Thekkady

Got up early to catch a local bus from Trivandrum to Thekkady. Eight hours on the bus and we arrive.
We have climbed high into the hills, passing spice and tea plantations.
At a place called Panthalams Homestay.
Much cooler at about 1400 metres above sea level. Can get quite chilly at night, 16°C. Blanket time.

Went to a spice garden; cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, tamarind, nutmeg, clove, pepper, coca, and coffee. Family run, very enthusiastic about explaining medicinal properties.
Spice shops all over the place.

Took a hike and bamboo raft ride into the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve, a tropical forest. Only permitted entry with guides, and a gunman. Hiked to a lake where we paddle around, then hiked back. About 16 km.
Saw lots of monkeys, wild boars, and bison. Plenty of elephant tracks and dung. Squirrel type creatures, and many different birds.
Man with gun (a shotgun) only used to deter charging elephants as they are very protective of their young.
Has quite a large, and protected, tiger population. Didn't see any, but plenty of evidence of their kills.

That evening it rained. In the morning it rained. In the afternoon it rained. We were due to move to Munnar, famous for its tea plantations, but didn't fancy the road conditions. So staying where we are. There is a renowned tea plantation not that far from Thakady. So will catch a bus there tomorrow.

Leave you with some photos: our accommodation; view from our room; spice garden; in the reserve; rafting lake; rain.