At 20.9.2014 directly my parents picked me up from the school and said
that we were going to Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR). We planned to stay in my
uncle’s house in Trichy for the night.
On our travel to Trichy we saw the Post harvesting of the millet Cumbu.
After crossing Chengalpet, our car was stopped by some sellers who were full -fledged involved in their work.
Suddenly we went down the service road for a cup of coffee where I
captured an old lady with a natural smile in my lens.
My mother asked
me to take some photographs of the soil type in that belt and field of cotton
crop.
There was a
slight twist in our plan i.e. a visit to Srirenganathar temple in Sri Rangam on
the way to Trichy. As we were little late to the temple we walked through the
gopurams like Usain Bolt and got special darshan ticket and went in. As it is
the first Saturday of the Tamil month of Puratasi the temple was fled with
overwhelming crowd. Finally after a wait of one hour we worshipped Lord
Renganatha and other deities in the priharam. Then I got my favourite
puliyodharai from the temple prasadam centre. We went to my uncle’s house and
had dinner and slept with the dreams to PTR.
On 21.9.2014, we woke up early in the morning and took some snaps of the rising sun from the balcony of my uncle’s house and started our journey to PTR via Manaparai route.
From Trichy my uncle and cousin accompanied the journey to PTR.
We had a little mystification to our route to
PTR. But later we took the help of Google maps where it showed the following
route. The route was Dindugul – Bathalagundu – Periyakulam – Theni –
Chinnamanoor –Cumbum – Kumily – Thekkady (PTR). The drive was for four to five
hours.
On the way we saw beautiful green paddy fields, cattle wealth of the place, beautiful falls, vineyards etc
The falls in the farthest mountain gave a scenic beauty to the place.
We reached our place of stay Bamboo Grove in PTR which was reserved by
us earlier by 1:00 p.m. We were greeted by Mr.Paulose, Forest Guard, Mr.Viswanathan,
care taker of Bamboo Grove and staff
Mr.Basheer, working in Bamboo Grove. They allotted a twin bamboo hut cottage
named ‘Parambikulam’ which was inside the Bamboo grove established by the
Kerala Forest Department.
We had our pack
lunch in the dining hall named ‘Ootupura’and they said that food would be
provided from kitchen of Bamboo grove for dinner and next day on request.
At 2.30 pm we were taken to Boat Landing place to have a boat drive in Periyar Lake. We took a ride in the car and reached the entrance of the boat landing area.
From there we took a walk to the boat landing area. On the way we saw
many monkeys which were so enthusiastic and mischievous.
Suddenly I was
stand still seeing a huge squirrel in the top of the tree and clicked in my
camera. It was nothing but Malabar Giant Squirrel.
We reached the
ticket counter where it was overcrowded. We got the reserved tickets and
boarded the boat named ‘Periyar’. It was a double decker boat and our seats
were reserved on the top. To our surprise we met appa’s friend Athmanandha
Perumal Uncle who is a trekker and nature explorer and photographer. We were
asked to wear the safety jacket and a forest staff Mr.Roy was with us.
On the banks of the lake, we saw herd of Sambhar Deer and Barking Deer.
We spotted Little Cormorant, Indian Shag and White Necked stork.
We viewed a KTDC Hotel named ‘Aranya Nivas’ which was located in the mid
of the lake.
The dried up trees in the midst of the lake were standing like pillars
for Periyar lake which was eye catching.
Cormorant sitting on its nest was a beautiful sight for our eyes.
We returned back
safely after one and half hours thrilling ride.
On return we took some rest and our next expedition started by 6.00 pm. We went to see the show ‘Kalari’ a traditional bravery art of Kerala.
The show
was fantastic. Many kalari artist performed different fights using various kalari
weapons. The show lasted for one hour.
Finally my cousin and I took a snap with some Kalari artist.
We rushed straight
to the dining hall of Bamboo grove and had our dinner with chappathis and varieties
of curries.
We went to sleep earlier as we planned to go to an excited trip to Gavi by next day early morning.
On 22.9.2014 we started
our trip by 5.30 a.m. We travelled in our car for 20 km before reaching the
entrance of Gavi trip. On the way we enjoyed the mist and tea estate which gave
a colour to that place. The passerby place to Gavi was Vandi Periyar which was
full of glooming Tea Estates. Before the tea estates, at lower height we saw
some coffee estates. I was surprised to see both beverage plantations in same
place. At last we reached the entrance gate of Gavi. We parked our car there
and got into a vehicle which was provided by the Forest Department.
