south india & kanha national park november 30 december 12 ... · south india & kanha...

Naturalist Journeys, LLC / Caligo Ventures PO Box 16545 Portal, AZ 85632 PH: 520.558.1146 / 800.426.7781 Fax 650.471.7667www.naturalistjourneys.com / www.caligo.com [email protected] / [email protected]

South India & Kanha National Park November 30 – December 12, 2016

Immerse yourself in India’s dizzying array of endemic birds and fascinating mammals in the Western Ghats, world-famous for biodiversity. Along the way, delight in rural India’s stunning landscapes and evocative culture, where colorful day to day life unfolds. Journey through Thattakad Bird Sanctuary in search of Indian Pitta, Malabar Trogon, Red Spurfowl, and Gray-headed Bulbul. Embark on a boat safari to spot elusive Leopard, Tiger, and Asiatic Elephant. Admire Eravikulam National Park’s endemic mountain goat, the Nilgiri Tahr, alongside White-bellied Blue-

Flycatcher, White-bellied Shortwing, Indian Blue Robin, Nilgiri Pipit, and Orange Flycatcher. In Valpari forests, spot Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Flying Squirrel, and Stripe-necked Mongoose. Find Painted Bush-Quail at Ooty, where we enjoy comfortable lodgings on a quiet tea estate. Don’t miss an optional extension to Kanha National Park, the “Yellowstone of India,” where we search for the elusive Bengal Tiger, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and Leopard.

Tour Highlights

Discover a host of Asian and Indian endemics on an itinerary rich in biodiversity

Bird Thattakad Bird Sanctuary for Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, White Cheeked Barbet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Mottled Wood Owl, and so many more

Take night walks in search of Travancore Flying Squirrel, Ceylon Frogmouth, and Great Eared Nightjar

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Explore Munnar on quiet forest walks, visiting cardamom and spice plantations and looking for endemics like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Shortwing, and Indian Blue Robin

Visit Eravikulam National Park in search of the endemic Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat)

Search for mammals like Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Asiatic Elephant, Bonnet Macaque, Malabar Giant Flying Squirrel, and Stripe Necked Mongoose at Valparai

Embark on jeep and boat safaris through Nagarhole National Park in search of Leopard, Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and Smooth Coated Otter, alongside a rich array of birds

Opt for a post-tour safari extension to Kanha National Park in luxurious tented accommodations

Tour Summary

13-Day / 12-Night South India Birding & Wildlife Tour with Avijit Sarkhel $3995 from Kochi (Cochin), departing Mumbai Kanha National Park Extension, $2250 Arrival Airport is Cochin International (COK), Departing Airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM)

Endemic Mammals

Lion Tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, South-eastern Langur, South-western Langur, South-eastern Lagur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Giant Squirrel, Black Naped Hare, South Indian Tree Shrew, Brown Palm Civet, Nilgiri Marten, Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat, Sahyadri’s Forest Rat

Non-Endemic Mammals

Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Indian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Slender Loris, Brown Mongoose, Travancore Flying Squirrel, Stripe Necked Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Grey Mongoose, Dusky Striped Squirrel, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Grey Slender Loris

Endemic Birds

Malabar Lark, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Wood Shrike, Malabar Starling, Malabar Barbet, White Cheeked Barbet, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, White Cheeked Barbet, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Rufous Babbler, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Grey headed Bulbul, Flame Throated Bulbul, Yellow Throated Bulbul, Grey Fronted Green Pigeon, Vigor’s Sunbird, Small Sunbird, Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Mottled Wood Owl, White Spotted Fantail, Nilgiri Thrush, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Wayanad Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, Kerala Laughingthrush, Black Chinned Laughingthrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Indian Rufous Babbler, White Naped Tit, Indian Yellow Tit, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Crimson Backed Sunbird, Vigor’s Sunbird, White-bellied Treepie, and more!

Itinerary

Wed., Nov. 30 Arrive in Kochi / Thattakad






Welcome to India! On arrival at the Kochi International Airport, you are met and driven to a nearby hotel for a meal. From here we drive together to Thattakad, a two-hour drive, stopping for the first exciting birds en route. Birds that are expected here are many! Possible sightings include: Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, White Cheeked Barbet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Mottled Wood Owl, White Bellied Treepie, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Grey Headed Bulbul, Wayanad Laughingthrush, Rufous Babbler, Crimson Backed Sunbird, Indian Scop’s Owl, Oriental Scop’s Owl, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Great-eared Nightjar, Ceylon Frogmouth, Indian Nightjar, Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Indian Pitta, Rufous Woodpecker, Greater Flameback, Black Baza, Vernal Hanging Parrot, and Black Headed Munia. Other birds that we have a chance to see here are Spotbellied Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, and Brown Backed Needletail. Endemic mammals include Travancore Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Dusky Palm Squirrel. Other mammals include Asiatic Elephant, Wild Dog, and Wild Boar; there are also a few Jungle Cat in the area, but a sighting would be lucky.

