The Rolling Hills of Munnar In the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, the mountains brush the clouds, the rivers and roads wind in all directions, and the hills are blanketed by tea bushes and silver oak trees.
I read a lot of historical fiction growing up. Much of it took place in “The Colonies”.
So, I always had a fascination with India’s many Hill Stations.
Finally! A couple of years ago, I had my chance: I was booked on two trips in India’s south, with a four week interval between them. To part-fill that gap, I made forays into the hills of Kerala; more specifically, into the Western Ghat Mountains.
My first hill-stay was in Munnar, a former resort for the elite of the British Raj. Although long inhabited, the region between Cochin and Madurai was first formally surveyed by Benjamin Swayne Ward from 1816. In 1817, he established a camp at the confluence of three mountain rivers: the Muthirapuzha, the Nallathanni, and the Kundali. This gave the colonial settlement its name: the word munnar means ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam.
Soon, the hardships faced by the early explorers in what they called dark impenetrable forests, passed. Before long, the trees were being cleared, and by the 1880s, tea plantations were established across the landscape.
Munnar itself is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), with the surrounding hills rising to 2,695 meters (8,842 ft). It boasts a much cooler climate than the coast, which made it an attractive summer resort for the British during their rule. It continues to attract urban Indians and international visitors.
I had found a timeshare spot in the village of Chinnakanal (Club Mahindra Munnar Resort), up in the hills about 30 minutes outside Munnar. I had an arrangement with a Kerala driver, and after my first group tour finished (see: A Morning in Historic Fort Kochi), we set off west into the mountains.
Scenes From a Car: A Bridge over the Periyar River It is bliss not having to drive! Especially in India where signposts can be indecipherable and adherence to road rules is vague at best. About half way, in the village of Neriamangalam, we cross Kerala’s longest and most important river. (iPhone12Pro)
Valara Waterfall A short while later we stop – like every other driver – to admire the waterfall on the Deviyar River, tumbling down through the jungle next to National Highway 85. (iPhone12Pro)
Bonnet Macaques I was more interested in these primates – which I take to be a pair. (iPhone12Pro)
Red Face and Big Eyes Bonnet macaques are endemic to southern India. A high number of blood capillaries under the thin skin of their faces flushes red easily with their emotions. (iPhone12Pro)
Afternoon Light over the Mountains As we climb higher into the mountains, the clouds lower to meet us. (iPhone12Pro)
Munnar Colony The buildings of the town are already far below in the valley. (iPhone12Pro)
Tea Harvesting When I spot my first tea-pickers, I have to pull out the actual SLR cameras. But, the pickers are a long way away, and we still have driving to do.
Roadworks and Rain With two monsoon seasons, roads are regularly in need of repair. (iPhone12Pro)
Visibility Zero Munnar averages only two days of rain every February; as we drove into the clouds, I could only hope the rest of my trip would be clear! (iPhone12Pro)
This Will Do Nicely! My spacious cottage was a welcome treat after a long day in the back seat of a car. (iPhone12Pro)
From my Balcony Finally! In the morning, the clouds lift and I have a view over the tea plantation as I drink an instant coffee on my balcony. (iPhone12Pro)
A Lone Bonnet Macaque I’d been warned not to take food onto the balcony; macaques are opportunists. (iPhone12Pro)
Green and Green After the long road the day before, I’ve given my driver a couple of days off. I set off from my room on foot to explore the neighbourhood.
Winding Roads Everywhere I look, the mountains rise to meet the clouds.
A Splash of Colour A daylily (Hemerocallis) makes a nice contrast to all the green.
Through the Teas and Trees I love the humped patterns made by the tidy evergreen tea plants (Camellia sinensis). Silver oak trees (Grevillea robusta), native to Australia, are dotted around the plantations to provide shelter from strong winds and shade from the sun.
Red-Whiskered Bulbul – Pycnonotus Jocosus It was a melodious warble that caught my ear before I spotted this medium-sized beauty overhead. My lenses are not bird-worthy, so I’m always pleased to catch something!
Rolling, Rolling …
Bird on a Wire Birds are everywhere – mostly too small for me to photograph, and too distant for me to identify.
A Lone Dog on a Rough Road I’m always a bit leery of wandering dogs …
Local Dog I guess he is wary of me too; he stops to check me out and then saunters off.
