Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
26. Falaknuma Palace
The Falaknuma Palace is the perfect place to end our trip together. A space to catch our breath in an iconic Indian setting before we fly...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
25. Hyderabad
Hyderabad is another 'small' Indian city with a population of 6.5 million. It's also called Cyberabad, with 45% of new job creation for...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
24. Nizams of Hyderabad
It's very early on Friday morning. I've made myself a cup of Indian Earl Grey tea, and I'm sitting at the desk in our quietly elegant...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
23. the big two
Sunday It’s an easy drive from Mysore to the Orange County resort on the Kabini River from where we’re going to visit Nagarhole National...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
22. Sravana Belgola
John took these bird photos yesterday. Two Brahminy kite chicks. When we return after our tour today at 5pm, we worry that they have...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
21. Mysore
We're playing hookey this afternoon and skipping a temple so I can catch up a little. The internet here is still a problem, so I’m...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
20. Kochi (Cochin)
We wake in Cochin to the sight of a busy waterway below our hotel window. The city is on a huge lake, 90 kilometres long and 8 kilometres...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
19. from mountain to sea
We are early at breakfast this morning. John is looking forward to bacon. The boys in the dining room have told him that it's one day...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
18. spice heaven
It’s spice heaven today. The latitude, altitude, rainfall and soil make this the perfect place for them. Most are not native to India...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
17. a ride on a bullock cart
We leave Tamil Nadu today for Thekkady in Kerala. We've seen many beautiful temples but I'm looking forward to the spice-growing areas....
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
16. Madurai
The Taj Hotel is high on a hill overlooking the small town of Madurai, population 3 million. The main building was the residence of the...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
15. of blessed buses and burials
We are leaving Thanjavur. I am trying Indian food for breakfast. I have appam, which is a lacy crepe cooked in a small buttered...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
14. say goodnight to the gods
We are going to the Brihadeeswarar temple for evening pooja. That’s the Hindu practice of daily prayers. There are representations of...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
13. On to Thanjavur
We are at Thanjavur after a 350km bus ride yesterday, punctuated by a couple of temple visits and lunch. It was a long day so please...
Shelley Dark
- Jun 9, 2016
12. Mammallapuram
Isn't that a great name? Once I realise it rhymes with Pamela, it's easy to say. I like saying it over and over under my breath. Or out...