Jungle Scouts - Night walk in Periyaar National Park, Thekady Kerala

Jungle Scouts - Night walk in Periyaar National Park, Thekady Kerala

A visit to Kerala, mystically beautiful, God's own country is always fascinating. This time it was more so as we were visiting, Thekady's lush green forests. Trekking in the Periyaar National Park is always a trekkers delight but when it is at night the excitement is bound to be manifold.
I was more than excited when I heard about the night trek in the Periyaar National Park. Within seconds I had made up my mind that this would be the most important part of our itinerary. No wonder, booking tickets for the same was the first thing I did at the eco tourism office.
The CBET, Community based Eco-tourism is one if the most unique concepts being used by the Kerala Forest Department which not only promotes love for the forest but provides means of sustainable livelihood to the community.
Only 6 persons are allowed for this trek at one time, so getting a ticket becomes important. We were lucky. An entry ticket to the forests at Rs.40/- also needs to be purchased.
We had to report at the Bamboo Grove at 6.45 pm wearing clothes which covered our legs fully. Shoes are also a must for trekking. We realised this was important as we would be walking in the dark. Additionally we also had to wear knee length socks to protect ourselves from leeches. These had to be tied over our trousers. Fully adorned we were set to leave for the trek. Two others who had booked tickets for the trek had not arrived and so we had to wait.
We were asked to fill up a disclaimer form making us responsible for mishaps if any and also make entries into the visitors book. That done, we waited along with the three forest officials who would be accompanying us. To my surprise, we found that two of them were women. One, had an experience of 10 years and another a fresher of three months. The fresher full of enthusiasm also had the armed rifle. The Officer had an experience of over 10 years. The other two participants did not arrive so the six of us finally left. We were given torches. The Officer and the guard had powerful electric torches and a walkie-talkie.
As we stepped into the dark woods, my heart was pounding. The Officer was leading with three of us in between and the guards behind. It was Christmas night, and sounds of celebration could be heard in the background as we trudged into the forest. The Officer guiding us skillfully. The stars in the sky were bright and attractive. The rustle of leaves below the feet musical and rhythmic. The narrow winding path lightened only by the rays of the torch. If switched off it was pitch dark and scary. The walk itself was a challenge for a non-trekker like me added to it was the eeriness of the night. Our first sightings were of the sporting deers who made us hopeful that we would be seeing some animals for sure.
Suddenly the Officer stopped in the path to show us leeches. They may look harmless like earthworms but if caught on to the feet could rupture one's skin. Feeling happy that we were protected by the leech socks we trudged ahead only to step into a swamp. Our shoes became muddy and wet despite the warning and advice of the Officer but we walked ahead as we saw search lights flashing. On asking we were told that they were by patrollers protecting the sandalwood trees. Each tree is numbered and tracked to ensure its safety. There was a rustle in the trees and we saw a barking deer. They are loners and move about quietly. Sighting them was rare and we were lucky.
We soon came to a path adjoining the river. As we were walking we were told about the rivers, Mullai and Periyaar and the Mullaiperiyaar dam which provides water to four districts of Tamil Nadu and also helps in generating power. As we trudged along we could hear the water flowing at some places on rocks creating melodious sounds and also shining in silvery hues.
The Officer flashed his light on the trees and lo and behold, we spotted an owl, staring at us or into the wild, sage-like, with eyes wide open.
A little ahead, a rabbit suddenly bolted out playfully into the grass and made us gleeful.
We now reached a check post and rested for a while.
The most intriguing part of our journey came as we started on our return path. We almost bumped into a group of bisons, standing on guard. The Officer, warned us and went ahead to gauge the situation. I was tempted to click pictures and went ahead but was sent back. Bisons are known to attack. The Officer sent a message on the walkie-talkie to other guards who also arrived there. We were told that one of the bison's had delivered a baby and the remaining were protecting it. Literally they all stood on guard in a circle. Slowly we were guided out of the place with much excitement in our hearts. Our walk became more meaningful and I started imagining bumping into elepahnts. That was not to be but sure enough a Sambar deer was waiting in the bushes posing for a picture as if humouring us and ensuring we went back happy.
By now , we had walked over five kilometres
from 7.20 pm to 9:50 pm.
This was indeed one of the most unique experiences in our lives. We had seen many forests but none in the dark. To be in the jungle at that time of the night itself was enriching. It was also enlightening as we learnt to value light and be happy that our worlds were bright and shining and not as dark as the deep woods in the night.
One of the guards stayed back and the other would be walking back in the next trek and also come back later into  the forest by herself. Both these were women daring to establish themselves in a challenging profession. I imagined them in the forests night after night. For us it was a one day adventure but an eye opener nevertheless. As we stepped back into our echelons of safety we were thankful to be back but equally thankful that we had such a wonderful experience.....