Accommodations at Birds Lagoon, Lake View Room (B,L,D)

Thurs., Dec. 1 & Fri., Dec. 2 Thattakad

Both mornings we depart early for guided birding walks in the sanctuary and surrounding areas. After lunch we explore other areas, looking for some of the area’s key species. In the evenings (depending on the movement of elephants), we enjoy a short walk, looking for the Travancore Flying Squirrel and Ceylon Frogmouth.

Accommodations at Birds Lagoon, Lake View Room (B,L,D)

Sat., Dec. 3 Thattakad / Munnar

This morning, after a quick breakfast, we leave Thattakad and proceed to Munnar (a four-hour drive). Munnar is one of the world's most popular hill stations (resorts built in higher altitudes as a respite from the summer heat), located in Kerala. Lush tea gardens and thick shola forests (stunted tropical montane forest) mix with each other to create

a moist evergreen forested area, interspersed with spice plantations and jagged “Nilgiri peaks” dating back a few million years.






Munnar is ideal for quiet walks along the forest patches, visiting cardamom and spice plantations or looking for the endemic birds that are found here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Shortwing, Tytler’s Warbler, Indian Blue Robin, and the recently split Kerala Laughingthrush. Other birds like Fork Tailed Swift, Pacific Swallow, Alpine Swift, Common Kestrel, Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Scaly Thrush, Painted Bush Quail, and several other species are also seen.

Accommodations at Naturezone Munnar, Treehouse Cottage (B,L,D)

Sun., Dec. 4 Munnar

Early this morning we are driven to aEravikulam National Park (an hour and a half from the lodge). Upon reaching the park, we walk the trails searching for the endemic Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat that got separated from its Himalayan cousin and became restricted to the Western Ghats. There are plenty of endemic birds here, too, like Nilgiri and White bellied Blue Flycatchers, Nilgiri or Black Chinned Laughingthrush (Strophocincla fairbanki), Nilgiri Pipit, White-bellied Shortwing, Indian Blue Robin, and Black and Orange Flycatcher. Other species include the Painted Bush-Quail and Large billed and Western Crowned Leaf-Warbler.

Accommodations at Naturezone Munnar, Treehouse Cottage (B,L,D)

Mon., Dec. 5 Munnar / Valparai

We depart early this morning for a very interesting drive through towns, villages, and eventually forests to Valparai (a six-hour drive). On arrival, we check in at a small planter’s bungalow. This evening we explore from the lodge, looking for the endemic Brown Palm Civet, Indian Flying Squirrel, and endemic Dusky Palm Squirrel.

Accommodations at Monica Bungalow or similar lodge; standard room (B,L,D)






Tues., Dec. 6 Valparai

This morning we rise early, setting out in search of Lion Tailed Macaque. Other mammals include Nilgiri Langur, Indian Elephant, Bonnet Macaque, Malabar Giant Flying Squirrel, and Stripe Necked Mongoose. We also keep watch for Malabar Great Hornbill, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Loten's Sunbird, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Gold-fronted Leafbird, Long tailed Shrike, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Rufous Babbler, and more. The afternoon is at leisure ― you may wish to take a walk in the tea estate or just relax at the lodge. In the evening, opt for a second night drive looking for the Brown Palm Civet, Indian

Giant Flying Squirrel, and other nocturnal mammals. Accommodations at Monica Bungalow or similar lodge; standard room (B,L,D)

Wed., Dec. 7 Valparai / Ooty

After breakfast, we drive to Ooty for a two-night stay, stopping for some birding en route. Along the way we witness rural villages and scenery.

