Periyar Wildlife reserve

We are now in Perriyar which is right in the centre of a wildlife reserve, we went for a 'boat safari' which was relaxing (I almost fell asleep) and the views were really nice but unfortunately the only wildlife we saw was a few birds! Our driver said, "You have to fill out a form before you go on the boat as 6 months ago one of the boats tipped over and loads of people died" Really not the thing to say to us just before we get on!!!!

We have recently noticed that all the shop keepers chuck water on the road outside their shop, we asked them why and apparently it is to keep the dust away. But with 40 degree heat the water doesn't stay long. I have a sneaking suspicion that its just because they are bored and want something to do.

Tomorrow we are off to Alleppey to catch a deluxe houseboat for an overnight stay. I am really looking forward to it as the backwaters are supposed to be spectacular.

We are now getting used to sharing the streets with cows, horses, chickens, goats,cats and dogs etc...though the dogs still scare us and we do skirt round the animals as much as possible! We are also trying to work out why they sell dog food in the shops as no one seems to have them as pets they just roam around the streets...hmm.

Bye from Saskia & Poonam xx