Red Disk Bushbrown (Mycalesis
oculus), Palni Four Ring (Yptima ypthimoides) etc. Overnight at
resort.
Day
4 - Munnar - Chinnar-Munnar. Morning drive to
Chinnar, (60 kms), the dry deciduous forest sanctuary in the
rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. This sanctuary has
large bird and butterfly population. Should see the rare
Grizzled Giant Squirrel or the Star Tortoise, endemic to this
region. Should also see birds such as the Common Peafowl ,
Grey Partridge, Whitebellied Drongo, Indian black Robin,
Greenbilled Malkoha, Redwinged Crested Cuckoo etc..and
butterflies like Yellow Pansy, Blue Pansy, Great Eggfly. Should
also see Travencore
Evening Brown (Parantirrhoea marshalli), Fivebar
Swordtail (Pathysa antiphates), Southern Duffer (Discophora
lepida), Cruise (Vindula erota), Tamil
Lacewing (Cethosia nietneri) Malabar Banded
Swallowtail (Paplio liomedon).
Evening return to Munnar and overnight at the resort.
Day
5 – Periyar. In the afternoon drive to Periyar (120 kms). On arrival check in at
the forest lodge. Periyar has a very good wildlife population
including the Asiatic Elephants, Indian Bison, sambar
Deer, Nilgiri Langur and otter, besides rarely sighted Asiatic
Wild Dogs, Indian Sloth Bear, and the tiger. A
wide variety of birds such as the Oriental Darter,
Whitenecked stork, Black Eagle, Osprey, Grey Junglefowl,
Pompadour green pigeon, Blossom headed Parakeet, the
Storkbilled Kingfisher, and the Great Indian Hornbill are
sighted here. This area is rich butterfly
country and one should sight such species as Malabar
Rose (Pachliopta pandiyana), Blue
Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), Paris Peacock (Papilio
paris), Malabar Raven (Papilio dravidarum),
Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Gladeye Bushbrown (Mycalesis
patnia), Tamil Catseye (Zipoetis saitis),
Whitebar Bushbrown (Mycalesis anaxias), and the Red
Pierrot (Talicada nyseus).
Overnight at the forest lodge.
Day
6 - Early morning butterfly watching trip along - Early morning butterfly watching trip along
the
banks of the lakes & streams
which abound here. Short treks into the forest should yield very rewarding
butterfly
sightings.
Day
7 - Depart for onward destination. Tour
ends.
Tariff:
US $ 1250.00 for 2 Persons
Inclusions:
Butterfly guide, dedicated chauffer driven car, accommodation,
full board, all permits & passes.
Exclusions:
personal expenditures, tips, laundry, beverages & extras.
Day
1 - Arrive Kochi. Drive to Thattekkad. This area is rich butterfly
country and one should sight such species as Malabar
Rose (Pachliopta pandiyana), Blue
Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), Paris Peacock (Papilio
paris), Malabar Raven (Papilio dravidarum),
Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Gladeye Bushbrown (Mycalesis
patnia), Tamil Catseye (Zipoetis saitis),
Whitebar Bushbrown (Mycalesis anaxias), and the Red
Pierrot (Talicada nyseus).
Overnight at the local camp or Estate Bungalow.