India

South India Naturally

19 Days

Cultural highlights, wildlife viewing, hill stations, backwaters & beach

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This holiday can be tailor-made for your own unique experience

Introduction

A cultural and wildlife tour of southern India including a little leisure time at the end of your holiday

Highlights

	Mysore city
	Wildlife of Nagarhole & Periyar National Parks
	Ancient port of Kochi
	Nature in the hills of the Western Ghats
	Birds & backwaters of Kerala
	Beach time

Activities

	4x4 Game drives
	Nature walks
	Boat excursions
	Birdwatching
	Backwaters cruise

Itinerary

	Depart UK from London Heathrow to Bangalore
	Arrive Bangalore, transfer and morning to relax at hotel. Afternoon visit to Vidhan Soudha
	Morning drive to Mysore. Afternoon visit City Palace and Chamundi Hill
	Visit Somnathpur and explore Ranganittu bird sanctuary by boat
	Drive to Nagarhole National Park. Afternoon safari
	Morning and afternoon safaris Nagarhole
	Morning game viewing. Drive to Vythiri, rest of day at leisure
	Short morning trek, rest of day at leisure
	Transfer to Calicut, afternoon to relax
	Transfer to Cochin via Punnathoor Kota
	Sightseeing in Cochin, evening visit to local theatre
	Transfer to Munnar. Afternoon visit to Rajamalai National Park
	Morning drive to Thekkady. Afternoon to explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
	Early boat ride on Lake Periyar. Drive to Kumarakom and visit Bird Sanctuary
	Day at leisure in Kumarakom
	Transfer to Alleppey and cruise of backwaters. Overnight houseboat
	After breakfast, disembark and drive to Kovalam
	Day at leisure in Kovalam
	Transfer to depart India, arrive UK

Description

A warm welcome in Bangalore and time to relax before sightseeing, followed by a stroll through the colourful streets. Then next morning, takes you to the former capital of the princely state, Mysore. Known as the city of royal palaces, you will visit the City Palace in the Chamundi Hills with the afternoon free to relax or stroll the beautiful parks and shady avenues. In this region, you will also visit the Ranganittu Bird Sanctuary situated on several rocky islands providing an excellent habitat for water birds.

Onwards to Nagarhole, once the Maharajas' reserved forest, it became a National Park in 1955. A scenic location situated on gentle hills bordering Kerala, some of the wildlife that can be found here are elephants, Indian wild dogs, sloth bears and panthers, with an equally interesting bird species list.

For a complete change of surroundings and one of South India's most interesting towns, Cochin has been a trading port since Roman times. Situated on the main trade route between Europe and China, there is a fascinating mix of historic buildings and remains. Be sure to bring your camera when taking a sunset stroll along the northern shores, where you will observe the setting of the Chinese fishing nets, a classic postcard shot.

Visits to the Rajamalai National Park and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, following the sights and sounds of town life, are a welcome return to the natural highlights. And then it's time to slow the pace down completely, onboard your houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey. An enchanting cruise giving you the chance to relax and simply watch this beautiful world of colour slip by.

Best Time To Travel

October - April

Expected Wildlife Species

Highlight species

	Leopard
	Tiger
	Elephant
	Gaur

Key species

Additional Details - Cost, Dates, Rating etc.

Cost from £

Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.

Our trips are almost always tailored to your requirements, we'll make small changes or alter the itinerary completely for you. For instance we get many requests to slow down the pace of a trip.

Departure Dates

Any day to your requirements.

Difficulty

An easy mix of cultural sightseeing and game drives. The walks at Bharatpur are on level trails.

Flights

Direct flights on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and other carriers, or via Middle Eastern and European hubs on airlines, some with regional departures possible.

Time

GMT +5.5 hours

Consider Extensions To

Tamil Nadu to visit the famous temples of Madurai.

Take a short flight to the Lakshwadeep Islands or the Maldives.