ROAD TRIPS

My Way On Highway: Day 36, A Visit To The Periyar Tiger Reserve

Saba Shaikh

Last updated: Apr 11, 2017

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[button path="my-way-on-highway-day-35/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 35[/button][button path="my-way-on-highway-day-37/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 37[/button]

Take Me To Thekkady

Vacationing in the hill stations of North India is one experience while vacationing in those of the South is another. Thekkady, on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, with its cool climes and agreeable greenery has been a choice with travellers from far and wide looking for a chill out zone. We met a couple yesterday; the guy hails from Gujarat and the beautiful lady comes from Bengaluru. They decided to make a home in the enchanting landscape of Thekkady because they love it so. Small, safe, meant for all seasons and kissed with nature’s bounty – you too are bound to lose your heart to the place that is better known for housing the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Riding A Tusker

My favourite animal is the elephant. All my life, I secretly wanted one as a pet but had to make do with the usual furry beasts, who I have completely adored (#JustForTheRecord). As you can imagine, I was thrilled to bits when I got an opportunity to explore the spice plantation sitting atop the aforementioned tusker. Her name was Malathi and she was just 26 years of age. I say just because elephants are known to enjoy a long life of about 120 years! It was truly amazing to see how the mahout-elephant relationship worked, running on one-word commands in Malayalam. Sanal, the mahout even got her to give us a gentle nuzzle on the head!

Water For Elephants

In Thekkady, you can take a shower in style! Well, you get an elephant to give you one. As absurd as that may sound, Elephant Shower is actually a super-fun activity that is loved by kids and the young at heart. But you have to earn it (after paying the cover charge, of course). The mahout helps you in giving the elephant a nice scrub and bath to break the ice between you and her. Don’t worry, it is completely safe, the experts are standing right next to you and you actually enjoy the activity. Next comes shower time. You are made to sit on the elephant’s back while a bucket of clean water is kept in front of the pachyderm. It fills up the trunks and whoosh, you get the most refreshing shower ever! The Elephant Safari & Shower together cost us 1,000 rupees per person.

Back To The Jungle

Next came a visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the sole reason why my husband and I came to Thekkady. Accessed by multiple options of exploration – Jeep, Trekking and Boat, the general public tends to lean towards the third option as it takes them on to the spring green waters of the Periyar Lake within the reserve. We did too. There are several boat rides scheduled between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM every day, all through the year. Each brings you the unique opportunity to spot wildlife come down to the watering hole. Although a designated tiger reserve, the striped beast is rarely seen. It is common to catch a glimpse of elephants, turtles, bisons and several exotic birds. I especially loved the short hike from the Parking to the Boat Ride Ticket Counter, enjoying the forest aroma coming from the monsoon-bathed evergreen trees and the murmur of the cicadas.

I made sure to keep some time aside today for the Kalari Ayurveda Spa. 36 days on the road does bring in some sore muscles. Now having experienced the goodness of Abhyangam, Shirodhara and herbal steam bath first-hand, I vouch for the rejuvenation and relaxation they bring.

Come back tomorrow for more on the Road Trip!

Comments

Sonya Agarwal | on 12 June 2014

Such beautiful places and such amazing experiences you have portrayed Saba!I do hope these beautiful animals are well cared for! and i love the pic of you sitting on the elephant-such a funny and spontaneous expression :). Cannot wait to visit Kerela!!