10/07/07

There was far more to our stay in Kerala than intimate massages. Getting up at the crack of dawn we threw our half awake bodies into a jeep that would make sure that we would be the human form of a milkshake before we reached our destination. It was the day for our wildlife safari in Periyar National Park.

Driving through the national park we were lucky enough to spot two or three herds of elephants in the hills. After another hour or so of driving through this very lush and green park we arrived at the park lodge. During the trip I had warned and attempted to taunt my friend about the possibility of getting leaches, especially after it had rained (which it just had). Furthermore, I was cocky enough to say that I in fact never got leaches on my other trips and probably wouldn’t get them here either. I was quickly about to be proven wrong. After we had been in the lodge for no more than a few minutes Kristian, my friend, told me I had chocolate stuck between my fingers. The problem was that the chocolate was stuck. Quickly I had to face reality and the fact that I had gotten my first leach. The guides quickly got a match box out and burned the leach off my hand.

It didn’t hurt, but it took a few hours before the bleeding stopped. Despite my newly inflicted leach injury, we headed off for our trek after a short lunch. After a short while we spotted elephants in the hills and from then on our goal was to get closer to them. The only problem was that we had to get to the top of another hill (which in Denmark we would call a mountain). We jumped a creek and eventually to the peak after about an hour. Unfortunately, the elephants were no where to be seen.

Our hopes for seeing a herd of elephants on foot was slowly dissipating, however just as we hit the top of another peak a wonderful herd of elephants appeared right in front of us grazing. There were about 10-15 including a baby. Despite them being at least 80 meters away it was a great sight. Kristian and I of course wanted to get closer and tame our own wild elephant, but unfortunately the guide did not allow this as he claimed that they would not want to reciprocate our kindness!

After this great trek our ride home involved several more elephant sightings and a great sunny ride through the numerous beautiful tea plantations.

We had a great time in Kerala, however I would definitely suggest anyone going there to go there during the dry season. We were aware of the monsoon and didn’t mind it that much, but things are easier in peak season and things are often more beautiful in the sun and clear skies, especially in the mountains.

 Post your comments:

 Owner Peter Crawfurd