Andaman Islands and South India Birding Tour

You will be met from your flight to Delhi International Airport by Summit Safari’s representative, and he will accompany you to your hotel in Chennai. Rest of the day is free at Leisure.

Today early morning we will transfer you to Chennai airport to board the flight to Port Blair – The Capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands. On arrival you will be met by at the Port Blair airport by our representative and driver and they will transfer you to the hotel in Port Blair. You will have your breakfast and will have your time to rest. In the late afternoon we will drive you to visit the Corbyn’s Cove Beach, about 7 kms from Port Blair. This coconut palm fringed beach, is the most popular beach in Port Blair is ideal for swimming, surfing and sun bathing. Later in the evening proceed to the National Monument the Cellular Jail, and witness the saga of the Indian Freedom struggle through the “Light and Sound Show”, held within the same complex. Return to Hotel for overnight stay in Port Blair.

Today early morning after breakfast around 07:30 A.M we will drive you to Chattam jetty from where we will take a ferry to cross the sea to Bomboo flat. We will drive you from the Bomboo flat to the Mount Harriet National Park . Mount Harriet ( 383 metres / 1,257 feet ), which is part of the park, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar . We will drive and walk through the a tropical evergreen forest and today there are chances to spot the Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Cuckoo Dove , Andaman Crake, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Dollarbird, Collared Kingfisher, Brown Coucal, Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Pintail Snipe, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Andaman Treepie , Black-naped Oriole Andaman Drongo, Orange-headed Thrush, Olive backed Sunbird, White-headed Starling etc. later by late afternoon we will drive you back to Port Blair and evening is free at leisure.

Today morning after breakfast at 07:30 A.M we will take you to Sippighat 14 kms from Port Blair, located to the South of Port Blair. The area comes under the Government and the Central Agricultural Research Institute which are responsible for carrying out the studies and methods to improve spice cultivation. The Sippighat Farm covers a vast area of about 80 acres of cultivated land. The major attraction of the farm is the presence of various species of migratory birds, which makes it a must visit place for ornithologists or birdwatchers. The Pacific Golden-Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Mongolian Plover and other such birds attract a great crowd from all over the world. There are chances to spot the Andaman Scops Owl, Andaman Hawk Owl, Sunda Teal, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Brown Coucal, Red-breasted Parakeet, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Edible nest Swiftlet, Common Snipe, Black-naped Tern, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Black-naped Oriole, Andaman Drongo , Orange-headed Thrush, Olive backed Sunbird. Later by afternoon drive back to Port Blair, rest of the time is free at lesuire.

Today early morning we will drive you to Chidiya Tapu – meaning the Bird’s Island is excellent place for birding. We will walk along the sea shore and in the forest around the Chidya Tapu and there are chances to spot the Andaman Crake , Andaman Woodpecker, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker , Collared Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher , Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Brown Coucal , Vernal Hanging Parrot, Alexandrine Parakeet , Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Parakeet , Brown-backed Needle tail, Mangrove Whistler , Black-naped Oriole, Large Cuckoo shrike , Bar-bellied Cuckoo shrike, Andaman Drongo , Andaman Treepie ,Asian Brown Flycatcher , White-rumped Shama , White-headed Starling , Common Hill Myna, Pacific Swallow , Black-headed Bulbul, Oriental White-eye , Pale-footed Warbler
Dusky Warbler , Olive-backed Sunbird etc. later you can have some refreshments / light lunch in the local tea shop and will return back to Port Blair. Rest of the time is free at Lesuire.

Today after breakfast we will drive you to Phoenix bay jetty from where we will board the luxury Cruise to Havelock Islands. We will sail across the Black Waters of Andaman passing through the panoramic views of untapped Isles and depths of heavenly beauties of Andaman. The Havelock Island is considered to be one of the best places to visit for the tourists in the world, where you can enjoy the finest sandy beaches of Radhanagar which has in fact occupied the space in the list of world famous Beaches in Asia. On arrival at Havelock island you will be met here by our another driver who will transfer you to the hotel on the Island. Rest of the time is free to relax and walk to explore the Palm – ringed Vijaynagar beach ( No 05) and there are chances to spot some more Birds. Overnight stay at Havelock Islands.

