Road Trip to Kollam

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 Today we leave Kumily, near Thekkady for the long drive down to Kollam on the coast. It's only a distance of about 160 kms, but it takes 5 hours to drive. We had a few short stops along the way.  You can't drive fast here, around any corner you are likely to come across two vehicles overtaking, coming towards you. They always toot going round a blind corner to let on coming traffic know they are coming. 

But first - breakfast at the buffet. As we sat watching the squirrels, I noticed a black monkey in the trees near us! For an endangered species, we've been lucky to see 3 in 2 days, this one at close range. Unfortunately, we were too slow with the camera.  😔

View from the 50 mile restaurant.
All food sources from within 50 miles

After breakfast we had to check out. The young girl on reception didn't want us to leave, we had to have photos, then her supervisor wanted in too - ended up with all the reception ladies lined up for selfies. LOL

Akhila & I

Reception team

We set sail for Kollam, but after a few minutes realized that we still hadn't seen an elephant close up. A U-ie was performed and 10 mins back into town where Dennis took us to a place where we could pat, feed and have photos with an elephant. Could have gone for a ride too, but didn't want to damage her back !

The female asian elephant is 35 years old and could live to 100
The elephant will only work for her handler
Feeding her watermelon

On the road again....

Passed through more tea plantations, rubber plantations, pineapple paddocks, teak forests etc.

Rubber trees


Pineapples
Teak plantation

There were lots of roadside stalls

Soon Dave thought he might need an icecream
While we were waiting we spotted an eagle circling.





Random houses

Pine plantation

Lots of churches and temples and even the odd mosque.
The next few are of pilgrims at Erumeli
The pilgrims come to this temple before climbing Sabarimala.




The Christian churches here are large elaborate structures. Busy today, being Sunday and it was noticeably quiet in the towns.

You see lots of sight as you go along.

Side saddle is popular
See the extra legs. 3 people on here !

Now I needed a cuppa. We stopped at a roadside stall in Enathu. Got out of the car to a temp of 42 degrees !!

Where old Hondas go to die

Arrived at another Fragrant Nature Hotel, tucked down a back road. Very nice reception area. We were taken to our cottage which consists of a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. Very spacious and nice.




We had dinner in the restaurant and were the only ones in.


Comments

  1. Vicki BrightApril 17, 2023 at 5:24 PM

    I'm impressed with your accommodation. Make the kiwi motel seem third world.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dave LApril 18, 2023 at 12:06 AM

    The locals all look to have good, and very white, teeth! What is their secret?

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 18, 2023 at 1:44 AM

    You are having g such an awesome time. Really love following you on your travels. So much to talk about when you are home. Safe travels and enjoy. Maureen

    ReplyDelete

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