South India Endemic Mammals Tour

Tour Overview

This 10-day South India Endemic Mammals tour takes you through the National Parks at Munnar, Anamalai Hills and the Nilgiri Biosphere. This region, a biological hot spot is home to about 140 mammal species, of which nearly 20 of them are endemic. Among flagship mammal species, the most prominent are the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), found in highly fragmented tropical rain forests in the Western Ghats, and the endemic Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), which lives in the montane grasslands of the Western Ghats. This highly-focused South India Mammals Tour also focuses on the endemic birds as well from the hot spots at Munnar, Ooty and Masinagudi. Also on view would be Asiatic elephants, gaurs, Nilgiri Langurs, Dholes and Sloth Bears and the big cats.

Day 1-2: Thattekkad

Arrive Kochi International Airport & transfer to Thattekkad – an area with extensive lowland forests and several types of eco-systems – riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, dry deciduous, lowland forest, enabling it to be one of the best wildlife and birding destinations in India and home to some of the endemic mammals of the Western Ghats. The wildlife includes Indian Flying Fox, Malabar Giant Squirrel, the elusive Slender Loris, Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, Travancore Flying squirrel and the Common Palm Civet. This is also a great place for endemic birds, butterflies & odonata. You should see White-bellied Treepie, Rufous Babbler, Crimson-backed Sunbird, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Wynaad Laughingthrush, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill and owls which could include Mottled Wood Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish Owl and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl. Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Red Spurfowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Pitta, Black-throated Munia and the Grey-headed Fish Eagle are all likely.

Day 3-4: Munnar

Today you will be moving to the hill country at Munnar - the highest areas along the Western Ghats. Among its rolling grasslands and steep cliffs live the endemic and endangered Nilgiri Tahrs. Concerted efforts by the conservationists have brought this magnificent animal back from the brink of extinction. At present there are more than 700 Tahrs in the area. You will be visiting the Eravikulam National Park area in search of this mild natured animal. You will also visit the cloud forests at Pampadum shola & Manavan shola – to look for the endemic mammals like the elusive Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Langurs and Malabar Giant Squirrels and endemic birds like the Nilgiri Wood pigeon and the Broadtailed grass-bird. You would also be able sight gaurs (Indian Bison) at this National Park..

Day 5-7: Valparai

You leave Munnar early in the morning for further exploration at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, a dry scrub forest, to sight the Malabar Giant squirrel, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Tufted Grey Langurs and the endangered Star Tortoise, possibly gaurs & elephants. After Chinnar you will be taking the two-hour drive across the Tamil Nadu border to the forests of Valparai near Indira Gandhi national park - a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife. Elephants, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs) and the lion-tailed macaques can be spotted in their natural habitat. You will be going on wildlife walks and on your vehicle into the natural high altitude evergreen forests for wildlife viewing, the main target being the elusive and highly endangered endemic Lion Tailed Macaques.  

Day 8-9: Masinagudi

Your destination today will be the scrub and deciduous forests at Masinagudi. The sanctuary lies on the northern and north-western side of the Nilgiri (Blue Mountains),about 80 km north-west of Coimbatore in the extreme north-western corner of Tamil Nadu. Nature has been lavish in providing this sanctuary with thickly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams. A variety of habitats ranging from Tropical Evergreen forest, Moist mixed deciduous, Moist Teak forest, Dry teak forest, Secondary grass lands, Shrubs and Swamps exists here. The bird diversity in these habitats is unbelievably rich and is a welcoming place for bird watchers from far and wide. This park harbours over 200 species of birds from 48 families and is one of the richest bird areas. The wildlife includes Elephants, Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking Deer, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.

Day 10: Departure

In the afternoon you will depart from Coimbatore or Kochi airport. Tour ends

Inclusions

• Accommodation for 9 nights on twin share room basis on Full Board
• All surface transfers by air-conditioned vehicles
• Safari drives at Mudumalai
• Service of an English speaking naturalist and local guides
• Guiding fees
• Park entry fees
• Assistance on arrival and departure at each destination 

Route Maps

FAQs

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

Q. When Is The Best Time To Visit South India for this tour?
The best time to visit is from November 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 naturalist guide for this tour?
A successful wildlife tour is largely dependant on a good naturalist who is familiar with the local conditions, best chances of sightings and thorough domain knowledge. We provide such qualified outdoor naturalist guides along with local trackers. The naturalist can also be the driver of the SUV or can be a separate person. In both cases, expertise and experience would be prime criteria.

Q. Do the guides speak English?
Yes, they are very proficient in English.

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

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes, the naturalist guide / 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 outdoor 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. What about Wildlife encounters.
They are likely to be wild animal encounters but our naturalist guides and trackers are trained and experienced enough to keep you out of harm’s way.

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 & we can arrange extension tours for you.
 

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