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South India's Nature Highlights

Exploring Kerala and the Western Ghat Mountains

12
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
Nature & Wildlife
Nature & Wildlife
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Running like a spine down India’s southwest coast, the imposing Western Ghat Mountains house one of the most distinctive and diverse assortments of life on Earth. Not only is the complement of endemic life forms tremendous, but these great hills are also a bastion for more cosmopolitan Indian wildlife that finds a refuge in its remote areas: the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant and Leopard, among others. This region is particularly noteworthy for its tantalizing array of bird life, ranging from the colossal Great Hornbill to the dreamy Malabar Whistling Thrush. There are various compelling endemic mammals, wonderful flora, and beautiful landscapes to enjoy here too.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01
Kochi
Chinese fishing nets and Portuguese palaces
02-03
Munnar
Tea plantations and the hill station
05-06
Valparai
Watch for Lion-tailed Macaque
07-09
Mudumalai
Watch for Lion-tailed Macaque
10-11
Kabini
Search for black Leopard
12
Bangalore
On the road
13
Departure
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01
Multilayered Heritage
Kochi
,
India
Your journey begins with arrival in Kochi, where our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Take a look around this lovely oceanside city with a rich heritage of foreign influences from British garrisons to opulent Dutch palaces, and the remains of a thriving Jewish quarter.
South India's Nature Highlights - 1
DAY
02-03
Hill station treks and brilliant birds
Munnar
,
India
Located approximately 1,600 m above sea level, the ‘hill station’ of Munnar is known for its refreshing mountain air and beautiful scenery since the time of the British Raj. While the core area has long been converted into tea plantations, the steeper sections are still covered with indigenous forest. Explore these various areas through a combination of drives and walks. Spot a tantalizing number of birds including such beauties as the White-belled Blue Robin and the sublime Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon.
South India's Nature Highlights - 2
DAY
05-06
Crossing the grasslands
Valparai
,
India
On Day 5 follow the contours of the pristine tropical jungle, forest, and grassland (keep an eye out for the endemic ibex) to reach the small tea plantation town of Valparai. Here enjoy a full day of exploring. Keep your eyes peeled for the Yellow-throated Bulbul, Mountain Imperial Pigeon with its gleaming white eyes, and the magnificent Great Hornbill.
South India's Nature Highlights - 3
DAY
07-09
Project Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai
,
India
Day 7 is a driving day with many stops to look for birds, mammals, and scenic sites. Our route takes us down to the plains then back up to Ooty. The approach to the national park is spectacular with twists and turns through wooded hills and past waterfalls. Spend two days exploring the area. This is one of India’s Project Tiger Reserves and a few dozen Bengal Tigers reside here along with Asiatic Elephant and Leopard, as well as Indian Bison and a variety of endemic birds including the Malabar Trogon and the Malabar Grey Hornbill.
South India's Nature Highlights - 4
DAY
10-11
On the lookout for black panthers
Kabini
,
India
Asian Elephants and many other mammals are found here and the opportunities for larger mammal viewing is particularly interesting as waterholes shrink at this time of year. This area has gained notoriety for its Leopard sightings and particularly the chance to see the tantalizing black form of Leopard, popularly called “black panthers”!
South India's Nature Highlights - 5
DAY
12
On the road
Bangalore
,
India
Enjoy the drive through interesting natural and agricultural areas, keeping an eye out for birdlife including Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees. Arrive in buzzy Bangalore in the late afternoon.
South India's Nature Highlights - 6
DAY
13
International departure
Departure
,
India
Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home
South India's Nature Highlights - 7

What's Included:

·      All airport and hoteltransfers

·      Accommodation based ondouble occupancy for 11 nights

·      Breakfast, Lunch, andDinner daily

·      Services of yourdriver/host

·      Transportation bycomfortable air-conditioned private vehicle between locations

·      Train from Delhi toSawai Madahpur

·      Kochi: Half day tour

·      Munnar: Two full dayexursions

·      Valparai: Safari drivewith expert naturalist guide

·      Mudumalai: Four safaridrives with expert naturalist guide

·      Kabini: Two safaridrives with expert naturalist guide

·      Entrance fees whereapplicable

·      24/7 Support Service

·      Trip kit with traveldocuments and itinerary information

·      All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

·      International flights

·      Visa fees

·      Travel insurance

·      Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc

·      Gratuities

·      Meals and services not listed

·      Video/Photography fees at monuments

·      Additional arrangements required due to emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

Inspired by Kochi’s colonial history, this gorgeous restored period building reflects an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese, and Dutch influences as seen in its high ceilings, hanging fans, and a plethora of artifacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour. All 26 rooms have sea view and private patio. The outdoor pool and patio overlooks the working fisherman.

CGH Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom

CGH Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom

Accessible only by boat and nestled along the shore of Lake Vembanad, this resort is the perfect place to relax. The coconut groves, backwater canals, and old wooden Keralan homes lovingly transplanted create a soothing environment. The resort’s 49 heritage rooms and pool villas are scattered throughout the tropical gardens, many with outdoor garden bathrooms and views of the canals. Enjoy superb local cuisine.

CGH Swaswara

CGH Swaswara

An eco-friendly, serene hideaway overlooking Om Beach in rural Karnataka. The 24 villas are furnished in clean, uncluttered style with a lower level sitting area and an upper level with semi-open bathroom and soothing bedroom. The upper deck is the perfect place for yoga. Simple and stylish, SwaSwara is designed for holistic and transformational experiences; this is the ideal place to experience yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

On The Ground

Manoj Abraham

Manoj Abraham

Seasoned professional with more than 15 years’ experience assisting guests fulfil their travel dreams and internally overseeing the operations and finances of WWA. Extensive knowledge of countries of expertise and proficiency in the latest travel trends. Gifted as an accounting professional, his passion for developing tailor made itineraries exceeded expectations whilst curating journeys fitting into the clients’ budgets. Dedicated to assisting and nurturing client relations and the ability to drive the team to a common goal. Personally, Manoj is a down to earth kind-hearted soul always willing to help and assist.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.