Wild South India
$1905
(0 Reviews)
Route : Kochi - Thekkady - Munnar - Eravikulam National Park - Ooty - Kabini - Mysore - Bangalore
To some, visions of India still conjure up images of ancient forts and medieval palaces; strange and exotic animals; snake charmers with their dancing cobras; and peafowl, resplendent in iridescent plumage, dancing in the rain. So why not validate this yourself? Travel through India is a mixed bag of the past (5000 year old history), the present (a modern vibrant economy); and the timeless (primeval natural world). While most people have visited the Taj Mahal and are familiar with some north Indian National Parks, southern states like Kerala and Karnataka have plenty more to offer.
The wildlife of Kerala and Karnataka is the highlight of this tour. Besides coming across the more widespread peninsular animal species like the Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, even the Gaur and Wild Dog, the tour offers an excellent prospect of spotting endemic (to Western Ghats) species such as the Lion- tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr (the only wild goat occurring outside the Himalayan region), Nilgiri Marten, Slender Loris, Malabar Trogen, Malabar Hornbill, Atlas Moth, types of bicoloured frogs, terrapins and many more.
Highlights :
• Elephants & Birdlife
• Culture & People Walks
• Temples and palaces.
• Kathakali Dance
• National Parks
• Spice and Tea Plantations
See Full Itinerary
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Destination
-
Arrival
Kochi -
Arrival Time
Midnight or Late night -
Final Departure
Bangalore -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable, light, sports wear
Tour Itinerary : - Wild South India
1
Day 01 Arrive Kochi (Cochin) and transfer to hotel.
Arrive at Kochi International airport. After completing the immigration and custom, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance on arrival with a traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (the room being held from 1400 hrs).
Overnight in Kochi
2
Day 02 In Kochi.
After breakfast, we proceed for a wonderful programme of sightseeing tour with the local guide - includes the ancient St. Francis Church that in its time has served the Portuguese, Dutch and British communities here, the splendid San Sebastian Cathedral built by the Portuguese, traditional Chinese fishing nets and charming colonial residences shaded by many ancient trees.
Then there is Mattancherry (Closed on Friday), with its Royal Palace built for the Cochin Raja by the Dutch and housing some of the best early mural painting in Kerala and the old trading area of Jew town (Closed from Friday afternoon till Saturday), with its fragrant spice warehouses, remarkable synagogue with Chinese tiles, and antique shops.
In the evening, there will be a performance of Kathakali in local theatre, the dramatic dance-drama that tells the much-loved epic stories of the gods and goddesses.
Overnight in Kochi
3
Day 03 Kochi to Thekkady (180 km/about 05 hrs drive)
This morning after leisurely breakfast, we proceed to Thekkady – located near Kerala Tamilnadu border is the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread across an area of 300 square miles, lush evergreen covers the park and deciduous vegetation provide natural shelter to several animals including sambar, elephants, Nilgiri, langurs, deer, etc.
Late afternoon, we make a short drive to the nearby plantation to know about the spices of Kerala and the plantation crop. Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nut mace, ginger, and clove.
Later in the evening stroll around the small spice market of Kumily.
Overnight in Thekkady
4
Day 04: In Thekkady
This morning, we start very early before breakfast, we set to explore the park by hiking through the buffer zone of the forest with tribal tracker as a local guide from the forest department.
We return to the hotel for breakfast
Rest of the morning is free to relax or enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
Late afternoon, we set to explore the sanctuary, which offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals on a boat (boat is common for all) on the man-made lake.
Overnight in Thekkady
5
Day 05: Thekkady to Munnar (110 km / about 3-4 hrs drive)
This morning, we start very early before breakfast, we set to explore the park by hiking through the buffer zone of the forest with tribal tracker as a local guide from the forest department.
We return to the hotel for breakfast
After breakfast, we drive up into the Western Ghats, to the hill-station of Munnar and wind up through the rapidly changing vegetation of thick wood, Cardamom plantations and tea gardens. The views are stunning from this hill station.
Late afternoon visit Tea making factory & museum (Closed on Monday).
