Southern Nature And Wildlife Tour

Southern Nature And Wildlife Tour

17 Days / 16 Nights

If you want to see the natural beauty of southern India look no further than this lots of time to enjoy stunning scenery, trekking in forests, jeep safaris in search of elephant, leopard and tiger; this is the wild side of India, with just a taste of city life thrown in.

Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Cochin Arrival

    You’ll be met on arrival in Cochin and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Fort Cochin.

  • Day 2 : Cochin Sightseeing

    Cochin Day around Fort Cochin and Mattancherry including guided sightseeing in the morning, a harbour cruise in the afternoon and cultural performance in the evening. overnight in Fort Cochin.

  • Day 3 : Cochin - Alleppey

    Drive south from Cochin for 2 hours to reach Alleppey, at the heart of the famous backwaters. Rather than an overnight houseboat cruise we recommend heading to a boutique guesthouse or traditional homestay, and from there exploring the myriad small canals and rivulets which the larger houseboats cannot reach. By being away from the main houseboat routes, you’ll see a more traditional side of the backwaters and sample something of the unique lifestyle here. Overnight near Alleppey at Emerald Isle or similar.

  • Day 4 : Alleppey

    During the day you’ll be able to walk around the island, join a local fisherman for a dugout canoe ride deep into the heart of the backwaters, watching the gathering of palm spirit (‘toddy tapping) from coconut trees, meet with local people or just relax in the wonderful atmosphere around the property. Overnight at Emerald Isle Heritage Villa or similar Overnight at Emerald Isle Heritage Villa or similar.

  • Day 5 : Alleppey - Parambikulam

    After breakfast, transfer back to the mainland and reconnect with your driver; the drive to Parambikulam takes you into the lowland forests of Kerala and an environment rich in wildlife. In the afternoon, make your first foray into the wildlife sanctuary by jeep. Kerala Jeep safari will give you a different experience. Overnight at Parambikulam Eco-Centre.

  • Day 6 : Parambikulam

    Full day around Parambikulam with morning and afternoon forest activities (unusually for a park in this region, some on-foot exploration is possible around Parambikulam so you have the opportunity to walk rather than take a jeep if you prefer). Overnight at Parambikulam Eco-Centre.

  • Day 7 : Parambikulam - Munnar

    The drive today takes you from the coastal plains high into the Western Ghats, with the scenery becoming ever more stunning. Time on arrival in Munnar to visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar, a striking mountain goat endemic to these hills. Overnight in Munnar.

  • Day 8 : Munnar

    Day around Munnar with possibilities for mountain trekking, tea estate visits or relaxation. overnight in Munnar.

  • Day 9 : Munnar - Palakkad

    Morning free in Munnar before leaving to drive 5 hours to Palakkad, where you will stay in the ancestral home of the Bhagwaldas family. Nearby there is excellent bird-watching or you can just walk in the fields and enjoy the tranquillity of this rural locale. Overnight in Palakkad at Kandath Tharavad Heritage Home.

  • Day 10 : Palakkad - Coonoor - Ooty

    Depart after a leisurely morning and drive 4 hours to Coonoor, board the train here for the scenic ride up to Ooty. Your driver will transport your luggage up to Ooty and be waiting for you when you arrive. Afternoon to explore Ooty and Coonoor. overnight in Ooty.

  • Day 11 : Ooty - Wayanad

    Another very picturesque drive, into the densely forested Wayanad district, home to some of South India’s last remaining tribal groups. There are several interesting sites around Wayanad including the Edakkal Caves with their Neolithic rock-carvings and ancient temples all but obscured by jungle. There are also some wonderful day and half-day treks in the region so if time permits this could be a place to add an extra day. Overnight in Wayanad.

  • Day 12 : Wayanad - Nagarhole/Kabini

    Drive 3 hours to Nagarhole, arriving in time for your first safari in the mid-afternoon. Overnight at Kabini.

  • Day 13 & 14 : Nagarhole

    Two full Days here will allow you to take a total of 6 safaris, 2 per day, with any combination of boat and jeep safaris possible. The boat safaris here are excellent, offering virtually guaranteed elephant sightings as large family groups come to the water’s edge to drive, bathe and socialise. Jeep safaris venture deep into Nagarhole National Park and chances of sighting tigers, leopard and sloth bears are pretty good. You will almost certainly see deer, antelope, Indian bison, various primates and a vast array of birdlife. And crocodiles - which sadly means no swimming, despite how tempting the lake looks. Two more nights at Kabini.

  • Day 15 : Nagarhole - Mysore

    A final safari in the morning and then drive 4 hours to Mysore. Overnight in Mysore.

  • Day 16 : Mysore

    Full day around Mysore with guided sightseeing encompassing the Sultan’s Palace, Chamundi Hill temples and the wonderful and intoxicating spice and flower market. There will be free time as well for last minute shopping or just an on-foot exploration of the old city part of Mysore. Overnight in Mysore.

  • Day 17 : Mysore - Bangalore

    Exact schedule will depend on your flight time; driving time is around 4 hours to Bangalore airport and check-in for an international flight will be 3 hours prior to departure.

FAQ

South India is home to some incredible wildlife sanctuaries, including:
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
  • Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka
  • Bandipur National Park in Karnataka
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
  • Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
  • Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamilnadu
  • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
  • Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh
  • Bannerghatta National Park in Karnataka
  • Eravikulam National Park in Kerala

South India Wildlife Tours offers a diverse experience, featuring the mesmerizing landscapes of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park. You can witness a variety of flora and fauna, enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris, and experience unique eco-tourism initiatives, all while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The best time for a wildlife safari in South India generally falls between October and June. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and animals are more likely to be seen as they come out to drink water. Each wildlife sanctuary may have slight variations, so it’s best to check with specific destinations.

Wayanad is famed for its stunning natural beauty and attractions, including Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, and the scenic Banasura Sagar Dam. Additionally, availing bamboo rafting experiences and visiting spice plantations are highly recommended, which offer enriching encounters with nature.

South India offers a variety of trekking adventures, particularly in the Western Ghats. Trails such as the Brahmagiri Trek, Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek, and the trek to Meesapulimala, Eravikulam National Park, and Chembra Peak are popular options, allowing trekkers to experience breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.

Bamboo rafting in Kerala is an eco-friendly adventure activity set on tranquil rivers or backwaters. It often combines leisure paddling through scenic surroundings with an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the region, making it a must-try experience while visiting Kerala.

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