Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

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Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

The famed Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

         We started our journey from Munnar and the distance between Munnar to Kochi is about 110 Kms. and the road traverses back from Munnar to Annachal and therefrom the route takes these small and big settlements i.e. Ambhazachal – Irrutukanam – Koompanpara – Adimalai – Neriamangalam – Kothamangalam – Muvattupuzha – Thiruvankulam and one finally reaches Kochi via NH-85.  En-route from Munnar one can view a few waterfalls like Attukad Waterfalls, Pallivasal, which is a bit  off the road and one has to traverse some distance both by road as well as by hiking that has multiple waterfalls amid rolling hills, surrounded by hiking trails and panoramic views.  Thereafter, on can visit Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu, which is situated right alongthe road side and can be viewed from the road as well that is tall cascading waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation, and is a popular trekking and picnicking destination.  However, being on a very short time schedule, as the flight from Kochi was scheduled the next morning coupled with the fact that we had to do local Kochi sightseeing, we skipped all those destinations that were not directly on the road.  However, if one has time, he/she can visit these destinations enroute albeit that they have to veer off course from the NH-85 to visit them – a) Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Chillithodu that is said to be a popular trekking spot with cascading waterfalls among the hills; b) Martha Mariyam Cathedral Valiyapally, Kothamangala that is home to an Orthodox church said to have been established in the 4th century CE by Syriac Christian immigrants; c) Inchathotty Suspension Bridge, Neriamangalam that is home to the longest hanging bridge in Kerala with a length of 183 meters and 4-foot width; and d) Hill Palace Museum, Kochi that is home to a Large 19th-century palace complex with an archaeological and heritage museum along with unique parks.

Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu on way from Munnar

'Aroma Kitchen' in Fort Kochi area of Kochi

             Having traversed the distance of 110 Kms., we finally reached Kochi at around lunch time and were famished by then as we hardly had anything on the way.  The driver did not have any idea about any place providing good quality food, so my daughter browsed through the internet and booked us at ‘Aroma Kitchen’ at Fort Kochi, although the food and ambience was really good, but it was at its price!!  Having had our lunch we went out to explore Kochi.  Kochi is one of the oldest settlements in Kerala also called as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ as well as referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.  It is at present a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of India in the state of Kerala. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and picturesque landscapes, Kochi has emerged as a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike more so because it becomes either the starting or ending point for tourists, who embark upon their Kerala sojourn either from Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. 

A traditional ferry boat in Kochi 

A Naval frigate in Kochi

A large Ocean liner in Kochi

A Bramhiny kite in flight in Kochi

A shop selling trinkets in Kochi beach area

The old Fort Kochi area with a Chinese fishing net

A map of Ernakulam district where Kochi is situated [sourced from internet]

A brief history of Kochi would reflect that centuries ago too Kochi was a commercial center for traders like Arabs, British, Portuguese Dutch and Chinese. These travelers came to this beautiful city to get access to spices like cardamom, clove and black pepper which was abundantly available here.  It was Ma Huan, the Chinese traveler, who first mentioned Kochi in his books about life in Kochi of early 15th century. Nicolo Conti, the Italian traveler also talks about the place in his records of 1440. From then on, the name appears in many travelogues and records of various travelers and traders from across the globe as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, Cochi and so on. It has also been mentioned in some records as ‘Balapuri’, a Sanskrit name that means small town.  Some others believe that the name is a corrupted version of the Sanskrit word ‘Go Sree’, which means ‘prosperous with cows’.  Kochi is also believed to be derived from the work ‘kaki’, which means harbor in Tamil or from the Malayalam word, ‘koch-azhi’ meaning ‘small sea’ that appears to be most plausible and may also draw its name from its earlier name Kakochi that was preceded by the name Kochim, used in the Portuguese records of the 15th century. Some people still like to refer to the place as Cochin, although it is now known as Kochi.

