Periyar Tiger Trail

Tour Overview

This is a conservation-based three day long trekking and camping in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. The programme is unique in that it is conducted by a team of former poachers alongwith local community members who have turned protectors of the forests. The proceeds of this programme largely goes to sustaining their livelihood in return for joint participatory management of the forest in which they play a positive part.

Day 1: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed Wildlife Reserves in the country, with verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience wilderness and abundant wildlife first hand. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago. The open grasslands and varied topography supports a magnificent variety of animals - elephants, Gaur (Indian bison), Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger. An estimated 40 tigers inhabit the Reserve. Other important animals are bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, Mongoose and the Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The trek starts at 9 am. The team consists of a maximum of 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Normally 20 to 35 kms of trekking distance will be covered, depending on the route chosen.  Note: This is a conservation-based programme and has fixed departure dates. Please contact us for more details.

Day 2: Periyar Tiger Reserve

The second day’s hike starts early, moving deep into the heart of the rain forests, looking for sights of wildlife activity – the pug marks of the big cats, the claw marks on the trees and the sights and sounds of the deepest forests. Over 360 species of birds have been identified in this sanctuary, of which a third are winter migrants. Several species are endemic to the Western ghat region like the blue winged parakeet, Wayanad laughing thrush, Rufous babbler, Black and orange flycatcher, Malabar Grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Crimson-backed sunbird and Nilgiri house swallow. Others include darters, cormorants, ibises, Grey herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, kingfishers, kites, ospreys and thrushes. You will be camping once again within the forest & enjoy some local vegetarian cuisine under the stars and around a camp fire.

Day 3: Periyar Tiger Reserve

 Today your Tiger Trail Programme within the Periyar Tiger Reserve end and you  will hike back to the boat landing area by noon and make it to the Kumily town ready for your onward journey to your next destination.

Inclusions

•  1 night at a hotel at Periyar (B & B)
•  2 nights stay in tents in the forest.
•  Entry Fees into the forest
•  All meals (vegetarian) during the programme & bottled water during camping.
•  Treks into the forest with trackers & armed forest department guides
•  Transfer from hotel to start point & back to Kumily from end point of trek.

FAQs

Q. Do I Need A Visa To Travel To India?
Yes. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html

Q. When Is The Best Time To Visit South India for this tour?
The best time to visit is from November to May.

Q. Should I take out Travel Insurance Before travelling for this tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to India, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

Q. Do I have a naturalist guide for this tour?
This programme is led by local trackers and local community members. Their English is rudimentary but more than make up by their immense knowledge of the Periyar forests and ability to track wildlife.

Q. What are the health risks ?
There are very minimal health risks if you follow our guides on avoiding pitfalls while on trek in the forest. 

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes,  guide / tracker carries a comprehensive First Aid bag. In case of serious injuries or emergencies, we have identified hospitals nearest to the tour routes to safely evacuate you to the nearest hospital.

Q. What about Wildlife encounters.
They are likely to be wild animal encounters but our naturalist guides and trackers are trained and experienced enough to keep you out of harm’s way. In addition you will also have an armed forest guard during this programme.

Q. Are banking services easily available in areas visited?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs available throughout South India

Q. Can I use my credit Card during this trip?
No

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