Southern
Nature and Wildlife
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.
17 Days ... Cochin Kumarakom Periyar Munnar Ooty Coonoor Wayanad Bandipur Mysore Bangalore
Day 1 On arrival in Cochin you’ll be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Fort Cochi.
Day 2 A morning sightseeing tour of Cochin will cover some of the many diverse elements of this historic port city. As a trading hub for over 500 years, Cochin has absorbed elements of many other cultures into one of India’s most unique melting pots and this morning you’ll see Chinese Fishing Nets, Portuguese churches, the Dutch Palace and more. Later in the day drive to Kumarakom where you’ll be staying at a resort on the edge of Vembanad Lake. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 3 Bird Sanctuary is home to a vast array of water birds- you’ll be able to take a boat ride through the sanctuary in the morning, followed by a walking tour later in the day. The rest of the time you are free to relax or indulge in some of the many facilities on offer at your resort. Cruise on Vembanad Lake at sunset and stay overnight at Kumarakom.
Day 4 After breakfast head into the hills of the Western Ghats to reach Periyar by early afternoon. The famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s oldest protected habitats and its diverse environment with many different vegetation zones (dense rainforest, dry deciduous woodlands, expansive grassy plains, high mountaintops) which support a huge variety of animal life. The hills around Periyar are also a superb growing environment for many of the spices for which Kerala is famous- this afternoon you’ll be able to tour a spice farm and see the origins of many of those things which we take for granted in our kitchens at home. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 5 Full Day for around Periyar with options from a full day and night in the forest (with overnight camping), to bamboo rafting or a more gentle 3 hour guided nature walk. Longer, fully guided and catered treks can be incorporated if you want to venture further into the wilds of the Western Ghats. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 6 The drive from Periyar to Munnar is one of the most picturesque in south India, traversing a variety of landscapes and gradually emerging from the forest clad hills around Periyar to the tea producing heartland around Munnar- a tapestry of emerald green as far as the eye can see. Later in the day you’ll be able to visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar, a striking mountain goat endemic to these hills, Overnight in Munnar.
Day 7 A full day around Munnar with options including tea plantation visits, guided trekking or a full day excursion to Chinnar National Park which has a large elephant population. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 8 Morning departure from Munnar, descending into the Palakkad gap and stopping at Homestay here in the Kerala’s agricultural heartland. The Palakkad area is another region of Kerala to boast excellent birdwatching and this will be a feature of your time here. There are also interesting villages in close proximity to your accommodation and plenty of walks in the surrounding area. Overnight near Palakkad.
Day 9 Return to the hills with a morning drive to Coonoor, one of several interesting hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills. The high peaks and cool air of this part of Tamil Nadu where a huge drawcard for Britons during the Raj era and are still a popular summer escape from the heat of the plains below during summer. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam on the plains (train enthusiasts may want to incorporate the full 5 hour journey) while short joy rides from Coonoor to Ooty provide a glimpse of the technological feat which this route engenders as well as offering some spectacular scenery en route. Embark the train at Coonoor for an hour’s journey to Ooty where your driver will be waiting. Explore Ooty in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ooty.
Day 10 A full day in and around Coonoor and Ooty- you can walk in a tea plantation, trek through deep valleys or to high peaks or just mooch around the towns. Nearby Wellington offers a neatly maintained and rather challenging golf course. Overnight in Ooty.
Day 11 Descending the hills once again you will reach Bandipur National Park by early afternoon. One of the most open Parks in south India, Bandipur’s expansive grasslands and scrubby forest provide an excellent habitat for elephants- this is one of the best places for elephant sightings in the south. Take an evening jeep safari in the Park, overnight at Bandipur
Day 12 Further safaris at dawn and dusk through the Park. There are healthy populations of many large mammals here including gaur (Indian bison), several types of deer and, for the lucky few, a glimpse of a leopard or two is even possible. Overnight at Bandipur.
Day 13 A final safari or walking tour in the Park before departing Bandipur and driving 2 hours to Mysore. One of the most atmospheric and historic cities in south India, Mysore offers plenty of scope for on-foot exploration with a host of markets and interesting back streets, particularly in the Old City area close to the Palace. Free time in the afternoon, overnight in Mysore.
Day 14 In the morning, make an excursion to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary situated on an island in the Cauvery River where dozens of resident and migratory species can be seen. Afternoon city tour of Mysore include the splendid Mysore Palace, the flower market and Chamundi Hill Temple. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 15 Drive to Nagarhole National Park on the opposite side of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere to Bandipur. The habitats here are quite different to those seen earlier. Kabini Lake and its shores are home to crocodiles, water snakes and monitor lizards along with a host of bird species. The bamboo forests on the lakeshores play host to sloth bears, leopards and tigers and in the months after Christmas the shrinking body of water attracts large herds of elephants in search of a place to drink and bathe. Overnight near Kabini Lake.
Day 16 A full day of activities in and around the Park by jeep and/or boat. Other possibilities include guided walks and short elephant rides with plenty of luxurious facilities at your accommodation to fill in any spare hours. Overnight near Kabini Lake.
Day 17 Depart for Bangalore and connecting flight from there.
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