POM-POMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My last few days in India are here and wonderfully

we have been graced with the flowering of the coffee

plants and now the whole hillside is bursting with white

jasmine-sweet smelling blooms.

 

Having been here 20 times previously and only witnessed

it once before the timing is most fortunate and welcome

making it a perfect ending to an almost perfect trip.

 

 

Love from X RJB X

PERIYAR LAKE

 

 

So glad to be in Kumily for

my last week in India. Back

on my feet again after the

pachyderm back side story.

 

The Tiger reserve here is also

home to herds of elephants who

come from the jungle to use this

mighty water body for drinking,

bathing and having a lot of fun.

 

I've seen them once that was

on a glorious day bamboo rafting

and trekking here.

The man made reservoir was

formed by building a dam and

flooding a network of valleys

back in 1890.

 

The forest department operates

a boat service for tourists but

chances of seeing any animals is

slim until the dry season comes

as there are plenty of water

holes deep in the forest. Even

so,the scenery is stunning and a

mornings boating is always pleasant.

 

Love from X RJB X

ON THE MOVE

I've made my way back

to Kumily on the train this

time with Hameed who has

accompanied me for a short

break away from the heat of

the coast.

 

It wasn't a good rail journey

as I had a case of Delhi belly

and spent many trips to the

hole.Then slept 24 hours in

recovery mode. Sadly now

I've lost my body power.

 

We did encounter this temple

tusker in transit half way up

the mountain which helped lift

our spirits.

 

It's so beautifully cool up in the

hills and that's a welcome relief

from the intense heat of Malabar.

 

 

 

Love from X RJB X

MEET TIPPU

 

Not wishing to bore you with endless

history lessons but I thought it was only

right to show the image of Tippu Sultan

as I have mentioned him so many times

previously.

 

Known as the Tiger of Mysore

and Tippu Sahib,he was a poet,

scholar and soldier.

 

As rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore

he and his father Hyder Ali are

famous for their use of rockets

against the forces of the British

East India Company.

 

( 1750 - 1799 )

 

 

Love from X RJB X