After breakfast we will drive you to visit the Radhanagar Beach No 07 – has been acclaimed as Asia’s best beach in recent years. We will walk around the forests and there are chances to spot the Sunda Teal, Andaman Woodpecker , Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker , Mangrove Whistler,
Besra , Changeable Hawk Eagle , Andaman Serpent Eagle , Japanese Sparrow hawk, Sanderling , Black-naped Tern, Watercock , Common or Swinhoe’s Snipe, Brown Hawk Owl , Andaman Hawk Owl, Andaman Scops Owl , Oriental Scops Owl, Edible Nest Swiftlet , Brown-backed Needle tail, White-rumped Munia, White-rumped Shama , Asian Brown Flycatcher, Orange-headed Thrush , Black-naped Monarch, Andaman Drongo , Large Cuckoo shrike
Andaman Treepie ,White-breasted Woodswallow , Black-naped Oriole etc. Later return back to the hotel for the second night stay at Havelock Island.
Please Note-: One can even choose to walk/ trek to the elephant beach through the forest trail which takes around 1 hrs of walking each side.

Today morning, after breakfast we will check out from the hotel and will have some time to walk around the Vijaynagar beach or you can choose to go for scuba diving. Later in the afternoon we will transfer you to Havelock Jetty to take the return ferry to Port Blair ( 2 hrs) as per ferry timing. Upon arrival at Port Blair you will be met and will be transfer to Hotel in Port Blair. Evening is free to explore the local market.

Today early morning after the breakfast you will be driven to the Port Blair airport to board your flight back to Chennai, where on arrival you will take a connecting flight to Cochoin also known as Kochi / Fort Kochi in Kerala. You will be met from your flight to Cochin international Airport by Summit Safari's representative and he will accompany you to your hotel in the colonially influenced Fort Cochin ( 1 hrs from the airport.). Rest of the time is free at leisure, to relax your own. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin also called Cochin.

Today after breakfast we will drive you to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary one of the oldest in Kerala and is described as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Several species of birds, both forest birds as well as the water birds, visit the sanctuaries. The various types of eco eco-systems, in the sanctuary is the home to most of the endemics birds of the Western Ghats and there are chances to spot the White bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimson backed Sunbird, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill besides owls like the Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental scopes owl, Brown Fish Owl, Oriental Scopes Owl and Spot bellied Eagle Owl. You should also be able to sight the Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey headed fishing eagle etc. On arrival we will check into the hotel and later we will explore the Bird trail around the Sanctuary area. Overnight stay in Thattekkad.

Today after breakfast we will drive you t Thekkady/ Periyar ( 3 Hrs drive). Enjoy the natural views, and spice plantations and rubber plantations with the beautiful countryside on the way to Thekkady. On arrival check into the hotel and after lunch around 2:00 P.M we will take you to the Elephant camp where you will ride the elephants and even can help with the washing and feeding of the elephants. We will also visit the small spice plantation area and will return back to the hotel. Evening is free to relax or to join a 1 hrs of cooking classes at the Hotel. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife & birding destinations in South India. With over 320 bird species identified and a leading habitat for the Bengal Tiger, this sanctuary is an ideal destination of the tour. Periyar National Park contains a variety of habitats from grassland and dry deciduous forest to evergreen forest and riverside scrub.

Today early morning at 6:05 A.M we will take you for a boat trip morning on the lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve which is organized by the forest department of the state and the tickets need to be booked in advance. Later we will return back by 09:30 for the breakfast at the Hotel. have some rest and later we will take you for the activities includes Jungle walk, nature walk, ( 2-3 hrs easy nature walking / trip) through the Periyar wildlife sanctuary area organized by the Forest department of Kerala with proper forest guides,( and these activity depends on the availability of the tickets , as tickets are available directly at the forest office counters, and we can arrange the same in advance for you) and there are more changes to spot various birds including the Wynaad Laughingthrush, White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black Eagle, the striking Black Baza, Pompadour Green and Mountain Imperial Pigeon, the uncommon migratory Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Gray-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed Warbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, and the spectacular Asian Fairy Bluebird etc., inside the reserved forest area. Second night in the same hotel in Thekkady.