Another view of the Kochi port area through a Chinese fishing net

A view of Fort Kochi with view of Synagogue top in distance

A view of the St. Francis Church in Kochi

            Present day Kochi offers the tourists the following array of destinations to explore while visiting Kochi – i) Kochi Fort and Mattancherry Palace – This old and archaic historic Fort Kochi area, houses the remnants of European colonial influence that are evident in the architecture. One can visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing exquisite murals and artifacts; ii) The Chinese Fishing Nets -  Were the most intriguing to witness.  The sight of Chinese fishing nets along the coastline, a traditional method of fishing that has been practiced in Kochi for centuries reflects its connection with the Chinese traders in the past. The nets are particularly enchanting during sunset, providing a picturesque view; iii) St. Francis Church – also in the Fort Kochi area the quaint St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European-built churches in India. This historic church, dating back to the 16th century, holds immense significance, as it was the original burial site of the explorer Vasco da Gama; iv) Jew Town and Synagogue – The quaint narrow lanes imbibes you with the charm of Jew Town that  show cases its antique shops and the Paradesi Synagogue. The synagogue, dates back to AD 1568 and is a testament to the long-standing Jewish heritage in Kochi.  v) Kochi beach – As one checks out the Chinese fishing nets, you may traverse along the Arabian Sea and at the end is a small beach that is quite unkempt and with a rocky interface with the Sea, it is not a place to swim or indulge in any beach side activities and is a rather a dull place to visit, except for many local roadside eateries and people selling trinkets; and vi)  Kerala Folklore Museum, Thevara – Last but not the least is this quaint museum that is maintained by a family trust and built independently by the founder of the trust and houses many old artefacts of use during the old times including items used in everyday life also.  It is a must visit destination for tourists to know about the past glory of Kerala.

View of the main entry bill board of Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

A brief description board in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

        

Display of ornaments at Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ornamental animal heads in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Another display inside the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient swords in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient shields in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient texts in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient musical instruments in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient Chinese pottery items in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of gold plated art work in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

An array of ancient stone sculptures in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Having completed our tour of the city, we headed towards the airport area, as I had booked a hotel near the airport to avoid heavy traffic rush, we witnessed first-hand the traffic jams while trying to reach our hotel from main Kochi area.  Although the ‘9 Gems Airport Hotel’ is a small establishment, but it is neat and clean with a dedicated workforce and quite good option for overnight stays.  Kochi now a days, is a bustling city that is also one of the commercial hub of Kerala and there are many industries contributing to the success of this place. Amongst them is the Kochi Refineries located at Ambalamugal which works along with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This refinery is a major contributor of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, LPG and many more useful bi-products. Eloor is an industrial area of Kochi where you have around 250 industries which are involved in producing retro-chemical products, fertilizer, pesticides and even leather products.  Further, it being sensitive militarily, the South Western Naval Command headquarters are also at Kochi.  Thus, ended our trip to Kerala, but not without a hitch, as the vehicle owner, who had promised to end the trip at Kochi as the last destination, started clamoring for paying him for return journey to Thiruvananthapuram, wherefrom I had booked the vehicle and that too at rates with Air Conditioner, whereas it was not required for driver who was to return the vehicle alone.  These kinds to tricks played on the visitors, which leaves a bad taste for tourists at the end.

Here is a short video of the destination 

© S. Roy Biswas

 

Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

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Visiting Kerala – Munnar the only hill station of Kerala

An idol of Lord Ganesha on way to Munnar

A map of Ernakulam district (sourced from internet)

Another road map of Ernakulam district (Sourced from internet)

A pictorial depiction of tourist points of Munnar (sourced from Internet)

