Blackberry hills

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Despite a slightly rushed trip to the airport due to the usual m25 traffic jam we successfully caught our plane and have safely arrived at our first destination. The plane trip was largely unremarkable except for a small incident with our fab new water bottles (these things are supposed to filter out all bacteria and viruses making any water drinkable). Forgetting about pressure changes in the plane Elizabeth merrily opened her straw to get a fountain of water all down her top, trousers and seat. Not only was the rest of the flight rather damp but it looked very much like she had wet herself when attempting to get to the toilets!

On landing at Kochin airport (in the pouring rain) our taxi driver was waiting for us and after getting out some cash (more complicated than expected) we set out towards Munnar. Leaving the airport we immediately hit very large pot holes due to the severity of this years monsoon rains. We also discovered why people had warned us about driving in India - it is somewhat terrifying at times!

En route we saw many spectacular waterfalls and briefly stopped at one (And saw our first monkeys!) The taxi driver was very good and kept pointing out touristy sights and asking if we wanted to stop. Given Elizabeth was asleep for most of the journey the answer was no, we just wanted to get some rest.

We are staying at Blackberry Hills Resort for the first few days. Our room is lovely with spectacular views over the valley and with very attentive staff. On arrvial we slept. We then ate a delicious meal in their restaurant and slept until the next day!

Today we have had a very relaxing day. After a lie in we went for a walk through the estate down to the tea plantation below. Blessed with glorious sunshine we saw lizards, butterflies, beetles, frogs and a tiny snake (it may have been a slow worm...). After lunch we went for a walk to the next door cardamen plantation and then did some tea tasting before the clouds returned and the temperature dropped again. Tomorrow we plan to be less slothenly....

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Photos

BlackBerry Hills Resort
View from towards bottom of the estate

Cheeyappara waterfall
Our first stop after almost 24 hrs of traveling...

Blackberry Hills Resort
Our bedroom - with towel swans!

BlackBerry Hills Resort
Our living room

BlackBerry Hills Resort
View from our room.

BlackBerry Hills Resort
The view of the valley

BlackBerry Hills Resort
Walk down the estate - somewhat overgrown. We later discovered it was supposed to be shut at the moment as it’s too slippery during monsoon. Oops.

BlackBerry Hills Resort
Tea!

BlackBerry Hills Resort
The tea plantation at the bottom of our hotels estate. Our first tea plantation :)

BlackBerry Hills Resort
Afternoon walk towards the Cardamom plantation

BlackBerry Hills Resort
In the cardamom plantation

BlackBerry Hills Resort
Elephant towels!