Monday, January 28, 2008
Tamil Nadu goes Bollywood
One of two sites on Prabhu's Banyan Tree plantation that has been a set for Bollywood films since the 50's.
Indira Gandhi National Park
Saw the common animals: spotted deer, peacocks, macaque and langur monkeys, guar (wild boar), 4 bison. Razortail bird, with a long ribbon tail was amazing. Wild elephants and tigers eluded us. Although we heard and smelled the elephants several times.
Munnar downtown and tea plantation
We stayed at the Talayar Estate Bungalow. One of few tea estates not owned by Tata.
Picking tea leaves
At the Talayar tea plantation. We're bringing the leaves home for a cuppa with you.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Munnar school visit
We approached from the tea plantation above it. Students playing Kabadi, an Olympic sport.
Birding at Thettakad
Excellent guide at the sanctuary. Seen here with Alon from Melbourne. Lots of bright blue kingfisher, Malabar hornbill (endemic), mynah, frog-mouth (endemic), rufus, honey buzzards. 
Houseboat
We embark on an overnight of luxury with a crew of 3 to attend 3 of us as we cruise the backwaters.
Coir factory
Quick stop to see how coconut shells are made into rugs. At this cooperative in Communist Kerala, the government gets 97% and 300 workers get 3%.
We love this family
Our first Kerala homestay, three nights in the backwaters. Kayaking, biking, visited local church and toured the multi-crop farm, fishing, swimming at the beach, drumming, dancing, singing, badminton, cards, and the most wonderful food with the most wonderful open-hearted and open-minded family, Shirley, Hormiss, Anne, Rose, Ria, Mumchi (apologies on spellings). Lovely 300 year old double courtyard home.
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