safaris

India is an incredible land of diversity. South India is a perfect example of India’s rich diversity with its beautiful geography, culture, history, heritage and travel experiences. The land is flanked by Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, hence some of the most beautiful beaches. Scenic hill stations are nestled in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Kerala’s’ unique backwaters are also a treasure of South India. Besides, the land has been home to ancient empires, and breath-taking temples, while foreigners arriving to the shores of India have also settled in the land leaving behind their legacy. The vast region has some of the most amazing holiday experiences that one vacation certainly falls short.

So, when making plans for South India tours, here are the unmissable highlights.

Backwaters of Kerala

A unique nature’s blessing, the Backwaters of Kerala are a delight. Formed by a network of lagoons, rivers, lakes and water bodies, these unique ecology can be explored on a traditional houseboat. Be it an overnight stay on a houseboat or a day cruise, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush greenery, the placid waters and thriving birds and animals. Any Kerala tour is incomplete without a houseboat cruise of the backwaters.

Royal Palaces of Mysore

A city of palaces, royal Mysore is a treasure of incredible architecture. Nestled in the lush hills of Western Ghats, the city has the incredible Mysore Palace and the amazing Mysuru Dusshera that makes it a place to definitely visit. Explore the intricate craftsmanship of the royal palaces.

Scenic bliss of Ooty

A popular hill station of the Western Ghats, Ooty enjoys the bliss of Nilgiris. Nestled amidst lush tea gardens, the town is beautiful with specimens of British architecture. The best part about Ooty is the ride on the Nilgiris Toy Train, a UNECSO World Heritage Site.

Ancient ruins of Hampi

A UNECSO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Hampi are the remnants of the grandeur of the Vijayanagar Empire. Set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the historic town is a treasure of heritage sites. Walk through the ancient ruins and experience the historic feel.

UNECSO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram

South India has many of the impressive UNESCO listed heritage sites. Mahabalipuram, the coastal town is a testimony to the grandeur of the Pallavas, an empire that was once the pride of India. Here too, explore the majestic architecture, intricate craftsmanship and relive the days of the past.

Pray at the UNESCO listed Great Living Chola Temples

Temples of South India are some of the most beautiful architectures in India. Besides being centres of religion and traditions, these masterpieces serve the testimony to the finest craftsmanship and dedication of the rulers of the yore. The Great Living Chola Temples are some of the wonderous temples that has an unmissable legacy.

Soothing traditional Ayurveda treatments

South India is believed to be the land where Ayurveda finds its roots. The ancient of wellness works wonders to date. Traditional treatments, the use of nature’s produce and professional services, makes Ayurveda one of the best experiences while traveling in India.

Bask in beaches of South India

Goa’s beaches have a legendary reputation among visitors in India. Just as beautiful are the several other pristine beaches lining India’s south western shoreline. Coastal jewels such as Marari Beach in the heart of Kerala, the lesser known Neeleshwar and Kasargod, and Gokarna beaches offer quieter alternatives to ever-popular Goa for your leisurely South India vacation.

Wildlife Wonders in South India National Parks

South India tours takes you deep inside vast, untamed wildernesses that are home to thousands of animals and birds. Elephant hordes, spotted deer and peacock peeks in Nagarhole. Wild boars grunt past your safari jeep, and crocodiles bask in the sunshine on odd winter days at Kabini. In Bandipur National Park, spot tigers or elephants. Spend your days enjoying safaris in the wild and your evenings gathered around bonfires at stylish lodges. Or while away time in Periyar, watching giant herds of elephants frolic by the waterside all day. Unique wildlife experiences await on your South India vacation.

Haven for birds, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo National Park is one of the best places for wildlife safaris in India.  A UNESCO-recognized World Heritage, the natural paradise is located in Rajasthan. Its location, close to the capital, Delhi and on the route of the Golden Triangle Tour makes it one of the popular weekend getaways and holiday destinations.

Home to more than 366 species of birds, 379 species of plants, and around 30 mammals, the sanctuary is a wild haven. The bird population in the park includes species that migrate from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia only during winter. The native population as well as the migratory ones makes Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary an interesting getaway for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.

When making plans to explore nature’s best at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, here is your guide.

Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary can be visited all through the year but the best time to visit is from October to March.

Opening timings: 6 am – 6 pm (summers) | 6:30 am – 5 pm (winters)

History of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo National Park, the present name of Bharatpur Sanctuary was formerly a duck shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. In the 1980s after seeing the diverse range of flora and fauna flourishing in the park, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. It is now a green haven for birds and animals.

Flora and Fauna of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur is a blessed lush oasis in the middle of the crowded getaways of Agra and Jaipur. The semi-arid forest has significant vegetation of medium size trees and shrubs. Kadam, Jamun, and Babul trees cover the major area with small amount of Kandi and Ber. The park has an aquatic vegetation of the park is rich and suffices the food requirement for waterfowl.

Bharatpur Sanctuary is one of Asia’s finest birding areas, with over hundreds of resident and migrant birds. Once a duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas, Keoladeo now sees a lot of birds such as cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, flycatchers, buntings, larks, and pipits.

