Southern India

KARNATAKA

The meeting point of north and south, the state contains many attractions, including the World Heritage Site of Hampi, and two excellent reserves.

Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Best visited between August and April, this unique and little known reserve near the World Hertage Site ruins of Hampi is a haven for around 120 sloth bears, its main draw, plus leopard, hyena, jackal, wild boar, porcupine, pangolin and star tortoise as well as 90 bird species.

Nagarhole National Park

A real gem, the 247 square-mile park of dry deciduous forest, grassy swamp and riverine habitat supports an astonishing array of wildlife, including 250 bird species, tiger, leopard, elephant, wild dog (dhole) and gaur. Among the best of India’s wildlife reserves.

Kabini River Lodge

Nestled within the southern fringes of the park, the lodge was rated by Tatler as one of the world’s top five wildlife resorts and is known for the legendary Col John Wakefield, an Indian-born English guide resident at the resort who is passionate about the region’s wildlife.

TAMIL NADU

Once known as the Coromandel coast, the state boasts remarkable temples, cool colonial hill stations such as Ooty, rich traditions of music and dance and some highly interesting nature reserves.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Contiguous with Nagarhole, from which it is separated by Bandipur National Park, the sanctuary protects birds such as Malabar trogon, crested serpent eagle and grey hornbill, and mammals like sloth bear, hyena, wild dog and bonnet macaque.

Anamalai National Park

In the beautiful forests of this hilly reserve can be found the rare Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat, as well as a host of other mammal and bird species, including great pied hornbill, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, pangolin and barking deer.

KERALA

The southernmost western state, its capital is Cochin (Kochi) with its famous Jew Town and ancient synagogue, colonial houses, Chinese fishing nets and Dutch museum. Many opt for a night or two aboard a converted rice barge houseboat (kettuvallam) to cruise the many serene waterways and canals, and to spend time by the coast and visit a national park.

Eravikulam National Park

Set up in 1978 to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr (an endangered mountain goat), it is close to Kerala’s only hill station, Munnar, at 2700 mts high. The park has stark yet stunning scenery of rocky outcrops and grasslands with shola forest.

Periyar National Park

Designated a tiger reserve in 1978 and very popular with locals, the park consists of a large man-made lake on which visitors take boat rides surrounded by marsh and wooded hills. While the reserve protects many species, significant wildlife sightings other than elephant and gaur are uncommon and the beautiful setting is the main attraction.

LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

Of the 36 main coral islands of this beautiful archipelago, a northern extension of the Maldives formerly known as the Laccadives and lying 250 miles off the Kerala coast, only one has a resort of an international standard. The diving and snorkelling are superb and the beaches and lagoons are exquisite. Access is by plane from Cochin.

Bangaram Island Resort

The only accommodation on its idyllic coral island, the resort is unpretentious yet possesses all necessary creature comforts and offers excellent cooking. Covered by coconut palms and fringed by a band of silver sand, Bangaram is perfect for beachcombing and relaxation, or one can snorkel and dive on the pristine reefs, sail a catamaran or paddle a kayak. A wonderful end to a trip.