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Posts from the ‘Places’ Category

9
Dec

Trips: Kerala – Kumarakom, The Backwater Country

:: Galleries – Kerala – Kumarakom, Backwater Country

After the amazing landscaped tea plantations of Munnar, the scenic drive to Thekkady, and the serenity of Periyar Lake, it was time to head to the last leg of the journey: Kumarakom/Kottayam, the place renowned for the backwaters of Kerala.

The resort where we set base was in a quiet, laid back vicinity, allowing you time to watch life go by at a pace of it’s own, hear the soft ripples of the backwaters lap against the shores as a kingfisher waits amidst the greenery to catch it’s next meal…

The trip on the backwaters in, what else, but a beautiful houseboat, was nothing short of spectacular, and here’s the set of pictures from this album.

Click any picture below to view this album

Houseboats on the backwaters, Kumarakom

Houseboats on the backwaters, Kumarakom

In this album:
At the resort, overlooking the backwaters in a 'tropical' setting - the air thick with the humidity The Balcony (Verandah), overlooks the backwaters A Papaya Tree - brings the tropical feel A Hibiscus adds a dash of red amidst the greens
Driving by the lush paddy fields Driving by the lush paddy fields... The fresh green paddy is like a carpet... Wild flowers break the monotony of the paddy fields...
Through the paddy fields... Beautiful flowers bloom on the weeds (water hyacinth?) Setting sail in our houseboat (after a longish-hunt to strike a good deal!) The backwaters are an important lifeline in the region

There are lots of pics in this album, so more in the next post…

2
Dec

Trips: Kerala – Periyar Lake & National Park

:: Galleries – Kerala – Periyar Lake & National Park

About an hours drive away from Ramakkalmedu, the town of Thekkady was a little more bustling with civilisation. It’s a small town and touristy, with hotels, lodges and shops at every nook and corner. From there, we quickly found our way through the [only] main street which led to the entrance of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekaddy is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India, sprawled over 777 Sq. Kms and is also home to a number of bird, animal and flower species.

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Beautiful settings of the Periyar Lake

Beautiful settings of the Periyar Lake

In this album:
Little Birdie Birdie Wild flowers, along the way to Periyar The resort - a typical Kerala styling of intricate patterns and tiling
Wild flowers - in shades of pink and white A picture postcard view of the scenic Periyar Lake The serene waters of the Periyar Lake Birds at Periyar Lake feed on morsels left around by careless picnickers
Embarking on the boat ride over the waters of Periyar Lake A nest perched on dead wood in the middle of the lake Ripples left by the passing of the boat, on Periyar Lake The long expanse of the Periyar Lake
The forest of Periyar National Reserve meets the lake A complex ecosystem thrives here at Periyar Tiger Reserve The greens of the tress reflect in the waters of Periyar Lake Watching out for wildlife on the banks of Periyar Lake
Periyar Lake View A bird waits atop dead wood to catch a meal (Periyar Lake) Another bird (oops, didn't frame this one well!) Oh well, didn't do well to capture it yet again!
Ahh! Out of focus, but like the silhoutte A young bird awaits it's parent atop a nest on dead wood (Periyar Lake) Dead wood in the middle of the lake at Periyar Plenty of dead wood - makes for good locations for birds, here at Periyar Lake
Bird on dead wood tree, against the backdrop of the Periyar Forest [Trying to zoom in on the bird...] Watching, as another boat sails the waters (Periyar Lake) A soft, silvery sheen contrasts well with the grey clouds and green forest
Concentrating on the thicket for signs of wild life... Ahh, patience pays off, finally: A Sambar Deer stands on the banks of Periyar Lake Scenic any which way: Choose your way (Periyar Lake) At the jetty, boats waiting to ferry more tourists (Periyar Lake)

18
Nov

Trips: Kerala – The drive to Thekaddy (continued)

:: Galleries – Kerala – The drive to Thekaddy (continued)

The drive from Munnar to Thekaddy was absolutely scenic, and the scenic landscape unravelled one amazing vista after another. Part I of the album can be seen in the previous posting, and here’s the rest of this album.

 

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Scenic vistas complete with waterfalls and tea plantations mark the scenic drive to Thekaddy

Scenic vistas complete with waterfalls and tea plantations mark the scenic drive to Thekaddy

 
In this album:

Beautiful contrasts of nature Through the maze of tea plantations on the hill slopes Clouds come-a-rolling over the terraced landscape, enroute to Thekaddy Simply stunning panaroma!
Superb scenery! Tea plantations turn a flouroscent green even as clouds descend low Hills, more hills...even more hills, enroute to Thekaddy Waterfalls break the monotony of the tea-slopes...
A foamy white waterfall cuts across the hill slopes The towering waterfall A serene lake snakes its way through the landscape Following the winding lake
Gentle slopes covered with lush green tea plants span from top to bottom Ha! The grass was greener on our side this time Wonderful scenery Scenic views, at any angle, and any depth
Makes for a perfect picnic spot (except, these are privately owned plantations!) That's the mountain range we crossed over from Munnar... More spectacular carpetted green slopes At the water's edge
Wild flowers Wild flowers View from our resort at Ramakkalmedu - apparently, the windiest place in Asia

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