Arrive at Kochi International Airport and proceed to Thattekad. In the afternoon, we will look for the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Slaty-legged Crake, Slaty-breasted Rail, and Thick-billed Flowerpecker.
A full day of birding around Thattekad. Key species include the Rufous-bellied Eagle, Malabar Trogon, and Frogmouths.
After breakfast, we proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. At 2:30 PM, we will join the "Green Walk" through the bamboo forests specifically targeting the Wayanad Laughingthrush.
After breakfast, we drive to Munnar, a high-altitude birding hotspot (1,500m). Afternoon birding in and around Munnar, looking for the Palani Laughingthrush, White-bellied Sholakili, Brown Fish-owl, and Hill Swallow.
Full day of birding in the high-altitude grasslands and shola forests of Munnar for endemic species.
We take a long, scenic drive to Ooty today (lunch en route). Upon arrival, we will look for the Nilgiri Thrush and the Nilgiri Laughingthrush.
Once we reach Meppadi, we switch to an off-road 4x4 jeep for an 8 km rugged drive to the property. Evening birding in the surrounding forest.
At 6:30 AM, we begin a trek through rough terrain (approx. 3 hours) to find the Banasura Laughingthrush. If not spotted in the morning, we will have a second walk in the afternoon.
After breakfast, we drive to Kozhikode Airport (87 km / 3 hrs) for a flight or train toward the south. Transfer to Ambasamudram.
At 5:00 AM, we head into the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. We will take an off-road drive (approx. 4 km) to reach the habitat of the Ashambu Laughingthrush. We will return to Ambasamudram in the afternoon.
After a final morning of birding, we will drive to Trivandrum International Airport for your departure.
