Wild South India
Example Itinerary
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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.
The ...
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.
The adventure begins amongst the elegant reminders of the once princely state of Mysore, where you’ll have a chance to visit the city’s stunning palace and the towering Sri Chamundeswari Temple, before continuing on to the Nagarhole National Park, famous for the largest gathering of Asian elephants. A chance for safari drives in the ‘Project Tiger’ reserves of Nagarhole and Bandipur is then followed by a ride through the beautiful plantations of the Western Ghats aboard the famed Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Moving on through Coimbatore, you then reach Munnar for some tea tasting and fantastic trekking through the spice and tea plantations of the Western Ghats. Next stop is Thekkady, home to the famous species rich forests of the Periyar National Park. Here you will enjoy a guided bamboo rafting safari with knowledgeable ex-poachers who have turned their expertise to the protection of the animals that they once hunted. The adventure continues to Alleppey for a private houseboat cruise exploring the Keralan Backwaters before finally concluding in Cochin, the oldest settlement in India
Meet the Expert
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
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Green Hotel, Mysore
Originally built for the princesses of Mysore, the former Chittaranjan Palace dates from the turn of the last century. Beautifully restored as a heritage hotel, it now offers guests a choice of 31 characterful rooms that offer all the ambience of old world charm, with en suite facilities and ceiling fans. Its extensive gardens are fringed by majestic trees, instilling in the property an oasis of calm, whilst the hotel's restaurant is famed throughout Mysore for its comprehensive, organic cuisine. All the profits made by the hotel go to local charities.
Windermere Hotel, Munnar
Located just outside Munnar, on a 60 acre coffee and cardamom plantation set along the slopes of the Western Ghats, the Windermere Hotel is a traditional property with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages that overlook the mountains and the lush hills of the Chithirapuram Valley. All the rooms come with balconies and large panoramic windows, whilst the hotel's restaurant offers local Keralan cuisine, family inspired recipes and a western style breakfast. Please note the restaurant does not sell alcohol. Guided trekking options around the estate and the surrounding plantations are also available.
Old Harbour, Cochin
Carefully built inside a restored 300-year-old building in the historic heart of Kerala, this boutique hotel contains 13 unique rooms, each named after the surrounding streets. Crafted with Portuguese and Dutch influences, the high ceilings, four poster beds and art on the walls make this an exquisite place to stay. There are three cottages in the garden for added exclusivity. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, gardens and Ayurvedic spa, who's products are purely organic, as are the soap and shampoos in the bathroom and the delicacies in the restaurant. There is no Wi-Fi or television in the rooms to encourage disconnection, but Wi-Fi dongles and televisions can be provided upon request.
The Serai Bandipur, Bandipur National Park
Inspired by the jungle and villages in the vicinity, The Serai in Bandipur is nestled within the Niligiri Mountain Range, making for an intimate nature stay. Only here can you watch the clouds dance over the Nilgiri mountains in the day and hear the distinct sound of an elephant call in the distance fill you with wonder. Your room is built seamlessly into the surrounding forests, opening your stay with your natural neighbours so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a deer peering through your window. The Mountain View courtyard hosts a number of rooms designed with natural materials with a little garden at the front as well as a verandah with a view at the back. Rustic log huts are raised on stilts, ideal for bird watching from your private verandah surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. The sophisticated wall to wall glass windows at the bar keep nature in sight and are ideal for a sunset cocktail. The restaurant is raised and has indoor air-conditioned dining, as well as the option to eat out on the deck. Local cuisine is the speciality here but there are a few international dishes on the menu for a taste of home. If the calming powers of nature are not enough than the Spa can massage away the tension and rejuvenate the spirit through western and eastern holistic techniques.
Spice Village, Thekkady
Spice Village is set within fourteen acres of forest covered hills on the border of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Influenced by the native people of the region who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for generations, the roofs of the 47 cottages are thatched using elephant grass in the unique way of Mannan tribes of Periyar. The cottages are surrounded by fruit trees and spice plantations, which attract squirrels and monkeys, and all feature private bathrooms and a verandah. The restaurant serves Keralan cuisine, whilst the unique 50 Mile restaurant resources its ingredients only from within 50 miles of the resort in order to reduce its carbon footprint. For a more intimate outdoor dining experience, a romantic candle-lit dinner can be arranged in the middle of the wilderness. Hidden within the spice garden are basketball, badminton and tennis courts for the more active guests, whilst the Tiger Club exhibition is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast. The swimming pool is surrounded by swaying palms that provide a sense of tranquillity and calm, especially when paired with an Ayurveda massage. Venture outside the village into the tiger reserve or Thekkady town, only a short walk away. Having won Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism award, Spice Village is a chemical free zone, has its own vermicomposting plant where most of the daily waste is recycled and almost all the energy is resourced from solar power. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles and there are daily experiences included such as paper making, cooking demonstrations and musical performances.
Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions, Ooty
Situated south of Bandipur National Park in Tamil Nadu, this high end property is part of the Taj group, well-known for its excellent service. Set high on a hill and surrounded by lush gardens, the Taj Savoy is a haven of peaceful luxury. Comprised of forty colonial style cottages, dating back to the 19th century, many also offer a fireplace of their own and private, cosy accommodation. The hotel itself offers a range of activities for children and adults alike with table tennis, yoga, badminton, volleyball board games and cycling. The fitness centre is great for letting off some steam before soothing your tired muscles in the Ayurveda Spa centre. From continental cuisine to local home-styled food to power-packed Active Foods; the hotel has something to delight every palate.
Vivanta By Taj Surya, Coimbatore
Vivanta by Taj Surya lies in the heart of Coimbatore business district, a convenient twenty minute drive from the airport and a mere five minute drive from the train and bus station. From the onyx walls that emanate an inviting glow to the sunrays incorporated seamlessly around the elliptical water body in the lobby, everything lends itself to creating a stimulating ambience that’s unmistakably Vivanta. Built in a contemporary style, each room is well-appointed and has majestic views of the cityscape, gardens or pool. Latitude is an all-day diner largely focused on authentic Kongu Nadu cuisine with a large terrace for alfresco dining. The Red Pearl restaurant offers the best in contemporary Chinese cuisine in a modern lay out. The dishes are served along a dimsun trolley that travels from table to table. For relaxation, there is also a spa, a gym and a swimming pool.
Xandari Houseboat, Alleppey
Experience seamless panorama of life and scenery on the backwaters in a one bedroom, two bedrooms, or three-bedroom houseboat, each designed with great care and attention to detail by Xandari and built by local craftsmen. These 'Kettuvallams', as they’re known locally, are comfortable and plush, and are built to deliver the escape and relaxation that take one away from all kinds of stress. Each bedroom is spacious enough in its 14 square meters, with en suite bathrooms, large picture windows, and an option of either one double or two single beds. To maintain a tranquil backwater experience, our boats are television free zones. Xandari Riverscapes is a water-based houseboat operation, and so relationships have been established with local farmers to supply the local rice from Kerala’s noted paddy, and as much produce as possible. Additionally, duck farmers throughout the backwaters supply their meats daily, and local fishermen provide much shellfish and the famous local fish, Karimeen otherwise known as Pearl Spot.
The Bison Resort, Kabini
The Bison Resort is located in the southern part of Nagarhole National Park on the Kabini backwaters, overlooking the national park. It is a small boutique lodge, family owned and run, who are well known wildlife photographers and have some of leading naturalists. This is the perfect lodge to get the best access to the national park for the jeep safaris and for spotting wildlife. There is a combination of accommodation options to choose from, with Waterfront Luxury Tents, offering en suite bathrooms that come with a rain shower and bath. These canvas tents with natural thatched roofs blend into the landscape, have lovely wooden floors and are located closest to Kabini backwaters, also offering an outdoor veranda which has stunning views of the backwaters and forests where wildlife is often spotted. The rustic Machan Suites are elevated on stilts above the ground, offering the best aerial view of the backwaters, camp and the forest, where you can often spot elephants, bison, hundreds of deer and if lucky even a big cat! The Machans come with king size beds and an en suite bathroom that has a walk in shower but no bath. For those wanting more luxury, there is the Private Bush Tents and the Little Bison Luxury Tent. The lodge arranges a host of activities, from jeep safaris, boat safaris, birdwatching walks and even night jungle walks, village walks, coracle rides, private outdoor bush dinners and sun downers among others. The food is some of the best offering combination of India and international dishes and the service at the lodge is unmatched.
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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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.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
OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
Check out our group tours in India
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in India