On our trip we crossed many streams which gushed in full force. The fall
of sun rays into the misty forest was mind blowing.
Then the guard showed us an insectivorous plant and explained how it
will catch insects.
We saw a honey comb on a tree and our journey went with sightseeing of many floras. I captured some pictures of those.
We saw mushrooms
grow on a tree in lines; full algae growth on trees which changed the colour of
the trunk from brown to green; different types of ferns and had a closer look
at an orchid species; nilgiri lilies which is said to be endangered etc. He also showed the tree from
which Samburani is taken from. We also observed many insect nests build in
various shapes. It is a place of nature beauty and harmonic living. On this
trip we spotted many small animals and birds like Malabar Giant Squirrel,
Nilgiri Langur, Yellow Winged Wagtail, a type of lizard etc.
On the way we
saw a small stone shivan idol. The guard explained that this was a starting
route to sabarimala in earlier days. He also explained about a shivan idol
placed near a tree which was engulfed by the tree trunk in later days.
The guard showed us some scratches on a tree trunk and he said that it
was done by tiger. He said that it was one of the methods to find the route of
the tiger.
The guard showed and explained us some important facts on how flowers of Spathodium species control mosquito population in the forest.
The vehicle in which we had a trip to Gavi
The sun rays falling on this beautiful place gave a beautiful sight.
Throughout the
journey we searched for elephants and gaurs. Unfortunately we could not spot
it. The guard said that they spotted rustic wild elephants the previous day. On
return we just watched the beautiful landscapes and nature of the path.
Nest build by insects showed their architectural skills. God is great.
From a view
point I captured some photos of the beautiful mountain landscapes with green
spread. We were informed that one of the mountains was ponnambala medu and the
other side the sabarimala.
On return from Gavi I captured some scenic beauty in my lens.
This muddy stem was an identification mark. They said that it was done by elephants
After coming to
Bamboo grove we had our breakfast with my favourite Idiyappam with stew. Our
next trip was scheduled by 2.00 pm. So I wandered in the bamboo grove for
sighting insects and birds. I captured various types of dragon flies,
butterflies, birds like rose ringed parakeet, common babbler, type of sunbird,
magpie robin etc
Along with my
parents bought some souveniers, overcoats, umbrella and a bag from Bamboo Grove
Reception. I saw two books of my
interest “Birds of Kerala” by Salim Ali and “Periyar in her Elements” published
by Periyar Foundation which we purchased on the next day.
By 2.00 pm
Paulose uncle took us to Periyar Foundation and we met Dr.Vairavel uncle who is
an Ecologist in Periyar Foundation. He explained us about how to monitor tiger
population in forest and about the camera used for capture it and the other
animals spotted in the PTR and specialty of the forest of PTR and the Periyar
foundation. We took notes on the same. He told a new thing that the area marked
by a tiger for his /her need will differ.
After this
discussion we went to Elephant Ride organized by Private operators. I along
with appa and Ragesh went for an Elephant Ride. It was a thrilling experience.
In that ride we felt that our legs were parted apart and travelling on a huge
animal gave a novel experience. Finally we got blessing from Gaja Raja on which
we travelled.
On the way back we saw a King Cobra which was caught by snake
catcher in Department which had to be released inside the forest.
On return to Bamboo grove we went to buy spices
as gift for relatives. We had some hot bajjis with coffee in an outside shop
and went straight to see the show on Tribal dance organised by PTR. The
performance was mind blowing with a miraculous voice of a woman. She sang three
tribal songs continuously without showing any tiredness. My mom recorded
the songs in her mobile. We had watched a beautiful rhythmic dance. Finally I
took a photograph with that Akka who sang marvellous.
We stepped in
to the groove, had our dinner and went for sleep early dreaming about a nature
walk or a small trek tomorrow.
On next morning at 6.15 am someone knocked the
cottage door. When I opened it I saw Basheer uncle standing. I was excited
because he was the person who guide and guard us for the nature walk. He asked
me whether we were ready. We started immediately and went to the reception area
where he asked us to wear a cloth around our leg to avoid bites from leeches.
Exactly we started to walk from 6.30 am.
First we
walked in a Tar Road where we saw quarters of forest officials. On the way we
met Viswanathan uncle and he wished a happy and safe journey into the forest.
