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Birds of South India

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Birds of South India

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Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region's abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.

Beyond birding, you will explore the tea plantations of Valparai, immerse yourself in local life in rural towns, cool-off in the greenery of the Nigiri Hills, and wander through the fascinating city of Mysore.

Highlights include:

  • Discovering diverse birdlife with local naturalists in several sanctuaries and parks
  • Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
  • Experiencing village life at a working farm and taking a jeep ride through the area’s rocky outcrops and lush hinterland
  • Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
  • End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species

We provide private transport for your holiday. Private means you will enjoy flexibility and spontaneity. We use chauffeur-guides and local site guides: we train our team regularly and vet to include only the very best. They will bring your travel to life.  

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style, and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Cochin.

DAY 2: COCHIN

Upon arrival, meet your guide for the private transfer to your first hotel. You'll be able to orientate yourself with a guided sunset cruise of the waterways of Cochin with views of the famous Marine Dive, Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Cochin Harbour before reaching the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

DAYS 3 & 4: THATTEKAD

Today you will travel to Thattekad where you will stay at Hornbill Camp for two nights. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, nicknamed ‘cuckoo paradise’, is one of the most diverse bird sanctuaries in India. Spread across 25km of evergreen lowland forest and nestled between branches of the Periyar River, it is home to over 270 bird species, including the rare mottled wood owl, the Malayan night heron, the Sri Lankan frogmouth and, of course, various cuckoos. You’ll spend day 4 exploring the local area with a resident naturalist, taking part in village walks, bird-watching, bicycle trips and kayaking.

DAYS 5 & 6: VALPARAI

Day five will see you travelling through the rolling green hills and tea plantations on your way to Valparai. Here you can explore the beautiful lush landscape, visit a tea factory or walk amongst the tea plantations, watching ladies in colourful saris picking tea and glimpsing some of the most endangered birdlife in south India. Discover many viewing points, local temples and waterfalls too. You can, of course, take in the amazing wildlife the region has to offer by visiting one of the nearby forest reserves with an expert naturalist.

DAYS 7 & 8: VILLAGE LIFE IN TAMIL NADU

After a two hour drive, you will reach the Banyan Tree farm and spend the afternoon at your leisure. The next day you have plenty of options to choose from to explore the area (you can just relax and enjoy the surroundings!).  Options include visiting local plantations and temples experiencing the working farm itself. There is a birding trail on the property, and we highly recommend going on a jeep ride deep into the countryside for beautiful views and if you're lucky, wildlife sightings.

DAY 9: THE Lush NILGIRI HILLS

Today you will journey five hours north into the Nilgiri Hills towards Ooty. The former colonial hill station offers respite from the heat and a perfect mix of parks, gardens and colonial architecture filled with typical Indian colour. You could choose to head out of the town through the dramatic pine forests and tea plantations, or marvel at the thousands of tree, plant and shrub species at the colourful Botanical Gardens.

DAYS 10 & 11: Big game in a remote national park

Head north this morning into Karnataka to Bandipur National Park, where you will stay for two nights. Over the next 48 hours or so, you’ll take four jungle safari drives in the park. The first will be at sunrise when many animals are more active than in the later heat of the day. In the afternoon, you will head to a different area of the park for a safari at sunset. The national park is diverse, and the ever-elusive tigers can sometimes be seen, with sightings on the increase. You are, however, more likely to see elephants and gaurs, along with spotted and sambar deer and an array of birdlife.

For ardent twitchers, we recommend spending time in Mudumalai on the edges of Bandipur National Park - an area of beautiful, undulating forests and incredible birdlife.  Speak to an India expert if interested!

DAY 12: Palatial Mysore

This morning you will journey two or three hours to Mysore, the second-largest city in the state of Karnataka. Mysore centres around the opulent, world heritage listed palace and are known for its atmospheric bazaar district. In the evening, you will visit the Lalitha Mahal Palace for a tour, followed by a drink and dinner in the atmospheric restaurant of this incredibly intricate designed former palace.

DAY 13: RANGANANTHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY & BANGALORE

Early this morning, you will visit the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to approximately 170 bird species and mugger and marsh crocodiles. You will then head into Bangalore, a city with cosmopolitan touches amongst pockets of Victorian-era architecture and lovely parks. It is also home to an exciting art, culture and dining scene.

DAY 14: FLY HOME...or stay!!!

You will be transferred from your airport hotel to Bangalore Airport today for your flight home.

If you want to extend your stay, then South India is your oyster...why not travel north through Karnataka to boulder-strewn Hampi or catch a short flight to the fascinating city of Hyderabad, home of the Biriyani.  Just ask your India expert for more information.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Banyan Tree Farm

Banyan Tree Farm, Sethumadai

A welcome chance to stay in rural Tamil Nadu on a working farm in clean and comfortable rooms with friendly hosts.

Briar Tea Bungalows

Briar Tea Bungalows, Valparai

A collection of bungalows and tented accommodation on this working tea estate. Beautiful location in the western ghats.

Gitanjali Homestay

Gitanjali Homestay, Mysore

A tranquil and authentic family-run homestay providing comfortable, spacious accommodation.

Hornbill Camp

Hornbill Camp, Thattekad

Hornbill Camp offers upmarket glamping in the birding paradise Thattekad.

Secret Garden

Secret Garden, Cochin

A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin, this lovely hotel has a relaxed intimate atmosphere with a pool.

Taj Savoy

Taj Savoy, Ooty

In picturesque Ooty, the Savoy is oozing with English charm. Come here for Colonial flair and an old-fashioned tea lounge.

The Serai

The Serai, Bandipur National Park

Peaceful accommodation amongst the wilderness and wildlife of Bandipur National Park.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary , Thattekad

Walk, cycle and Kayak around one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Birds of South India'

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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
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      • Laos
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      • Jodhpur
      • Udaipur
      • Rural Rajasthan
    • Golden Temple & Shimla
      • Amritsar
      • Shimla
    • Uttarakhand
      • Rishikesh, Rajaji & Haridwar
      • Corbett National Park
    • Kolkata, Sikkim & North East
      • Kolkata
      • Darjeeling
      • Gangtok
      • Kalimpong
      • Pelling
      • Off-The-Beaten-Track Sikkim
      • Sundarbans National Park
    • Goa
      • Goa Beaches
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