On arrival, we enjoy a bit of downtime and if you wish, take a walk in town, enjoy a bit of shopping, or just relax at the lodge. In the afternoon enjoy birding in the outskirts, looking for species like Brown Wood Owl and Nilgiri Laughingthrush. Accommodations at the Holiday Inn or Taj Savoy, superior

room (B,L,D)

Thurs., Dec. 8 Ooty

After an early breakfast we drive to a shola forest in search of Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri Laughingthrush (Strophocinla cachinnans), Nilgiri Shortwing or Nigiri Blue Robin (Brachypteryx major), Black and orange Flycatcher, Tickell’s Warbler, and a few other species. With some luck Nilgiri Langur and Bonnet Macaque should be sighted today as well. In the afternoon, we enjoy a short walk in a nearby reserve forest to try and sight the Nilgiri Thrush. Accommodations at the Holiday Inn or Taj Savoy, superior room (B,L,D)






Fri., Dec. 9 Ooty / Nagarhole National Park

After breakfast, we drive to Nagarhole National Park (five hours). En route, we make several stops looking for Hume’s Whitethroat, Jerdon’s Bush Lark, and more. Upon arrival, we check in at our cottages at the Kabini River Lodge. Once settled we look for birds like Large Cuckoo Shrike, Malabar Lark, Indian Scimitar Babbler, and Yellow Billed Babbler. There may be Malabar Trogon and Vigor’s Sunbird in this area as well. Accommodations at the Kabini River Lodge, river view cottage

(B,L,D)

Sat., Dec. 10 Nagarhole National Park

Today we embark on morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Nagarhole National Park, an adventure to be sure. Accommodations at the Kabini River Lodge, river view cottage (B,L,D)

Sun., Dec. 11 Nagarhole National Park

Today we enjoy another morning jeep safari, followed by a boat safari on the river, looking for Grey headed Fishing Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Large Cormorant, Anhinga or Darter, Spot Bellied Pelican, Osprey, Small Pratincole, Olive Backed Pipit, and more. We also hope to see Leopard, Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and perhaps Smooth Coated Otter from the boat. Accommodations at the Kabini River Lodge, river view cottage (B,L,D)

Mon., Dec. 12 Nagarhole / Departures

This morning we leave early and driven to Bengaluru (a six-hour drive). Once we arrive at the domestic airport, you board your flight to Mumbai. Once in Mumbai, you are driven to the international airport for flights home. (B,L)






Kanha National Park Extension

Specialty Mammals

Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Indian Gaur, Hardground Swamp Deer, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, South Indian Tree Shrew, Grey Langur, Ruddy Mongoose

Specialty Birds

Indian Grey Hornbill, Plum Headed Parakeet, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mottled Wood Owl, Jungle Owlet, Spotted Owlet, Barn Owl, Scarlet Minivet, Greater Painted Snipe, Forest Wagtail, Jerdon’s Baza, Black Naped Monarch, Puff Throated Babbler, Tawny Breasted Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Large Grey Babbler, Brown Cheeked Fulvetta, Indian Yellow Tit

Mon., Dec. 12 Nagarhole / Kanha National Park

Early this morning, those opting for the extension are driven to the airport to connect to your flight to Nagpur (0605/0740 hours, Indigo Airlines, 6E 435, economy class). On arrival, we are driven to Kanha National Park (five and a half hours). We then check into our intimate and delightful tented camp at Kanha and get acquainted with the grounds. Kanha is a world-treasure ― one of the most extensive wildland areas left in Asia. Here predators can be seen; our last trip encountered Indian Wild Dog along with Indian Gar, and Tigers. It is a forested park, with open meadow areas and abundant species, particularly known for mammals as well as birds. Accommodations at Shergarh Tented Camp, ensuite semi-luxurious tent (B,L,D)

Tues., Dec. 13 – Thurs., Dec. 15 Kanha National Park

Kanha is an extensive national park where the home ranges of tigers overlap those of leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, sloth bears, and a number of herbivores. Getting into the vehicles each day brings excitement, as one never knows what may be seen; from Sloth Bear to endemic bird species, nature reveals itself in myriad ways each day. The tourism area of the park is divided into four zones; the area that we explore is spread out in these zones. On Wednesday afternoons the park may be shut. If this is the case, we take a bird walk in the surrounding area, which is always productive.






We explore in 4X4 open jeeps with a park guide. Safaris are early in the mornings and in the afternoons, with time mid-day to enjoy our lovely camp. Kanha also offers excellent birding opportunities and highlights include Crested Hawk Eagle, Siberian Rubythroat, Forest Wagtail, Orange Headed Thrush, Scaly Thrush, Jungle Owlet, Indian and Oriental Scops Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, the lovely flameback woodpeckers, several species of flycatchers and warblers, and many water birds. Wild Indian Peafowl are vulnerable prey to jackals. Accommodations at Shergarh Tented Camp, with private bathrooms in our luxurious tents (B,L,D)

Fri., Dec. 16 Kanha National Park / Raipur / Mumbai Departures

After breakfast today, we drive to Raipur to fly to Mumbai’s domestic airport. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you are driven to the international airport to connect to your flight back home.

