Periyar Tiger Trail, Thekkady(Periyar), Kerala India

Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the best managed Wildlife Reserves in the country, with verdant forests extending over an area of 925 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 - Elephant, Bison, Gaur, 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 sloth bear , porcupine,  Indian Giant Squirrel, Malabar flying squirrel, Wild boar, small Indian Civet, and  Pangolins. The tiger is the main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The programme is unique as it is conducted by a team of local community members and tribal trackers. The team members are hardy and dependable with an intimate knowledge of the forest terrain. The trek starts at 9 am and ends by noon on the third day. 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.

People oriented and park centered community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programmes. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programmes,you are directly contributing towards
forest conservation and community welfare.