ON THE SCENT OF…
THE NATIONAL PARKS OF SOUTHERN INDIA
19-DAY POST-MONSOON WILDLIFE TOUR DEPARTING 17th NOVEMBER
Naturetrek’s 19-day holiday explores southern India, focussing on the fragrant, tropical splendour of the Nilgiri and Cardamom Hills where the wildlife of the subcontinent flourishes in the national parks and sanctuaries of Nagarhole, Anaimalai and Periyar. Tour departs London 17th November 07.
Bangalore is Naturetrek’s point of entry into India. From here guests follow their noses to historic Mysore, the sandalwood and incense capital of India, for a 2-night stay, before heading further south to the equally aromatic Nilgiri and Cardamom Hills. These hills, together with the Western Ghats, bear the brunt of the south-west monsoon, resulting in a fertile, tropical land, markedly different from the north. Happily though, Naturetrek’s tour is post-monsoon! Wildlife explorations commence in Nagarhole National Park, from a delightful old-world base, Kabini River Lodge - once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharajah of Mysore. Jeep forays into the surrounding grasslands and forest reveal Elephant and Gaur (the Asian Bison) and offer an opportunity to spot Sloth Bear or Leopard, both of which are quite common. Later, search for the Nilgiri’s endemic birds including Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Shortwing, the beautiful Black and Orange Flycatcher and Nilgiri Laughing-thrush, in the rarefied air of the old British hill station of Ootacamund (commonly known as Ooty) at 2,600 metres. Further south at Anaimalai Sanctuary, at the foot of the Cardamom Hills, forests of teak and rosewood give way to rocky precipices and grassy ridges. This is one of the best places to see two endangered primates, the Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Lanur and bird specialities including Malabar Pied Hornbill and White-bellied Treepie. The high tops are inhabited by the endemic Nilgiri Tahr (a species of wild goat) and a good vantage point for these is in a small reserve above the tea plantations of Munnar. As an exciting conclusion to Naturetrek’s wildlife tour, Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of Asia’s most renowned sanctuaries, is explored both by boat, and on foot during guided treks into the heart of the jungle. A night cruising Kerala’s backwaters aboard a houseboat, and a final 2-nights in Cochin to relax and sample the cultural and historical delights of this colourful port, complete the southern India adventure.
The tour costs £2,445 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, accommodation in comfortable hotels and forest lodges, all meals and expert wildlife guiding.
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