Periyar Tiger Trail
Periyar, India
- Birdwatching in the Periyar National Park
- Camping in the heart of the forest
- Jungle trekking with experienced guides
- Learn survival skills from guides
- Prepare meals over a campfire
- Wildlife spotting in their natural habitat
Known for:
Description:
The Periyar Tiger Trail is a unique and thrilling trekking and camping program offered within the Periyar National Park in Kerala, India. It's not just a walk in the woods; it's an immersive adventure designed to give you a taste of the jungle life while promoting eco-tourism and conservation. Led by experienced guides, often former poachers who now work to protect the forest, the trail takes you deep into the heart of Periyar, offering the chance to spot wildlife like elephants, tigers (though sightings are rare), various species of birds, and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The trek involves camping in tents within the forest, preparing meals over a campfire, and learning survival skills from the guides. It's an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking for an authentic jungle experience.
History:
The Periyar Tiger Trail was initiated as an innovative approach to conservation. By employing reformed poachers as guides, the program not only provided them with a sustainable livelihood but also leveraged their intimate knowledge of the forest to protect it from illegal activities. The program started as a pilot project, and its success in deterring poaching and promoting eco-tourism led to its expansion. The Tiger Trail has become a model for community-based conservation efforts, demonstrating how involving local communities can be crucial in protecting natural resources. Over the years, the program has evolved, with improvements in safety measures and accommodation facilities, while maintaining its core focus on providing an authentic and educational jungle experience.