Kerala, The Calm.

South India!

Arriving in South India was very exciting. I had heard so many stories from friends about it's utopic beauty. I was not disappointed  However for the first time the shock of cultural difference hit me in a negative way. It's not as common to hear English being spoken in the South. On a positive note, however, it was a very authentic Indian experience. Still recovering from my week in the hot tiger jungle, I looked forward to coco nuts and poolside snoozing. I was welcomed with a coconut and a room upgrade. 

The resort was huge! Due to it being the end of the season, it was nearly vacant too. This may be why I was over serviced! Or perhaps (as I've heard,) it's because the service in India is very tentative. So much so that I had to ask for some more privacy, but in a grateful manner. 

 I felt as though "service" or to have assistance to living is how the affluent Indians show their wealth and prosperity  That way they gain time to do the more important things, like religion. They also invest in Gold that they often wear. It's a different approach to most of the Western societies that spend their fortunes on material possessions and making their physical appearance more youthful or attractive. The Help is still used in Western societies but is not boasted about... Interesting choices, I think that the Indians show a more modest and down to earth way of enjoying their wealth and perhaps, life. It is a matter of opinion. 

As I settled into my room I looked over the itinerary for the week and the day spa treatments. I decided take up any opportunity I could to explore South India and it's culture. As well as take on a seven day massage treatment. The treatment involved being covered and massaged with Indian herbs and oils. It was to enrich the skin and energise the muscles. The same girl gave me the treatments every day. She was attractive, pleasant and thorough. At the end of the full body rub down. I would be wrapped in a towel, for the oils and herbs to soak in. Then I would shower before leaving. Each time, my skin felt like silk afterwards and I also felt detoxed, as well as utterly relaxed and calm. I lost 3kgs due to this treatment.

The "Coffee Shop" near my room. This small cafe did not have any coffee, nor was it a shop. But I could get nice Indian seafood dishes and local beer here, between 3:30-6:30pm each day. 

A picture perfect view from the paddle boat on my second day.

Some adorable local children that waved and yelled "Hi! Hi!" as we paddled by.

Little snap of me on the boat, steered and captained by a non english speaking local Indian man.

Bangalore R&R.

Middle India!

Above a bustling city...

I spent a couple more days in Bangalore (Bengaluru), before heading further south to Kerala, the Southern state of India.

Bangalore is one of the more commercial and technological cities in India. Which meant there wer shopping malls with Western brands (I went crazy at Nike!) and many people speaking English. I Stayed at Vivanta by Taj, the most prestigious chain of hotels in India. It was very lovely, in central city and directly across the road from a mini mall where I bought lots of yummy roasted nuts and dried fruits.

The hotel also had a roof top pool and spa/day retreat. Feeling exhausted from my safari and touristing around Agra, I treated myself to massages and lounging by the pool, in 40 degree heat!

An African inspired painting in my room.

Not a care in the world, 12th stories up, roof top pool.

The Taj Mahal

Day 9.

May 21, 2012

Week 2


Taj Mahal Day! The previous night, I visited a mall where I had two Saris fitted and made for me. The red one was simply too beautiful, not to wear to the Taj at Sunrise. Plus, where else am I going to wear a Sari? 

This is the grand entry fort of the Taj Mahal. (It's actually the central gate you must enter after entering from the east, south or west gates.)

The final entr gate before the Taj Mahal. Well, it is one of the 7 Wonders of the Man-made world. It's worth the suspense!

A little peek though the gate...

I had to steal the show at this point!

Here she is, in all her Grand Glory! With beautiful light from the East.

Incredible carvings that were then filled with puzzle like pieces of precious and semi precious gems!

A closer look at the stone decorative inlay. Amethist, Emerald, Agate even Sapphire and Onyx in some places. Pictures not allowed to be taken inside, where the tomb lay.

History Lesson!

The tomb was built in the C16th. It took 20,000 workers, 22years to complete. The wife of the great king, gave birth to 14 children. During the birth of the last, she passed away. Taj Amahal (Excellence of the Palace,) made her King promise 2 things, upon her death bed. That he would not marry again and that he would bury her in a wonderful tomb.