Our expert tour guide is Avi Sarkhel, who has been guiding wildlife tours in India for many years and has woven his love for nature into a satisfying career after earning degrees in economics, travel and tourism management, and ornithology. He has been to most national parks of this large and beautiful nation. Having been with our company on three previous journeys, we admire how he networks well with local guides and how he steers us through the chaotic and crazy world of India with smooth transitions, good humor, and expertise. He is helping to protect wildland areas of India by bringing guests, but far more, he has a love and passion of sharing the positive features of his country. Avi is closing in on having seen 1000 species of India’s native birds; his skills match his generous spirit and skill in guiding very well.

Photo Credits: Pg. 1: Tiger, Rural women walking, Peg Abbott (PA); Pg. 2: Grey Headed Bulbul, Tom Tams (TT); Pg. 3: Flowers and bamboo, Soma Birds Lagoon, courtesy of hotel website somabirdslagoon.com, Birding Group, PA. Pg. 4: Treehouse Cottage, courtesy of resort website rudrahospitality.com/naturezone, Pg. 4: Nilgiri Tahr, Avijit Sarkhel (AS); Nilgiri Martens, R. Prakash; Birding group, PA. Pg. 5: Children herding, PA; White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, TT; Oriental Scops Owl, AS. Pg. 6: Kabini River Lodge, courtesy of lodge website kabiniriverlodge.com; Asiatic Leopard, AS; Shikra, AS. Pg. 7: Spotted Deer, AS; Indian Wild Dog, PA; Flameback, PA. Pg. 8: Indian Peafowl, PA; Crested Eagle, AS; Avigit Sarkhel, PA. Pg. 9: Kingfisher, PA; Indian Gar female, PA; Spotted Deer, PA. Pg. 10: Macacques, PA; jackels, PA; Indian Hoopoe, PA.

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COST OF THE JOURNEY

Cost of the main journey, a NEW trip for Naturalist Journeys (but not our expert guide) is specially priced in this first year at $3995 per person, double occupancy (DBL)/$4450 SGL, from Kochi, departing Mumbai, India. The tour price is based on a group of 6 – 8 persons. For 5 persons it would be $4150 DBL/$4605 SGL, and for 4 persons, $4395 DBL/$4850 SGL. The tour cost includes: accommodations for 12 nights, all meals from breakfast Nov. 30 through lunch Dec. 12, airport welcome and transfer to hotel, land transportation during the journey including air-conditioned coaches and an internal

flight, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. We feel this is one of the BEST VALUE International trips we offer, while still providing you with ample creature comforts and fabulous opportunities in nature, with a strong blend of culture mixed in!

The tour cost does not include round-trip airfare to and from Kochi, departing Mumbai. It does not include items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone, bottled water (other than on field trips), or drinks from the bar, gratuities for local guides, or services such as luggage-handling, or other personal services. The way we handled tips on the last two trips met with good reviews ― we all put funds into a pool, and let Avi, our guide, disperse them.

With fewer than 7 participants, a small-group surcharge (typically $200 – 300 per participant) may apply. Cost of the Kanha National Park Extension, with 4 nights’ lodgings and all meals (dinner Dec. 12 through lunch Dec. 16) is $2250 DBL/$2375 SGL per person for a minimum of 5 persons. The Kanha National Park Extension is highly recommended, based on past visits on other tours. The minimum for the extension is 3 persons. For 3 – 4 persons the price is $2495 DBL/$2570 SGL, and this extension can be run for two, for $2795, fully guided. The price includes all national park admission and safari fees, with same inclusions above. Group Size: This special tour has a maximum of 8 participants, and minimum of 3 participants.

TRAVEL INFORMATION






Please arrange air to arrive in Kochi on November 30. Our transfers to the lodge will work around arriving flights, assuming these flights come in during morning hours.

A good number of airlines service Mumbai, the typical hub city for going on to Kochi, though you can also reach this airport through connections from New Delhi. For both the main tour and the extensions, the return is from Mumbai. Common USA gateways include many of our large cities for direct flights. We can recommend some flights for you, or provide information on what flights others of the group will embark on. If requested, our guide Avijit can help with the domestic air and transit logistics for the Mumbai-Kochi link of this multi-city or open-jaw routing, though booking it with your International air may save you some

cost. Note that flights from the USA and Canada normally land just after midnight or early in the morning. You will need to apply for a travel VISA ahead of your journey. We encourage you to register as soon as possible; once the minimum number of participants is reached, we will contact you so you can plan your air.

Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and

committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in

employment and program delivery. Caligo Ventures is a program of

Naturalist Journeys, LLC.





south india & kanha national park november 30 december 12 ... · south india & kanha...

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