Kerala Birdwatcher’s Special: Thattekad, Kumarakom & Mangrove Trails | 6 Nights and 7 Days Kerala Package
- Transfer Included
- Stay Included
- Meals Included
- Sightseeing Included
Overview
Itinerary
Arrival in Kochi and Transfer to Thattekad
Arrive at Cochin (Kochi) International Airport and meet your representative. Drive to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (approx. 2–2.5 hours). Check in to your nature lodge and relax.
Late afternoon: short orientation walk around the lodge grounds to spot resident birds such as Malabar grey hornbill, Indian pitta and common kingfishers. Dinner at the lodge.
Tip: If you arrive early, request a quick evening boat ride on the Periyar tributary to look for waterbirds.
Full-Day Birdwatching at Thattekad
Early-morning guided birdwatching session inside Thattekad Bird Sanctuary with an experienced naturalist. Look for speciality species like Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar trogon, and varied passerines.
Midday: return to lodge for breakfast and a short rest. Afternoon: visit nearby riparian zones and lesser-explored trails; evening talk on local ecology followed by dinner.
Important: Carry binoculars, sun protection and bottled water. Walking involves uneven forest paths.
Drive to Kumarakom via Scenic Route
After an early breakfast, depart for Kumarakom (approx. 2.5–3 hours). En route enjoy scenic stops and light refreshments.
Afternoon: check-in at a backwater resort in Kumarakom. Late afternoon boat cruise on Vembanad Lake to observe waterbirds — egrets, herons, terns and, seasonally, migratory waders. Evening free to enjoy resort facilities.
Highlight: Sunset over Vembanad Lake offers excellent photography opportunities.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Village Walk
Early morning guided tour of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (island sanctuary on Vembanad Lake). Spot painted stork, white-bellied sea eagle, and resident marsh birds.
Late morning: return to resort for breakfast. Midday: optional pottery demonstration or bicycle ride through paddy fields. Afternoon: traditional country boat (vallam) ride through narrow canals and reed beds.
Evening: enjoy a cultural performance (Kathakali/folk music) depending on availability.
Tip: Carry a lightweight raincoat during the monsoon (June–September) and waterproof gear for cameras.
Backwater Activities and Optional Houseboat Experience
Morning at leisure — optional Ayurvedic massage or resort activities. Post-lunch, join a guided canoe/kayak excursion into quiet backwater channels to spot kingfishers, herons and small marsh birds.
Option: Board an overnight traditional Kerala houseboat (subject to preference) for a slow cruise along the Vembanad Lake — includes village stops and sunset views. If you prefer to stay on land, continue to explore local fisheries and coir-making units.
Note: Houseboat option may be booked in place of one resort night; please request in advance.
Transfer to Munroe Island and Mangrove Trails
After breakfast, transfer to Munroe Island (approx. 1–1.5 hours). Check in to a homestay or small eco-lodge.
Afternoon: guided mangrove trail by canoe/kayak through narrow channels—observe mangrove-associated species, mudskippers and kingfishers; visit tiny island settlements and learn traditional salt- and coir-making.
Evening: enjoy a homestay dinner with local Keralite specialties.
Highlight: Munroe Island offers some of the best intimate mangrove exploration near Kumarakom.
Morning Trails and Departure to Kochi
Early morning birding or village walk on Munroe Island to catch morning activity in the mangroves. After breakfast, check out and transfer to Cochin (Kochi) (approx. 1.5–2 hours) for onward journey or flight departure.
If time permits, a short guided tour of Fort Kochi (Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church) can be arranged before drop-off.
Note: Standard checkout times apply; we recommend scheduling flights after mid-afternoon for a relaxed departure.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 6 nights as per itinerary (nature lodge, backwater resort, homestay)
- Daily breakfast and 3 dinners (as per itinerary) — meals may vary by stay
- All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided birdwatching sessions with local naturalist (as listed)
- Boat cruises: Vembanad Lake sunset cruise, canoe/kayak mangrove trails
- Applicable park entrance fees for bird sanctuaries
- Local taxes and service charges
Special note: Houseboat option charges are additional if chosen.
Exclusions
- Airfare to/from Kochi
- Lunches unless specified and personal meals beyond inclusions
- Entrance fees for optional activities, camera fees where applicable
- Travel insurance, gratuities, and personal expenses
- Items of a personal nature (alcoholic drinks, telephone calls, laundry)
Important: Peak-season supplements (Dec–Jan) and festival weekend surcharges are not included.
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