A Wild Adventure: Trekking through Periyar Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Are you all set for a thrilling journey through the Periyar Tiger Reserve? Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind trekking adventure instead of the typical safari ride? Now, I want to introduce you to our incredible guide, Rajesh.

We will start our trek by walking 7 kilometers through the reserve. We'll begin our trek to the lake at 10 a.m. We'll walk for three kilometers to get there. We will get on a raft to go across the lake. As we keep going into the reserve, more rangers and a person with a gun will come with us to make sure we stay safe.

When you're walking on nature trails like this, it's a good idea to wear clothes that match the colours of the surroundings. Animals like elephants or bison can be attracted to bright colours. When choosing colours, it's best to go for natural shades like dark green, brown, and black.

Sure, I'll give you some information about our guide, Rajesh. He knows a lot about the reserve, the animals there, and the best places to explore. He knows a lot, so we'll have a fun and safe time hiking.

Are you ready to put on your boots and come with us on a journey through the Periyar Tiger Reserve? This is going to be an exciting and unique adventure!

Preparing for the Trek

Are you ready to embark on a trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve? Before you hit the trail, it's important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready for this wild adventure:

The importance of wearing colours that blend with the environment

When trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it's best to wear colours that blend in with the environment. Bright colours can attract animals such as elephants or bison, which can be dangerous. Stick to earthy tones like dark green, brown, and black. This will help you blend in with your surroundings and minimise the chances of attracting unwanted attention from wildlife.

Avoid attracting animals by wearing bright colours.

As mentioned earlier, wearing bright colours can attract animals. One of our fellow trekkers learned this the hard way when she was wearing a white shirt and had to change into a grey t-shirt to blend in with the environment. So, make sure to choose clothing that will help you stay inconspicuous and avoid any unnecessary encounters with wildlife.

Recommended colours for trekking

For trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it's recommended to wear colours like dark green, brown, and black. These colours will help you blend in with the forest and vegetation, making you less visible to animals. By choosing the right colours, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.

So, before you set off on your trek, remember to dress in colours that blend with the environment, avoid attracting animals by wearing bright colours, and stick to recommended trekking colours like dark green, brown, and black. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your adventure through the Periyar Tiger Reserve!

Exploring the Reserve

Now that we've embarked on our trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it's time to dive into the exciting and unique experiences that await us. As we navigate through the reserve, we'll encounter some incredible sights and moments that will make this adventure truly unforgettable.

Encountering a massive tree where tigers rest

One of the highlights of our trek is the chance to stumble upon a massive tree where tigers often rest. This tree serves as a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures, providing them with a safe and secluded spot to relax. While the chances of actually encountering a tiger are low, the mere presence of such a powerful predator in the area is awe-inspiring.

Casually kicking around elephant dung

During our trek, we may come across elephant dung scattered along the trail. While it may seem strange to some, our guide assures us that it's a common occurrence. In fact, I couldn't help but chuckle when our guide mentioned casually kicking around elephant dung without a second thought. It's a reminder that we're truly immersed in the wild, where encounters with different animal droppings are part of the adventure.

The importance of being aware of your surroundings

As we make our way through the reserve, it's crucial to stay attentive and aware of our surroundings. Our guide emphasizes the need to be cautious, especially when walking through areas with thick leaves. Although snakes are a natural part of the ecosystem and generally pose no harm, it's always wise to keep a safe distance and avoid any unnecessary encounters.

Concerns about snakes in the leaves

Speaking of snakes, our guide shares some concerns about encountering them hidden among the leaves. While snakes are fascinating creatures, it's understandable that most of us wouldn't want them too close to our ankles. So, as we continue our trek, let's stay vigilant and tread carefully, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

As we venture deeper into the reserve, let's keep these incredible moments and considerations in mind. From resting tigers to elephant dung, and from being aware of our surroundings to watching out for snakes, every step of the way holds the potential for exciting encounters and memorable experiences.

Crossing the lake

We've walked three kilometers to get to the lake, and now it's time for something special: we're going to cross the lake on a raft. More rangers and a person with a gun will come with us when the raft carries us to the other side. No need to worry; having a gunman with us is to keep us safe in case there's any possible danger as we explore deeper into the reserve.

