South India Wildlife Tour

An Overview

This Wildlife trail in the Western Ghats is specially designed for the Nature enthusiasts who wish to explore a bit of extra than ordinary. All our Nature & Wildlife related programs are well crafted by our Naturalist Mr Benny Kurian with proper guidance from our operational team on the logistic aspects. Mr Benny is a Naturalist and Wildlife expert on Western Ghats of India with an in-depth knowledge on the flora and fauna, wildlife and bird life. He is associated with our Sustainable & Responsible Tourism initiatives through many Eco Tourism Societies in different Wildlife spots in the Western Ghats. This is mainly to support the tribal people to earn a decent livelihood. The below tour is a good mix of short Nature walks and wildlife safaris ideal for small groups.

A scroll through the Wildlife strips of Western Ghats with a unique ending at a Beach to relax after the active session. There is also a cultural part to give an extra colour to the program. Safaris in Bandipur & Nagarhole Sanctuaries, A Tribal village visit, an exclusive Houseboat cruise with overnight stay on board, Marari Beach etc will give an opportunity to the traveller to have the right mix.

This program is a part of our sustainability project to be a part of the wildlife and eco conservation in the Western Ghats.

Tour Highlights:

Exclusive theme-Man & Environment Conservation

Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary and guided safaris

Nagarhole Tiger Safaris

Marayoor & Chinnar visits

Drive through the Nilgiri Biosphere Sanctuaries

Houseboat cruise followed by Overnight stay on board

Beach experience

At A Glance

15 Nights at Hotels

02 Night on Houseboat with meals on board

Aircon Mini Vans/Buses for Transfers and Sightseeing

Activity Level:

Active tours with wildlife safaris and short hikes

Day 01:Bangalore Arrival

On arrival in Bangalore, you will be received to   check in at an airport hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Bangalore-Kabini (Nagarhole National Park)- 4.5 Hour Drive

After breakfast, drive to Kabini to check into your resort. Nagarhole National Park, was known for the former Maharajahs of Mysore used to go for hunting.  This deciduous forest patch inhabits Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, different monkeys, Malabar trogon and Indian pitta. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Rest of the day free to walk around and relax. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 03 – Kabini

Early morning and evening go for guided safaris in the National Park. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabini.

Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays Kabini, a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits. Karnataka’s forests and wildlife are the natural heritage for which the State is boasted of. From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits. Presently Karnataka Sanctuaries boast to have a population of 400 plus Tigers which is the largest share in India’s total Tiger population…

Nagarhole, a Kannada name has meaning of Snake River. The name derives from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests. Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds, make a trip to Nagarhole a memorable experience. It has an area of 643.39 Sq.km.  Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests, and dominated by teak, rosewood and dry deciduous forests in the eastern limits of the peak.

Highlighted Species-Kabini

Birds :

Indian Cormorant , Greater cormorant, Woolly necked stroke , Osprey  – best location for photographing them during boat safari land safari offers – Lesser adjutant (Between November and March) in Tiger tank area. White bellied woodpecker, Indian Roller, Crested serpent eagle. Inhouse area- River tern, sun birds, Indian pitta, Bhramini starling, lap wing, plovers and snipes, copper smith barbet, Malabar barbet, puff throated babbler, Asian paradise fly catcher, Malabar parakeet, Indian grey horn bill

Mammals – Tiger, leopard, Black Panther, Elephant, Wild gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, common Langur

Reptile – Mugger

Day 04 – Kabini

Early morning and evening go for guided safaris in the National Park. During day time, you may opt to go for a village cycling or walk. Overnight at the Hotel in Kabini.

Day 05: Kabini-Bandipur  (2.5 Hours Drive )

Early morning go for a guided safari. Later after breakfast, drive to Bandipur Forest. You will be driving through King Sanctuary where you will sight many wildlife en route. On arrival check into your resort set on the borders of the Sanctuary. Evening for local walks for birding. Overnight at Hotel.

Extremely picturesque drive through the plateau towards South east section of Nilgiri bio reserve, where Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centres, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri. As you penetrate deep into the forests, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There’s a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambhar, barking deer and so on. An endless variety of wildlife flourishes here and the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. The green fauna and flora of these rain forests are unimaginable with a thick population of wild animals. If you opt for a safari, you will be taken deep into the forest in safari jeeps/vans escorted by the wildlife wardens.

Day 06: Bandipur

Early morning and evening guided safaris inside the sanctuary. During daytime, go for short walks around the resort to spot birds and other wildlife. Overnight at Hotel.

Bandipur National Park is a playground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience-you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous and evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains with their mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja’s private hunting ground. It was brought under project Tiger in 1974.This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta,the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit. Bandipur National park has an area of 874.2 Sq.Km and flanked by Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park to its northwest, Tamilnadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Northwest. Together these constitute the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Flora and Fauna are  of deciduous and evergreen forests and scrubland vegetation.