Suddenly we entered a mud road and it was told that we were going to experience
the real trek from there only. We entered into a one man pathway in which the
place was surrounded with thick flora and insects. He said that after a mile we
can reach a place where many birds can be spotted.But we not fortunate to see
birds there. There were tents where guards would stay and safeguard the forest
in night.We also saw the night guards coming from the forest after their duty.
We also saw some tribes on the way. Then he took us deeper and deeper to the
forest. It was little difficult to walk in that type of terrrain. The most
amazing thing on this trek was crossing streams by doing our long jump and
breathing fresh air.
On the way we
saw the fresh dungs of elephant and bison and their foot prints.
Suddenly we
saw the crossing of some wild dogs. By seeing this, cousin was little scared.
Basheer uncle said that there were two routes. One route woud lead us to normal
muddy roads and another would lead us to the innermost part of the forest. We
choose the second one and also experienced a little tough trek which we
enjoyed.We took this path insearch of elephants. But we could not spot them.
Instead we saw a skull of bison. We thought of returning back as we covered a distance of 5-6 kms and was also sad of not spotting any animals.
To our surprise on our return we saw a big
spider which was around 10-15 cm and I captured it in my lens.
After 10
minutes of walk I spotted a Malabar Grey Hornbill. But I could not take the
picture of it as it flew away.We were little happy as it was a rare thing to
spot. After that a leech was seen on my leg cover and my father picked that and
threw it away. It was my first experience with leech. For three kilometers we
just walked by chatting. Suddenly we heard a loud sound from the top of the
tree and we were scared.When we looked up there a Nilgiri Langur was
threatening us and gave warning by their remorseles voice.
Basheer uncle
asked us to be quiet because there were two bisons and the sentence said by him
was “It is dangerous”. We saw the bisons climbing up hills. I could not take
snaps of it as that area was covered with many plants and appeared dark. After
the bisons crossed I asked the uncle why it was dangerous. He replied me that
it was dangerous because bisons in herd would not attack but when alone it
would attack. Atlast we were happy to have such a beautiful experience and
completed our maiden attempt trekking in a fantastic way.
My mother was
waiting in the groove for our arrival and asked us to take the breakfast. She
also said exciting news that we were going to meet Sanjayan Uncle, the Deputy
Director (East) of Periyar Tiger Reserve in his place. We had our breakfast and went to meet uncle
in his quarters.
He greeted with
his smile and had a friendly chat with him. He advised and encouraged me and my
cousin on conserve nature and wildlife. We took snaps with uncle and bid good
bye to him.
On returning to
Bamboo Grove we planned to check out. When we were coming out of the groove the
Mr.Mohan, staff saw blood strain in my father’s shirt. He doubted it for leech
and checked it. Yeah… yes it was a leech. He took it away, cleaned and said the
measures to stop the blood. I hope leech like my father’s blood as it was the
second time he got this leech bite. The earlier one was during Valparai trip.
We bid good bye to PTR with its diamond memories in our mind.
Here I like to
thank each and everybody who helped and guided us in this memorable trip.
On the way back
to Chennai we visited Suruli falls (enjoyed the bath) and loaded with 3kg of
panneer grapes bought directly from the vine yard near Cumbum. We took halt in
Trichy during that night and came to Chennai by next day afternoon.
How to Reach
Periyar Tiger Reserve from Chennai
By Road:
Chennai – Trichy
– Dindigul –Periyakulam – Theni – Cumbum – Kumily – Thekkady
Approximately it
covers a distance of 560kms
Directly
take bus from Chennai to Cumbum or Kumily and from that a cabs
By Rail: Madurai
and from there you can take bus or cab
By Air: Madurai and from there you can take bus or
cab
Things to be
carried in Backpack during our trek:
- Water bottle
- Cap
- Camaflouged clothings
- Umbrella or Rain coat
- Torch light
- Essential Medicines
- Trekking shoes
Note:
Avoid Perfumes
.
Place of Stay:
KTDC Hotels and
Private Hotels and Resorts are available. But we find a comfortable stay with
various kinds of direct package arrangements and place of stay provided with
homely food by Kerala Forest Department and Periyar Tiger Reserve Foundation.
Bamboo Groove is
a comfortable place of stay for family. Youngsters can enjoy their stay at
Jungle Camp, Jungle Inn and opt for Tiger Trail along with Border Hiking.
Booking in advance is preferable. This Reserve is open throughout the year. The
best season is October to April.
For more details
view:
http://www.periyartigerreserve.org/contactus.php
