Tourists mistake buffaloes for wild gaur in Thekkady

Kumily: In a light-hearted mix-up, tourists visiting Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) ended up photographing domestic buffaloes, mistaking them for wild gaur. The incident occurred near the Anavachal forest quarters area in Thekkady. A group of domestic buffaloes and cattle resting after grazing inside the forest region caught the attention of visitors. Since the animals were spotted within a forest setting, many tourists assumed they were wild gaur and excitedly clicked photos. Meanwhile, due to falling water levels in the Periyar Lake, boat services have been restricted. To make the most of their visit, several tourists chose to walk along nearby roads, enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty. It was during such walks that they spotted the resting herd and believed they had encountered wild animals in large numbers.