Overnight in Munnar
6
Day 06: In Munnar - Explore Eravikulam National Park.
This morning after leisurely breakfast, we set for the excursion to Eravikulam National park - Rajamalai in the Eravikulam National Park is about 17 km from Munnar. The sanctuary provides close viewing of the Nilgiri Thar, an endangered species. More than half of the Nilgiri Thar is found in this sanctuary. Another mesmerizing thing to witness is the flowering blooms which only happen once in every 12 years. Other animals which can be seen here are panther, giant Malabar squirrel, sambar, gaur, barking deer, etc. We return back to the hotel by late afternoon.
Rest of the day is free for own activity and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
Overnight in Munnar
Important: The park shuts down during January – February as this is the breeding season of the Nilgiri Tahr. It is quite possible that the breeding may extend into March.7
Day 07: Munnar to Top Slip (about 165 km / about 05 hrs drive).
This morning we set off after early breakfast to Indira Gandhi National Park(Anamalai) and popularly known for birdlife and mammals is located in the Coimbatore district of the state of Tamil Nadu. The name, Annamalai, is derived from the word ‘Anai’ which means elephant and ‘Malai’ which means hills as there is a large population of wild elephants found in the area. The sanctuary was established in 1976 and in 1987, the name was changed to Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The overnight accommodation is very basic.
Overnight in Top Slip
8
Day 08: In Top Slip – Explore Indira Gandhi National Park.
This day is dedicated to exploring the park - in the forest of Anamalai, the Mammals that are likely to be sighted are the India Elephant, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Gaur (erroneously called the Indian Bison; it is not a bison but a wild ox and the largest bovine in the world), Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur.
Overnight in Top Slip
9
Day 09: Top Slip to Ootacamund/Ooty (160 km / about 5-6 hrs drive)
This morning after leisurely breakfast we set off to drive to another leading hill station in South India, Ootacamund, popularly known as Ooty which is based at 2,286 m altitude in the heart of Nilgiri (Blue Mountains); the hillsides are drenched with the enchanting hues of nature, wrapped in vegetation of blue gum trees and eucalyptus.
We are driving thru the mountainous road and sometimes these journeys can be challenging, we have planned the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Ooty
10
Day 10: In Ootacamund/Ooty.
This morning after leisurely breakfast we set off to explore this “Queen of the Hills”, a bustling town with several pockets of the town that retain its colonial charm and reflect its yesteryear heritage. Vintage buildings, quaint bungalows and historic churches reflect the old world and British Raj imprints in Ooty
We start our day by boarding the 'Toy Train' run by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was completed in 1908. The scenic journey to Coonoor from Ooty takes slightly more than an hour. The renowned Ooty Lake was also a brainchild of Sullivan, who constructed it between 1823 and 1825. The famous Government Botanical Gardens in Ooty, built in 1848, are also a site of immense heritage value have many rare trees and flowering plants.
Ooty is also known for its tea and coffee plantations and there are hundreds of tea estates in and around this hill resort. Overnight in Ooty
11
Day 11: Ootacamund/Ooty to Kabini (140 km /about 4 hrs drive)
This morning after leisurely breakfast drive to Kabini National Park – located on the north of Kabini River. The national forest has grassy woodland, swampland, deciduous forest, bamboo forest and full of wildlife. This national forest is considered to be the best natural habitats for Asian elephants and the park is home to several species including, gaur, chital, sambar, four-horned antelope, muntjac, pangolin, flying squirrel, langur, Indian porcupine, bonnet macaque, etc.
We will reach the destination only by late afternoon. This afternoon, we have included the walk around the resort.
Overnight in Kabini
12
Day 12: In Kabini – Explore Kabini National Park.
This morning boat safari (which is always shared). This pocket boasts the highest grand old Asiatic elephants.
We return to the hotel for breakfast.
Late morning, we proceed to visit the villages around or do nature walk around the plantation with the naturalist.
Late afternoon, we set out to explore the wildlife in the jungle in a vehicle (shared).
