The Periyar Tiger Reserve’s most popular activity, the Boating Trip around Periyar Lake, gives guests a relaxing yet incredibly rewarding view of one of the most beautiful locations on earth.  The wildlife is unbelievable, the scenery is spectacular, and the opportunities for photographing these wonders are plentiful.

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Mama and baby Nilgiri Langur

Another one of Cardamom County’s fantastic excursions into the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the Nature Hike.  If you are looking for an easier hike that lasts only a few hours but still provides an opportunity to see amazing animals, especially birds, then this hike is perfect.  The excursion lasts about three hours and is offered at various times between 7:00 and 10:30 AM and between 2:00 and 3:00 PM.   On this walk, you will hear the soundtrack of the inner jungle, as the guide leads you through the forest filled with the calls of Nilgiri Langurs and Bonnet Macaques as well the songs of a large variety of birds.

We arrived at the boat launch at 7:00 AM and were met by our guide, Kuttappan, who was exceptional.  He was extremely knowledgeable about the animals, and he knew the bird songs and calls very well.  He was also very communicative, always pointing out the call of the Malabar Whistling Thrush and the Great Hornbill.  I was very impressed. Continue reading →