The queen was buried in a nearby city and buried by the Taj until finally laying to rest in the dead center of the temple. Her husband, the King was later placed in the tomb, by her side. This being the one and only part of the palace that is not accurately symmetrical.

In the distance, you can see the Red Palace. The same one we visited the previous day!

We found a lady covered in Mehndi!

 Later...
It was a fun, amazing, exhilarating and inspiring experience, going to the Taj Mahal. It truly is a timeless structure of excellence. It was also exciting to wear the Sari. Many Indian women came and had their photo with me. I expect I'll be given some of these photos from Bill and Diana, whom I went to the Taj with. They said it was quite outlandish to wear the Sari and I'm really glad I did.


I was driven (5+hrs) back to Delhi where I caught a plane to Bangalore, South India.
I needed a big rest and rejuvenation, that's for sure!

Agra's Red Palace

Day 8.

May 20, 2012

Week 2

Early to rise and check out of Dev Vilas! We all headed back to the train, thankfully it was only a two hour ride for Bill, Diana and myself. The rest of the group continued on to Delhi where they departed.


We were met by a new tour guide and driver. On the way to Agra we visited this ver beautiful, ancient palace. It was built in the C14th by the ruler of India at the time. He wisely married women of three different religions, to bring prosperity and peace to his (inherited) land. Yes, married them, all at once! That's why he needed a really big palace, in which they all lived!

The Red Palace through the entry room. (After a large grass courtyard where the public would gather .)

Inside of the main meeting room (see above also.) Politicians would discuss private matters with the king here.

This (2m heigh) sandstone screen was intricately hand carved.

Some more detailed hand carvings. They are everywhere, unless it's painted.

A large framed walkway, outside of the money counting roms.

Some ancient paintings still survive in this low ceiling room.

This is a large 5 story part of the palace, used for parties and overseeing the kingdom.

The deep pond and stage were sometimes used as an entertainment stage. See in the distance, right of the center; the meeting room and 5 storey tower to the left.

It is believed that water from the Ganges filled this large vase for one of the Queens to use religiously. 

There was also a tomb tower for the resident elephant. Elephants do have the same burial rights as humans in India, that's ho highly they are regarded.

Thanks NHA & WWF

Natural Habitat Adventures* organised my park pass, transfers and accommodation during my week in Rajasthan (Starting in Delhi.) A big thanks to Toby Sinclair, the main Tour Guide. Also, his son Oliver, with whom I became great friends and Harsha. Last but not least, I must mention Salim Ali, our (in vehicle) Park Tour guide, with all the know-how, where & when!

NHA work in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund*  (WWF) to help preserve the habitats of the planets beautiful endangered species. They offer an environmentally aware tour and very green awareness in all aspects of their organisation. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Head of the WWF! I offered my efforts toward the company but think I lack the qualification for any real career offer from him, (them.)

I was very pleased with the level of sophistication in all of the accommodation venues and modes of transportation. The level of service was immaculate. Organisation and experience proves to be the key! One of our group members was nearing her 40th trip with NHA!

Also, I must not fail to mention the group of other tourists, I was touring with. Rita is the lady whom which has toured many times with the Natural Adventures Tour Group. Jerry and Pat were an elderly (80+) but lively(!) American couple. From Northern California. They were nicknamed "The kids," Quite spirited, cheeky you might eben say. The second couple were Diana and Bill, from New York City! However Bill was born and raised in the UK. They were very pleasant and also had a great sense of humor.

Awaiting group photo via email.

It was Bill and Diana that I continued on with to Agra! 

*Click the name to be taken to the website.

Natural Habitat Adventures run tours in Africa, Antartica, all over the world! They have organised, experienced and knowledgeable staff and are very reasonably priced.

World Wildlife Fund working on the conservation of the Great Cats in Rajasthan, not to mention many other severely endangered species in the world. Please donate, to help save a species today! (Funds donated are tax deductible and 100% go towards research and prevention of habitat destruction or other life threatening factors.)

The Last Safari

Day 7.

