Kerala

	For the last part of the holiday I went into Kerela, a relatively rich and highly populated state with the highest literacy and educational standards in India. This part of the holiday was in three parts, the Backwaters, the hills and Cochin. The Backwaters is a bit like the Norfolk Broads -- a network of rivers, canals and open water generated by human activity -- mainly extraction of sand -- over centuries.
	Much of it is becoming clogged with water hyacinth -- a foreign plant.
	These 'houseboats are available for hire for about $500 a night for up to about 8 people -- fully crewed.
	Or there is the simpler option.
	Water Hyacinth Avenue?
	Everything goes by water -- haystacks included.

	'Chinese' fishing nets abound. Looks like a hard way to make a living.



	Did a Venetian gondolier take a wrong turning??
	Towards the end of an eight hour boat trip the shy began to colour up for sunset.
	And just got better and better.

	Now up in the mountains. Periyar Tiger Reserve. Similar density of tigers to Kannha but the forest is much thicker so they are rarely seen. Elephants, on the other hand are very common and regularly seen from boat trips on the lake -- except for me they stayed out of sight.
	A morning trek in the forest with a guide. Much seen. We bundled to within about 15m of these Samba deer.
	Who had a close look at us before scarpering.
	I took a car from Periyar to Munar (from where the British administered all of south India during the summer!!). On the way my driver showed me this waterfall and a look out over the plains of Tamil Nadu -- the view was fantastic but just too hazy for a photo.
	Up into the Tea Estates.

	And beautiful lakes.
	I took a tour of sights round Munar. They are very proud of their goats.


	or Nilgiri Tahr. (Big goats).
	The country felt alpine without the snow.


	The Health and Safety Nazis would have demanded steps, disabled access and a refreshment stall at this lovely little waterfall. In India you clamber down a tricky and slippery footpath -- and it is so much the better for it.


	The view towards the sea.
	A beautiful waterfall - approached by a treacherous path. No Health & Safety Nazi's in India to insist on handrails, steps and the other paraphernalia that would have ruined the natural beauty of the place!!
	After Munar there is a breakneck decent of 100km plus a final bus ride to reach Cochin.
	Where, despite super-tankers and a modern port some things don't change - except the polypropylene sheet for a sail !!
	Fishing continues regardless.
	The oldest synagogue in Asia - as if the poor buggers haven't got enough religions.
	For my final day I return to the Backwaters. This time gliding gently by on a punt.
	Past a village school.
	A lady doing the washing!
	And down mysterious channels.

And thence, by way of an overnight train to Bangalore, an internal flight to Delhi and a flight back to Blighty I made my way home. The end of an amazing holiday.