South India Mountain Adventure

Tour Overview

The South India Mountain Adventure takes you from the historic Fort Kochi to the mountains of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Munnar. This is an ideal holiday for families interested in wildlife and birds while trekking through these mountains in the company of trackers and naturalists. Here is a chance to sight herds of elephants, gaurs and Nilgiri Tahrs while meeting up with indigenous tribes and follow their customs & traditions in their isolated villages nestled amongst these mountains.

Day 1: Kochi

Your South India Mountain Adventure tour will begin at Kochi where you will be picked up from the airport and dropped at a hotel in Fort Kochi where you can check in. Set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Kochi is a city of cultural diversity consisting of winding streets, shady trees, Kathakali dance, modern Indian art, 500-year old Portuguese houses, mosques, a tiny Jewish community with ancient roots and ferry boats scuttling backwards and forwards. Once you are settled in the hotel, you can take on a backstreet tour of the city by foot or tuk-tuks, visiting the spice market, the fishing harbour and, in the evening, enjoying the city's Kathakali dance performance.  

Day 2-4: Wildlife at Parambikulam

You'll be taking a 4 hour drive across the Tamil Nadu border to Indira Gandhi National Park, a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife such as birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs), king cobras and the lion-tailed Macaques in their natural habitat, all within the areas known as Top Slip & Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. You will be staying within the forest at Parambikulam in cottage tents. Jeep safaris around the park and walks through the dense forests for wildlife watching & understand the dynamics of the rain forests will also be done. Your trackers during the safaris will be from the indigenous tribes & members of the local communities.

Day 5-7: Wildlife and Trekking at Munnar

From Parambikulam, you will be taking a spectacular 3 hour drive along the climbing road, through forests and tea gardens, to the hill station of Munnar which is situated 1500 metres high in the mountains. The combination of crisp mountain air, craggy peaks and tall red wood trees make it a peaceful retreat. Here, endemic species of birds & animals find their home. Your stay will be at a small family owned resort set within a cardamom forest. Here, you can explore the plantations, tea estates and meet the workers who pick tea for a living. You can also make your way to the enclave of the Nilgiri Tahr at Rajamala, go on treks into the mountains or cycle to some of the remote tribal villages.

Day 8: Depart

Inclusions

• Accommodation in Boutique hotels, resorts and luxury cottage tents
• Most meals
• All transfers by aircon vehicle
• Field guides
• All walks & safaris

Holiday Feedback

Route Maps

FAQs

Q. Do I Need A Visa To Travel To India?
Yes. Please see : https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html

Q. When Is The Best Time To Visit Kerala for this tour?
The best time to visit is from August to May.

Q. Should I take out Travel Insurance Before travelling for this tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to India, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q. Do I have a guide for this tour?
You would have a driver cum guide who is proficient in spoken English. For sightseeing & special side tours, we provide specialist guides.

Q. What are the health risks ?
There are very minimal health risks if you follow our instructions on drinking only certified bottled water and food from safe sources identified by us.

Q. Is this holiday safe for children?
Yes, absolutely. We arrange only those activities considered safe for children.

Q. What are the age limits for children?
Technically all ages, but to get a feel of this holiday, it would be better for the child to be above 6 years.

Q. Can this tour be tailor-made?
Yes

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes, the driver carries a comprehensive First Aid bag. For those suffering from allergies or require any special medication will need to bring those along. All our staff have undergone St John’s Ambulance First Aid Training course and are qualified. In case of serious injuries or emergencies, we have identified hospitals nearest to the tour routes to safely evacuate you to the nearest hospital.

Q. Are banking services easily available in areas visited?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs available throughout South India

Q. Can I use my credit Card during this trip?
Yes, all the resorts & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards

Q. Is South India a good destination for a Beach Holiday?
Definitely yes & this tour has a beach element built into this.
 

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