India - Kerala's National Parks & Backwaters

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.