India - Kerala's National Parks & Backwaters

Tour Code: IND17

A 9-day holiday to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve and beautiful Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, including an overnight houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Kerala.

9 days from
£2,995
Land only price from
£2,495
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The southern Indian state of Kerala is an increasingly popular destination for beach holidays, but it also possesses an immense variety of wildlife. Beginning in historic Kochi (formerly Cochin), this natural history tour visits Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary near the city before travelling to Periyar Reserve, famed for its Asian Elephants and abundance of birds and mammals. We then head to Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghat hills to look for rare mammals such as Nilgiri Tahr, and endemic birds. At Alleppey we’ll join a houseboat for an overnight stay, and enjoy navigating the scenic backwaters of Kerala before returning to Kochi.

  • Architecture & culture of historic Kochi
  • Large numbers of waterbirds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
  • Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Dhole & Asian Elephant at Periyar
  • Endemic birds such as Nilgiri Pipit in the Western Ghats
  • Extensive bird list featuring many southern Indian specialities
  • Tea estates in spectacular hill country
  • Overnight on houseboat exploring secluded Kerala backwaters
  • Led by expert local naturalist guides

Grading

This is a standard wildlife-viewing tour with no strenuous walking

India boasts a mammal fauna of over 450 species but for many visitors the term wildlife is synonymous with the well-known national parks in the north of the country, and of course the magnificent Bengal Tiger. The allure of the Tiger is undeniable but within the Indian subcontinent this supreme predator occurs over a much wider range than might be expected and in the south of the country there are Project Tiger Reserves which also offer the opportunity to observe some of the very rare mammals found only in south India and Sri Lanka. The moist, tropical hill forests of Kerala, form a distinct vegetation zone in the Western Ghat hills which has resulted in the evolution of many bird species unique to this region of the country and a corresponding rich diversity of endemic mammals. The focus of this adventurous new tour will be the mammals of southern India and whilst there will be chances of seeing many of the more widespread Indian species such as Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Tiger and Leopard, the itinerary also embraces reserves where Gaur and Dhole may be encountered, as well as a selection of the endemics including Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Travancore Flying Squirrel, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Stripe-necked Mongoose and Nilgiri Marten.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Arrive Kochi; transfer to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Day 3
Overnight on houseboat
Day 4/5
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Day 6/7
Munnar, Eravikulam National Park
Day 8
Kochi
Day 9
Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Simple, comfortable tourist hotels and an overnight on a houseboat.
  • Food: All food is included, except for the main meals at Kumarakom and Kochi. The food will be a mixture of traditional Indian and Indianised Western in style.
Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sun 9th Nov – Mon 17th Nov SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Sun 8th Feb – Mon 16th Feb SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Sun 8th Nov – Mon 16th Nov SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!