South India Wildlife Tour

Day 01 – Trivandrum

Arrive Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Transfer to hotel.

Day 02 – Trivandrum

Morning city tour of Trivandrum, A must on every tourist itinerary, the Padmanabhaswami Temple the huge structure has an amazing 100 feet high Gopuram, the main temple tower. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu.

This temple has an idol 18 feet long which is ornamented with gold and precious stones. Within its hallowed limits, the main pavilion surprise with its 400 beautifully carved pillars of granite.

Day 03 – Trivandrum – Periyar

Today you will drive to Periyar (4 hrs.). Arrival and check into hotel. Today you will drive to Periyar. Arrival and check into hotel. Visit spice Plantations where you can touch, smell and taste almost all the spices grown here like – pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Located by the side of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the major attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest.

The sanctuary is natural treasure dwelling of some of the rare species of flora, fauna & wild animals like tigers, elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Enjoy the boat ride at Periyar Lake from where you can have the unique experience of watching animals in their natural environment.

Day 04 – Periyar – Kumarakom

Today you will take drive to Kumarakom, upon arrival check into the backwater resort. Kumarakom – Backwaters are one of the exclusive attractions of Kerala, a chain of canals stretching to about 1500 k.m, along with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Most of it is naturally formed. Take an evening boat cruise on the Kumarakom backwaters which itself is an incredibly different experience.

Sail towards the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary is stretched over 14 acres of land. It is also recognized as the ornithologists paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most desired hub of migratory birds. Every year, over 60 species of migratory birds gather here in large numbers. The prominent species include the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron, Teal, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls.

Day 05 – Periyar – Alleppey – In & Around Tour

Drive to Alleppey. Later en board the traditionally decorated houseboats, you will start an over night backwater cruise which will end next day morning. It would take you in & around Alleppey.

Alleppey is also known as the Venice of the east. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters.

Day 06 – Cochin

Drive Cochin. Arrive & Check in to hotel. Later we will take you for a sight seeing of Cochin The Dutch palace at Mattancherry is located at 10 kms from Ernakulam is well – known for its medieval charm. It houses a gallery of interesting paintings and murals, thus signifying the rich customs of the Hindus through art.

The Chinese Fishernets were introduced by Chinese traders are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Jewish Synagogue – located at the Jew Street was built in 1568. It is also rated as the oldest synagogue among all commonwealth nations.

St. Frances Church – first European church here the body of late Vasco Da Gama was originally buried.

Day 07 – Cochin – Ooty

Drive by surface to Ooty – also known as the Queen of Hills is South India. Arrive and check–in to hotel. Later we would take you for tour of the city which would include Botanical Garden – Located almost within the city limit of Ooty is a must visit place of Ooty.

Government Botanical Garden is home to few of the rarest species of plants, brought here from all corners of the world. Doddabetta Peak – It is situated at a height of 2623 meters above sea level and also the highest peak of Nilgiris hills.

Later also visit Ooty Lake – It is an artificial lake is a famous picnic spot. You can enjoy boating on this beautiful lake.

Day 08 – Ooty – Bandipur

After breakfast depart for Bandipur National Park.

Day 09 – Bandipur

Today visit to Bandipur National Park – positioned in the southern part of the beautiful state of Karnataka, it is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is also one of Indias eminent sanctuaries, and is a significant Project Tiger reserve. It was laid by the Maharaja of Mysore in year 1931 and was then extended over an area of 90 sq kms and was later increased to 800 sq kms.

Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant, Bandipur also has a considerable number of tigers. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four–horned antelope, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black –knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.

Day 10 – Bandipur – Mysore i

Morning depart by surface to Mysore. Reach & check into the hotel.

Day 11 – Mysore

Today we would take you for the tour of Mysore which would include Mysore Palace – It is one of the magnificent sights to be visited in Mysore. Completely built in 1912 in Indo–Saracenic style with domes, towers, arches and row of pillars, the Palace is a treasure house of wonderful carvings. It is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and was designed by an English architect Henry Irwin.

Shri Ramachamarajendra Art Gallery – positioned in the Jagmohan Palace, the art gallery has a precious collection of Tanjore paintings and pictures of the royal family by Raja Ravi Verma. Chamundi Hills & Temple – Mysore is situated at the foothills of Chamundi Hills.

Chamundeshwari Temple is located on top of the hills which is a famous landmark. There is a statue of Mahishasura located near to the temple, a demon killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari.

St. Philomenas Church – A beautiful Cathedral ornamented with beautiful stained glass windows portraying scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last meal the Crucifixion, the rebirth and the Ascension of Christ.

Day 12 – Mysore – Bangalore a

After breakfast depart for Bangalore one of the morden metropolis city of India. Arrive Bangalore. Rest of the day free for your independent activities.

Day 13 – Bangalore

Today we leave for a tour of Bangalore city. The highlights of this tour are Vidhan Soudha – constructed in the year 1954. The structural design of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style and it currently houses the Legislative Assembly of the state Government & Karnataka secretariat.

Nandi Temple – Another Dravidian architecture – The temple is dedicated to Nandi – a sacred bull which is the vahana – carrier of Lord Shiva.

Lalbagh Gardens – The name itself suggests that it is paradise of red roses & other species of plants.

Bangalore Palace – Built in the year 1887, the architecture of the palace is based on the Tudor style. Covering an area of about 800 acres, the palace gives a look of the Windsor Palace of England. Also visit Visweswaraiah Industrial & Technological Museum & Ulsoor Lake.

Day 14 –Bangalore (Departure)

Transfer to airport for departure transfer for onward destination.