Well we survived another 5 hour 135 km drive through the mountains to Thekkaky. I have to say we were less than impressed with the Periyar Tiger Reserve. We actually did not expect to see tigers as there are about 40 there but very rarely seen by the tourists. We did think there would be lots of deer, elephants, monkeys, etc. so with this in mind we signed up for an all day safari with some trekking and boating included. Off we went at 530 am-- we saw virtually no animals and from the reaction of the guides we gathered this is quite normal. What I mean by there reaction was-a deer was spotted high on a hill far way!! (putting this into context) about the distance from the Groat Road bridge to the Mackinnon ravine bridge. With this sighting, a mass of jeeps roared to a halt and all scrambled with binocs to take a look (funny photos to come). The same happened when we saw a water Buffalo Safari mayhem to observe this also. The hiking was OK and we did see some elephant habitat areas. The boating a bit of a yawn as we were rowed over to see a waterfall. BUT I have to say the best of this wilderness adventure is actually to know that there are still some nice remote wilderness areas in a country with over a billion people and really here's to the animals to be smart enough to stay deep in the forest.
We best part of our 2 days in this Thekkaky area was the spice plantation tour. Amazing we saw pepper, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, cocoa, coffee all within this one plantation which gives an appreciation for these spices. We bought a ton filling our suitcases about 20$ worth- likely would cost over 200$ at home.
More to come,
J & C
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