Nature was on its perfect rhythm when we were on our journey through the Nallikkampetti forest near Periyar Lake in Thekkadi. We were part of the `nature walk' of eco tourism project by Periyar Tiger Reserve. We have to walk all through the journey to reach for a ride in the Bamboo raft. Some moments before we enjoyed the ecstasy of riding in a bamboo raft as we reached in the forest through the Periyar lake in the bamboo raft from boat landing area in Thekkadi. Earlier passageways were less in number to reach the Periyar forest. But now the eco tourism projects headed by Eco Development Committees here have opened many ways to explore nature in its true sense. The project which was implemented with the cooperation of tribes, who were once in close contact with the forest, is increasingly attracting the attention of the world. The paths of the journey cover deep rain forests and turfs. The growth of Periyar Tiger Reserve began from Nellikkampetti which was declared as a game sanctuary in 1934.
The tribes who are well versed with length and breadth of the forest, who are also part of Eco Development Projects, will accompany you all through the journey. You have to pay Rs 500 for a guard team comprising five. For Bamboo rafting you have to pay Rs 1000. Either you can choose nature walk or bamboo rafting. To reach for bamboo rafting too, one has to make a walk through the jungle. The trip will start at 8 am from boat landing area and will conclude at 5 pm. In this you can spend at least three hours in the bamboo raft. The team will be accompanied by forest guards with arms and four guides. If you cherish a special interest and love towards the nature, it is sure that the trip would never leave you bored. You can have a journey in hand-in- hand with the nature where beautiful butterflies, flowers will accompany you all through the journey. You can also have an excited walk expecting and your eyes searching for a wild animal. In the Western Ghats , this forest has the diverse bio-diversity.
During the walk usually we would meet other teams enjoying their trips. In the forest, the guides will make you bridges with sticks to cross small streams and runnels.
When we were relaxing after relishing wild guavas, photographer Vivek removed his German made artificial leg. Our guards Sasi and Prabhakaran were looking stunned on what they had just seen. They thought that Vivek, who was walking very slowly, could have some problem with the leg. It was only at that moment they realized that they are in the forest with a photographer having only one leg. Vivek's leg was amputed due to an accident. As per rules only healthy people can be allowed in the forest.
Vivek suddenly became a guide for all by all means. His experiences which clearly showcased his determination and courage, acted as a light for each and everyone from that moment. The guides of Tribal Eco Development Committee Chakkan, Shajimon, Prabkakaran and Vijayan showcased great care after the incident.
From now onwards the journey will be through swamps filled with sludge in the shore of the lake. For Vivek a walk through the area would be difficult, so it was decided to shift Vivek to a bamboo raft to cover the area. Some tribes in the area solely depend on fishing to make their living using bamboo rafts. These fishermen use to tie their rafts along the shores. To avoid stealing of rafts they would conceal the paddles. We saw that in many part of the lakeshore they have perfectly tied their rafts. One guard after unfastening a raft carried Vivek and we continued our journey. One team through the shore and other in the raft. After one hour we reached near to other rafts in the shore where some foreigners were getting ready for their bamboo trip. Patrick McGovern, a college principal was the leader of the team who were from Britain. ``A wonderful place, the forest is spectacular', he said.
The raft has the capacity to carry eight people. The seats are also made of bamboos. We moved to the other side of the lake in the raft. A small shed was constructed in the midst of a big trench which was made to block the wild animals. The travellers can relish a breakfast comprising bread, jam, fruits and tea. At that moment we saw a herd of elephants coming to the next side of the lake. Seeing this, travelers were in an upbeat mood.
Within no time we were trying to reach near to them immediately in the raft. Guard Ganesh was the leader of the team and every one obeyed his instructions like kids and kept silence. The air was filled with complete silence except the sound of the clicks of cameras. Ganesh also allowed watching them from the shores. The travellers watched elephants as they were enjoying a dance or drama.
After lunch we can spend some more time in the raft. When we were returning through jungle, a bison was standing in our wayside. We waited there till it disappeared in the jungle.
At present the eco tourism has been organising a variety of trekking packages including `tiger trail' which comprises of two night and three day in the forest. The other night we stayed at the `Bamboo grove', of eco tourism near Thekkadi check post. These handsome cottages are constructed with bamboos. When we reached there we saw a North Indian family vacating the cottage near to us as there was no TV in their cottage. The canteen was not working as most of the cottages were vacant due to monsoon. These bamboo groves will render a unique experience for those who had spent majority of their life in concrete jungles.
The travelers can also have accommodation inside the forest at `Jungle inn- a one bedroom inn which is like an `erumadam'. Two people can stay there. The travelers can reach there by walking a distance of three km from Thekkadi through the road to Mangala Devi Temple. Only guests to the jungle inn are allowed to travel here. The inn is near to a field in jungle and the field acts as a dining table in the forest. The herbivores will come in the field to browse and the carnivores to eat these vegetarians. The jungle inn would gift you a secluded night in the candle light in the heart of the forest.
S N Jayaprakash
Photos: Vivek R Nair
Translation: Shamila K Y