The 29 sq km area of the bird sanctuary, Bharatpur is not just known for birds. It is also a great place to watch mammals like the golden jackal, jungle cat, nilgai, sambar, and wild boar. It’s a treat to watch them play, pounce and move around freely in their natural habitat. During the month of winter, pythons can also be found moving around sluggishly.

Watch out for: Demoiselle, the rare Siberian Cranes, Striped Hyaena, Fishing Cat, and Blackbuck

Bird Safari at Bharatpur National Park

Bird safari makes for the most surreal experience at Bharatpur sanctuary. Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary has spread over 29 sq km with well laid-out forest trails and can be easily covered on foot, a rickshaw, or a cycle. However, motor vehicles are not permitted inside the sanctuary premises. Add lots of excitement to your birding tour by going for an early morning or late evening boating trip. Make the most of your photography skills by taking candid shots of birds flying around.

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm all days; to get the best value of your time, plan an outing early in the morning or immediately after the sunset.

Wildlife safari in the monsoon? Seems difficult right? But in India, there is always a choice. Given the geographical expanse and different weather conditions, there are many options to wildlife safaris open all year round, including monsoon. True, monsoon wildlife safaris in India is not traditionally the favourite but it is certainly an interesting time. Most of the national parks and wildlife sanctauries close down for visitors on the 30th of June and reopen on the 1st of October, with certain exceptions.

So, if you are thinking of spending time amid lush greenery of the forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, then here are some of the best places to check out.

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Settled on the banks of the Periyar Lake, Periyar national park is known for its elephant population. This park is not just open during the monsoon, it is in fact the best time. Spot herds of elephants and monkeys in the lush jungles. The bloom of orchids sprouting wild everywhere is a sight to not miss out on. If luck favours, you get to spot a tiger (there are around 40 of them), barking deer, sambar and avian life like darters, cormorant, kingfisher, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongos. Besides jeep safari, you can also take an early morning boat ride and stay at one of the jungle treehouses and cottages.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Safari in the natural forest is expedition to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. There are several sanctuaries and national parks in India that captivate wildlife photographers to click some of the best views, enclosing candid moments and rare sights.

Corbett National Park
Located in Uttarakhand one of the places for wildlife photography, where the jeep safari goes deep inside the park. It is famous for sightseeing of large carnivorous mammals, and it gives photographers candid moments. There are apparently five different zones in the park consisting of different flora and fauna. The rich biodiversity gives the photographers a notably brilliant chance to catch the candid moments and also splendid photographs. The Himalayan foothill gives it an extra edge over other parks. Catching a tiger before your splendid lenses will not be easy, but you can try your luck. Also Read - Vulnerable Wildlife at Risk As 116 Animals Including 11 Rhinos Dead in Assam's Flooded Kaziranga Park

Ranthambore National Park
The park of Rajasthan has its own place in exploring the wildlife. The park of Rajasthan is famous for luxurious train trips and safari. The most commonly sought animal for photography in candid moments is Bengal tigress with its cubs. Machli, one of the tigress is fond of posing before the cameras. This is the perfect place for clicking candid pictures of dangerous animals. Jeep Safari is advised to deepest to the park for spotting the tigers. Here are some places listed above for clicking perfect candid moments in the wildlife. The photographers are advised to take help of experienced guide and photographers for the best experience.

Kabini- Nagarhole National Park
It is one of the most popular haunts for those who love to explore the wilderness and enjoy getting up close with nature. It has a lot to offer right from the Jungle Safari, boating to trekking in Nagarhole Forest. The nature walk in the forest is a must if you want to reconnect with the surroundings and nature all over again. The jungle safari is a wonderful opportunity for all the environmental enthusiasts to mingle among the variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy the royal feel of an elephant safari for the view is just spectacular with dense forest all around and at times spotting various animals in their natural surroundings makes the ride worth it. A trip to Kabani can introduce you to the world of misty forests, valleys and watercourse.

Bandipur National Park
Located in Karnataka, this park is famous for its wildlife riches which is 874 square km, and covers many endangered species of animals and flora. Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad National Park and Nagarhole National Park forms the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. Bandipur is one of India’s first and finest Project-Tiger reserves, and also southern India’s most famous. Its priceless tiger and leopard habitat is home to three rivers and represents in part the best remaining haunt of the endangered Asiatic elephant, Indian wild dog and a plethora of life in all its sublimely understated forms and colours This reserve is the largest protected area in South India and the region with highest number of wild elephants in South Asia.

Periyar Tiger Reserve
Also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats and is home to no less than 1800 flowering plant species, 143 species of orchids, 35 mammal species, and 265 bird species. Other than the Royal Bengal Tigers that reside here, this sanctuary also boasts a substantial population of the Malabar Giant Squirrel, the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque, Asian Elephant, Leopards, and Smooth-Coated Otters. Visitors to one of India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries can enjoy trekking, elephant rides through the jungle, and boating on the Periyar Lake.

India is a bird watching haven. The lush jungles are home to all species of the animal kingdom including birds of colourful shades. The vast country is a habitat to birds including migratory ones flying in from far parts of the world.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park)

Binsar National Park

Kaziranga National Park