Wild South India

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

The focus of Dravidian culture for centuries and home to some 25% of the country’s total population of tigers, South India presents visitors with a stunning diversity of cultural and natural highlights. This spectacular journey into the rich landscapes of the Western Ghats provides a seemingly endless array of temples and national parks, as you travel from the palaces of Mysore to the breathless majesty of Periyar National Park, finally reaching the backwaters of Kerala.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the jungles of Nagarhole & Bandipur searching for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, bison & sloth bears
  • Enjoy a fascinating tour of Mysore’s famous flower market, palace and monuments
  • Ride aboard the famous Toy Train of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, through the lush mountains
  • Bamboo raft through the natural beauty of Periyar National Park, searching for wildlife and bird species
  • Hike through the tea plantations of Letchmi hills above the stunning Munnar hills
  • Embark on a private cruise through the world-renowned Keralan Backwaters

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE BANGALORE - MYSORE

Day 1 ARRIVE BANGALORE - MYSORE

On arrival in Bangalore today, you will be met at the airport by your Wild Frontiers representative and driven to Mysore, travelling via the culturally and historically important town of Srirangapatnam.

Green Hotel

Day 2 MYSORE

Day 2 MYSORE

A day in the cultural capital of Karnataka provides an opportunity to enjoy the city that once lay at the heart of the Mysore Princely Kingdom. Begin the day with a visit to the colourful and less-visited Devaraja Flower Market, a wonderful way to observe daily life in the city. Long renowned for its festivals and palaces, Mysore is home to a stunning array of highlights including the sumptuous majesty of the Mysore Palace. Later you will pay a visit to the towering Sri Chamundeswari Temple, sitting resplendently on the summit of Chamundi Hill, before driving on to Somnathpur, to visit the Hoysala temple of Chennakesava.

Green Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 MYSORE - KABINI

Day 3 MYSORE - KABINI

After being collected from your hotel this morning, you'll then be driven on towards the beautiful landscapes of Nagarhole, renowned for its scenic splendour and national parks. The area is home to one of India's famous 'Project Tiger' reserves and the three-hour journey on to Kabini will get you to the hotel in time to join an afternoon boat safari along the river.

The Bison Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 KABINI: NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

Day 4 KABINI: NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

Lying amongst the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Nagarhole National Park provides a haven for a host of wildlife species including Indian bison, elephants, sloth bears, leopards and tigers. There are a number of activities on offer during your stay here including morning canter safaris, afternoon boat trips on the Kabini River, bird watching tours, night walks and coracle rides.

The Bison Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 KABINI - BANDIPUR

Day 5 KABINI - BANDIPUR

Bandipur National Park is one of India's best-known reserves and another of the country's important Project Tiger reserves. Situated in the Chamarajangar district of southern Karnataka, the park stretches across some 874 square kilometres and provides shelter for a number of India's most endangered species including gaurs, sloth bears, tigers and four-horned antelope. After a chance to check in and freshen up, this afternoon you will enjoy your first safari in the park.

The Serai Bandipur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Day 6 BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

As well as its game, Bandipur National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds including honey buzzards, Indian vultures, bee-eaters, crested serpent eagles and a whole array of kingfishers. Morning and afternoon game drives today present a chance to search out some of this abundant wildlife.

The Serai Bandipur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 BANDIPUR - OOTY

Day 7 BANDIPUR - OOTY

After a morning's nature walk in search of some of the park's plentiful bird-life, later you will drive on to the town of Ooty, a once popular hill station set amongst the Nilgiri Hills. Located in the heart of lofty mountains and dense forest, the town used to be a popular getaway for the British of the colonial Raj and still retains some reminders of its genteel past.

Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions
Breakfast

Day 8 OOTY - COONOOR - COIMBATORE

Day 8 OOTY - COONOOR - COIMBATORE

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. Running through the Western Ghats between Ooty and Coonoor, the railroad was built by the British in 1908 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Still operated by a fleet of steam locomotives, it offers a wonderful glimpse of a golden era of travel, as you spend the day enjoying a sedate and spectacular journey through the lush hills and tea plantations aboard the famous 'Toy Train'. Upon arrival at Coonoor railway station, transfer to Tranquil Tea to experience the tea tasting programme with an accompanying lunch. Then continue via road to Coimbatore and arrive at your hotel for the night.

Vivanta By Taj Surya
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 COIMBATORE - MUNNAR

Day 9 COIMBATORE - MUNNAR

Sapphire green tea plantations adorn the rolling hills of Munnar, within the Western Ghats mountain range. The clouds often hug the hills, creating a mystical atmosphere, ideal for hiking and long drives. Nestled within the veils of mist is the town of Munnar, a former resort for the British Raj elite.

Windermere Hotel
Breakfast

Day 10 MUNNAR

Day 10 MUNNAR

Today you will explore on foot through the beautiful Letchmi hills. Your walk will bring you through tea plantations, patches of Shola forest and grasslands as well as treating you to views of Idukki Dam, the highest arch dam in Asia, and Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India. Look out for exotic species and endemic birds of the Western Ghats, part of one of the world’s Biodiversity hotspots and enjoy a picturesque picnic along the way. Drive back to Munnar with the option of visiting a tea museum or the Srishti employment project.

Windermere Hotel
Breakfast

Day 11 MUNNAR – THEKKADY

Day 11 MUNNAR – THEKKADY

Transfer to Thekkady, before checking into the hotel to visit the spice plantation. The spice village was designed with local artisans and farmers to ensure the village is in harmony with the surrounding environment. In the evening proceed for boating at Thekkady, exploring the unique ecosystem of Periyar Lake.

Spice Village
Breakfast

Day 12 THEKKADY

Day 12 THEKKADY

The morning will be spent in Periyar Nature Reserve, hiking and bamboo rafting through some of the wilder forest of the reserve. Animals such as tigers, elephants, sambar, giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur may be spotted, as well as native tribes people fishing or swimming. Periyar Nature Reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike, with its rich fauna and vast open land, a wonderful place to experience some of southern India’s wildlife. In the early evening you can also enjoy a birdwatching walk led by a specialist naturalist guide.

Spice Village
Breakfast

Day 13 THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY – BACKWATERS

Day 13 THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY – BACKWATERS

Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will board your private houseboat for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast.

Xandari Houseboat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 ALLEPPEY – COCHIN

Day 14 ALLEPPEY – COCHIN

Disembarking this morning you will travel by road to Cochin, the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. This evening you will have the option to enjoy a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing.

Old Harbour
Breakfast

Day 15 DEPART COCHIN

Day 15 DEPART COCHIN

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. For those looking to spend some time in Cochin we have a wonderful array of experiences on offer, from a cooking class with a local chef to a wonderful storytelling insight into the many myths and rituals behind every day Indian life. Alternatively for those looking for some downtime on the beach, there are a number of stunning properties available to while away your final days.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

15 days from A$8,102

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 9970 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

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