We started our journey from Thekaddy at around 10.00 AM and after traversing a distance of about 100 Kms., passing by rubber plantation, spice plantations that gradually gave way to tea plantations, as the altitude was gained gradually, we reached Munnar at around 1.30 PM.  Since we had a light Breakfast in Thekaddy and noting much in between during the journey, so we were almost famished by the time we reached our hotel called Grace Munnar Resort in Chirdkandathil (H), Anachal, PO Adimaly.  The hotel had been booked through ‘MakeMyTrip’ portal and advertised its’ location as little away from Munnar, but when I reached the actual destination, at first we could not locate it, despite the fact that the driver was a local and after much enquiries, we finally reached the hotel and found it to be located in middle of some paddy fields, with no proper roads.  Moreover, when I asked for some meal for lunch, I was told that they had not advertised it in their profile and the restaurant was not having a chef at that time and would only be available by evening.  Thereafter, the driver took us to a restaurant in Adimaly, which was a good 5-8 Kms. away, we finally had out lunch at around 2.30 P.M and we had a good hearty meal there.  Thereafter, the driver suggested, that we cancel the booking, but as there was no refund available, I decided against it.  In the evening, a whole horde of persons, purportedly the owners of said resort and their known to, trooped into the hotel and all the hotel personnel were diverted to serve them, we got some tea/coffee after much persuasion and the dinner was atrocious, we almost slept on empty stomach that night.  It is advisable that the MakeMyTrip people check the hotels that they book the tourists in and provide every detail, as what I faced was total cheating by the hotel, if they wanted to host their family members, they should have declined booking of guests for that day, ‘GRACE MUNNAR RESORT’ is a totally atrocious place to visit, as neither its location is tourist friendly nor are there any amenities available nearby, so a tourist is struck in a hell-hole during the duration of his stay there.  The next day we headed for Munnar early in the morning and had a ‘parotha’ each, as B’fast was included in the room charges. 

Panoramic view of Munnar township

The famed 'Idli point' of Munnar

The Lockhart Tea factory - steeped in antiquity

First step of making tea out of tea leaves - withering process

Munnar is the only hill station of Kerala and is situated in the Western Ghats.  The climate there is conducive for huge tea plantations and the scenic beauty that it imparts, has made this area famous, especially through shooting of films etc. and thereby attracts hordes of tourists to the quaint township. The Malayalam word “Moonu Aaru,” which can be translated literally as “three rivers,” is from where the name “Munnar” evolves. The confluence of the three rivers namely Kundaly, Nallathanni and the Madhurapuzha is where the hill station is perched.  In addition to the Rivers, one can enjoy the massive wilderness, the lush greenery and the aromas emanating of tea industries, as usually passing wind brings in whiffs of tea aroma and thus, makes it a verdant location.  It is also a popular honeymoon destination and is often called the “Kashmir of South India.”  Once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar used to be the summer resort of the British during colonial times and it is perched at an altitude of 6000 feet.  Another attraction of Munnar is the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, that is scientifically called Strobilanthus, which also plays a significant role in attracting tourists from all across the world, as it blooms only once every twelve years, covering the entire hill side in a shade of purple blue. 

Some scenic views around Munnar

Some huge boulders and hill tops around Munnar

Panoramic view of tea plantation in Munnar

Close up of tea plantation in Munnar

View of highest peak of Munnar i.e. Anamudi peak (2695 MSl)

The first view of the Munnar township from the opposite ridge was our first sighting of the place and I found it quite mesmerizing.   The first destination  we visited is one of the oldest Tea Estates of Munnar i.e. Lockhart Tea Factory and enroute another scenic view unfolded, aptly called the ‘Idli point’, as the hillocks covered with tea plantations, appeared like green colored Idlis (a local steamed snack made of fermented rice & lentil powder).  Having visited the Tea Estate and having learned about the process of making tea etc., with tickets costing around Rs.200/- per head, we headed back to Munnar town.  Since it was almost mid-day, we had our lunch and thereafter headed for the famed ‘Eravikulam National Park’, which was once used by the British as a hunting preserve, this area is now a national park. To this day, the park continues to provide excellent protection for its native wildlife. Located at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), this national park is perched at a relatively high altitude. The Nilgiri tahr, a rare wild goat, is the protected species of this National Park.  For visiting the park, we had had purchase tickets @ Rs.200/- per head plus charges for camera etc. and therefrom, after waiting for a considerable period of time, boarded a bus operated by the park authorities, which takes the visitors to the hill top and later transfers them back to the gate by the road side.  The busses run in a circular route and one can board any bus, subject to availability of seats, during the return journey.  It is a must visit destination for the nature and wildlife lovers.

