The two-week Wilderness South India trip is a magnificent journey across some of Southern India’s most pristine and popular natural habitats. But you just don’t stay a passive witness to the array of native flora and fauna. You go on two 2-day treks in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Periyar Tiger Reserve that are done as part of joint-patrols with government forest officials and security. On these trips, you are led by former poachers-turned-protectors who are your nature guides. Through this trip, you pay for the ongoing conservation and rehabilitation programs targeting the communities that live on the periphery of these wilderness areas. Thus alternative livelihoods can be sustained as opposed to poaching activity.
But your trip starts off first with a quick introduction to Bangalore, India’s Silicon Valley before you dash off to Mysore, the former kingdom of Tipu Sultan where the vestiges of royal patronage still exist. There are palaces, markets and temples to see – a riot of colour that will keep your camera busy! From here, head south to the wonderful wildlife experiences of the Nilgiris Biosphere at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see wildlife representative of this area of the world – elephant, bison, deer, and maybe the elusive leopard and tiger. Ascend the magnificent backdrop of the blue-gum Nilgiris Mountains with its quaint colonial hill towns and their English cottages, golf courses, boarding schools and fabulous mountain views. Board the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway on its breathtaking cliff-side journey to your village-style resort in the mountains. Then begins the intrepid section of your trip where it gets rough but exciting!
Your trip ends on a more relaxed note with time spent at an island backwater retreat and the important town of Fort Cochin where you can soak in the atmosphere of Dutch, Jewish and Portuguese history.
During the well spent two weeks, you not only get to see the best that Southern India has to offer, but you also come away with a deepened awareness of the diverse and fragile natural environment of the region.
Short Program
Day 1: Arrival Bangalore and afternoon visits
Day 2: Drive to Mysore and afternoon visits
Day 3: Visits to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Day 4: Drive to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Evening jeep safari
Day 5: Stay Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 6: Drive to Ootacamund and afternoon visits
Day 7: Drive to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 8: At Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 9: Drive to Munnar
Day 10: Drive to Thekkady
Day 11: Trekking in Thekkady
Day 12: Drive to Alappuzha backwaters
Day 13: On the Alappuzha backwaters
Day 14: Drive to Cochin
Day 15: Depart for Cochin Airport / Station. Onward journey or home
This conservation focused special interest trip focuses on giving travellers a wonderful experience of Southern India’s most popular diverse eco-systems, deepening your awareness of the diverse and fragile natural environment of the region. Time is spent in the Nilgiri Biosphere and surrounding sanctuaries which enriches your knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area and the conservation activity that is being undertaken, through jungle treks and jeep safaris.
Of special note are the two 2-day treks that are done as part of joint-patrols with government forest officials and security. On these trips, you are led by former poachers-turned-protectors who are your nature guides. By booking this trip, you pay for the ongoing conservation and rehabilitation programs targeting the communities that live on the periphery of these wilderness areas. Thus alternative livelihoods can be sustained as opposed to poaching activity.
The trip gives back to the local economy in a variety of ways – using small locally owned accommodation through-out the trip that they themselves run responsible and sustainable businesses; using local guides and local drivers’ through-out; and encouraging guests to use local transport wherever possible.
The tour is also designed to showcase the historic heritage of Kerala in Fort Cochin, the ancient kingdom of Mysore in its palaces, markets and temples, and the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Your tour operator has a sense of moral responsibility towards the development of the tourism industry in Kerala. They commit 2% of their profit to various Tourism Associations for the development of tourism projects in India. They have taken it upon themselves to raise the living and social standards of the people in the Kuttanad area, which is the site of their company’s resort, the Our Land Resort. Here, the local people are employed and offered good wages. Special care is taken to educate them to be well equipped in communicating with tourists and providing them excellent service.
Your tour operator is truly a local team who call Kerala home and are based in Trivandrum. All members of the team have healthcare insurance and retirement plans. Safety and comfort of their drivers is paramount. All accommodations used on this trip offer accommodation and food to the drivers.
Trip highs!
- The diversity of eco-habitats – it’s a stunning expose of the flora and fauna of Southern India.
- The guided forest treks in Chinnar and Thekkady – truly unique programs of poachers-turned-protectors!
- Going down to Coonoor from Ooty on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Trip watch-outs!
- Really basic conditions in the campsites of Chinnar. Expect common toilets or going in the bush. Leeches and slushy trails are common.
- This is a long trip – expect some road journeys to take between 5-7 hours.
- You must have a basic level of fitness that is above average for the treks.
