walk through the coffee plantation

the day started early with a leisurely walk through the coffee and spice plantation. there was a slight drizzle and we had to borrow an umbrella from aunty (as our hosts likes her guests to address her). narrow tar road, broken at places but winding with pride through thick plantation and tall trees on either side. we walked at a slow pace - stopping more than walking to take a picture or two, reach out and touch the green unripe coffee fruit, bend over the side of the road to see the water from a seasonal spring gush by...its the walks like this that makes a vacation memorable. rest of the day was spent visiting various places around in a hired cab. there's no city in India, no matter big or small, that doesnt boast of a famous temple...and no trip is complete without a visit. the temples in this city were somewhat different from the ones I've seen in other parts of the country. these temples have a rectangular plan with an open courtyard in the centre surrounded by long corridors from all sides. among other places visited includes origin of a river, one of the highest points (probably) of the area and a local spice store.

The evening was more about taking a stroll in the drizzle in the city market searching for some hot pakodas. back at the homestay, it was Aunty's stories about the place, the river and the community. The Coorgis are a warrior community who have fought many historical battles alongside the king. post war, the warrior families were gifted with large (by today's standards) areas of land, which their descendants are nurturing and coffee and spice estates. some rather interesting mythological stories behind how the river originates from a small cave in the hills, flows underground and then appears over the earth again at the foot of the hills. dinner was another generous and delicious spread of Coorgi cuisine.