Spectrum Tours » Wildlife in India » Wildlife Viewing

South India
Wild & Wilderness
The rich and varied wildlife of this vast and fascinating country presents a challenge to any wildlife enthusiast. We are delighted to introduce you splendour of the Nilgiri and Cardamom Hills where the wildlife of subcontinent flourishes in national parks of outstanding beauty and solitude. These hills, together with the Western Ghats which extend northwards to Mumbai, bear the burnt of south-west monsoon. The result is fertile tropical land, markedly different from the north. The isolated fauna has evolved a number unique species and sub-species, which we shall make particular efforts to find during this splendid holiday.

Day 1. Arrive Chennai:
Arrive and transfer to the pre booked hotel. Morning free to re-charge. Afternoon Sightseeing. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2. Chennai to Mysore (train):
Early morning we board train to Mysore (breakfast on board). Arrive the city of royal palaces, sandalwood and the manufacture of incense. Afternoon visit the City Palace (Amber Vilas), was designed by Henry Irwin and built in 1897. O/n Hotel.

Day 3. Mysore to Nagarhole(drive):
After breakfast we take a drive of about 96kms/3hrs to Nagarhole National park (snake, streams). During our two nights stay here we will explore this fascinating park by jeep, looking at for elephants and gaur (the Asian bison). O/nJungle Lodge.

Day 4. Nagarhole Explore:
Early morning and evening we will travel by jeep into the surrounding grasslands and forests to watch elephants and gaur, if we are lucky we may see leopard or a sloth bear, which are quite common. Overnight inJungie Lodge.

Day 5. Nagarhole to Ooty (drive):
We embark on a spectacular drive, with fine views of the Nilgiris (blue mountains) ,to the old British hill station of Ooty. O/n hotel.

Day 6. Ooty Trek./ Sightseeing:
After early breakfast, we drive with pack lunch to second highest mountain in the Western Ghats- Dodabetta (2,650 mts.). From here there are fine views and it is the starting point of our three hours trek. The walk takes us mostly down hill, through eucalyptus forests and later on through the mixed forest, potato fields, and small settlement of the Toda tribe. O/n Hotel.

Day 7. Ooty to Anamalai National park (drive):
After breakfast drive about 150kms to Amnamalai National Park, which covers an area of 960kms. We will stay here for two nights in a simple Forest Rest House. Evening we take a guided walk through the forest. O/n in Rest house.

Day 8. Anamalai (Trek):
After early breakfast we begin our 8kms trek through deep jungle to see two endangered primates: lion-tailed macaque and nilgiri langur. We will do our best to spot them and the numerous other species. Return to rest house. O/n Forest rest house.

Day 9. Anamalai to Munnar (drive):
After breakfast, we take one of the most interesting drives (I20kms), in the Western Ghats, with splendid views to Munnar. Afternoon we take a fascinating three hours trek, through cardamom plantations, mixed forest and tea gardens. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10. Munnar to Rajamalai National Park Munnar:
Early morning after breakfast we drive short to Rajmalai National Park to see Nilgiri Thar ( Nilgiri Ibex). Afternoon free or take a walk around the resort.

Day 11. Munnar to Periyar Tiger Reserve(drive):
After breakfast drive to Periyar, one of Asia's most renowned and picturesque sanctuaries. Evening we explore the sanctuary by boat to see the rich flora and fauna. Return to resort for overnight.

Day 12. Periyar:
Early morning, explore the park by boat. Late afternoon we set out for three hours trek through the heart of the beautiful jungle, and we shall see an extensive range of bird life. Overnight in Resort.

Day 13. Periyar-Cochin:(drive):
We embark on another stunning drive, descending from hills. Enroute we board a houseboat for lunch and cruise through the famous back waters for few hours, and then continue driving to Cochin and, the cultural and historical delights of Kerala's heartland. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14. Cochin:
After breakfast a guided tour, visiting the Dutch Palace, the church of St. Francis and the Jewish Synagogue. Evening Board overnight train to Chennai.

Day 15. Arrive Chennai:
Arrive Chennai early morning and transfer to hotel for day use. Evening departure transfer to the international airport.

Day 16. Departure:
Early morning fly back to your home country.