web www.naturetrek.co.uk Naturetrek’s innovative December tour combines two of India’s most famous attributes, its cuisine and its wildlife during an expertly escorted 9-day appreciation of Kerala’s national parks, departing London 2nd December 2006..
The tour initially focuses on Kerala’s moist, tropical hill forests, a distinct area of vegetation in the western Ghat hills that has given rise to many endemic bird and mammal species.
Explorations are made in Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, one of South India’s prime birding destinations, from a nearby private plantation house run by Mr. Jose George and Mrs. Daisy Jose.
Here, a remarkable 270 owl species have been observed including Mottled Wood Owl and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl together with a good number of the region’s endemics such as the rare Wynad Laughing Thrush.
Later, a gentle cruise down the Periyar river allows sightings of water birds and other wildlife coming to the river to quench their thirst. All this wildlife viewing builds a powerful appetite, so during the stay Mrs. Daisy Jose introduces travellers to the delights of Keralan cuisine, featuring different preparations of rice, vegetables, the use of coconut, and the preparation of Sadya – a Keralan festive meal.
Examples of dishes include Plantain Errisery - with cardamom, pepper and curry spices, Prathamams – a kind of Keralan starter, Aviyal – mixed vegetables with bananas, brinjal, cucumber, and Thaeel – spiced baby onions served with steamed rice. The results are enjoyed by all!
Continuing in search of wildlife, a foray into Gavi National Park, staying at a simple forest lodge for one night and camping out for the remainder, should reveal larger mammals. Indian Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Sambar Deer are likely sightings whilst Wild Dogs and, with luck, Royal Bengal Tiger are possibles.
To ensure safety during the incursion a lookout party, as well as an experienced ‘elephant chaser’, will accompany the group in addition to usual porters. Next, a road transfer takes travellers to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary by the side of the Vembanad Lake right in the heart of Kerala’s lush tropical waterways.
This is the peak time to visit Kumarakom as it serves as a winter home for a wide range of migratory birds, most of them from Siberia. Highlights include Snake Bird, Little Cormorant, Night Heron and Golden-backed Woodpecker. The tour concludes back in Cochin, with its Jewish, Portuguese, British and Dutch trading heritage. There’s time to take an evening harbour cruise observing fishermen and their remarkable Chinese-style teakwood nets in action. |