Sanctuary

---

After spending a wonderfully relaxing period in Munnar, we chose to put off going back to the hot and clammy lowlands with a second stop in the refreshingly cool air of the Western Ghats.

On a recommendation from an Irish couple staying in the Munnar homestay, we headed to Thekaddy, home of the Periyar Tiger Reserve - a large wildlife sanctuary of highland deciduous forest and grasslands. Following their advice further we made our base in the aptly named "Jungle Palace" - a beautifully kept homestay with bedroom views over the reserve. We barely needed to move to enjoy the peace and observe wildlife from the balcony - we hardly did! Just once we ventured into the park reserve itself and we got a look at some wildlife by doing so but we also met the coach loads of Indian tourists and day trippers, so we were equally as happy at our secluded vantage point. Besides, with very little effort we saw Sambar deer, Elephants, Malabar giant squirrel, Monitor lizards, Gaur (Indian bison) plus lots of domesticated cattle and goats and of course the ubiquitous comedic troops of Langur monkeys. No Tigers though but to be honest, I'm happier with the idea of seeing them from behind the safety of plexiglass or iron bars, than coming face to face with one in the wild!

Whilst in Thekaddy we also took the opportunity to see a performance of the ancient, Indian, martial art of Kalarippayat. A mixture of kicks, punches and throws combined with skills in a host of sharp and shiny medieval weapons: swords, daggers, spears and staffs. It's an awesome sight to watch as the masters put on a display of perfectly executed moves with lots of aerial, crowd-pleasing acrobatics and even some fire-play. Obviously the usual caveat of "don't try this at home" is definitely relevant.

After three enjoyable days we headed to Trivandrum, Kerala's state capital on a long scenic drive. We had a great driver who along the way showed us a number of plantations and spice gardens and we got to taste and smell some of the famous ingredients in Indian cooking: cardamon, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, pepper... As we descended through rubber plantations and huge pineapple farms, the air became stifingly hot reminding us we were still in India, heading back to the coastal lowlands...

---

Photos

Do Not Disturb
Danger, Danger!

How To Avoid Being Stabbed
Have a big stick ready

Comments

[fiona]

loving [e-mail]
Wow those pics are amazing!! Loved the giant squirral, coffee beans and cashew pics. More flora and fauna please.. and you two of course!!! ;-) fi. x

[deleted_60046]

Nice.... :)
Pics are good...