A Shopkeeper and his Very Tidy Shop I finally find a local shop: impossibly tidy, and stacked with many products I don’t recognise. (iPhone12Pro)
A Tidy Shop I continue to photograph as the owner makes me a masala chai.
Herbs in Recycled Bottles It pays to ask! This is NOT a cooking spice mix – when combined with coconut oil, it is a hair tonic!! I leave the store with fresh nuts and locally-made chocolate.
Cooks at the Resort These young men were the highlight of my stay at this resort: they cheerfully explained all the exotic dishes they were preparing and let me taste-test. (iPhone12Pro)
Another Overcast Day in the Tea Plantation The next morning the rains were back! This was my view from the restaurant at breakfast. (iPhone12Pro)
… and Up again … But, at least I was getting some exercise: it was a long walk down to breakfast, and it seemed even further going back up! (iPhone12Pro)
A Bright Spot in an Otherwise Dull Day A hibiscus in a pot beside the staircase made a cheerful spot of colour – and a good excuse to stop and catch my breath. (iPhone12Pro)
Apart from myself, all the visitors to the resort were Indian family groups. Hardly the romantic idyll of historical fiction, but a wonderful place to stay, even so!
I had my fingers crossed for better weather as I hoped to explore further afield the next day.
Overlooking Saint-Cirq Lapopie Sitting high on a cliff, the picturesque medieval village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie in the southwest of France has commanding views of the Lot River and the neighbouring fields and dwellings.
It is like stepping into the past – but with artists’ ateliers, boutique shops, and great coffee!
Saint-Cirq Lapopie is a heritage-listed medieval village in the southwest of France. Located on a steep cliff, 100m above the Lot River, it originally served as a defensive and administrative centre for one of the local viscomtés – a division of land and fiefdom smaller and less important than a duché. Much of the original architecture – some of it dating as far back as the 13th century – remains.
Today, this well-preserved commune is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – The Most Beautiful Villages in France Association and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Department of Lot. It is on the French Way of St. James pilgrimage route, and is – among other designations – in the heart of a Regional Natural Park and in the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Causses du Quercy.
I was visiting friends in Cahors, a mere 30 km (19 mi) to the west. Our plan was to walk 4 km (2.5 mi) along the towpath, the Chemin de Halage, from Bouziès to Saint-Cirq Lapopie (see: the Chemin de Halage). Unfortunately, rain drove us back when we were halfway, so we drove the rest of the distance, and parked above the village.
Fortunately, the rains eased, and we only contented with a light drizzle and overcast skies as we explored this charming site.
Do come along!
Pastorale These rural locales are timeless!
Saint-Cirq Lapopie (la Popie) As we walk down from the carpark, we have views over the karst cliffs that were formed during the Jurassic period, and of the medieval village that takes strategic advantage of its position over the river and surrounding fields.
Old House at the Top of the Village It is always interesting to see the juxtaposition of modern cars parked next to very old architecture!
Red Berries It is autumn – and bright red berries contrast with the wet green leaves.
Church in the Village The gothic Saint-Cirq Lapopie Church takes pride of place in the village. It is dedicated to Saint Cyr, three year old Cyril of Tarsus who was martyred with his mother, Sainte Julitta, in Turkey the early 4th century.
Grape Leaves
Window Shutters Shutters are common in older buildings in the south of France: they are considered essential to keep out the sun on hot summer afternoons. In the winter, they insulate against the cold.
Crucifix Traditionally, France is a Roman Catholic country. The signs of this are everywhere.
Overlooking the Village These are the half-timbered houses of the old bourgeoisie. Parts date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, …
Village Houses … with the beams and upper stories added in 15th century. Today, they mostly house artists’ retreats, ateliers, boutiques, and cafés.
The Moulin de l’Aulanac Our walk passes over a 14th-century watermill with its half-timber exterior of exposed stone. It once housed four millstones to service the needs of the district.
Mossy Roofs and Ivy Walls
Knight Guardian Signpost The village is known for its artisans – and examples are everywhere.
Wet Cobbles in a Village Lane
Saint-Cirq Lapopie Church
Stained Glass in the Church The church, which was started in 1522, was built on the same ground as an earlier Romanesque parish church. It retains features from that earlier time, including some 12th century sculpted acanthus leaf decorations and fragments of 13th century wall paintings. I believe the stained glass is a modern addition.
Just a Door Knocker
Rooftop Details Peaked tiled roofs over narrow square towers and battlements are all around.