Highlighted Species-Bandipur

 You will get Indian Grey hornbill only up to this region for good sighting.

Birds – White rumped vulture, Indian roller etc.

Mammals – Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, ruddy mongoose

Day 07: Bandipur-ooty 2 Hour Drive

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Ooty, a colonial hill station known as the queen of Nilgiris. On arrival, check into your hotel. Afternoon you may explore the colonial town and the city market or botanical garden. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08- Ooty – Chinnar 5 Hours Drive

After   breakfast, drive to Chinnar. On arrival, check into an eco-lodge . Afternoon for free walks around. There are chances of wildlife sighting nearby to your lodge.

Day 09- Chinnar- Marayoor

After   breakfast, go for a full day guided trip to Marayoor Village & Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. This trip will be a mix of short treks in tribal villages, sandalwood forest and a trekking in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Farm lunch will be provided at Marayoor village. You will also visit a tribal village and the dolmen site. Return to your Eco lodge for overnight stay.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. Chinnar Sanctuary is located in the eastern slope of Western ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic vegetation. The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometre radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months. Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor and long eared fish owl inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species.

Later you will reach Marayoor valley where you will taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world-famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists. Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing. Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

Highlighted Species Chinnar

Birds:

Yellow throated bulbul, Spot bellied eagle owl, brown fish owl, Shama, Small minivet, Jacobin Cuckoo, Spectacled piculet, brown checked fulveta,   etc.

Mammals : Elephants, Grizzled giant squirrel, Wild gaur, barking deer

Reptiles: Starred tortoise, Rock Agama

Day 10: Chinnar- Munnar 3.5 Hours Drive

After breakfast, drive to Munnar to check into a plantation resort. You will be driving through unending tea plantations. Afternoon go for a short trekking in the Lechmi Hills. Overnight at Hotel.

Munnar …breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquillity – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantation. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

Day 11: Munnar

Today you will go for a full day guided Rainforest trek at Pampadumchola National Park with packed lunch. Return to Munnar for overnight stay.

High altitude mountain forest or Shola Forest is a unique biome spread across the high mountains of tropics. In scientific term it is described as Southern Wet Temperate Forest. Even in tropical belt, this forest is described as ‘temperate’ due to its unique eco-system which create ‘temperate’ climate and bio-diversity. Apart from adapted evergreen floral and faunal wealth, this forest carries species restricted to temperate climates. There are various scientific hypothesis regarding this unique characteristics of Shola forests. Any how these forests represent mother species from Gondana land. Since ice age and the corresponding climate change was not affected the tropics, these forests are of 65 to 70 million old. Many giant size spore producers and primitive species of amphibians and reptiles found in shola shows its primitive phase.

The largest concentration of southern wet temperate forest is situated in the high mountain folding of Western Ghats mountains of India. The Nilgiri bio-sphere and Anamalais carries the largest shola patches in the world. Anamudichola and Pambadum Shola, presently National Parks- (In Munnar region) constitutes the largest sholas in Asia. The Shola Forest is not an independent eco-system. It consists of high grassland hills associated with the forests. Ecological importance of this forest is its ability to preserve water for perennial supply to streams originating from these forests. Major species of animals are Nilgiri langur (Western Ghats endemic), Nilgiri Marten (Endemic), Brown mangoes (endemic), stripe necked mangoes, jungle cat, Nilgiri golden cat (endemic), Travancore palm civet (endemic) , Tiger, Leopard, Malabar giant squirrel , wild gaur , Sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer , porcupine, sloth bear etc. Elephants are migrants to this region. The Shola carries 14 out of 21 endemic species of birds of Western Ghats.

A day in rain forest, while staying in Munnar gives glimpses of this unique ecosystem, which one cannot experience in other parts of India. Trekking through the forest is subject to the permission from Department of Forest, Govt. of Kerala. Our Adventure activity team has regular arrangements for permits as we are closely associated with the Eco Development Societies in most of the forest regions of Western Ghats in South India which is a part of our sustainability efforts to give back to the local community. Eco Development societies are formed of the local tribal community to enable them to receive a decent income to manage their life. This helped to eradicated the poaching in the forest reserves. We closely follow the preservation system of forests and its bio diversity.

Highlighted Species Munnar

Birds:

Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri Thrush, Indian robin, Nilgiri flower pecker, Black and orange fly catcher, broad tailed grass bird, Rufous babbler, Kerala laughing thrush, Indian black bird, Black eagle, lesser kestrel, white bellied blue robin, yellow browed bulbul etc.

Mammals– Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Brown mongoose, Brown palm civet, Malabar giant squirrel (southern Morph), dusky squirrel, Nilgiri Marten, velvet fronted nuthatch and so on.

