The Southern Arc
A verdant passage through South India’s forests, waterways and highlands, where exceptional richness is revealed one ecosystem at a time.
Safari Crafters archive
Water, woodland and southern highlands.
Deep forests.Open horizons.
Kabini’s backwaters lead into Bandipur’s forests, then towards the Anamalais and Eravikulam. Discover South India through its changing habitats.
11 days, customisable
Private · CustomisableFebruary to May is the peak season, but talk to us about other possible seasons.
- 01KabiniDays 2–4
- 02BandipurDays 5–7
- 03Coimbatore & AnamalaisDays 8–9
- 04EravikulamDays 10–11
The journey unfolds
A new landscape.
Another perspective.
Kabini
Days 2–4Kabini
Travel by private road to Kabini, where tranquil backwaters, riverine forests and open grasslands create one of South India’s most rewarding wildlife landscapes. The region is renowned for its elephant gatherings, alongside opportunities to encounter tigers, leopards and wild dogs.
Explore the daily plan
Days 2-4 · Kabini
Travel by private road to Kabini, where tranquil backwaters, riverine forests and open grasslands create one of South India’s most rewarding wildlife landscapes. The region is renowned for its elephant gatherings, alongside opportunities to encounter tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Alternate between boat and jeep safaris, experiencing the wilderness from contrasting perspectives and gaining a deeper understanding of how wildlife lives in this water-rich habitat. Evenings are for quiet and leisure, and conversations with your naturalist on animal behaviour, tracking and the ecology of Kabini.
Bandipur
Days 5–7Bandipur
Continue to Bandipur National Park, an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where dry deciduous forests, rolling hills and seasonal streams create a rich mosaic of habitats. Tigers, leopards, elephants and gaur inhabit these forests, alongside an impressive diversity of birdlife.
Explore the daily plan
Days 5-7 · Bandipur
Continue to Bandipur National Park, an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where dry deciduous forests, rolling hills and seasonal streams create a rich mosaic of habitats. Tigers, leopards, elephants and gaur inhabit these forests, alongside an impressive diversity of birdlife. Early morning safaris make the most of the gentle light and cooler hours, while afternoon drives offer the possibility of predators becoming active as the day begins to soften. Throughout, your naturalist brings context to tracks, calls and behaviour, transforming each safari into a more informed and rewarding experience.
Coimbatore & Anamalais
Days 8–9Coimbatore & Anamalais
Travel onwards to Anamalai, a dramatic world of deep valleys, forested slopes and great endemism. Explore its evergreen forests in search of the elusive lion-tailed macaque, while discovering a remarkable diversity of reptiles, amphibians and birds found nowhere else.
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Days 8-9 · Coimbatore & Anamalais
Travel onwards to Anamalai, a dramatic world of deep valleys, forested slopes and great endemism. Explore its evergreen forests in search of the elusive lion-tailed macaque, while discovering a remarkable diversity of reptiles, amphibians and birds found nowhere else. Here, altitude, rainfall and terrain combine to create one of the Western Ghats’ most distinctive ecosystems, offering a fascinating counterpoint to the forests encountered earlier in the journey.
Eravikulam
Days 10–11Eravikulam
The final chapter takes you into the highlands of Eravikulam National Park, where expansive grasslands meet mist-covered mountains and ancient shola forests. Explore designated trails in search of the endemic Nilgiri tahr, with sweeping views extending across the surrounding peaks and tea estates.
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Days 10-11 · Eravikulam & Departure
The final chapter takes you into the highlands of Eravikulam National Park, where expansive grasslands meet mist-covered mountains and ancient shola forests. Explore designated trails in search of the endemic Nilgiri tahr, with sweeping views extending across the surrounding peaks and tea estates. Montane birds, rare amphibians and specialised high-altitude flora add further depth to this remarkable biodiversity hotspot. Depart from Kochi with a Journey that has made you traverse the forests, waterways and mountain landscapes of South India, witnessing a memorable variety.
Day 1Bengaluru
Arrive in Bengaluru, the starting point of this Journey. Settle into your hotel before an introductory briefing with your naturalist, covering the landscapes ahead, wildlife behaviour, photography discussion and the logistics of the expedition.
The details, considered
Room to explore.
A plan for everything else.
Starting From $2900 per person
Confirm currency, occupancy, travel dates and applicable taxes in your personalised quote.Plan this journey ↗Your time
11 days, customisable
Best season
February to May is the peak season, but talk to us about other possible seasons.
Travel style
Private, bespoke group size
Inclusions & additional costs
Included
- All accommodations and meals as per the itinerary
- Safari and wildlife activities listed above
- Domestic flights between locations
- Comfortable road transfers
- English speaking guides for all sightseeing and entry tickets
Additional costs
- International flights
- Indian visa
- Excess baggage on domestic flights
- Tips, gratuities
- Laundry
- Alcohol, soft drinks
- Any extra nights before or after the trip or during the trip
- 5% GST on the total cost of the tour
- Anything else not mentioned under inclusions
Travel & suitability
Pace & access
Unhurried, with the final rhythm shaped around field conditions and guest comfort.
Private transfers and air routing are planned around the final itinerary, with appropriate buffers for terrain, permits and seasonal conditions.
Share your arrival airport, travel dates and any mobility requirements so we can plan the connections around you.
Accommodation
Handpicked wilderness lodges and characterful stays selected for privacy, access, naturalist quality, good food and restorative time between field sessions. Named stays and room categories are confirmed with your proposal.
Customising your journey
This is a private journey blueprint. Dates, pacing, accommodation and field priorities are refined around you before confirmation.
Is this a fixed itinerary?
No. This is something akin to a blueprint. Dates, pacing, lodge character, transfers and field priorities are refined around you and your preferences before confirmation.
Can the journey be shortened?
Yes. The full route is designed as an immersive experience, but individual sections can be adapted depending on your priorities.
Can we add India’s cultural landmarks?
Absolutely! Any city/town in and around the regions/states part of this itinerary can be incorporated before, after or between the wildlife chapters.
Are the wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. And we would never suggest otherwise. Wildlife is wild. Our job is to put you in the right landscape, at the right time, with the right people – and give the experience enough time to happen to you.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. Because the journey is private, its pace can be adapted to different ages, interests and energy levels.
Booking & payment
Your proposal is subject to accommodation availability, permits and travel schedules. Confirm the deposit, balance due date, cancellation conditions and any non-refundable costs before payment.
Moments along the way
Look a little closer.
The next chapter is yours
Where does your
curiosity lead?
Tell us which places call to you, when you would like to travel and who is coming along.
Plan this journey ↗