Overnight in Kabini
13
Day 13: Kabini to Mysore (95 Kms/about 3 hrs drive)
Early morning embark on another safari through the Wildlife sanctuary. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later after breakfast, drive to Mysore – a very old city, living glorious past of around 600 years with splendid royal heritage, palaces, bustling markets, cosmopolitan culture, etc.
It is famous for its silk and sandalwood.
The afternoon is dedicated to explore the magnificent Mysore Palace built by Tipu Sultan and was architectured by Henry Irwin. The palace built in Indo-Saracenic style, is centrally located in Mysore, facing Chamundi Hills dominates the city’s skyline. Also, visit of Chamundi Hill Temple and Nandi Bull.
Evening visit the colourful market in Mysore popular for the sandalwood incense and spices and later marvel at the Mysore Palace.
Overnight in Mysore
NOTE: One can also watch the illuminated place which happens on every Sunday and national holidays.
14
Day 14: Mysore to Bangalore airport (180 km/about 4-5 hrs drive).
This morning after early breakfast, we set off to drive to the closest airport for your international flight with en route stop at Srirangapatnam - the capital of Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan till 1799, when the British captured it. It was here that the Tiger of Mysore, as Tipu was called, fought and died. Daria Daulat (Splendour of the sea) is located outside the old fort’s ruins. It was the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, with an exquisite garden. The palace is now transformed into a museum which showcases personal belongings of Tipu Sultan. We will also see the Tomb of Tipu Sultan and his parents, marking the end of this town’s royal history.
After the visit, continue the drive to Bangalore airport to board the flight back home with some thrilling recollections of the Wild South – South India trip.
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Price, Inclusions and Exclusions
Prices per person |
|
01 paying person in a Single Room |
USD 3340/- |
02 paying persons in a Double Room |
USD 1905/- |
Validity - October 2021 till April 2022.
Note: The Eravilukam National Park shuts down during January – February as this is the breeding season of the Nilgiri Tahr. It is quite possible that the breeding may extend into MarchPrice Inclusions
• Accommodations in one room for 15 days/14 nights
• Meal plan
✓ Buffet Breakfast at all cities except Kabini and Top Slip Guest House
✓ Top Slip - Half board basis
(Simple Breakfast and Dinner)
✓ Kabini - Full board basis
(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Transport services using Good Conditioned Small Car as follows.
✓ Beginning with the pickup from Kochi Airport on Day 01 till drop at Bangalore airport on Day 15
• Meet and greet services in Kochi, Munnar, Mysore and Bangalore only
• One time entrance fees to the monuments/temples/parks as per the program.
• Nature walk in Periyar National park (children below 12 yrs are not allowed)
• Shared boat ride at Periyar Lake
• Toy train Ticket in Ooty - NO
• Visit of Eravikulam National Park, Munnar or a Days hike with Lunch instead
(The park shuts down during January – February as this is the breeding season of the Nilgiri Tahr. It is quite possible that the breeding may extend into March)
• Visit of Indira Gandhi National Park Near Topslip with English speaking Naturalist
• 01 Shared Boat Safari in Kabini
• 02 Shared Vehicle Safari in Kabini National Park
• Services of English speaking local guides (different guides in each city) as per the itinerary:
> Day 02 Full day in Kochi.
> Day 06 Full day in Munnar (trekking guide)
> Day 08 Full day in Topslip (trekking guide)
> Day 10 Full day in Ooty
> Day 14 Full day in Mysore
• Train travel
> Toy train ride in Ooty – NON AIR CONDITIONED CHAIR CAR
• All currently applicable taxes
Price Exclusions
• International airfare for travel (from your home country to the destination and return)
• Visa charges or fees
• Airport taxes
• Meals on board the overnight train
• Camera fees during the visit to the monuments, temples or National Parks
• Tips to driver/guide/naturalist
• Additional meals
• Drinks or mineral water at the hotels or restaurants
• Ayurvedic massages or treatments, laundry etc or any other items of personal nature
• Travel, health and cancellation insurance
• Any other expense/changes due to unforeseen circumstances while in India
• Any other thing not mentioned in program or “Price Inclusions”
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