South India Wildlife Odyssey
Fourteen nights from Bandipur and the Kabini backwaters through Wayanad and Periyar to a houseboat on the Kerala backwaters.
Four wildlife areas across three states, ending with Cochin, Kumarakom and a night afloat.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
14
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Elephants, Ghats and Backwaters
Southern India's Wildlife and Waterways
This carefully curated journey through Southern India combines some of the region’s most rewarding wildlife habitats with Kerala’s celebrated landscapes of spice-covered hills, colonial ports and tranquil backwaters.
Beginning in Bandipur National Park, part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the itinerary explores landscapes renowned for Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Leopards and Dholes. Continue to Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini backwaters, then into the highlands of Wayanad and the waterfronts of Cochin, before Periyar Tiger Reserve and a finale amidst the backwaters of Kumarakom.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Some of the best elephant viewing in India, then a gradual descent into the Kerala backwaters.
Elephants at Bandipur
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of the best destinations in India for elephant viewing, with large breeding herds encountered year round.
The Kabini Backwaters
The Kabini backwaters are famous for seasonal congregations of elephants and offer some of the finest wildlife viewing in South India.
Periyar on Foot and Raft
Unlike traditional safari reserves, Periyar Tiger Reserve offers guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, birdwatching programs and longer forest treks.
Western Ghats Endemics
Wayanad birding for Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-cheeked Barbet, Malabar Parakeet and Crimson-backed Sunbird.
Birding on Vembanad Lake
A country boat through the wetlands of Kumarakom for Egrets, Herons, Waterfowl, Owls and Cuckoos.
A Night on a Houseboat
A private kettuvallam through the Alleppey backwaters, with lunch, snacks and dinner served on board.
Your Journey
Karnataka into Kerala
A beautifully paced route connecting India’s Golden Triangle with Rajasthan’s wildlife, heritage and most enchanting royal cities.
Bangalore
Stop 1
Bandipur
Stop 2
Nagarhole
Stop 3
Wayanad
Stop 4
Cochin
Stop 5
Periyar
Stop 6
Kumarakom
Stop 7
Sample Itinerary
Your South India Wildlife Odyssey Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 03 : Arrive Bangalore - Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Days 1–3
Elephant Country
A warm reception at Kempegowda International Airport, then the drive to Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. A full day of private jeep safaris searching for Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Sloth Bear and the park’s celebrated Asian Elephants, often in large herds with young calves.
Days 04 - 05 : Bandipur - Nagarhole National Park
Day 4-5
The Kabini Backwaters
A short drive to Nagarhole National Park. Morning and afternoon safaris for Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur and four-horned antelope, with the Kabini backwaters drawing elephants in numbers through the dry season.
Days 06 - 07 : Nagarhole - Wayanad
Day 6-7
Coffee, Pepper and Cardamom
A one-hour drive into Wayanad, a corridor of forested hills and spice plantations linking protected areas across three states. Guided nature walks through plantation and forest-edge habitats for Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, White-cheeked Barbet and Malabar Parakeet, plus Nilgiri Langur and Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Days 08 - 09 : Wayanad - Cochin
Days 8-9
Colonial Kochi
The long drive down to Cochin, then a day in Fort Kochi: the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church, a tuk-tuk to the Dhobi Khana, through Mattanchery to the spice market, and Kathakali in the evening.
Days 10 - 11 : Cochin - Periyar Tiger Reserve
Days 10-11
The Western Ghats on Foot
Drive to Periyar Tiger Reserve, 777 sq. km of evergreen forest around the iconic Periyar Lake. A spice plantation visit, then a day of boat cruise, guided nature walks, bamboo rafting, birdwatching programs or longer forest treks with trained naturalist guides.
Days 12 - 13 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Days 12-13
The Backwaters of Vembanad
Drive to Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. A country boat through the lagoons and canals with a local naturalist for Egrets, Herons, Waterfowl, Owls, Cuckoos and, in winter, Teal, Larks and Flycatchers. Afternoons free at the lakeside resort.
Days 14 - 15 : Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
Days 14-15
A Night Afloat and Departure
Drive to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, and embark your houseboat, with lunch, evening snacks and dinner served on board. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 14 nights accommodation, including four at wildlife lodges and one aboard a houseboat
- All meals served at the lodges at Bandipur and Nagarhole
- Full board aboard the houseboat, with lunch, evening snacks and dinner
- Morning and afternoon private jeep safaris at Bandipur and Nagarhole
- Guided nature walks at Wayanad and a spice plantation visit at Periyar
- Guided sightseeing in Fort Kochi with a tuk-tuk ride, and a Kathakali performance
- A country boat birding excursion at Kumarakom with a local naturalist
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add extra safaris at Bandipur or Nagarhole
- Choose a lodge on the Kabini backwaters for the elephant congregations
- Add a second night on the houseboat
- Add Munnar's tea gardens between Cochin and Periyar
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the Western Ghats endemics
- Extend to Marari or Kovalam for a beach finale
- Travel October to May for the best wildlife viewing
Plan Your Journey
Travel South India Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel?
Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Fourteen nights already covers a lot of ground. These are the additions guests ask for most.
An Extra Safari
Add a morning or afternoon drive at Bandipur or Nagarhole for a better chance of a sighting.
A Boat Safari on the Kabini
Where lodge location and park regulations allow, the water gives a different view entirely.
A Beach Finale
Add nights at Marari or Kovalam after the backwaters, for a slower ending.
Add Munnar
Two nights in South India's largest tea-growing region between Cochin and Periyar.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your South India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.