13 Day South India Wildlife Tour

Safaris, Hill Stations & Backwaters

Private Safaris in Nagarhole & Bandipur, the Nilgiri Hills of Ooty, Munnar’s Tea Estates and Kerala’s Backwaters

This private South India wildlife tour links forest safaris, misty hill stations and Kerala’s backwaters in one well-paced 13-day journey across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Starting in Bangalore, the route heads to Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, then continues to Ooty, Munnar, Kumarakom and Kochi.

Nagarhole and Bandipur lie within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and are known for elephants, gaur, leopards, deer and a wide variety of birdlife. Both parks are also tiger habitat, but tiger sightings are rare and can never be guaranteed. Each park has its own character, with Nagarhole’s dense forest and riverine habitat contrasting with Bandipur’s teak forest and open meadows.

From the forests, the route climbs into the Nilgiri Hills, where Ooty’s cool climate and colonial charm make a refreshing change, before crossing into Kerala’s hill country. In Munnar you find rolling tea estates, waterfalls and spice gardens, and Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr. The journey ends with a peaceful backwater stay in Kumarakom and a relaxed stay in Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage meet Kerala’s own culture.

Travelling by private chauffeur-driven vehicle and staying in carefully selected jungle lodges, hill resorts and backwater properties, this tailor-made itinerary suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and families. The pace, number of safaris and style of stay can all be adjusted to your dates and interests. The route works best between October and April.

South India Wildlife Tour – Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore – Arrive at Bangalore International Airport, where your private chauffeur will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or enjoy a leisurely walk through one of Bangalore’s vibrant neighbourhoods before your South India wildlife adventure begins. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 2: Bangalore Sightseeing – Explore Bangalore’s gardens and historic landmarks, including Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, the Bull Temple and lively local markets. The city offers a pleasant introduction to South India’s culture, cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 3: Bangalore → Nagarhole National Park (Approx. 230 km | 5–6 hrs) – After breakfast, drive through rural Karnataka to Nagarhole National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Check in to your jungle lodge before an afternoon safari in search of elephants, gaur, spotted deer, leopards and numerous bird species. Overnight stay in Nagarhole.
• Day 4: Nagarhole Wildlife Safari – Rise early for a morning safari, when wildlife activity is at its peak, through dense forest, riverine habitat and open grassland with experienced guides. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or join optional nature activities before another peaceful evening in the forest. Overnight stay in Nagarhole.
• Day 5: Nagarhole → Bandipur National Park (Approx. 85 km | 2–2.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Bandipur National Park, part of a protected tiger reserve. After lunch, head out on an afternoon safari through teak forest and open meadows, home to elephants, gaur, sambar deer, wild dogs and leopards. Tigers are seen only occasionally and can never be guaranteed. Overnight stay in Bandipur.
• Day 6: Bandipur Safari Experience – Begin the day with an early morning safari, then return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day relaxing amid nature or join optional birdwatching and guided walks in one of South India’s richest wildlife habitats. Overnight stay in Bandipur.
• Day 7: Bandipur → Ooty (Approx. 80 km | 2.5–3 hrs) – Enjoy a scenic drive through the Nilgiri Hills to Ooty, passing forests, tea plantations and winding mountain roads. Visit the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake and Doddabetta Peak, and enjoy the cool mountain climate and colonial charm of this famous hill station. Overnight stay in Ooty.
• Day 8: Ooty → Munnar (Approx. 270 km | 7–8 hrs) – This is a long but scenic day, as you travel through the Western Ghats into Kerala, with breaks along the way. Arrive in Munnar, renowned for its rolling tea estates, cool mountain climate, waterfalls and spectacular viewpoints. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 9: Munnar & Eravikulam National Park – Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr and panoramic mountain landscapes. The park closes for a period each year during the tahr calving season, so we confirm opening dates when planning your trip. Continue exploring Munnar’s tea plantations, tea museum, spice gardens and viewpoints. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 10: Munnar → Kumarakom (Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs) – Descend from the hills to Kerala’s famous backwaters. On arrival, check in to your backwater property and relax beside Vembanad Lake, with time for a cruise through palm-fringed canals and peaceful villages, and authentic Kerala cuisine. A houseboat stay can be arranged on request. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
• Day 11: Kumarakom → Kochi (Approx. 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Kochi. Explore Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, spice markets and colonial streets shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. In the evening, you may choose to watch a traditional Kathakali performance. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 12: Kochi Sightseeing & Leisure – Enjoy a relaxed day discovering more of Kochi at your own pace. Visit local cafés, art galleries, boutique shops and Jew Town, or simply unwind by the waterfront. This leisurely finale is a fitting end to your South India journey. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 13: Departure from Kochi – After breakfast, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Kochi Airport for your onward journey, bringing your South India wildlife and nature tour to a close.

