Kerala Bhraman- The Evergreen Forest of Thekkady

If you have missed out on the nail biting trip on the coiling road in the hill, rush to "The Farewell From The Jacketed Trees" and get yourself updated!

On entering Thekkady, the word of the tiger reserve was everywhere, making the town almost revolve around it. An array of hotels bearing lavish names- Cardamom County, Spice Garden and what not had a splendid look and emitted a spicy aroma to the after rain mist. The bumpy narrow road riddled with puddles led us to the check post outside the Periyar Tiger Reserve- a wicket gate stuck in half way was our gateway to the rain forest of Thekkady. A majestic tiger figurine looked upon the tourists through its cold painted eyes reminding them the very chilling truth that we may not see them but they see us. 

As we rode further, I kept dashing glances from window to window hoping to catch a drowsy elephant or a bubbly wild boar. But no, not the tiger. I wasn't up for that shock just yet! 

Damn it! I stress my neck and eyes and they don’t even sneak a peek! 

We saw tourists, mostly local families walked on the road returning from a trek. They looked exhausted yet exuberant. 

The car reached a huge parking lot, sultry with the crowd of tourists and their respective cars.  On our right we got a glimpse of a gigantic turtle figurine looking at the sky and need I speak about the customary selfie birds?

There we were halted at another check post where a forest guard asked us for the reservation receipt at our resort ahead. We were let through in no time and we drove past some posh resorts before landing at our destination. 

Hotel room foyer

Our car parked at the door of Aranya Nivas and its exhaust let out a sigh of relief. The ladies at the reception greeted us and briefed us about the activities that take place each day in Periyar while we completed the formalities. the receptionist briefed us about the elephant safari- a journey into the jungle on elephant back, the bamboo rafting- stout bamboo stems tied together and set afloat on the Periya Lake, Jungle Walk- a walk through the forest under the supervision of a guide, and finally the Boat ride- along the banks of the lake. We booked three seats for the boat ride for 9 next morning while a bell boy carried our luggage to our room upstairs.

The room- a deserving suite, entered into a foyer with two sofas and a glass top table. On the other end of the foyer was another door that opened to a huge terrace which formed an easy passage for the black langoors on the trees beyond. Opposite to the seats was the entrance to the bedroom- a huge bed and a divan. The television did not receive much attraction. Our luggage was put on a table outside the bathroom. The bell boy warned us not to open the window in the bedroom at morning time as 'monkey is coming.'

Black Langoor

Just few hours ago, we were being seen off by Mr. Bhaskar, the manager of Marine Palace Hotel and his great dog into our car, still lost in the charms of the sea beach of Varkala. While now, we were at the foot of the green yet mysterious dense forests of Thekkady at around 3000 ft above sea level.

Mr. Bhaskar and his dog

After freshening up and snacking on tea along with French fries, we planned to visit the boat landing area- the spot from where we would start our booked boat ride the next morning.

We slipped out of another gate to a stairway with gardens on both sides. A huge banyan tree guarded the the last step before a crossing and the information center which was going to be our starting point for the boat ride.

Stairway to the information center

The information center, true to its name, displayed all sorts of information regarding Periyar, the activities and the wide array of flora and fauna. 

"Robi! call maa. She has got to see this!" 
My father called me from the ginormous wooden verandah on the other end of the information center.
                                         But was I listening? I... I...

Periyar Lake

Aha! I was silent. My eyes froze at the lush green beauty before me. A Field with clusters of the evergreen trees and the lake, wide and still lay in the center- stumps of trees stood atop the surface of the water. Far off at the horizon of distinct color, the hills; lying cold and bathed in the mist. It had begun to softly rain. The forest seemed to lie in a deep siesta, breathing in and out. The creatures were returning into their abode beneath the trees from their work of the day’s attraction and entertainment and with the rain, the entire forest rose to a gentle applause. Oh! What works you have done Oh! God. 


The evergreen forests, only read of in textbooks in classrooms closed within four walls were seeping out of the pages, alive before me, extending out of the grasp of the menacing boundaries. Evergreen.

"Maa! You need to see this!" I called out with half attention.

For dinner, we had Roast Chicken, Chicken Ularthiyathu  and lemon rice. The fresh fragrance of the rice, the chewy roast chicken with a garlic flavor and the taste of curry leaves in the Ularthiyathu were a whole new experience on our trip to the south. But nothing that night could contain our excitement for the boat ride next day. My feet were eager to set foot on the forest floor. Especially after the brief teaser in the evening.


What will happen on the boat next day? Will we reach the landing on time? You will know it soon in the next chapter!