Serious wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a more riveting and longer trip into the forest should opt for the ‘on foot’ guided experience of Periyar National Park. Seasoned guides, dressed in olives that know ample about flora and fauna of the region, conduct the walks. The tourism in and around the sanctuary is based on community programmes, so the forest guides are locals who are well aware of the natural surroundings and a chat with them also helps you to understand their life in Thekkady better. The treks and hikes are up to 3 hours in the forest. While the day walks are more crowded, it’s best to sign up for a night trip at 7 pm or 10 pm, to see the jungle in its quietest avatar. Though visibility is poor at these times, the forest seems more intriguing and exciting to tread. In the day, the sun can be at its hottest best, so it is recommended to carry sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Also carry a water bottle and a small backpack with snacks. An extended version of the hikes is border hiking, which trails the edge of the forest along the low mountains. This takes up a whole day and is usually signed up for by serious nature and wildlife forests.