We spent the rest of the day in Munnar (where the last entry finished) going to a tea plantation and a spice plantation in the mountains. At the tea plantation we watched an 'educational video' (like being back at school..) about how the plantation had changed over the years, and the way that green tea and black tea is made from the same leaves at different stages of growing. We had a really helpful guide who then showed us around a spice plantation, explaining how the different spices grow and are harvested. Although at the end him and his friend turned into the pushiest sales people we'd come across so far, bit awkward! The next day was spent travelling for HOURS. We left at 6am, had a 5 hour windy journey in the car (fortunately went through a bit of a safari area and saw monkeys/peacocks). Then a 3 1/2 hour bus, then 2 1/2 hour bus. Phew. The buses are packed. Luckily we had seats. Unluckily this meant that women in the aisel would sit/ rest their bellies on our shoulders. Ew!

Once we got to Wayanad it was all worth it. The homestay we are at here - Four Seasons Homestay - is the best we have stayed in yet. We have our own balacony and eating area, and overlook what feels like the jungle. Last night we ate our dinner while a monkey sat on the roof, very tense! The lady who runs the accommodation - Mary - has looked after us so well. She knew I had been ill when we arrived and made sure there was a special tea for us, and has spent a lot of time arranging transport and the right food for us. The downside - as there are so many religions here, thoroughout the night and in the morning there are various call to prayer/musical outburst/callings, so no chance of a lie in!

Yesterday we took a safari trip for the day in a jeep. We went to various temples on the way to the safari park and saw India's largest mud dam. Unfortunately we arrived a couple of hours before the park opened, so instead of the two of us sitting in the jeep being petrified of bugs/monkeys/dogs we went for a wander. The safari itself was hilarious. We didn't see much at all, but for two hours we both clung on to the bars of the jeep bouncing about on the worst tracks. We did see a giant squirrel, a wasp nest, lots of monkeys and even more deer, and a couple of eagles. Liz was loving life!

We then drove on to a Hindu temple with a spectacular view behind it of the mountains, and on the way saw our first wild Indian elephant which was chomping away. It made the journey all day worth while!

Today we went to see Edakkal Caves as we wanted a relaxed day as from tomorrow it will get mega busy starting in Mysore. Turned out to get to the cave it was a 1km hike up a steep hill and steps, we were nowhere near fit enough for this! Great view from the top though. We also saw a bamboo workshop set up for local people on the way back, and stopped for an amazing curry - butter chicken and veg biriyani - so we are both getting a love for curry back and we're excited for the curry in the north of India!