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Published: November 20th 2014
Riding an elephant
Our elephant ride in ThekkadyWe left Cochin and made for Allepy and the backwaters of Kerala. Here amongst the paddy fields are canals with villages alongside. We boarded a 'houseboat'- well we have never had such a wonderful experience! We were offered coconut drinks on boarding our boat where 3 crew were at our service. They served us refreshments and food with such courtesy and pleasantry! We cruised past villages, schools, fields and people doing their washing until 6 pm when we moored for the night. A long canoe took us for a twilight paddle along a side canal where as night fell, huge bats flew overhead and villagers' homes lit up. On returning to the boat we were served supper and spent a very calm, tranquil evening.
After a luxurious sleep in the superbly appointed bedroom, we breakfasted and made ready for returning to the base. Before that Paul, of course, joined the crew who we're using the river to wash in, for a morning swim!
It was a truly beautiful, unique experience.
We then drove from these quiet backwaters up towards the western ghat hills. As we drove the flat paddyfields became trees and the landscape less populated and more
After the ride
Posing with our gentle giant hilly. The views became more spectacular with thick forests including rubber plantations. As we rose higher we entered tea plantation growing areas and saw tea being picked. We were also surprised how cool the climate is but we are quite high up!
Our hotel is on a tea plantation. Tea is not very profitable so many plantations are having to diversify. It is quite rustic looking but very comfortable.
Today we enjoyed a cruise on the beautiful reservoir/lake at Periyah national park. It is famous as a tiger and elephant reserve but, alas, we did not see any! However, we did have an elephant ride. Well it is something you just have to do!
We then made a fascinating visit to a spice plantation where a guide showed us the different spices and herbs growing and explained their health benefits which she hoped we would want to buy in the shop! It was very interesting.
We also enjoyed watching some kathakali traditional dancers.
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Tony
non-member comment
India
It all looks very interesting. Glad it's all going well.