South India: Birds and Natural Beauty Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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Discover lesser visited areas of natural beauty of Southern India during this two week holiday with a particular focus on the region's abundant birdlife. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the closely 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 bird life with local naturalists in several sanctuaries and parks.
Exploring 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.

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, you will be met by your guide for your private transfer to your accommodation. You'll be able to orientate yourself with a guided evening 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 simply walk amongst the tea plantations, watching ladies in colourful saris picking tea and glimpsing some of the most endangered birdlife in south India. There are many viewing points, local temples and waterfalls to be discovered, 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 choice from to explore the area (you can just relax too!). 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 deeper 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 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 is centred around its opulent world heritage listed palace and is 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 the 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, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

As every holiday is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 for an inclusive, personalised quotation for your preferred dates or use the quote request form below...

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences
Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding.)
Meals as described
24 hour in-country backup whilst away
Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

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, 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, Valparai

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

Gitanjali Homestay, Mysore

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

Hornbill Camp, Thattekad

Hornbill Camp offers upmarket glamping in the birding paradise Thattekad, designed to blend with its stunning natural surroundings.

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, Ooty

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

The Serai, Bandipur National Park

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