- Lots of critters and bugs especially in the rainforest zones. Steel yourself or be amazed (depending upon your predisposition)
Your tour operator is a Kerala-based destination management company for travellers with specialist requirements looking for a highly skilled & knowledgeable service provider on the ground. They provide complete, reliable & consistent services. Their knowledge encompasses all of Southern India and they have great depth of expertise in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. The company is deeply committed to operating a sustainable tourism business which reflects in their choice of local partners, accommodation providers and use of local drivers, employees and guides.
One of their co-founders, armed with a Masters degree in Tourism Management and over 25 years of experience in the industry, has pioneered the concept of houseboat tourism, elephant safaris and bamboo rafting in Kerala. He specializes in adventure, eco-tourism, trekking and special interest travel. He is constantly innovating to bring new experiences of Kerala to the outside world.
The other co-founder of the company has over 21 years of experience in running her own company in Denmark. She has specialized in responsible tourism and operates tours from Scandinavian countries to South India. She advises the company in new product development and helps make the company and its tours more sustainable and responsible.
A third Executive Director of the company has a Masters in Tourism Management with five years of experience in operating tours in Kerala. He handles operations and technology for the organisation.
Ideal For Whom
Perfect for single travellers, couples or small groups with a special interest in nature and conservation. This is a trip for serious wildlife or nature enthusiasts who can travel intrepid style. Physical fitness must be above average especially called in during the two 2-day treks.
When To Visit
Since this itinerary covers largely higher altitudes, anytime of the year is good to travel except the monsoon season when the trails are slushy and the leeches are out in their millions! The monsoon runs from June until September (max. of 32°C and min. of 20°C) – most of the wildlife stays deep in the forest.
But saying so, October to March is the best time to visit, as the heat is least intense in Mysore and on the Kerala coast and hinterland (max. of 30°C and min. of 18°C). This is also the best time for migratory birds, especially those at Ranganathittu and the Kerala backwaters.
Summer, from April to May gets quite warm and humid – (max of 35°C and 23°C min). There are occasional bushfires in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and safaris and visitors may be restricted at times.
Things To Bring
Mosquito repellent and wrist and ankle-covering layers are a must in Southern India. Good trekking shoes and a pair of binoculars for the two days in the wildlife sanctuaries. Bring leech socks and other accessories to tackle the blood suckers! Carry your own sleeping bag if you don’t want the camps bedding.
Neutral coloured clothes are necessary at the wildlife sanctuaries. Loose linen trousers and dresses, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat will come in handy. Carry energy bars (the ones in India are not as good!), a water canteen, your camera & binoculars and a wide brimmed hat will come in handy. Don’t forget your notepad, pencil and favourite bird book.
wilderness areas of South India – from the bird sanctuaries of Southern Karnataka, the Nilgiris Biosphere straddling Tamilnadu, and the best of Kerala, and some of the special wilderness areas of the Western Ghats (mountains).
Arriving into Bangalore
By air: The closest airport is outside Bangalore (50 km / 60 minutes). Served by numerous airlines from Europe, Far East and the Middle East, as well as connecting flights from all over India. Your tour operator will organise your arrival transfer from the airport.
By train: If you’re in India already, you can catch a train to Bangalore from most destinations within the country. The railway station is located in the city centre. From there, your tour operator will pick you up.
By car: If you are arriving by car, then you must go directly to your hotel in Bangalore. Detailed directions will be given after booking is confirmed.
Departing from Cochin
By air: The closest airport is in Cochin (45 km / 90 minutes). Served by numerous airlines from Europe, Far East and the Middle East, as well as connecting flights from Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Colombo. Your tour operator will organise your departure transfers to the airport. Kerala’s other international airport, Trivandrum, is 200 km south of Cochin. If you are flying out of Trivandrum, a transfer supplement will apply.
By train: If you’re planning on travelling elsewhere in India, you can catch a train from Ernakulam Junction to most destinations. Your tour operator will drop you at the station.
By car: If you are departing by car, then you must ask it to report directly to your hotel in Fort Cochin. Detailed directions will be given after booking is confirmed.
Normal payment policy: To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tour quote is charged to your credit card in Euro equivalent by Travel To Care on behalf of the tour operator. In addition, on the balance amount, 50% must be paid 45 days or earlier to the date of arrival. The balance 50% is payable at least one week before arrival. A credit card fee will be applicable on the deposit.
Normal cancellation policy: For all cancellations, the initial deposit is non-refundable. On the balance, you may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying the operator in writing. The following cancellation charges apply:
30 days or more before the first day of the tour: 10%
15-29 days before the first day of the tour 50%
Less than 15 days before the first day of the tour 100%
If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once the operator has confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by their suppliers, will be payable by you. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, the operator will do its best to implement them, but they cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by the operator and its suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements.
Payment options: All major credit cards are accepted for deposit and balance payment. Wire transfers accepted for balance payments. Instructions on request.
Period(s) tour is not operational: Never