When we use a raft to cross the lake, it makes our adventure even more exciting. We don't frequently get the chance to leisurely glide over a tranquil lake amidst breathtaking scenery. Alright, get ready to experience the refreshing wind and admire the beautiful scenery of the lake as we travel to the opposite shore.

You might be wondering why we need someone with a gun to come with us. The reason we have a gunman with us is to keep us safe from any dangerous animals, such as elephants, that we might encounter while we're hiking. We now have extra protection because of the sound-gun carried by the gunman. This special gun produces loud noises that frighten animals and keep them away.

Although the likelihood of coming across a tiger while walking is not very high, it is always wiser to prioritize safety rather than regret it later. Having a gunman around makes us feel safer, so we can enjoy the reserve without worrying about any dangers.

As you go across the lake and keep going through the reserve, take a little time to enjoy the special experience of rafting. We don't often have chances like this to go on exciting adventures, so let's make the most of it and create memories that will stay with us for a long time.

Alright, get ready for a fun ride! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful view as we travel to the other side of the lake. Wow, there are so many amazing moments waiting for us in the Periyar Tiger Reserve!

Encountering Wildlife

As we continue our trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, we have the incredible opportunity to encounter wildlife up close and personal. Here are some of the highlights:

Spotting elephants during the trek

One of the most thrilling moments of our trek was the chance to spot elephants in their natural habitat. As we navigate through the reserve, we may come across these magnificent creatures peacefully grazing or going about their daily activities. The sight of an elephant in the wild is truly awe-inspiring and something that will stay with you forever.

Safety precautions and protection from elephants

While encountering elephants is an exciting experience, it's important to remember to always prioritize safety. Our guide, Rajesh, ensures that we maintain a safe distance and follow proper guidelines when observing elephants. We are reminded to never approach or disturb them, as they are wild animals and should be respected.

Excitement at seeing wildlife up close

Nothing compares to the excitement of seeing wildlife up close and personal. From the majestic tigers to the playful monkeys, every encounter is a reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. These close encounters provide a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and grace of these animals in their natural habitat.

Searching for more elephant dung

During our trek, we may come across elephant dung scattered along the trail. While it may seem unconventional, our guide assures us that it's a common occurrence. Some of us even find it amusing to casually kick around the elephant dung without a second thought. It serves as a reminder that we are truly immersed in the wild, where encounters with different animal droppings are part of the adventure.

As we continue our journey through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, let's cherish the incredible moments of encountering wildlife. Whether it's spotting elephants, following safety precautions, enjoying close-up views of various animals, or searching for more elephant dung, each experience adds to the thrill and wonder of this unforgettable trekking adventure.

Arriving at the campsite

When we arrive at the campsite in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, we see a really beautiful view. The campsite is located right in the middle of nature, with lots of green plants and a calm lake all around. This place is great for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the reserve.

Before we make ourselves comfortable, our guide, Rajesh, gives us a quick explanation of the safety precautions that are in effect. There is a special safety feature called the elephant trench that goes all the way around the campsite. The trench keeps elephants out and keeps us safe at night. It's a smart idea to reduce the chances of running into these amazing animals unexpectedly.

Oh, by the way, Rajesh told us that elephants often come near the campsite. It is incredibly fascinating to observe animals in their habitats, but we must observe the rules and maintain a safe distance. Elephants are animals that live in the wild and deserve our respect. When we admire them from a distance, we can appreciate their beauty without invading their personal space.

As we get comfortable at the campsite, a feeling of both excitement and caution fills the air. I love being in nature and seeing all the animals, but it's also really important to be careful and follow the rules to stay safe. Finding the right balance is important because it enhances the entire experience.

As we get ready to spend the night in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, let's enjoy the lovely campsite, take a look at the elephant trench that keeps us safe, admire the elephants that are close by, and feel a mix of excitement and caution. You will have an amazing time exploring nature during this special experience. It will be a journey you won't forget.

Nighttime Adventure

After a long day of trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it's finally time to settle in for the night. Let's talk about what to expect during this nighttime adventure:

Sleeping arrangements and comfort

When you get to the campsite, you'll see a really beautiful view of nature all around you. The place where you sleep has thin foam mattresses and pillows. They are not very thick, but they give you some comfort for the night. Even though the bed might not be fancy, you'll still have a peaceful night's sleep with the sounds of birds and a cool breeze.

