| The
Thekkady Tiger Trail provides a
unique opportunity to camp out deep in a tropical forest. The forest
here is a blend of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous
forests. It is also home to nearly 35 different
species of mammals including elephants, bison, panthers and,
most importantly, tigers. Last census figures indicate around 40 tigers
inhabit this sanctuary. About 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species
have also been identified in this wildlife sanctuary. Besides rare animals, this
forest is also home to 265 species of birds,
many of them migratory. A survey also identified 112
species of butterflies in the forests of the Periyar Tiger
Reserve. And Periyar is one of the last remaining reservoirs of the king of
Indian fishes - the endangered Mahseer.
Your guides will be people who were living off
the forest resources in a negative way, which in the the long run had caused
damage to the fragile Eco system. Under a Government sponsored plan to wean them
away from destruction of forest wealth and at the same time provide alternate
means of employment, the Thekkady Tiger Trail
was born.
Needless to say, this venture has won kudos at
the national and international levels.
The main objective of the Thekkady
Tiger Trail is conservation of rare and
endangered species of plants and animals by creating an environmental
consciousness among the participants.
The Tours are programmed for a
one/two night halt in the wilderness. Trek starts between 8.00 AM and 12 Noon on
Day One and ends by noon on Day Two/ Day Three. The trekking distance would vary
from 25 Kms to 35 Kms depending on the trail chosen.
- Tours can be taken throughout
the year.
- Movement will be through
designated jungle trails or by bamboo rafts for crossing the lake.
- The tour team will be limited to
a maximum of 5 persons, accompanied by 5 guides and armed forest departmental
staff.
- Your guides will carry
ample food. The menu consists of fruits,
vegetables, bread, chappatis, baked potatoes, baked beans, coffee and tea.
- Your stay will be in tents
erected for the purpose.
- We strongly recommend that you
are fully fit and in the age group 15-65 .
- You must be dressed
appropriately for the weather. As a rough guide, it would be useful to
remember ... Nov-Feb mild winter, Jun-Sep Monsoons....Rest tropical weather.
- We recommend that you get your
trekking shoes / boots along. The distances travelled are quite substantial.
- Camping during the monsoons will
be tougher and hence the campers will have to be additionally prepared for
the rigors of the monsoons in the forest.
Cost Includes:
- Trekking Gear like sleeping
bags, carry mat, rain coat, leech proof socks.
- Basic insurance coverage.
- Fixed Menu listed above.
- Entrance fees to the Periyar
Tiger Reserve.
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