Gated Courtyards Gardens hide behind a decorative stone fence. This complex was once a 15th century fortified house, and is now the Musée Rignault.
Overlooking the Street From the little hill at the end of the village, we can look back over Rue de la Pélissaria.
Porte de la Pélissaria This end of the village is marked by a well-preserved arched city gate. We walk through it, and retrace our steps.
Church on the Hill Above us, the church dominates the horizon. You can see how the old building took advantage of the ancient rock.
Sleeping Dog
Église de Saint Cirq Back outside the village, we get one last look at the church.
Steep Bluff And, we look back at the Rock of La Popie. You can just see people who climbed up the promontory – as we had – for views over the village and the valley.
The entire town is like a museum, and it reminded me how much I love these distinctive old complexes in Europe.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie has been attracting artists since the mid-1900s; we enjoyed exploring the ateliers and shops as much as we enjoyed appreciating the cobbled streets and medieval architecture!
Building Details Ornately carved wood and overhanging balconies: the architecture in the historic and UNESCO-listed city of Meknes in Northern Morocco is a blend of Islamic and European styles from the 17th century and older.
Colour and pattern is everywhere!
Tiled walls and fountains are around each corner and intricate wood, brass, and plaster work decorate every building in old Meknes.
Founded in the 11th century under the Almoravid Berber dynasty, Meknes is one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities: that is, it was once the capital of the country, and continues to house a royal palace. UNESCO-listed for its historic architectural interest and its approach to urban design and town planning, the narrow, winding streets of the medina (the old city) contrast with the massive ramparts and huge monumental gates that are the mark of its historic defensive origins.
I was travelling with a small group. We had driven to Meknes the day before from Casablanca, with a stop at Rabat, the current capital and one of the other Imperial Cities (see: Imperial City and Capital of Morocco). Our overnight accommodation was in a old charming riad – a traditional multi-storied house built around an inner courtyard with a fountain below and a colourful skylight above.
After a very early breakfast, we were out the door with our walking shoes on and our bags packed and ready for the bus. We met with a local guide who took us through some of the main attractions in the old city. I was very grateful to her: without a guide, I might have never made it back out of the medina!
I’ve forgotten most of the dates and details: so enjoy the visuals as you join me for a morning walk through old Meknes.
Ornamental Facade Overhead As soon as we enter the medina, we are surrounded by intricate architectural details, like this carved and painted wood and plaster.
Ornate Tiled Fountain Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (reigned 1672–1727) oversaw the construction of grand palaces, public buildings, and sophisticated water systems. Some of the existing fountains date back that far, although most are from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Under-Cover Corridor Walkways wind in every direction. The UNESCO documents note the need for restoration or conservation measures in many areas.
In the Medieval Streets Unlike the medinas of some of Morocco’s bigger cities, old Meknes is not aimed at tourists: it is very much a site where daily life goes on.
A Local Guide and a Local Shop At a clothing store, our guide explains the difference between the every-day djellabas and special-occasion caftans that women wear.
Another Door and Another Fountain
Our Guide
Another Beautiful Public Fountain The repeated tiled patterns are quite beautiful – but they send my head spinning!
Ornate Ceiling Detail Even the roof overhanging the fountain is decorated in intricate geometric patterns and flowing arabesques typical of Islamic art.
Blue Mosaic Wall Art at the Dar Jamai Palace Our walk brings us to a large open square, Place el-Hedim, where we stop to admire the beautifully tiled fountain on the outside wall of the Dar Jamai Museum. The palace that now houses the museum was built in 1882.
Bab el-Mansour or Bab Mansur At the opposite end of Place el-Hedim – which was built between 1672-1674 after Sultan Moulay Ismail demolished half of the city of Meknes for his palace – we come to a historic monumental gate. The Mansour Gate was built in 1732 by Mulay Abdullah, the son of Sultan Moulay Ismail. It is currently undergoing renovation and what we are looking at is a giant photograph!
Pillar and Repairs Behind the giant photo, I get a glimpse of the scaffolding, and one of the elegant pillars it encircles.
Old Alleyways We enter the walled area through more modest gates and winding tunnels.
Pigeons in the Wall Pigeons roost the depressions in the giant walls which once held scaffolding.
Arched Gateway The interior of the ancient imperial city comprises vast open spaces.
Pony Cart Small pony carts wait to transport passengers.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail A short walk from the gate, we come to the funerary complex of the sultan who first made Meknes his capital.
