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Asia » India » Tamil Nadu » Kodaikanal
March 12th 2015
Published: March 13th 2015
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Beauftifully manicured tea plantations
Arrived in Kodaikanal Wed afternoon, after a lovely (sometimes scary) ride through the beautiful hills of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. We hired a car to take us from Munnar to Kodaikanal. A little bit of a splurge, but the alternative was to take an 11 hour bus ride through all the hairpin turns on a very basic, uncomfortable bus. So, the car ride was wonderful; we were able to interact with the driver and he pointed out spots of interest and made stops along the way so we could take photos of the beautiful scenery.

As we pulled up to the hotel, we were stalled by a procession or small parade going by. I have seen documentaries of the things we saw, very interesting. Along with drummers at the front and back of the procession, and many people carrying ceramic bowl of fire there were two men and one women with arrows pierced through both cheeks, and hooks pierced into their backs. Attached to the hooks were ropes and each was pulling a small cart. Another unusual, unexpected event.

Yesterday we went for a walk to the next village, about 6 km (down hill!) through beautiful forest and along
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from a hike in the hills
scenic ridges. This is really a very beautiful area of India. We took a taxi back up to the top, no way were we walking back up, very steep.

Today we are moving on to Mettupalayam, not much to see there, but we hope to catch the "toytrain" in the morning, so will only over night there.

Haven't had very many comments, so don't know if you are all getting the blogs, hope you are. Not much time left here now, so will see you all soon.


Additional photos below
Photos: 9, Displayed: 9


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enlarge this on your screen, you can see the arrow through his mouth
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women carrying fire in procession
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carrying baskets of flowers in procession
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enlarge this and you can see the hooks in this women's back and the ropes attached
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tea pickers heading home at the end of the day.
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more tea plantations
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picking tea


13th March 2015

Fantastic
Terry and I have definitely been enjoying your blog and the photos you send. We really look forward to hearing about your trip but can hardly wait to hear all about it when you get home.
13th March 2015

Great photos! Nice to see one of Andrew :) The tea plantations look gorgeous!
13th March 2015

What an experience
sorry we haven't commented for a while. WE had trouble getting our supplier to not shut us down. Don't know why it was happening. So glad to be able to catch up on where you are. Sounds like you are really enjoying you venture and continuing to stay healthy. Herb & Inez
16th March 2015

WoW! What an amazing adventure!!
Hi Iris ..... we have been 3 weeks in Palm Springs area with poor wifi in the 2 RV Parks. So today I managed to get thru all your blog. What a fabulous journey you are on! From parades & animals to fantastic beach & mtn views. Meeting the super people of India, and eating their yummy food delights (brave soul). The elephant decor was so interesting. We recently saw some elephants in a Zoo near hear, with rides as well, but not for us. You we fortunate to see them in their own culture. We will be back in mid May .... thru AZ, NM, Colorado, etc. Will enjoy a summer visit together. Thanks for all the great pictures. Safe travels ..... Kathy

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