This morning enjoy birding accompanied by a local naturalist, as you 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.
We will spend the day searching for some very special species, including the elusive Wynaad laughingthrush. Other birds to look out for include the White-rumped needletail, Brown-backed needletail, Oriental honey buzzard, Black eagle, Black baza, Pompadour green pigeon, Mountain imperial pigeon, the migratory Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Yellow-browed bulbul, Grey-breasted prinia, Thick-billed warbler, Brown-cheeked fulvetta and Asian fairy bluebird. We may also spot the Woolly-necked stork, Besra, Vernal hanging parrot, Jungle owlet, White-rumped spinetail, Black-naped monarch and Little spiderhunter.
In the evening enjoy a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts show, to see one of the oldest fighting styles in the world.