Enjoying dinner and the camp atmosphere

Eat a delicious dinner that the camp staff has prepared before you get comfortable. The meal usually has food from the area, like beans with coconut, bananas or plantains, beetroot, cabbage, and sambal. Take a seat, unwind, and enjoy the delicious tastes of the area while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the campsite.

Hearing sounds of wildlife in the distance

When it gets dark, you can listen to the sounds of animals far away. When you visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve at night, you'll be treated to a special and fascinating experience. You'll hear the beautiful sounds of birds calling and leaves rustling, creating a truly one-of-a-kind symphony. Pay attention, and let these sounds take you further into the beauty of nature.

Feeling a mixture of exhaustion and fulfillment

After you've spent a whole day hiking, you'll probably feel tired and satisfied at the same time. When you go on a trek, it can be physically challenging. You might feel tired, and your body might ache. But at the same time, it can also be really exciting to see different animals and creatures along the way. It can make you feel proud of yourself and amazed by the world around you. Pause for a moment and think about the amazing things you've experienced today. Take a moment to admire the beauty of the reserve.

As you get ready to go to sleep, get excited about the special experience of camping in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You'll have a great time during the night. The sounds of animals and the feeling of accomplishment will make it a special memory.

Morning Trek

When the sun comes up and the forest starts to wake up, it's really nice to hear the birds singing. I hear the sounds of birds chirping and singing, making the air feel calm and peaceful.

I hold a cup of hot tea, feeling excited about the walk I'm about to take in the morning. I'm getting really excited as we get ready for another day of exploring in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

As we started our journey, we discovered interesting signs of animals along the way. When we see leopard tracks and bear droppings, it reminds us that we are deep in nature, with these amazing animals all around us. It reminds us how important it is to protect the place where they live.

As we walk through the reserve, we get to see amazing animals living in their own homes. Seeing elephants peacefully eating or monkeys swinging through the trees is an amazing experience that can't be compared to anything else. When we see these animals, we get a little peek into their lives. They are so beautiful and move with such elegance that it's hard not to be amazed.

As we walk through the forest, our guide, Rajesh, gives us a lot of information about the reserve and the animals that live here. Because of his knowledge and skills, we can better understand the importance of every interaction and how the ecosystem relies on a delicate balance.

We need to remember that when we watch animals, we should be excited but also careful. We should give them their own space and stay far enough away to keep everyone safe. The guide tells us that it's really important to pay attention to what's going on around us and to avoid bothering or hurting the animals by talking to them or getting too close.

As we walk, we go further into the amazing Periyar Tiger Reserve. I love going on morning hikes because they are so exciting. I get to see animals in their homes, which is really cool. It's an experience I'll never forget. It's an opportunity to spend time in nature, enjoy its beauty, and learn more about why it's important to take care of the environment.

Conclusion

When I think back to the amazing time I had trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, I can definitely say that this adventure was one of a kind. Walking through the reserve instead of riding in a safari vehicle made it feel like I was really part of nature. It was a more personal and up-close experience.

One of the best parts of this trip was the guides, who knew a lot, like Rajesh. They told us all about the reserve, the animals, and the best places to check out. They helped us stay safe and made our trekking experience even better.

It's important to mention that this journey was quite physically challenging. You need to have a good amount of energy and enjoy being active outdoors. You need to be in good shape and have a strong mindset because of the hot weather and difficult terrain. But seeing animals up close and personal, like elephants, and hearing the sounds of nature made all the effort worthwhile.

We wore colours that matched our surroundings so that animals wouldn't notice us. We were able to watch animals without worrying about where they lived.

As I think about the future, this experience has made me interested in visiting the Periyar Tiger Reserve again. If you love wildlife and nature, you should definitely think about taking the chance to explore more trails and spend more time in this beautiful reserve. It's a great opportunity for people who enjoy being in nature and seeing animals.

To sum it up, my experience trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve was really exciting. I had so many amazing moments, learned a lot from the guides, and had to push myself physically, and now I'm already thinking about going back in the future. I had an experience that made me feel more connected to nature and made me appreciate the beauty and variety of this special reserve even more.