tim morch

A sign indicated it was the first of 22 hairpin turns that lay ahead, our first experience with a numbered switchback highway.

The Idukki District of Kerala could be described in three words: mountains, spices, and tea. The verdant Western Ghat mountains are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. Everything you ever see in a spice shop comes from this region. From pepper, “the King of Spice,” and cardamom, “the Queen of Spice,” to ginger, clove, turmeric, cinnamon, tamarind, nutmeg and more. And then there is tea, the lifeblood of the economy. Immaculately manicured plantations extend as far

"The Niagara Falls of India", "uncrowded" and "quiet", it is not. But the drive down the mountains is awesome and it's worth a quick peek.