Let me start from the beginning. I flew from Delhi to Kochi (formerly Cochin)....about 3 hrs flight duration. From the Airport I was whisked away to a plantation 75 km from Kochi at Thattekkad.
Wandering around Palamattam Farm .....the plantation where I was. This is a Rubber Plantation and so of course I got to see and learn the process of making of rubber! Loved the quietness of this plantation....and with the Periyar River running at the backyard.....the view is just awesome. The place is also next to the famous Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary.....so one can catch sight of many different species of birds too.
My favourite drink! Fresh from the tree!
Wandering
Rubber trees being tapped!
Resin collection
Treated rubber resin is being cooled in trays
The solid rubber sheets then goes through this machine,,,,squeezing out excess liquid
The rubber sheets is then line dried before it is smoked dried inside
Once dried it's ready to be sold to the wholesale buyer...but first it's being weighed.
And now onto the mini truck
All set for the market
Way to Hornbill Camp....inside the plantation
The accommodation.....tents with balconies where one can sit around when you're not exploring.
Inside of the spacious air conditioned tents with attached bathrooms.
The Periyar River flows just outside!
Kayaking in the river
Lunch at Motty's bungalow served in banana leaves!
For dessert that I ate....fried plantain (bananas) in sugar.
