Depart your home country on your flight to Cochin.
Most suited for
Couples, Families, Solos
Ideal time to visit
December- May
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.
Birds of South India
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
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 Birds Murmur 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
Tamil Nadu
After a two hour drive, you will reach the Anamalai Hills 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 or birding. We highly recommend going on a jeep ride deep into the countryside for beautiful views and if you’re lucky, wildlife sightings.
Day 9
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
Bandipur 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
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
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Bangalore
Early this morning, you will visit the Ranganathittu 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
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.
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Ian
28 February 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“It’s no secret that India is a birder’s paradise – and this trip through the south shows you why, with some of the country’s most remarkable species and habitats. Keep your binoculars handy… you won’t want to miss a thing!”
Sara
India Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
See More
Kerala, India
Birds Murmur Camp
Tucked along the banks of the Periyar River in Thattekad, Birds Murmur Camp is an eco-conscious tented retreat immersed in Kerala’s bird-filled wilderness. With over 500 species in the surrounding forest, it’s a haven for nature lovers and those wanting a quiet escape. Modest yet atmospheric, the camp offers kayaking, birdwatching, and slow village walks. The kind of stay where nature leads and simplicity sings.
Highlights
Highlights
Riverside tents,
Brilliant birdwatching
Best for
Couples,
Solos
See More
Karnataka, India
Gitanjali Homestay
Tucked away in a leafy Mysore neighbourhood, Gitanjali Homestay is a peaceful, family-run retreat offering warm Kodava hospitality. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and a resident menagerie, this characterful property provides a window into South Indian culture, cuisine, and community.
Highlights
Highlights
Local culture,
Homestay hospitality
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
See More
Kerala, India
Secret Garden
Tucked away in the heart of Cochin, Secret Garden is a peaceful haven with a homely feel. With a traditional Kerala-style layout, charming rooms, and a lush communal garden, this small hotel offers a serene base to explore the city’s heritage and culture.
Highlights
Highlights
Yoga under the mango tree,
Homestay charm,
Garden and pool
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Families
Gallery
See More
Tamil Nadu, India
Savoy Ooty
Set among rolling lawns and flower-filled gardens, the Savoy offers a genteel stay in the heart of Ooty. With its charming colonial cottages, this heritage property provides a nostalgic glimpse into the British Raj’s summer retreats, where cool mountain air and elegant comforts await.
Highlights
Highlights
Colonial charm,
Garden setting,
Vintage cottages
Best for
Families,
Couples,
History Enthusiasts
Gallery
See More
Karnataka, India
The Serai Bandipur
Perched on the edge of Bandipur National Park, The Serai Bandipur draws inspiration from African game lodges, blending comfort with nature in one of India’s top wildlife regions. With expansive grounds and a focus on natural harmony, it’s a peaceful retreat for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife lodge setting,
Immersive outdoor experiences
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Nature Enthusiasts
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
View Experience Page
Kerala, India
A Day in Munnar's Tea Lands
An opportunity today for you to explore the picture perfect tea plantations that swathe the sloping hills of the Western Ghats. As you walk along the paths that separate the tea plants, past tea pickers in colourful saris, you will see the importance of tea in this area as a cash crop, a way of earning a living and a cultural institution. As well as tea, plenty of coffee, pepper and cardamom can be seen growing in this lush and fertile area. You will also have the chance to visit the local markets where the herbs, spices and tea are traded and sold. Always a colourful and sometimes a raucous affair, local markets in this part of India are fantastic places to mingle with the locals. You may also like to visit the local tea museum in Munnar.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
