India - Endemic Birds of Annamalai
Day 1
Board International Flight
Day 2 Arrive Kochi
Drive to Trissur
After breakfast in Kochi, we will drive towards Trissur, where we’ll check in to the Siddhartha, a basic but
comfortable hotel.
Later, after relaxing for a while, we’ll drive the 14 kilometres to nearby Kanjani for some introductory birding.
Days 3 – 5
Annamalai (or Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary)
This morning we drive to Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the Annamalai Hills and is one of the
best natural history locations in southern India. It is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries on the slopes of the
Western Ghats along the borders between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This Sanctuary covers an area of
about 1,000 square kilometres. In the heart of this beautifully wooded region is the Parambikulam Dam, which has
formed an immense lake that spreads into Kerala. Wildlife found here includes Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison),
Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque, Wild Boar, Porcupine and Spotted Deer. The prolific birdlife
includes Pied Hornbill, Red-whiskered Bulbul and Black-headed Oriole. There are also a large number of crocodiles in the Amravathi reservoir. The shola forests and diverse habitats of the Sanctuary warrant a thorough exploration and we will be spending the remainder of the day, and the whole of the next two days, following a variety of trails in search of the very special birds and mammals found here.
On arrival we will check in at our hotel, which is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The Banyan Tree
homestay in Sethumada is situated on a 400-acre multi-crop farm on the periphery of the Wildlife Sanctuary and
we’ll spend five nights in this ideally situated property. Crops grown here include coconuts, vanilla, gooseberry and
sugarcane. Banyan Tree is a 3-bedroom house with marble floors, a small living room and an open dining area
covered with a tiled roof where traditional Tamil food is served. Rooms are basic but comfortable.
Days 6 – 7
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we will be entering Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley
between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala. The area is both hilly and
rocky, and is drained by several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. Thickly forested
with stands of Bamboo, Sandalwood, Rosewood and Teak, the Sanctuary has some marshland areas and scattered
patches of grassland. Parambikulam was once home to some of south India’s finest stands of Teak. Little remains of
the original Teak forests, other than the famous Kannimari Teak tree, the largest in Asia, as plantations have now
replaced most of the wild stock. The Kannimari tree is about five kilometres from Thunakadavu, and is one of
Parambikulam’s prime attractions.
There are two watchtowers: one at Anappadi, eight kilometres from Thunakadavu, and other at Zungam, five
kilometres from Thunakadavu. The Sanctuary has one of the largest populations of Gaur (bison) and is also home
to Elephants, Sloth Bears, Wild Boar, Sambar, Chital, Tigers, Leopard and Crocodiles. There are Bonnet Macaques,
Spectacled Cobras, Kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, Little Cormorants and Black Eagles, as well as many other bird
species to see here.
Day 8
Kochi
We set off on a 6-hour journey this morning, arriving in Kochi at midday. We’ll then have time to do some
sightseeing in this former princely capital. Kochi, also known as ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’, lies at the heart of
the ancient state of Kerala and its position, straddling a number of islands and peninsulas, together with its rich
trading past and Jewish, Portuguese, British and Dutch influences, make it one of the most fascinating cities in
India. Kochi is famous for its exquisite designer gold jewellery.
Tour members wishing to sample local culture will not want to miss a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
The most popular and sacred dance-drama of Kerala, Kathakali dates back at least 400 years and requires lengthy
and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and emotions so as to be able to render all its nuances
through facial expressions and hand gestures. Themes centre on the two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata. We suggest arriving early in order to witness the artists putting on their make-up.
We will stay at the 5-star Trident Hotel in Kochi. Rooms here are air-conditioned and en suite. The hotel has a
swimming pool, a restaurant serving a range of international food, and there is a health club.
Day 9 Sunday
Kochi to London
In the morning we will depart Kochi on a scheduled Emirates flight, departing mid-morning. We are due to arrive
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