Today morning after breakfast around 08:00 A.M we will drive you to Alleppey ( 4 hrs) from where we will board our house boat around 12:00 P.M, to experience the back waters of Kerala. The house boat will take you on the back water canals of Vembanad Lake. Here most of the land and paddy fields are below the sea level. Alleppey, known as the ‘Venice of the East’, is a district of immense natural beauty, with a vast network of lakes, lagoons, canals and freshwater rivers crisscrossing its terrain. Today, this backwater destination is famous for its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Enjoy a full day cruise along the scenic backwaters of Vembanad Lake. The boat travels slowly on the backwater canals, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of paddy fields, coconut trees, palm trees, local villages, and local people busy with their daily work routine. You will also have a 40 minutes / 1 hrs of a canoe trip through the small water canals where the big houseboat is unable to take you. The boat halts on the water in the evening ( around 05:30 P.M till 08:00 A.M in the morning) and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset from the house boat. All meals will be served on the house boat and overnight in house boat. We will spend entire day on the house boat experiencing the life of the local people , enjoying the nature and there are chances to spot various birds. Overnight at Alleppey on the Kerala Houseboat.

Please Note-: The canoe trip timing will we advised to you by the staff of the houseboat. Please carry mosquito replant with you. Air conditioning will work at the night time in the bedroom of the house boat. In case of any inconvince regarding the air conditioning not working, please contact the house boat staff.

Today around 10:00 A.M we will leave the house boat and will drive you to Cochin ( less than 2 hrs). On arrival check into the hotel and later leave for a half day of sightseeing of Cochin visiting the famous heritage sites of old Cochin ( Fort Cochin). Having been under the control of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, The Fort Cochin has a rich and varied history. You will Explore the heritage part by foot and visit the Vasco the Gama square, the Chinese fishing nets, the church of St Francis originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance where once the Vasco Da Gama was buried. Later we will drive to visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, which features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas ( Kings) of Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja (King) of Kochi. We will also visit the Jewish Synagogue- or the Paradesi Synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was built in 1568 by Cochin Jewish community. The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area Later on return back to the hotel andin the evening around 05:00 P.M we will take you to visit the famous traditional Kathakali dance show 2 hrs. Later on return back to your hotel.
Please Note-: The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday and Saturdays, so we can visit it on alternative days.

Today after breakfast we will drive you to Cochin international airport, from where you will board your flight back to home.
Please Note -: Cochin is an international airport in Kerala in south part of India, there are flights from Dubai (middle east Asia) / Singapore ( South East Asia). If you are coming from U.K / Europe or from Australia you can get your connecting flights at these places. We would like to discuss these things with you at the time of your booking of the holidays with us. You can fly with Emirates / Air India or similar Flights, with a change en route.

End of the tour and the services.......!
Special Note-: The tours shown on the website are which we run regularly. It can be altered & Customised and we like to discuss plans with clients and can make suggestions about special places to visit depending on our clients’ interests, and available time. You can get an idea of your holidays from the above mentioned tour itinerary.
We do not club our clients to groups. We suggest, plan and organize only tailor-made, personalised tour holidays to India for each client. Either you can make your own group, we would be happy to organize a personalise tour for your or organizing things for your private group. Our Knowledgeable tour escorts is with you throughout the trip (if required), to all the famous sights and wherever required or we provide a local knowledgeable guide on spot for your tour to make history and culture come alive through the stories that unfold throughout the journey. In case you do not require accompanying tour escort with you please tell us and we will be happy to arrange local, knowledgeable guides at all the places for your tour, as per your choice.