Details of Eravikulam National Park at its entrance

The famed 'Nilgiri Thar' the protected species of Eravikulam National Park

The famed 'Neelakurinji' flowers that bloom every twelve years (sourced from internet)

Panoramic view from atop Anamudi hill in Munnar

Panoramic view of Mattupetty dam in Munnar

Panoramic view of 'Echo Point' in Munnar

In late afternoon pruning of tea plants being undertaken by labourer

Thereafter, having visited the Eravikulam National Park, we headed for another destination known as the Mattupetty Dam that is a water reservoir in Idukki district, located at about 13km from the heart of the hill station.  Owing to the availability of water year round, it houses an exotic range of flora and fauna thriving around it.  If luck favors, one may spot a herd of Asiatic Elephants here or a little ahead at a place called Echo Point.   Mattupetty, is also perched at an elevation of about 5000 feet and takes about an hour’s drive from Munnar to reach the place, which is also well-known for its old Swiss type dairy farms. The picturesque Mattupetty lake and dam, is an ideal picnic point where one can enjoy the thrills of boating and other related adventure activities.  We crossed the bridge across the dam and headed towards the Echo Point, by this time it was getting late afternoon and it had started drizzling and so after a brief visit, we headed back towards Munnar town.  On our way back, we visited the Botanical Garden in Munnar and had some delectable tea/coffee and some snacks at the restaurant run within the precincts of the Botanical garden.   Thereafter, we made a pit stop at the Munnar market wherefrom we got our dinner packed, because of the experience we had in the hotel the previous night and then we headed back to the hotel, where we reached quite late in the evening.

Entrance of Botanical Garden

Some flowers growing the the Botanical Garden in Munnar

Some orchids growing the the Botanical garden in Munnar

Here is a short video of the destination -

© S. Roy Biswas

 

Visiting Kerala – Thekaddy the land of wildlife reserve

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Visiting Kerala – Thekaddy the land of wildlife reserve

Rubber plantations on way to Thekaddy - one of main cash crop in Perityar region

            Having started the Kerala journey from Trivandrum and having visited the areas in and around it (as narrated in my previous blog), we headed towards Thekaddy from Varkala early in the morning after partaking breakfast at Varkala beach head.  The distance from Varkala to Thekaddy is about 180 Kms. and takes about 3 hours’ time to traverse the distance.  The road journey was from Varkala to Menambalam and then onto Kottarakkara  wherefrom the road joins the main Highway, therefrom the highway runs through – Kulakkada – Anandapally – Kaipattor – Makkamkunnu – Parthanamthitta – Mannarkulanji – Uthimoodu –Chthomkara – Makkaphuza – Karinkallumoozhy – Mundakayam – Kuttikkanam from here the road bifurcates towards the famed pilgrimage destination of Sabrimala and thereafter one passes through – Azhutha – Pambnar –- Periyar – Attappallam and finally reach Thekkady.  We reached Thekkady at about lunch time and had lunch at a local restaurant near Thekkady bus stand, the food was good and satisfying.  Thereafter, we headed towards the town center where our hotel was situated, but before going directly to the hotel, the driver suggested that we purchase tickets for the Kathakali performance for the evening and also for the trip to Periyar National Park the next day morning.

