MissTtravels

An early start and a long drive. We left Madurai and travelled through agricultural areas, stopping in a place called Theni for tea.

The road eventually wound its way back up into the hills, the Western Ghat, as we are now back in Kerala. Really beautiful.

We spent some time in a spice garden, learning about how cardamom, pepper, vanilla, turmeric and other things grow. A lovely place to be in, fresh and green after the madness of Madurai.

We then continued on to the twin villages of Thekkady/Kumily in the Periyar National Park. Our hotel is called Chrissie’s and it absolutely delightful, in a beautiful jungle setting.

In the evening we were taken to see a demonstration of the Kerala martial art form kalaripayattu. Really impressive. This martial art and its rigorous training methods have been around since the 12th century. It was banned by the British, but is undergoing a resurgence.

Incredibly athletic. Lots of weapons, and some really impressive tricks with fire.

Martial arts are not really my thing, but this was stunning.

Dinner at Grandma’s Cafe, and home to bed.