May 19, 2012

Week 1

Today had already been exciting with the spotting of T28 in the morning and a visit to the women's Co-Operative.

The last safari took place on the Saturday evening, the Saturday being a special day, as it was my partner, Jay's Birthday! 

Happy Birthday Jay!

Jay & I in Tilba Tilba on Easter Sunday, 2012.

On the way into the park we saw more monkeys, as usual. But missed seeing T24 again. We had to drop an Indian man off at a Check point tower. These towers were scattered across the park. Just one room, brick shacks, with campfire cooking facilities, stretchers to sleep and walkie-talkeis. The man we dropped off was showing me a Pug impression, taken in the park. I tried to take it home but taking things out of the park is strictly forbidden....

A peek into the only room of the check point tower,

Olivers foot as a size comparison to the Pug impression.

We ventured to the top of the hill, where a large male Leopard livres. We didn't see him but we did hear some alarm calls made by a Peacock. Alarm calls are made by many animals in the park, when they are feeling threatened, which could mean a tiger is near!

We left and headed towards the end of the gully that we heard the alarm calls in. There were a few cars by a waterhole that stated they had seen the young tiger exit the gully and head toward that waterhole. Searching with camera zooms and binoculars - we still could not see her, after several minutes.

We headed back down the road past the gully and spotted a fresh pug mark! We sped off down the dirt road to an opening and wham! We were right on her til! (Not literally.) I was super quick to grab my camera and get this classic shot. we were very close but i didn't have time to zoom.

The chase is on!

The young female tiger, T41 was then chasing a Sambar. We watched her run across the plain and towards the shrubby hill. Where she lost track of the Sambar. It was very exciting to track a tiger and see a chase in the wild.

T41 chases a Sambar up the bush hill.

We later topped by the road - out of the sanctuary, Oliver took these photographs of m - and many more that he will send me.

One of the photos Oliver took of me. He worked in London for 5+ years as a fashion photographer!

Another photo by Oliver Sinclair.

The Tiger, T28.

Day 7.

May 19, 2012

Week 1

Today we had a different guide and we helped him to track down a very large male, known as T28. We assumed he was on his way to the nearby waterhole. Driving along a road that intersected his route we passed another tour vehicle that indicated he wasn't at that end of the track. We drove straight to the waterhole where we found him.

T28 gave us better photograph opportunities by yawning and moving around a lot.

I love this shot of T24, as we walked away. Look at those huge paws! bigger than my hands outstretched! 

On the way back to the ranch we stopped by a Women's Co-operative. The women were working out the front on the varanda. I purchased some nice handmade crafts, bags, tops etc.

The Ephobia Cactus on top of ancient sediment.

The old fort.

The front entrance to the sanctuary. Some locals visiting the temple also.

Women working at the co-op.

A beautiful Parakeet

A pug print, made early morning after a big Sand storm the night before.

Back at the hotel we rested up before the last Safari. i swam in the pool and helped feed the elephant again.

More than a pug mark spotted...

Day 6.

May 18, 2012

Week 1

Baby Lengur, head the size of a golf ball! so cute!

An exciting morning, tracking a mother Tiger through her territory. Unfortunately though we missed her by moments at both the watering hole and the place where she had recently made a kill. This Tigress had just given birth to 3 cubs, five days previous.

This is Oliver, the Main Guide's son, also a very knowledgeable guide and good friend.

We did spot a pug mark, which I was secretly allowed to photograph with my thong near by - it is otherwise illegal to get out of the vehicle.

Me, photographing the monkeys.

Washing the resident elephant Pawan Kali.

The afternoon safari was our 4th, so I knew it was time for me to get luck and spot a TIGER! and we did! Racing out to Zone three, we approached a group of cars stopped by a waterhole. By now optimism had dropped and I suggested that since they were watching us drive in, that perhaps the tiger wasn't there. But alas he was! Big T24. He has killed two people, unprovoked!

Lethargic after a meal, he sat in the water for about 40mins, while we were there.

Oliver took some pictures of me, photographing the Tiger.

We followed him across the plains and watched him disappear towards his cave.

Getting some great shots as T24 passed.