Travel distances and driving times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, weather, traffic and seasonal restrictions. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed, as safari experiences depend on natural animal movement and park regulations.

What’s Included – South India Wildlife Tour

• 12 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected jungle lodges, hill resorts, a backwater property and heritage-style or city hotels
• Daily breakfast, plus selected lunches and dinners at the wildlife lodges, as per the final itinerary
• Private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, intercity journeys, sightseeing and scenic drives across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
• Guided safaris in Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, as per the itinerary
• A stay at a Kumarakom backwater property with a cruise on the lake or canals
• National park entry fees, safari permits and applicable forest charges, as per the confirmed itinerary
• Local guides for sightseeing where required, plus destination assistance and travel support
• All toll taxes, parking charges, fuel, driver expenses and applicable government taxes related to the tour

Not Included – South India Wildlife Tour

• International and domestic flights
• Indian visa fees and travel insurance
• Camera or video fees at parks and monuments, where charged
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks and personal expenses
• Tips for your driver, guides and lodge staff
• Optional activities and any upgrades chosen after booking

Tour Customisation – South India Wildlife Tour

This private itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, wildlife interests and style of stay. You can also compare it with our Karnataka wildlife tour and Kerala wildlife tour, or browse our other South India tour packages.

• Upgrade to premium safari lodges, boutique plantation estates, heritage hotels or wellness resorts
• Add extra safaris, birdwatching excursions, nature walks or private photography sessions with experienced guides
• Include Kabini boat safaris, coracle rides, tea factory visits, spice plantation experiences or guided plantation walks
• Choose a Kerala houseboat stay, or a lakeside resort with a private sunset cruise, at Kumarakom
• Extend your holiday with beach stays in Mararikulam, Kovalam or Varkala, or add wellness and Ayurveda experiences in Kerala
• Add nights in Ooty, Munnar, Kochi or Bangalore for a more relaxed pace

Best Time to Visit – South India Wildlife Tour

• October to March: Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, comfortable hill station weather and very good conditions for safaris, sightseeing and backwater stays.
• April to June: Wildlife often gathers around water sources in Nagarhole and Bandipur, which can help sightings, although the lowlands are hot. Munnar and Ooty stay pleasantly cool.
• July to September: The monsoon turns the Western Ghats intensely green, with waterfalls and misty hills. Heavy rain can affect safari schedules and hill roads, so this season suits travellers who enjoy quieter, greener conditions.

FAQs – South India Wildlife Tour

Which national parks are included in this tour?
The itinerary includes Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks for safaris, plus Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Elephants, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, wild dogs, leopards and many bird species are all possible, depending on the season. Eravikulam is known for the endangered Nilgiri tahr.

Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No. Both parks are tiger habitat, but tigers are wild animals and sightings are rare and can never be guaranteed.

How many safaris are included?
The itinerary includes an afternoon and a morning safari in each of the two parks, four in total. Additional safaris can be arranged, subject to availability.

What is the best time for a South India wildlife tour?
October to March is usually the most comfortable season. April to June can suit wildlife viewing at waterholes but is hot in the lowlands, and the monsoon brings green landscapes with some weather disruption.

Is a houseboat included?
The itinerary includes a stay at a Kumarakom backwater property. A houseboat stay can be arranged on request.

Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. You can add nights, extra safaris, beach stays, Ayurveda or other regions, or tailor the tour for wildlife photography.

Why Travel With Premium India Tours

• Well-paced itineraries linking Karnataka’s forests, the Nilgiri hills and Kerala’s backwaters
• Handpicked jungle lodges, hill resorts and backwater properties, chosen for comfort and location
• An experienced local team with in-depth knowledge of safari planning, wildlife seasons and South India’s routes
• Private chauffeur-driven journeys offering flexibility, comfort and personal service
• Tailor-made travel for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and families
• More options in our India wildlife tour packages