The Western Ghats is one of the 35 ‘biodiversity hotspots’ of the world. It is home to more than 430 birds, 330 butterfly species, over 130 species of dragon flies, large numbers of these which are endemic to the region. This is also one of eight ‘centres of endemism’ in the Indian Subcontinent. Comprising of the largest butterfly in India, the Southern or Western Ghats Birdwing (Troides minos) with a wingspan of about 25 cms to the smallest, the Grass Jewel (Zizula hylax) with only 1.5 to 2 cm wingspan, the Kerala butterfly fauna is rich, diverse and scientifically very interesting.
This tour will cover the Salim Ali sanctuary at Thattekkad, the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the high altitude rain forests and grasslands at Munnar and the dry scrub forests at Chinnar. The Butterflies and Dragonflies Tour of the Western Ghats is available throughout the year, please contact us for booking information for a wonderful experience.
Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight) / Cochin–Kumarakom (49 Km/ 1 Hrs 30 min)
After arriving in Kochi, we will set off on our 2-hour journey to Kumarakom where we stay at the wonderful Coconut Lagoon resort. It is located on the eastern banks of the mighty Lake Vembanad in the sleepy little town of Kumarakom in central Kerala. Kerala is a chilli-shaped state on the south-western tip of India, and has been described by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 10 paradises on Earth! Situated at the heartland of Kerala’s famed backwaters, Kumarakom has changed little since the Middle Ages, except for the occurrence of a few tasteful and exotic resorts which make it the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
This afternoon we will explore the butterfly garden at the resort we are staying in. There are large populations of Butterflies and Southern Bird Wing (Largest Butterfly in India), Blue Mormon (Second Largest Butterfly in India), Common Jay, Blue Bottle and a some species Dragonflies namely Common Picturewing (Rhyothemis variegata), Trumpet-Tail (Acisoma panorpoides), Scarlet Marsh Hawk (Aethriamanta brevipennis) Rufous-Backed Marsh Hawk (Brachydiplax chalybea).
Day 02 Kumarakom – Periyar (By Road) (116 Km/ 3 Hrs 20 min)
After an early breakfast at Kumarakom, we’ll set off on our short journey to Thattekad, as we travel, through the Keralan countryside to Thattekad. On our way to Thattekad we shall stop at a small stream and look out for dragonflies. In past more than 35 different species of dragonflies have been recorded within this hundred metre stretch.
The eponymous Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in honour of the pre-eminent Indian birder, is located two hours’ drive from the port city of Kochi, near Kothamanagalam, on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The Sanctuary was established in 1983, based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. He described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Much of the forest has now been converted to agricultural and plantation areas, but the surviving areas certainly give glimpses of the rich diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala. In Thattekad we will be staying at the Soma Birds Lagoon, Soma Birds Lagoon resort is built the traditional Kerala way. Well-furnished and spacious Air Conditioned and Non Air Conditioned cottages equipped with all necessary amenities combines tradition and comfort.
Day 03 Periyar
Day 04 Periyar
We will spend two full days here, devoting the mornings to explore various habitats on the periphery of the sanctuary. We will also be making excursions from Thattekad to Idamalayar Dam & Bhoothathankettu two dams with short distances from our lodge. These areas are very good for butterflies and dragonflies.
We will also be visiting Urulan Thani an Evergreen patch of forest & good for Endemic Dragonflies & Butterflies. Some of the speicies that we are likely to encounter are Dragonflies-Blue Darner(Anax immaculifrons), Common Clubtail (Ictinogomphus rapax),Asiatic Blood tail (Lathrecista asiatica), Fulvous Forest Skimmer (Neurothemisfulvia), Tricloroured Marsh Hawk(Orthetrum luzonicum), Crimson Marsh
Glider(Trithemis aurora), Iridescent Stream Glider(Zygonyx iris), Stream Glory(Neurobasis chinensis), Stream Ruby(Rhinocypha bisignata), Malabar Torrent Dart(Euphaea fraseri).
Butterflies – Paris Peacock, Five Bar Swordtail, Malabar Banded Swallowtail, Malabar Rose, Angled Pierrot, Blue Bottle, Common Jay ,Commander
Day 05 Periyar
Day 06 Periyar
Day 07 Periyar
Today we will drive on southwards to Periyar Tiger Reserve. We will go from a high range of hills today into some lowlands before ascending once again into the Cardamom Hills to reach Periyar. While journeying through these lowlands, there may be a chance to see some endemic birds like Yellow-throated Bulbul, Malabar Whistling Thrush and Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet.
Periyar is one of the sixteen Project Tiger reserves in India, and one of the most picturesque and beautiful wildlife reserves in the world. With its waterways, forests and grasslands, it provides a fitting end to our wildlife tour of southern India.
Despite the destruction of much of the lowland forest within the Reserve as a result of the construction of a dam across the Periyar River in 1895, its 777 square kilometres provide a haven for a wide range of mammals, including Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sloth bear, Leopard, Dhole, Nilgiri Langur and Lion-tailed Macaque as well as some dragonflies Blue-Tailed Forest Hawk(Orthetrum triangulare),Blue Marsh Hawk(Orthetrum glaucum),Blue Hawklet (Hylaeothemis indica),Crimson-Tailed Marsh Hawk(Orthetrum pruinosum) and few Butterflies like Tamil Catseye, Glad Eye Bush Brown, Clipper, Indian Awlking . The Reserve also has a rich and varied bird fauna and we will see several of the species found only in southern India and Sri Lanka, such as Malabar Trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Long-billed Sunbird and, if we are very lucky, Sri Lanka Frogmouth.
We will spend three nights here, exploring the Reserve by boat and on foot. The boat journeys provide unrivalled opportunities for observing mammals, particularly Elephant, at close range. A longer excursion, deep into the forests on foot with local tribal guides, will help to make this an intimate and unique experience.
Day 08 Periyar – Marari B – D By Road 140 Kms. / 3H 30M appx.
We drive to Marari from Periyar to enjoy the wonderful Marari Beach Resort. Marari originates from ‘Mararikulam’, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to fish. In Mararikulam, a sleepy fishing village located between the port city of Kochi and Alleppey, the Marari Beach Resort is set in 25 acres of coconut palm groves which lead down to the vast expanse of beach.
This resort, 90 kilometres from Kochi International Airport and 12 kilometres from Alleppey, is constructed with a strong ethnic flavour, yet all 52 villa-cottages are air-conditioned, with spacious, modern bathrooms and twin or double bedroom, a minibar, coffee-making facilities and a delightfully furnished verandah with ceiling fan and which, in traditional Keralan style, gives onto an open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or papaya tree and each villa has a small private garden area.
Visitors can enjoy cruises on the nearby backwaters, visit traditional coir-making units or experience cultural shows in the amphitheatre. Facilities include a swimming pool, an Ayurveda centre, laundry services and currency exchange. There is also a buffet restaurant, which serves delectable Indian and Continental food and a bar. The ‘beach-shack’, set in the coconut palms fronting the beach, serves delicious fish and seafood.
Day 09 Marari – Cochin (By Road) (43 Kms. / 1H 15M) / Depart Cochin
In the morning we will depart Kochi airport for flight back to home.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Kumarakom | 01 | Coconut Lagoon Resort |
| Periyar | 06 | The Elephant Court |
| Marari | 01 | Marari Beach Resort |
– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 08 nights as per the program.
– Meal: breakfast & dinner basis.
– 01 SGV accompanying tour escort throughout the tour on 06 pax onwards
– One-time entrances to the monuments as per the itinerary.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by private AC vehicle and driver.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.