Detailed map of Periyar district - sourced from the internet

On our way we found locals selling Pineapples - tasty and farm fresh

Tea plantations in Periyar

One of the old tea estates in Periyar

            We heeded to his advice and headed straight to the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kalari Centre (Website - https://periyartourism.org/home) that houses all the shows as well as the ticket counter for the Periyar Wild life sanctuary is also situated within its precincts.  I was not interest in the Kalaripat show, so purchased tickets for the Kathakali show, scheduled for 6.00 P.M the same evening.  However, when I enquired about the tickets for the Periyar Wild life sanctuary, they had been sold out and since I had only till next day afternoon, before proceeding for Munnar, I decided to book a jeep safari for going around the periphery i.e. Sathram area of the sanctuary periphery for Rs.3500/-, as I did not want to miss out a firsthand look at the topography of the sanctuary, having come so far.  This jeep safari of sorts was thus, scheduled for early next morning at 6.00 A.M.  Thereafter, we headed back to the hotel that was only a stone’s throw away from the Centre for checking in for the day.  However, the booking at Hotel Periyar that had been done online through ‘Booking.com’ was only a small establishment and the owner stated that rooms were not available and suggested that he shifts us to his other nearby hotel across the road known as ‘Periyar birds’, as I had no other option and the other hotel also being newly constructed with appropriate facilities, I agreed to check in there.  Later I received an e-mail and call from the booking site, as to why I had not stayed at originally booked Hotel Periyar, I explained them the reason.  Probably, this ploy was being used by the Hotel owners, so as to avoid payment of commission to the booking portal and at same time using the facility to get guests.

Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kalari Centre

            After checking in, as we were tired we rested for the afternoon and in the evening after having a cup to tea/coffee, we sauntered across to the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kalari Centre for the Kathakali show.  Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala and can literally be translated as a “story play” from its Malayalam word. This form of dance drama is used to tell stories from the Indian epics and interestingly, this dance style is a blend of different form of fine arts like literature, music, painting, acting and dance. It is not simply a dance-drama but an act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil.  Traditionally a Kathakali artist is trained in an enclosure called ‘Kalari’, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. The entrance of this podium faces the east. In the south-west corner is a seven-tiered platform called the "poothara", which houses the guardian deity of the kalari. The makeup is done by trained persons on the artists is very time consuming and elaborate. The materials that comprise the makeup is all locally available products obtained from natural sources. The white is made from rice flour; the red is made from Vermilion. The black is made from soot. The colors are not merely decoration, but are also a means for portraying characters of the dance drama. For example, red on the feet is used to symbolize the evil character and evil intent. Each character is instantly recognizable by their characteristic makeup and costume.  The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve is used to highten the perception of the audience by placing the artists above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of make believe places.  However, of late some of the traditional materials that were used earlier for costumes, make-up etc. have been replaced with modern fabrications like plastic gunny bags to be placed underneath dresses to make them appear fluffy or piece of painted thermacol as face decoration, have been incorporated to shorten this time period for make-up etc.

Modern plastic bags being used to dress up the artist as a quick measure

            Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. The colors used in the make-up determine and display the role/position of the character in the Kathakali performance. The faces of noble male characters, such as virtuous kings, the divine heroes Rama, etc., are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red color, there are three red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces.

The Kathakali artist showing hand and eye gestures

The interactive skit with audience to display use of hand & eye gestures

The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of hand and eye gestures, through which the artist is able to artistically convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigorous. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and special periods of body massage.  There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand gestures) in the "Hasthalakshana Deepika", the book of hand gestures, which Kathakali is followed. There are 'Asamyutha Mudras' (that is shown using single hand) and 'Samyutha Mudras' (mudras shown in double hands) in each Basic Mudras, to show different symbols. Considering all these Mudras and their separations there are totally 470symbols used in Kathakali.  The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with molded lime.

The hero of the Kathakali rendition 

The demoness seeking love of the royal in the Kathakali story

Another scene of the Kathakali dance drama

           

