The Western Ghats

We left the heat, hustle and bustle of Kochi and were driven up into the hills of the Western Ghats; a long twisting and busy road most of the way.  We are staying in a high tea estate and all around is peace and quiet.  This afternoon we were guided through tea, coffee and cardamom plantations; the air was full of birdsong and our guide identified many birds and plants for us.