Day 75, Periyar National Park [Saturday 16th February 2008]
Previous day: Day 74, Periyar, [Friday 15th February 2008]
Next day: Day 76, Madurai [Sunday 17th February 2008]
We wake up with the morning light, have a quick cup of tea then, by group decision, head straight our for another few hours of trekking. The weather is cool and we walk through thick clumps of elephant grass and damp forest. We see lots more bison, and tiger droppings which are reassuringly fresh.
The habitats in this park are so varied, it makes for constantly interesting, enjoyable and rewarding trekking. Back at camp later we tuck into poori and chana masala, tea and bananas. When we've finished and packed up we make our way, on foot and by raft, back to the park entrance, where we say goodbye to our guides.
We have a hot shower at Kairili Palace, and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the terrace. That night I walk down to the beer shop and queue up with the other thirsty men for my surreptitious, newspaper-wrapped bottle of Kingfisher. I feel sneaky, and quite enjoy it really.
Next day: Day 76, Madurai [Sunday 17th February 2008]
Previous day: Day 74, Periyar, [Friday 15th February 2008]