This morning enjoy a 2.5-hour Guided Nature Walk led by a local tribesman, who speaks only basic English, with the opportunity to observe the birds, butterflies and other wildlife that live in these evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with grasslands and riverside scrub.
There are over 320 bird species (including over half of India's endemics) and 35 different mammals in Periyar National Park, a 400 sq. mile (640 sq. km) wildlife sanctuary that it is an important elephant and tiger reserve and home to many threatened species. However tiger sightings are rare as they are so difficult to spot in the jungle. This park is also home to gaur, sambar, wild boar, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langur, nilgiri marten, stripe-necked mongoose and fruit bats.
In the afternoon we visit a Spice Plantation and in the evening enjoy a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts show, to see one of the oldest fighting styles in the world.