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Southern Nature And Wildlife Tour

Southern Nature And Wildlife Tour

17 Days / 16 Nights

Overview

Set off on an unforgettable 17-day South India travel itinerary that brings together the wild heart of the Western Ghats and the timeless charm of Kerala and Karnataka. From the colonial streets of Fort Cochin to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, from the dense jungles of Parambikulam and Nagarhole to the rolling tea hills of Munnar, this immersive journey offers a rich blend of wildlife safaris, cultural exploration, and scenic landscapes.

Whether you're tracking tigers in Nagarhole, cruising past coconut palms in Alleppey, or exploring the Neolithic rock carvings of Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, this tour is designed for eco-travelers, photographers, and offbeat India explorers in 2025. End your journey in the regal city of Mysore and the tech-hub of Bangalore, capturing the contrasts that make Southern India so compelling.

Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Cochin Arrival

    Upon you arrival you will be received by one of our Indian Panorama representative and you will be assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin, a quaint colonial quarter known for its Portuguese-era architecture.

  • Day 2 : Cochin Sightseeing

    After your breakfast, enjoy a full day around Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, including guided sightseeing in the morning. In the afternoon, take a harbour cruise along the Arabian Sea, and end the day with a traditional Kathakali cultural performance. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin.

  • Day 3 : Cochin - Alleppey

    After your breakfast, drive two hours south to Alleppey, the gateway to the famous Kerala backwaters. Instead of an overnight houseboat, stay at a boutique guesthouse or traditional homestay to marvel at smaller canals inaccessible to houseboats. Experience the authentic backwater lifestyle. Overnight near Alleppey at Emerald Isle or similar.

  • Day 4 : Alleppey

    After your breakfast, discover the island on foot, join a local fisherman for a dugout canoe ride deep into the backwaters, witness toddy tapping from coconut trees, and engage with local communities—or simply relax in this serene setting. Overnight stay at Emerald Isle Heritage Villa or similar.

  • Day 5 : Alleppey - Parambikulam

    After your breakfast, reconnect with your driver and proceed to Parambikulam, passing through the lowland forests of Kerala rich in biodiversity. In the afternoon, embark on your first Kerala jeep safari, offering a chance to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife. Overnight stay at Parambikulam Eco-Centre.

  • Day 6 : Parambikulam

    After your breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing at Parambikulam. Unlike many other parks, this one allows on-foot forest adventures as well as jeep safaris, offering a thrilling wildlife experience. Overnight stay at Parambikulam Eco-Centre.

  • Day 7 : Parambikulam - Munnar

    After your breakfast, drive from the plains into the scenic Western Ghats, with increasingly stunning landscapes. Upon your arrival in Munnar, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr—a rare mountain goat found only in this region. Overnight stay in Munnar.

  • Day 8 : Munnar

    After your breakfast, spend the day in and around Munnar. You can choose between mountain trekking, visiting tea plantations, or simply enjoying the cool climate and views. Overnight stay in Munnar.

  • Day 9 : Munnar - Palakkad

    After your breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before a 5-hour drive to Palakkad, where you'll stay in the ancestral home of the Bhagwaldas family, surrounded by peaceful countryside and excellent bird-watching opportunities. Overnight stay at Kandath Tharavad Heritage Home.

  • Day 10 : Palakkad - Coonoor - Ooty

    After your breakfast, depart late in the morning for Coonoor which takes about 4-hour drive, then board the heritage mountain railway to Ooty—a scenic ride through tea gardens and forests. Your driver will transport your luggage and meet you at Ooty. Explore the colonial charm of Ooty and Coonoor. Overnight stay in Ooty.

  • Day 11 : Ooty - Wayanad

    After your breakfast, drive through lush hills into Wayanad, known for its dense forests and tribal heritage. Visit the fascinating Edakkal Caves, which house prehistoric carvings, and explore jungle-hidden temples. Trekking options are available for outdoor enthusiasts. Overnight stay in Wayanad.

  • Day 12 : Wayanad - Nagarhole/Kabini

    After your breakfast, drive three hours to Nagarhole National Park, arriving in time for your first mid-afternoon safari. Overnight at Kabini, a renowned hub for wildlife safaris in South India.

  • Day 13 & 14 : Nagarhole

    After your breakfast, enjoy two full days with up to six safaris (jeep or boat), providing excellent chances to see elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and more. Boat safaris almost guarantee elephant sightings as they bathe at the river's edge, while jeep rides take you deep into the forest. You’ll also spot deer, primates, birds, and crocodiles. Overnight stay in Kabini.

  • Day 15 : Nagarhole - Mysore

    After your breakfast, take a final morning safari, then drive four hours to Mysore. Overnight stay in Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, known for its palaces and vibrant bazaars.

  • Day 16 : Mysore

    After your breakfast, enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing including the majestic Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill temples, and a visit to the colorful spice and flower markets. Free time in the afternoon for shopping or exploring Mysore's enchanting old city on foot. Overnight stay in Mysore.

  • Day 17 : Mysore - Bangalore

    After your breakfast, drive around four hours to Bangalore Airport depending on your flight time. Once you reach the airport, board your flight for your onward journey with a heart full of wonderful memories.

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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