Madurai to Periyar Tiger Reserve

We loaded into a van and drove up into the mountains for five hours to Thekkady and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. On the way we stopped by a spice plantation for a tour. It was pretty interesting. Madagascar might as well be synonymous with spice. This place was all organic and the shop at the end of the tour offered tea, chocolates, and ginger candy. Later we checked into our hotel and all took naps for a few hours. Nancy and Sophie finally are on the tail end of their illnesses.

In the evening it was recommended that we go to a local tourist trap to witness a Kalari martial arts demonstration. We were not really interested, but Nancy really wanted to go, so we walked over to the place, put down our 200 rupees apiece and took our seats. It did turn into quite a spectacle. Lots of acrobatics, clashing swords, and jumping through smoky rings of fire. One can see a short demonstration and witness Nancy's obvious delight here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NzJbezoTETC1zPBK6

Next morning we woke really early for a walk through the tiger reserve. Once again we didn't see any big cats, but did see some interesting trees and a kingfisher.

Tomorrow it is off to Kerala and a night at a homestay in the backwaters.Read more