The rainforests of Kerala, punctuated by various streams, brooks and rivers, make an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trip covers tropical evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist deciduous grass lands, shola forests (cloud rainforest), high rolling plateaus, dry thorny scrubs, ravines, rugged peaks and rain shadow regions.
The trip offers a range of activities as a way of experiencing the wilderness - including rainforest trekking, waterfall trails, bamboo rafting, thoni cruise (country boat), night-time jungle patrol, wilderness camping, bird watching, wildlife spotting, and butterfly watching. Whilst most of the day is spent in the forest and its fringe areas, the trip has been carefully designed to make sure that you are not denied any level of comfort in terms of accommodation. This ranges from plantation bungalows, riverside resorts, wilderness camps, jungle lodges, tree houses and eco lodges.
One of the most unique programmes in eco tourism in India, this holiday supports mainly those people who live on the fringes of the forest as trackers, guides and interpreters. Due to several "social re-engineering" and political decisions, many of the tribal people have been forced to leave the forest and are no longer associated with its day to day activities. This particular trip focuses on their role as caretakers of forest, its resources and wildlife and by doing so also assures them a decent livelihood with dignity.
Short Program
Day 1: Arrive Calicut and transfer to Edakkal, Wayanad
Day 2: In Edakkal, Wayanad
Day 3: From Edakkal, Wayanad to the River Nila
Day 4: From the River Nila to the Silent Valley National Park
Day 5: In the Silent Valley National Park
Day 6: From Silent Valley to the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 7: From the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary to the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Day 8: From Thattekkad to Munnar
Day 9: From Munnar to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 10: In the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 11: To Periyar
Day 12: In the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 13: From the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to the Vallakkadavu Camp
Day 14: From the Vallakkadavu Camp to Cochin Airport