Thattekad Bird Photography Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Described by Dr. Salim Ali as “the richest bird habitat in Peninsular India, comparable only to Eastern Himalayas” The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary or Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary was notified a sanctuary in 1983 and measures only 25km² in contrast to the immense riches it harbours.

The sanctuary is sandwiched between two branches of the mighty Periyar River, and the montane moist deciduous forest forms a fascinating setting that provides sanctuary to more than 250 species, such as the Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, Black Baza, several species of flycatchers and bulbuls, the Indian Pitta and the prized Oriental Bay Owl.

What’s better, The Outback Experience’s Phillip Ross, will guide you into the forests, take you through the fundamentals of wildlife photography and equip you with a good understanding of bird behaviour that will help you take stunning wildlife photographs. Phillip has been travelling to Thattekad since 2015 and know’s these forests like the back of his hand and will lead you to places where bird sightings are known to happen.

Come join us for this one-of-a-kind bird photography tour!

TOUR ITINERARY

 DATES:

Batch 1: January 6th to 9th, 2022  – TOUR FULL

Batch 2: Feb 3rd to 6th, 2022

DAY 1:

Participants are requested to arrive at Cochin International Airport by 8:30AM, and be greeted by camp instructor Phillip Ross. We soon find ourselves aboard a pre-arranged vehicle driving towards Thattekad on a road journey that will last around two hours. After checking in, and a delicious homely lunch, we venture out on a birding trail near the camp for some close range photography opportunities for resident and endemic bird species.

Later that evening, we’ll meet for a presentation on composition and discuss our safari experience and animal behaviour.

We end the night with a delicious dinner.

DAYS 2 & 3:

We awake to the sweet calls of the birds found within the camp and after a hot cup of coffee or tea, prepare to depart for the morning birding session. We enjoy full-day’s guided birding walks in the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary looking for the prime attractions of the Tour such as the frogmouth, Malabar trogon and Black Baza. We will also spend time near the lodge and surrounding areas, where birds and opportunities are aplenty.

On our return at dusk, we go in search of owls and nightjars and each evening we will have learning sessions on photography, and end the night with a celebratory dinner.

DAY 4:

On the final morning, the forests of Thattekad beckon us to end the tour on a high note with a superb bird photography opportunities.

After the birding session and breakfast, we gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 10:00 a.m. and driving back to Cochin International Airport, where we are sure you won’t be able to wait to tell your friends and family some fascinating tales once you get back to your humble abodes.

Inclusions

• Return road transfers between Cochin International Airport and Thattekad
• Single occupancy accommodation in basic, but clean rooms
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
• All guide fee’s and sanctuary entrance fee’s
• Guaranteed photography learning and a whole lotta fun!

Exclusions

• 5% GST
• All airfare and travel expenses between your home and Cochin
• Any extra meals and beverages ordered
• Tips and gratuities
• Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Payment Terms

100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.

Payment can be made via bank transfer to our account. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.

Cancellation Fees

• 10% outside 30 days before the tour
• 25% between 29 and 22 days before the tour
• 50% between 21 and 15 days before the tour
• 75% between 14 and 8 days before the tour
• 100% within 7 days before the tour