Kerala Bird Watching Tour

The Kerala Bird Watching Tour offers a captivating journey through one of India’s premier avian havens. Teeming with over 300 species, the lush Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary provide unparalleled opportunities to spot an array of migratory and endemic birds. Complemented by culture, delectable cuisine, and expert guidance, this meticulously curated tour promises an unforgettable experience for the discerning bird enthusiast. With a diverse itinerary and comfortable accommodations, the Kerala Bird Watching Tour invites travelers to embark on a thrilling exploration of the region’s remarkable avifauna.

Key Points

• A private 9-night tour in Kochi, India, focused on birdwatching in Thattekad and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuaries.
• Includes a Kathakali dance performance, national park fees, meals, and transportation in a private vehicle.
• Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on one review, with praise for the knowledgeable local guide.
• Moderate physical fitness required, with a maximum group size of 12 travelers.
• Excludes gratuities, monumental entrance fees, and some meals and drinks not specified in inclusions.

Tour Overview

The Kerala Bird Watching Tour is a private tour led by a local guide, tailored to suit the needs of your party. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on one review, this 9-night tour takes place in Kochi, India.

It includes national park fees, taxes, bottled water, breakfast at all hotels, and lunch and dinner at Thattekad. Guests can enjoy a Kathakali dance show in Cochin and two half-day visits to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, as well as one half-day visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Transport is provided by private vehicle, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Inclusions

This Kerala Bird Watching Tour includes several key features.

The tour covers national park fees, taxes, and handling charges. Bottled water is provided for each person, and breakfast is included at all hotels.

Lunch and dinner are served at Thattekad, along with a Kathakali dance show in Cochin.

The tour features two half-day visits to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and one half-day visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Transportation is provided by private vehicle, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

However, any food and drinks not specified, as well as gratuities and entrance fees to monumental areas and the forest in Periyar, are excluded from the tour package.

Exclusions

Although the Kerala Bird Watching Tour includes a comprehensive set of inclusions, there are several exclusions to be aware of.

The tour doesn’t cover food and drinks not specified in the inclusions, nor does it include gratuities.

Entrance fees to monumental areas and forest entrance fees and activities in Periyar are also excluded.

Travelers should plan for these additional costs when budgeting for the trip.

It’s important to review the exclusions carefully to ensure the tour fits within one’s travel budget and expectations.

With this understanding, travelers can make an informed decision about whether this bird watching experience in Kerala is the right fit for them.

Meeting and Pickup

Kochi (Cochin), located in the Ernakulam District of Kerala, serves as the meeting point for the Kerala Bird Watching Tour. Participants can be picked up from the Cochin airport or their hotel in the area.

The tour then returns to the same meeting point at the end. Tour-goers should confirm the exact start time with the local provider in advance to ensure a smooth pickup and start to their adventure.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women due to the moderate physical fitness level required.

However, the tour does accommodate for infant seats and is located near public transportation options.

Additional Information

According to the additional information provided, you will receive confirmation of their booking upon reservation. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants are allowed with car seats. The physical activity level required is moderate, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers. Plus, the tour is not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers. The dress code is smart casual, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Finally, the transfer durations may vary depending on traffic, and the tour is located near public transportation.

Accessibility	Age Requirement	Group Size
Not wheelchair accessible	Minimum drinking age: 18 years	Maximum group size: 12 travelers
Infant seats available	Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Near public transportation	Not recommended for those with back problems

Reviews

The single review for this Kerala Bird Watching Tour is a 5-star rating, indicating a positive overall experience.

The reviewer praised the knowledgeable and friendly local guide, the well-organized itinerary, and the chance to spot a diverse array of bird species.

The accommodations, meals, and transportation were also reported to be satisfactory.

While only one review is currently available, it suggests the tour provides an excellent opportunity for avid birdwatchers to enjoy Kerala’s rich avian diversity under the guidance of an experienced local expert.

The authenticity of the review has been verified, lending further credibility to the overwhelmingly favorable assessment of this Kerala birdwatching experience.

Highlights

Amidst Kerala’s lush landscapes, the Kerala Bird Watching Tour offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. This immersive tour showcases the region’s diverse avifauna, providing visitors with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.

The highlights of the tour include:

1. Two half-day visits to the renowned Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, home to over 300 bird species.

2. A half-day excursion to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, known for its migratory bird population.

3. A Kathakali dance performance, an iconic cultural experience in Cochin.

4. Delectable local cuisine, including lunch and dinner at Thattekad, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of the region.

Itinerary

On arrival in Kochi, the Kerala Bird Watching Tour commences with a warm welcome by the local guide.

The tour then ventures to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary for two half-day visits, where guests can spot an abundance of avian species.

Next, the group travels to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for a half-day visit.

Throughout the 9-night accommodation, guests enjoy breakfast at all hotels and lunch and dinner at Thattekad.

The tour also includes a Kathakali dance show in Cochin.

Transportation is provided by a private vehicle, and bottled water is available for each person.

The moderate physical fitness level required ensures guests can fully enjoy the bird-watching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Birds Can I Expect to See on the Tour?

Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of bird species, including colorful songbirds, wading birds, raptors, and endemic species unique to the region. The tour explores prime birding habitats to maximize the chances of sighting a wide variety of avian wildlife.

Is the Tour Suitable for Beginners or Experienced Birdwatchers?

The tour caters to both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. Beginners will appreciate the expert local guide’s insights, while seasoned birders can explore the diverse habitats in-depth. The moderate fitness level required makes it suitable for a range of participants.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Bird Species?

Absolutely, the tour can be customized to focus on specific bird species. The private nature of the tour allows the local guide to tailor the itinerary based on the interests and preferences of the participants.

What Is the Best Season to Visit for the Highest Bird Diversity?

The best season to visit for the highest bird diversity is during the winter months of November to February. This is when migratory birds flock to Kerala, offering birdwatchers the chance to spot a wide range of avian species.

Are There Any Restrictions or Permits Required for Photography?

The tour operator doesn’t mention any specific photography restrictions or permits required. However, visitors should check with local authorities about any rules or fees for photography within the sanctuaries prior to the tour.

Recap

This Kerala bird watching tour offers an immersive and enriching experience for avid birders. With visits to two renowned bird sanctuaries, a captivating cultural performance, and local cuisine, it’s an exceptional opportunity to explore Kerala’s diverse avifauna. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations ensure an unforgettable adventure in this stunning region.