Our second retreat

While we had enjoyed our stay at Hinterland, we were both ready for a change of scenery and routine. So, after a last early morning yoga class, and breakfast, we were packed and ready for our taxi when he arrived. Although it was only 120km to Munnar, the drive took close to 4 hours on a very busy road. Thankfully the driver was quite careful and we arrived without incident at the meeting point above our next destination where we had to wait for the jeep to collect us and transport us the last kilometre down a very steep hill - in low range for most of the journey.

Kaivalyam is quite different from Hinterland; firstly it is a much more commercial venture and aside from foreign tourists seems popular for young Indian Honeymoon couples - who don't appear for the yoga classes; secondly it is much more comfortable - 4 star hotel levels; and finally while there are thousands of acres of tea gardens around the perimeter, the retreat itself is surrounded by woodland and a large cardamon plantation.

On our first day we managed to avoid the yoga altogether and went on an early morning bird-watching walk instead - added a few new species to our list - and then joined a walk through the spice gardens. While most of the planting - 60 acres - is Cardamon, there is also  Pepper, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, ....and even coffee. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the variety of plants and trees around the place and we finished up at the riverside in the valley below the property.

Probably a bit more water here when the monsoon comes

This place is a real oasis of calm - feels completely separate from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. It also serves excellent vegetarian food and I have enjoyed the daily cookery demonstrations in the kitchen - lots of ideas and tips for cooking veggie food when we get home - as long as you are happy with Indian flavours. I still reckon that it would all taste better if it was accompanied by a cold bottle of Cobra!