Southern India has a special ambience that is reflected in its culture, its people and especially its scenery. This exhilarating itinerary with its emphasis on exploring the diverse and scenic game parks of the region gives you the opportunity to not only see some of India’s most highly-prized bird sanctuaries but to spot exciting and exotic animals, including Tigers! You will also see some of the wonderful palaces and buildings that are part of beautiful Mysore as well as explore the historic and culturally fascinating city of Kochi that sits on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Visit tea, rubber and spice plantations, enjoy days of safaris, and for a grand finale, take a houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala, one of the most beloved experiences enjoyed by visitors to this part of India.
Following breakfast, we set off to Mysore (140 km/3 hrs) visiting Kokkare Bellur en route, and considered to be of one of the few nesting grounds of Spot-billed Pelicans and Painted Storks.
We then continue driving to Mysore. Upon arrival at Mysore, check into the hotel.
Once a princely state ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, today this city is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace, Nandi Hills and the Chamundeshwari temple.
Overnight at your selected hotel
We start the day with a visit to Rangnathittoo Bird Sanctuary. Here you will enjoy a boat ride getting close enough to see the birds perched on the leaning trees. Over 150 species of birds including Painted Storks, Pelican, Spoonbill, Black-headed Ibis, Wooly-necked Stork, Open-billed Stork, and River Tern are found here. The sanctuary has several species of mammals, such as the Bonnet Macaque, Flying Fox, Common Otter, Common Mongoose and Palm Civet.
Later in the day, we drive to Nagarhole National Park (90 km/2½-3 hrs). Part of the greater Nilgiri biosphere, Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic Elephant as well as a sizeable population of Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bear, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Indian Bison, Wild Dogs (Dhole) and Wild Boar.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight at your selected hotel – 3 nights
This morning we leave for Bandipur National Park (approx 140 km/3 hrs). On arrival and after checking in, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Bandipur National Park and looking out for its diverse flora and fauna besides enjoying its awesome beauty.
One of the first tiger reserves of India, this park is part of the massive Nilgiri biosphere and is home to some of the most endangered and vulnerable species like Indian Elephants, Indian Bison (Gaurs), Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Muggers, Indian rock Pythons, Four-horned Antelope and Wild dogs. It also has over 200 species of birds, many species of reptiles and butterflies.
Overnight At your selected hotel – 3 nights
After breakfast we drive from Bandipur to Wayanad (85 km/2 hrs).
With 26% forest cover, far greater than any other district in Kerala, Wayanad is home to two major wildlife reserves: Muthanga and Tholpetty. Taken together, these two sanctuaries are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. As part of the Western Ghats, they constitute an important swathe of the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem.
Upon arrival, check into the Tranquil Resort, a home-stay bungalow, then this afternoon explore a coffee plantation. Also enjoy a short hike on the hills nearby or visit the Edakkal caves.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Following a sumptuous breakfast at our hotel, we set off for Kochi (270 km/6 hrs), the cultural capital of the State of Kerala On arrival and after checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore on your own.
Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a vibrant city on the southwest coast India and has a diverse culture combining the traditions of Hindus, Christians and Muslims.
Overnight at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Our morning sightseeing tour of Cochin includes visiting the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, St Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue then on to see the iconic Chinese Fishing nets that are still in use on the Arabian Sea coast. The afternoon is at leisure allowing time to explore on your own before enjoying a live performance at a Kathkali Dance Theatre this evening.
After breakfast travel to Periyar (180 kms/4½-5 hrs) and on the way, stop to see a rubber plantation. After checking in, enjoy a thrilling game viewing boat ride on Lake Periyar in the Periyar National Park, keeping watch for elephants, gaur and the park’s many species of birds. For added excitement there is the option of going into the park with a forest ranger looking for game during a night patrol.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights.
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (130 km/3½ hrs), a small village situated on the bank of vast Vembanad lake. Upon arrival Kumarakom check into the hotel and balance of the day at leisure.
In the evening you may wish to experience sunset cruise on the lake or just relax at your hotel to appreciate the glorious natural surroundings.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights.
On this morning’s visit to Kumarakom bird sanctuary, you will definitely be adding a few more birds to your bird check list.
This sanctuary is home to several water birds such as Indian Darter and the Little Cormorant, different species of Egrets and Herons, White Ibis, several species of Kingfishers besides migratory birds like Pin-tailed Duck, Garganey Teal, Spot-billed Duck, Steppe Eagle, Marsh Harrier and Osprey. The remainder of the day is at leisure
After breakfast, embark on a houseboat on Vembanad Lake to experience the backwaters of Kerala. The day is spent floating through the meandering backwaters of this vast lake before anchoring for the night. As you cruise along the canals you will be close enough to see the Kuttanad people harvesting the rice paddy fields and also see fishermen laying their nets to catch fish and other shellfish.
Overnight on Houseboat
After breakfast, your houseboat will cruise for a while before anchoring at the disembarkation point. You will then be picked up by our rep and transferred to Kochi airport (90 km/2 hrs) for flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival at Mumbai, connect your international flight back home
NOTE: The above tour can also be paired with Munnar, Eravikulam National Park and those into birding, a day visit to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary can also be added.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.