Getting There Tirunelveli is the closest staging point to the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. It is well connected by road and rail. The closest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram and the access here is through the town of Kallidaikurichi.

Tour Operators & Permits Chennai-based Ficus Wildlife & Natural History Tours (www.ficuswildlife.net) specialises in natural history travel to the Western Ghats of South India and schedules occasional tours, for small groups, to KMTR. Ficus also offers flexible departures to KMTR for independent travel, based on availability of permits and accommodation. An all-inclusive (transport, food, accommodation, naturalist, local support staff and entrance fees) 4N/5D trip for a maximum of four people would cost
Rs 15,000 per head ex-Chennai. Contact Ravi Kailas (9941918519) or Ganesh K.R. (9383114321).

Permits for accommodation and visits can be obtained from the office of the Field Director, KMTR (NGO A Colony, Tirunelveli - 7; 0462-2552663). Apart from the Mundanthurai plateau, all other areas and accommodation fall outside the tourism zone and require special permission to visit.

Where To Stay   Options are limited to the Forest Department rest houses. They are simple, with clean bathrooms, electricity and running water. Bed linen is of dodgy antecedents so bring your own sheets or sleeping bag.

What To Carry Besides the standard outdoors kit, you can enhance your comfort by carrying leech socks, sleeping bag and ear plugs (in case of noisy neighbours). Spray insecticide on before going to bed, or bring mosquito coils or an electric repellent. In addition, keep an open mind and alert senses. There is no guarantee of seeing large animals at KMTR but there are plenty of birds and small creatures such as scorpions, spiders, millipedes, snakes and lizards that are just as unique. The only thing you can do is create the opportunity to see whatever is out there.