Blogs from Thekkady, Kerala, India, Asia - page 2

We headed into the Periyer wildlife reserve to go on a boat ride to see local wildlife. The queue was lengthy and while the others waited Grant and I were entertained by the antics of the monkeys. Firstly they were charging about rolling over each other, tussling and chittering. One very young one suddenly darted over to a family group who were having a snack and stole the toddlers bottle of milk. There were screams, laughter and the howling of the toddler as the monkey took off, higher and higher into the tree. He spent some time grappling with the bottle, getting the teet off- chewing it for a while before dropping it in disgust. We watched storks soaring and wheeling regally in the clear blue sky then headed down to meet the ticket buyers. The ... read more

It was 3.00pm standing at the ticket counter, awaiting the permission to visit the artists behind the stage. Listen to the pouring rain was not what I need this moment. I was worried my appoint with the actors will be rejected but they were kind enough to allow me to go in. The man told me to wait and he walked to the theatre. Twenty minutes later, he called and showed me the backstage. I met Mr. Shiju Kumar. I could instantly recognize him without his make-up and pointed at him, “You are the hero with the green face”. He gave a great smile, we shook hands, chat awhile and he took me to the back stage to meet the other actors. The changing room is small with all the costumes hanging on the ... read more

I woke after the longest sleep of my trip – 7 hours. Dawn was creeping through the grey fug of pollution that hangs over this part of India. After I packed, I went out to the sitting area, where M__ was already enjoying the quiet. After some gentle conversation and note-writing, the steward offered us coffee or tea. By which time JK joined us from his single boat - which immediately sailed away to get ready for the next passengers. By the time we finished our coffee, it was time (7:30) to take our bags and join the larger boats for breakfast. We had to wait a bit, and, while enjoying our re-commenced sail to Alleppy, we ate with gusto: banana fritters, omelets, toast (both browned and damp!?) and fresh pineapple juice. An hour’s fairly brisk ... read more

Maya Heritage Aymanam This is Maya (illusion), a place where you can discover yourself. Located in the picturesque village Aymanam (land of five forests), which is also formed the backdrop for Arundhati Roy's Booker prize winning novel 'The God of Small Things'. This 100 year old home-stay is situated ad-mist the dense green canopy of mangosteen, nutmeg, jack-fruit, vanilla and rambuttan trees. The air itself is full of promise, fragrant with the myriad scents of fruit and flowering trees. All round is peace and stillness. A river flows slowly past, snatches of sunlight shimmer off the water. This is Maya, a haven away from clocks and calendar, a place where time is in no hurry. Location Maya Heritage is located in village Aymanam ( in Kerala State in India), which is just under 4 KMs from ... read more

For the un-initiated..I do annual trips..all on my own..call them"Hippie trips". These are unplanned,impulsive trips with the sole aim of discovering places and probably discovering myself ( ok..i will try and stick to the facts and not be too mundane). This one was not like the earlier two..in this case I had a fair idea that we (me and my bike ) would be going to Munnar and then to Kodaikanal although to be fair even this program was made just a few hours before I pressed the ignition of my bike. Anyways..starting with the stats..Cochin(where I am based as of now) to Munnar is 130 kms. The road is good for the most part of the journey and its AWESOME in the last 40 kms. I started at around 7 am on a saturday and ... read more