             During the presentation at the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kalari Centre, the artist at the inception initiated the ritual of invoking the Gods, before start of the performance, which thereafter was followed by detailed display of meanings of eye and hand movements.  This was followed by a short interactive skit with an audience, wherein the importance and simplicity of the hand and eye movements explained earlier, were used to portray preparation of food for the guest i.e. participant invited from amongst the audience, by the artist and thereafter, in a comical manner, the guest was made to play the drum for having partaken the food, that was quite hilarious and created an instant bonding between the artists and the audience.  This was followed by short presentation of - Narakasuravadham (Killing of Narakasura), which usually takes about seven hours’ time for complete rendition of the dance drama, but was shortened considerably to portray the essence of this Kathakali presentation.  The performance revolves around the story of Narakasura, a vicious demon and Jayantha, the valorous son of Lord Indra (King of Gods).   Nakrathundi, Narakasura’s sister gets attracted to Jayantha and approaches him in the guise of Lalitha, a beautiful woman.  Jayantha rejects her love and the disappointed demoness takes her normal form of demoness and attacks him.  He injures her and a shocked Narakasura vows to take revenge, only to find himself punished for his wrongs.  The artistes performed and portrayed the characters, Margi Vijayakumar (as Lalitha) and Margi Murali (as Nakrathundi).  We thoroughly enjoyed the performance and should be awarded all ten stars than can be awarded for the presentation.  Thereafter, we slowly walked back to our hotel and after having dinner, we retired for the night early, as we were scheduled to go for the morning safari the next morning.

Pilgrims headed towards fame shrine of Sabrimala

Some of the pilgrims buying puja related items before heading for Sabrimala shrine

Overcast conditions in Sathram

Another view of Sathram

Close up of the tree tops inside Periyar wild life sanctuary

Panoramic view of Periyar wildlife sanctuary

            We got up early next morning and on peeping out of our room found that it had rained during the previous night and the temperatures were quite down.  Since we had embarked on the journey during winters in Delhi i.e. January, 2023 we were carrying some warm clothing with us and we decided to wear those for the early morning safari in an open jeep.  The vehicle had arrived much earlier and we found the driver dozing inside, he was quite happy that we were dot on time and we started our journey in semi-darkness, as due to overcast conditions there was scanty day light.  We were headed for a place called Sathram, which literally means the ‘inn’, as in earlier times all devotees going towards the fame pilgrimage of Sabrimala, used to it as a resting place.  From our hotel we headed back to Vandi Periyar where the main land mark is the Connemara Tea Estate and from the junction adjacent to it,  the climb towards left side of the road towards the destination i.e. Sathram started.  Located 12 kilometers from Kuttiikanam junction, the road from Parunthumpara to Sathram is scenic with tea plantations on both sides.  We passed by many small hamlets and villages that were barely waking up and thereafter the road bifurcated onto a mud road and the off roading experience began .  Whereas, it was a tolerable earlier, but as we advanced further, due to overnight rains, the track had become all the more treacherous and it was almost like a roller-coaster ride.  My daughter who was seated on the back seat had the worst of experience and traded seats with me during the return journey.  It was overcast and the driver stopped the vehicle on pre-designated spot and informed that it was a great location to record the sunrise, but due to overcast conditions we could not view it.  The jeep trail runs near edge of Periyar tiger reserve and the driver informed us and also showed us some photos shot by him on his mobile, that one can spot a number of animals like elephants and bisons in this range of small hills.  The flora of the trial region in Sathram predominantly comprised of lemon grass, but due to heavy overcast conditions, there was little possibility of animals coming out in the open due to intense cold conditions.  We enjoyed the location for some time and thereafter, returned back to the hotel, the time taken for the 40 kilometers odd round trip was about three hours, as we had to proceed towards Munnar the same day.

Visit to the spice garden

Nutmeg fruit growing in the spice plantation

Black pepper growing in the spice plantation

Black cardamom growing in the spice plantation

Cocoa pod growing in the plantation

            After taking bath that was followed by breakfast, we were ready to embark upon our onward journey, the driver arrived at around 9.45 A.M and we started for our journey towards Munnar.  However, the driver had been insisting that we visit a particular spice plantation from the day we had started our journey from Trivandrum.  It was evident that he would get some commission, as he was even willing to foot the bill for the entry ticket from his own pocket, although I had informed him that I had visited spice gardens in Goa, but due to his insistence and to keep him in good humor, we decided to visit the place.  The spice garden tour was informative and the spices that we purchased was really worth every penny in quality and thus ended our Thekkady/Periyar visit.

Here is a link to short video about the trip –

© S Roy Biswas