Vanilla

On our trip we left the state of Tamil Nadu and arrived in Thekkady, in the state of Kerala. As we are now on almost 1000 meters above sea level, the countryside has changed completely. The climate is cooler, the area is covered with sub-tropical jungle and there are many spice gardens in the area. We were guided through such a spice garden and were impressed how the different plants are grown side by side, for our eyes almost not recognisable as spices.  Besides Vanilla (being an orchid), there is pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.