This post is part of a series on ‘Walks in India‘.
Place: Periyar Tiger Reserve
Highlights: Forest Walks, possible sightings from anything mundane to even the big cat, boat ride at the end of the walk.
Season: October to May, when it is not raining.
Time of the day: Morning – 6.30am to 8am
Distance: Approximately 3kms
Difficulty: Easy
Map. This is an interactive map of the walk. Zoom in to get a closer look. The walk begins near the intersection of four roads in the map and ends at the boat jetty.
The Walk.
Photos by Himanshu Sarpotdar and diametrik
Start from the gates of Periyar Tiger Reserve at Kumily. You need to pay a small entry fee to get in. Thick jungle begins the moment you enter through the gate.
It is almost an hour’s walk from the gate to Thekkady, where all the tourist facilities of the reserve are located. Stroll slowly in the thick forest that surrounds you. Occasionally, you will get teasing glimpses of the big lake in the reserve, but not a full view till you reach Thekkady.
What you can sight on the way completely depends on your luck. It could be some interesting birds like White Bellied Treepie or Malabar Grey Hornbill, or some mammals like Wild Boars and Sambar deer. Lucky ones might even spot the tiger, but since you are on foot, you might be better off giving the big cat a miss.
Once you reach the place where all the tourist facilities are, you can have breakfast in the restaurant, take a boat ride, or sign up for jungle walks. You can hire a rickshaw for your way back, or walk back again if you prefer.
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You shd publish a book on these walks
Questions: How safe is it to walk this path with tigers prowling in the same area? Are the guards accompanying visitors well-equipped to handle an emergency situation?
indicaspecies, forest department conducts guided walks in the sanctuary, guided by local tribals. No one carries a gun, and no one is afraid of being attacked by carnivores, though sometimes unruly elephants can charge at unruly people. Chances of being mauled by a tiger or a leopard is extremely rare, as they normally don’t get into the business of humans. But it is extremely important that visitors behave properly inside the forest – no provoking animals, no making too much noise,…
Are there still a lot of tigers left in the preserve? I heard the tiger population in india is getting low.
Arun,
I quite understand. Whenever I go to such places I do so with the intention to watch wildlife peacefully and try not to disturb the tranquility of nature. While there, I never forget that am a guest (if not an intruder) in the home of animals that live there.
Thank you for the additional information on Periyar.:)
Impressive !