The Great Southern Wildlife Tour

13 Days / 12 Nights

Saturday, 29th November – Thursday, 11th December

Tour Overview

“India is not a destination. It’s a story. An age-old story that is one of the oldest in the world. Come with me to immerse in this timeless journey.”

This exclusive Photo Tour has been meticulously designed by Master Photographer Ashok Kochhar, who brings over five decades of visual experience and has authored more than three dozen Private Label Travel Coffee Table Books. With his deep familiarity with these terrains, this tour has been curated to cover multiple genres of photography, including Landscape, People, Portrait, Street, Festivals, Architecture, Heritage, and Wildlife.

To ensure a highly personalized and immersive experience, the group is limited to just five photographers, including Ashok Kochhar himself. Luxury travel and accommodations are arranged in collaboration with our expert logistics partner, and each location will be guided by a seasoned local expert.

Tour at a Glance

• Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

• Group Size: 4 photographers + Ashok Kochhar

• Cost: NZ$ 10,400 (Bangalore to Bangalore)

• Luxury accommodations and guided photography sessions

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday, 29th November

Arrival in Bangalore – Relax & Explore

• Arrive in Bangalore, India. You will be picked up from the airport.

• Most international flights land at night, so if you arrive early, you will have time to explore the city at leisure.

• Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, blends modern technology with stunning heritage, including Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

• Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2 – Sunday, 30th November

Bangalore to Kabini (205 km, 4 hours)

• Early morning departure to Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Check-in at Kabini Jungle Lodge.

• Kabini is one of the best wildlife reserves in Karnataka, renowned for its lush green forests, water bodies, and incredible wildlife sightings.

• This sanctuary is famous for its black panthers, large elephant herds, and the serene backwaters of the Kabini River.

• Photography Safaris: Morning Safari at 6:30 AM, Evening Safari at 3:30 PM.

Day 3 – Monday, 1st December

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

• Morning & Evening Photography Safaris.

• Capture the raw wilderness and thriving fauna of the Kabini region, home to over 250 bird species and majestic predators.

Day 4 – Tuesday, 2nd December

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

• A full day dedicated to wildlife photography.

• Morning & Evening Safaris in the Kabini backwaters and deep forest, offering a chance to see the elusive black leopard and Bengal tiger.

Day 5 – Wednesday, 3rd December

Kabini to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (91 km, 2 hours)

• Early morning departure to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

• Check-in and explore the sanctuary.

• Photography Focus: Over 170 species of birds, including Painted Storks, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Darters, Herons, River Terns, Spoonbills, and Pelicans.

• Ranganathittu is Karnataka’s largest bird sanctuary, an oasis of lush islands in the Kaveri River that attract migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Australia.

• Highly recommended: A boat ride through the sanctuary to capture birds and marsh crocodiles up close.

Day 6 – Thursday, 4th December

Ranganathittu to Bangalore (130 km, 2 hours)

• Morning photography session at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

• Afternoon drive back to Bangalore.

• Relax and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

Day 7 – Friday, 5th December

Fly to Kochi – Explore the Coastal City

• Morning flight from Bangalore to Kochi (1-hour flight).

• Explore Kochi, a stunning coastal town known for its rich heritage, backwaters, and vibrant street photography.

• Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets, historic Fort Kochi, and colonial-era spice markets make it a photographer’s paradise.

Day 8 – Saturday, 6th December

Kochi to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (1-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

• Check-in at Thattekad Lodge.

• The sanctuary, spread over 67 sq. km, is a nesting paradise for numerous bird species.

• Thattekad is known as the “Bird Watcher’s Paradise,” home to rare species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Sri Lankan Frogmouth.

• Photography Highlights: Birdwatching, river boat rides, and spotting marsh crocodiles.

Day 9 – Sunday, 7th December

Thattekad to Munnar – Kuttettan Bird Hide

• Post-lunch departure to Munnar Kuttettan Bird Hide.

• Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is famed for its rolling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and endemic bird species.

• Stay overnight and photograph rare and endemic birds like the Nilgiri Pipit and Painted Bush Quail.

Day 10 – Monday, 8th December

Munnar to Alleppey Bird Sanctuary – Luxury Houseboat Stay

• Afternoon drive from Munnar to Alleppey Bird Sanctuary.

• Known as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey boasts serene backwaters, floating villages, and abundant birdlife.

• Stay overnight on a Luxury Houseboat, experiencing Kerala’s world-famous backwaters.

Day 11 – Tuesday, 9th December

Luxury Houseboat to Kumarakom – Return to Kochi

• The boat drops us off at Kumarakom, known for its idyllic landscapes and birdlife.

• The Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake, is a haven for migratory birds and offers breathtaking sunrise photography opportunities.

• Return to Kochi for the night.

Day 12 – Wednesday, 10th December

Kochi to Bangalore – Farewell Dinner

• After checkout from the houseboat, drive to Kochi Airport and fly back to Bangalore.

• Enjoy a farewell gala dinner, share experiences, and reflect on the journey over a glass of wine.

Day 13 – Thursday, 11th December

Departure

• Tour concludes.

• Fly out from Bangalore, carrying home unforgettable memories and stunning photographs.

For Bookings & Inquiries

📧 Email: kochara55@gmail.com🌍 Facebook: facebook.com/kochharashok🌐 Website: www.ashokkochhar.com