Forest Eagle-owl - Bubo nipalensis

With our tremendous bio-diversity, the Rainforest Retreat is becoming recognized as one of the finest birding and trekking destinations in South India. We have created an exclusive package for  nature enthusiasts that combines natural beauty and tranquility of the rainforest retreat and wildlife viewing at Nagarhole National Park. This 700 sq km sanctuary is part of the Nilgris Biosphere Preserve and supports a great abundance of varied plant and animal species, making it a paradise for wildlife. Animals encountered include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar and chital deer, wild pig, civet cats, wild dogs, hyenas, flying squirrels, crocodiles, monitors, tortoise, cobras, and pythons.

Karnataka is home to over 550 bird species and more than half of them can be found in the plantations and evergreen forests of Kodagu district. The Rainforest Retreat, surrounded by rolling hills and densely forested valleys abundant with perennial streams is a birding hotspot. Relax and unwind in the peace, tranquility and comfort of the retreat and leisurely explore the surrounding bio-diversity. Some of the birds to be encountered here are kites, eagles, falcons, partridges, wild fowl, owls, parakeets, cukoos, nightjars, woodpeckers, larks, swallows, orioles, barbets, bulbuls, minivets, drongos, flycatchers, sunbirds, flowerpeckers etc (and many large water birds - herons, pelicans, painted storks, egrets etc at Ranganatitu bird sanctuary and other water bodies).

These attractive 5 and 7 day packages are restricted to very small groups (max group size 4 adults plus children, minimum size 2 adults) and include transportation (with an experienced driver/guide), accommodation, meals, guides, entry fees etc.

• Day 1 - Pick-up in Bangalore ( Mangalore or Mysore also possible) and drive to Coorg  with brief visit to Mysore city (including lunch). Visit Rangnatitu Bird Sanctuary on islands in the Cauvery near Mysore and proceed to coorg. Welcome drinks and Dinner at Rainforest Retreat.
• Day 2 – Pre-breakfast walk (each morning) to discover the bird diversity. Escorted tour of our Organic Spice Plantation to see how Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper, Vanilla are cultivated organically under the shade of rainforest trees and discussions about our biological methods of pest control being developed here. After lunch relax, or enjoy a guided nature walk to discover the bio-diversity of the surrounding areas.
• Day 3 -  An O/N tour of Nararhole Wildlife Sanctuary and South Coorg. Leave after breakfast and make a scenic 2 hr drive to Nagarhole and spend the day and night in the Sanctuary (evening and morning wildlife safaris).
• Day 4- Return to the rainforest retreat for lunch and relax or local nature walks/drives to discover more birds, butterflies, orchids and medicinal plants.
• Day 5 – Return to Bangalore  via Tibetan Monastery (near Kushalnagar) or
• Day 5 – A full day excursion to Dubare Forest/ Cauvery River. Activities are Birding, Wildlife, Mahaseer Fishing and Swimming and a visit to an elephant camp, all on the banks of the beautiful Cauvery River. Overnight stay in a fishing lodge by the riverside is possible for anglers.
• Day 6 –   Nature walk to Galibeedu ridge and reservoir (or other scenic destination) in morning and afternoon of  relaxation or local jeep drives.
• Day 7- Depart  to Bangalore  after breakfast.

Send mail to wapred.india@vsnl.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May 2006