Reptiles: large scale pitwiper, green vine snake, Anamalai Salaia

Day 12 – Munnar- Periyar  4 Hours drive

After breakfast, drive to Periyar Sanctuary. On arrival, check into your hotel. Afternoon you will go for a guided spice farm visit. Overnight at Hotel.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Day 13 – Periyar ( Thekkady ) 7.30 AM till 4.30 PM

Full day trekking in the Sanctuary. It will be a guided program by the forest Department and there are chances of closure of the Sanctuary between April & June due to the fear of wild fire /heavy rains. At 0730 AM we have to report at the bus boarding point. Once you reach the starting point, you will finish the registration formalities and collect leech socks, packed light breakfast & a proper hot lunch etc. The program has around 12 kms of soft hike and 3 kms of bamboo rafting. This will be a nice program to watch possible wildlife in the sanctuary. Only physically fit travelers can do this full activity. Children below 13 years are not allowed to do the program. Packed breakfast and lunch are a part of the package. Evening return to the base to return to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

This is one of Kerala’s first Responsible Tourism Programs as a part of rehabilitating the tribal people who lived inside the Sanctuary and sometimes Poachers and hunters. With the help of an Eco Development Society (EDS), these people are now the guards of the forest for the best conservation and the best guides for tourists because they know the forest very well including the movement of wild animals. The revenue from these programs helps the Government to give back to the Community to enable them to have decent living.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing unique flora & fauna. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rest of the area is a combination of moist deciduous forests and grasslands. Of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the country and the largest in the State. The abundant wildlife here attracts a lot of visitors. Apart from being a recognized breeding ground for tigers, the reserve has also been identified as the best place for researching elephantine life. The tiger population in the area is estimated to be about 40. Though it is difficult to sight them, visitors often spot pugmarks and scats around the reserve. Thirty-five species of mammals have been identified here. They include rare and endangered species. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to spot the wild elephants, the Gaur, the Sambar and so on. While the Gaur is the largest of the bovines here, the Sambar, the largest deer in India, is the main prey of the tiger and the wild dog. Apart from these, there are wild pigs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears etc. The endangered species in the area include Nilgiri Langurs and the Lion-tailed Macaque, that is usually seen only in the evergreen interiors. Nilgiri Tahrs are also found in the reserve, especially in the higher rocky areas. Salim Ali’s fruit bat, one of the rarest bats, is also reported to have been found in the area. The stripe-necked mongoose, usually found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the extremely rare Nilgiri Marten – the only species of marten found in southern India- and endemic mustelids are also seen here.

There are about 265 species of birds in the Periyar reserve including migrant birds. The birds include raptors, water birds, galliform birds, pigeons, wood peckers, darters, kingfishers, golden orioles, Brahmini kites, cormorants and passerines, as well as a  large flock of the Great Pied Hornbill and the Ceylon Frogmouth. The endemic species include the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, the Blue-winged Parakeet, the Nilgiri Flycatcher, the small Sunbird and the White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Other birds found in the area are the Black Baza, Forest Eagle Owl, Nilgiri Thrush, Little Spider Hunter, Rufous bellied hawk eagle etc. An interesting sight is that of water fowl perched on the dead trees protruding out onto the lake. Other aquatic birds include the Indian Darter and the Black–Necked Stork. Woodland birds, owls etc. can also be seen in the forest.

There are 1966 varieties of flowering plants, including angiosperms. Both dicots and monocots have been included in this count. There are about 171 grass species and 140 species of orchids in the region. The richness of the flower wealth is so outstanding that it constitutes more than 50 percent of the entire flower wealth of Kerala, which is about 3800 species. Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jacaranda, Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and bamboo are some of the trees found here. The three main endemic plants are  Mucuna pruriens thekkadiensis, Habenaria periyarensis and Syzygium periyarensis. Rare plants like the Podocarpus wallichianus, the only South Indian conifer, are also found in the reserve. More than 350 medicinal plants, including trees, shrubs and herbs, have been identified at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, mainly in the evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Plants belonging to the family of Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae are the major ones among them. Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba) and Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) are two plants with medicinal value found here.

Day 14 – Periyar- Alleppey Houseboat 4.5 Hour Drive

After an early breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board your exclusive Houseboat at 1230 PM for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the backwater life along your cruise! Overnight on the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breath-taking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvellous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveller. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living. The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words. Its to be lived and evolved by yourself.

Day 15 – Alleppey – Marari Beach 1 Hour Drive

Enjoy your breakfast on board. Later, at 9 AM checkout & drive to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the Resort.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Day 16 – Marari

Full day at the resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. Visit the fishermen villages. By evening it may interesting to visit the local temple in a tuk tuk to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Overnight at Resort.

Day 17– Cochin Departure (2.5 Hours Drive)

Like all good things, your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for your flight home!!

They may Extend their stay at the beach, if they wish