;

Kerala & Sri Lanka Wildlife, Nature & Whale Watching Tour

Description

Explore Kerala’s wildlife, trekking trails, backwaters and Sri Lanka’s rainforests with whale watching in 14-day nature tour.

Duration

14 Days, 13 Nights

Language

English

Price
US$2075
US$1860 per person

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Trekking in Western Ghats and Tea Hills
  • Periyar Wildlife Walks and Forest Trails
  • Scenic Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Cruise
  • Sinharaja Rainforest UNESCO Walks
  • Ethical Whale Watching in Mirissa
  • Boutique Eco Lodges and Nature Resorts

Travel Itinerary

Arrive at Kochi International Airport, the gateway to your Kerala nature and wildlife tour. This historic port city reflects centuries of maritime trade and multicultural influence. After a private airport transfer, check in to your heritage hotel.

Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial backstreets and coastal wetlands on foot. From Chinese fishing nets to migratory birds along the shore, this is the perfect start to your Kerala walking and wildlife holiday. Evening at leisure with an option to sample local seafood cuisine. Overnight stay in a restored heritage hotel supporting community employment and conservation initiatives.

Move to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a highlight of your Kerala nature trekking and wildlife tour. Join a naturalist to scout forest trails for hornbills, drongos, and rare endemic species.

Located within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, Thattekad offers exceptional eco-tourism experiences. Your overnight stay is at an eco-lodge doing rainwater harvesting, and support local forest communities.

Travel through scenic mountain roads toward Munnar, a region known for rolling tea plantations and misty hills. En route, pause for short nature walks and panoramic viewpoints.

Trek through rolling tea estates and native forests this afternoon. This will be a classic experience of your Kerala trekking tour package.

Learn about sustainable tea cultivation and local ecology. Munnar’s cool climate and clean air make it ideal for travelers seeking nature-focused holidays in India. Overnight at a responsible nature resort.

Start early for a guided high-altitude hike through Munnar’s shola forests and grasslands, unique to the Western Ghats. These fragile ecosystems shelter rare birds, orchids, and endemic plant species. The hike is paced for international travelers with moderate fitness, making it ideal for a Kerala nature trekking holiday.

​​​​​​​Afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy mountain views. Overnight stay at an eco-sensitive lodge in Munnar.

Drive from Munnar to Thekkady, entering the famed Periyar wildlife region. Known for its forests and spice plantations, this area forms the heart of Kerala’s wildlife tourism. Join a guided spice walk to uncover the secrets of traditional farming and sustainable harvests.

Discover how local communities balance livelihoods with conservation. Evening at leisure amidst forest surroundings. Overnight stay at an eco-lodge built with natural materials and employing local residents.

Experience Periyar through an official guided nature walk led by trained forest guides.

Spot elephants, deer, and rare birds while discovering local conservation firsthand. Add bamboo rafting or rugged forest trails to elevate your Periyar wildlife tour experience. The day strongly reflects the values of a responsible Kerala walking and wildlife holiday.

​​​​​​​Overnight in Thekkady, surrounded by jungle landscapes.

Drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through canals, lakes, and coconut-lined waterways. Observe wetland birds, fishing techniques, and village life along the shores.

The slow rhythm of the backwaters perfectly complements this Kerala nature and eco-tourism tour. Overnight stay onboard the houseboat amid serene surroundings.

Enjoy a relaxed morning by the backwaters. After breakfast, transfer to Kochi and check in to a hotel conveniently located near Kochi International Airport. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Fly to Colombo and journey into the Sabaragamuwa foothills to reach Deniyaya. This will be your gateway to the ancient Sinharaja Rainforest.

Check in to a luxury eco-lodge designed for minimal environmental impact. Time permitting, step into the forest to scout for endemic treasures like the purple-faced langur.

Evening at leisure overlooking mist-covered rainforest landscapes.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest. This is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in Sri Lanka.

Accompanied by an expert naturalist, walk beneath dense canopies in search of endemic bird species and the famous “bird wave.” After a traditional village lunch, head for the southern coast to find the secluded shores of Kosgoda or Ahungalla.

Check in to a boutique beachfront resort. Evening at leisure by the Indian Ocean.

After breakfast, enjoy a private boat safari in Balapitiya through the Madu Ganga wetlands. A complex mangrove ecosystem of islands and waterways. Glide through mangrove tunnels and visit a cinnamon-producing island to witness traditional peeling techniques.

Return to Kosgoda by afternoon. Evening free to relax at the beach resort.

Early morning departure to Mirissa Harbour for a Sri Lanka whale watching tour. Board a well-regulated boat or catamaran and head into the deep waters where Blue Whales and dolphins are frequently sighted. Ethical wildlife viewing practices are followed throughout.

After returning to shore, enjoy lunch in Mirissa before heading back to Kosgoda. Evening at leisure.

Visit a local sea turtle conservation project, where five species nest along this coastline. Discover local conservation and, season permitting, help release tiny hatchlings into the surf.

The remainder of the day is free for beach relaxation, swimming, or an optional Ayurvedic massage. A private candlelit beach dinner concludes your day.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Sri Lanka with memories of a Kerala and Sri Lanka nature, wildlife, and whale watching holiday.

INCLUDED

  • Private airport transfers in India and Sri Lanka
  • All transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation in heritage hotels, eco-lodges, houseboat, and boutique beach resort
  • Daily breakfast at all the hotels
  • Daily breakfast and dinners In Sri Lanka part on fixed menu basis
  • Guided nature walks, trekking, and birdwatching experiences
  • Trained local naturalists and forest guides
  • Periyar wildlife walks and forest ecology activities
  • Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise
  • Sinharaja Rainforest guided walk (UNESCO site)
  • Madu Ganga mangrove boat safari
  • Ethical whale watching excursion at Mirissa
  • Sea turtle conservation visit in Kosgoda
  • All applicable hotel taxes and service charges

EXCLUDED

  • International flights to and from India / Sri Lanka
  • India and Sri Lanka visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Lunches and dinners not specified in inclusions
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, tips, and phone calls
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera or video fees at monuments or wildlife areas
  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
  • Expenses caused by flight delays, weather, or natural events
  • Any item not specifically mentioned under “Tour Inclusions”

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour includes guided wildlife walks in Periyar, trekking in Munnar, Kerala backwaters, Sinharaja rainforest walks, ethical whale watching in Mirissa, accommodations, transfers, and expert naturalist guides.

The best time for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April, when Blue Whales and dolphins are most commonly sighted under ethical wildlife viewing guidelines.

Travelers may see elephants, deer, birds, and endemic species in Periyar and Sinharaja Rainforest, along with dolphins and Blue Whales during the Sri Lanka whale watching experience.

Yes. Accommodations include eco-lodges, heritage hotels, and boutique stays that support responsible tourism, local communities, and environmental conservation.

This is a private, tailor-made tour, allowing flexible pacing, personalized activities, and accommodation choices for couples, families, or small groups.

The tour includes gentle to moderate trekking on forest trails, tea plantations, and rainforest paths. No technical trekking experience is required.

Yes. The itinerary can be customized to include additional wildlife safaris, beach stays, cultural extensions, or longer travel within India or Sri Lanka.

Tour Terms & Conditions

For more details click here

RECOMMENDED HOTELS