Brass Door Knockers The huge carved wooden doors to mausoleum are decorated with traditional Moroccan door knockers.
Inside the Mausoleum The mausoleum complex winds off into various courtyards and chambers; the patterned tiles everywhere played havoc with my astigmatism.
A Prayer
Brass Chandelier Richly decorated indoor patios flank the tomb chamber at the centre of the mausoleum.
Another Brass Chandelier
The Tomb Chamber This square central chamber holds the mqabriyas – tombstones – of Sultan Moulay Ismail (c. 1645–1727), his son and successor Ahmad ad-Dhahabi (1677 – 1729), and the later sultan Moulay Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hisham (1778 –1859).
The historical fiction I’ve read (see: The Sultan’s Wife) andWikipedia agree that Moulay Ismail left behind a mixed legacy. He was known for his military successes and his ruthless – often cruel – governance. Although he is credited with unifying Morocco, his death was followed by civil wars and instability.
But, the architectural grandeur he left behind is indeed a testament to Meknes’ start as a magnificent imperial capital.
A Bench on the Bend The Merimbula Boardwalk allows a beautiful – and accessible – out-and-back walk along Merimbula Lake and Boggy Creek in the far southeast of New South Wales (NSW) Australia.
You can’t beat the Sapphire Coast of NSW, Australia on a sunny day!
As regular visitors to these pages know, I live in a beautiful corner of the world – but, I tend to get lazy when I’m at home and not venture any further than my own boardwalk along Curalo Lake in Eden, (eg: Winter Colours in my Neighbourhood).
I usually do get to neighbouring coastal town Merimbula – a mere twenty minute drive away – weekly, but I generally don’t get beyond the shops and cafés. It had been months since I walked along the boardwalk there.
Last week, I decided to rectify that, and made a point of setting enough time for a stroll.
Although the waters here are called Merimbula Lake, and fed by Boggy Creek, this is technically an ICOLL – an intermittently closing and opening lake or lagoon – and is tidal. Unlike my ICOLL, Curalo Lake in Eden, which is only opened artificially during potential flooding events, Merimbula Lake is generally kept open because of the importance of its large scale oyster industry.
On a photographic note: I often don’t pull out the cameras at home – especially as the lenses on phones have improved. These are all iPhone (iPhone15Pro) shots – and taken in jpeg (HEIC) rather than RAW format. Although this rather limits my editing options, on a sunny day it’s less of an issue.
Join me for a lovely walk:
Clear Water and Colourful Rocks Many of the rocks in this neighbourhood are rich in iron oxide, giving them a deep red colour that stands out against the pristine waters and eroding sandstone.
Almost Abstract : Seaweed Underwater Because the boardwalk is over the water in many places, you get a bird’s-eye view of the shallow lake/estuary. The patterns of Nature’s artworks transfix me, and a mix of seaweed and wild mussels under the sunny ripples catches my eye.
Sign Board The boardwalk was originally built in 1997. It is well sign-posted and well maintained – although its increasing popularity has led to plans to upgrade the infrastructure.
A Curve in the Boardwalk Tea trees (melaleuca) cling to the steep shoreline. I love the contrast of the red rock with the green algae.
Mangrove on a Bend Living in Thailand, I developed a real appreciation for mangrove habitats. There are at least five mangrove species in NSW; I think the ones here are the common grey mangrove (Avicennia marina).
Mangrove Trunk and Roots Mangroves are well adapted to these intertidal areas. One obvious feature of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) is its spiky vertical roots which can be seen at low tide protruding from the mud or sand. These act like snorkels, drawing air into the root system and allowing the plant to survive in soils that are not well aerated.
Location, Location!
Grasses and Mangroves Growing in a tidal area, the plants here need to be adapted to changes in water levels and salinity.
Lines and Curves To the right of the boardwalk here, samphire – a salt-rich succulent plant also known as sea asparagus, glasswort, or pickleweed – grows in the intermittently-wet and brackish ground.
A Tinny on the Mudflat
Nature’s Artworks : Ripples and Waves Watching the water over the sands is mesmerising.
Oyster Farms Many of the estuaries along the Far South Coast of NSW are home to oyster leases, producing high-quality Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) and other varieties for local consumption and export.
Grasses
Fruit of the Grey Mangrove (Avicennia Marina)
Neptune’s Necklace (Hormosira Banksii) Nature’s patterns are everywhere I look.
Dragon Boat Practice Practice I reached the carpark at the end/mid-point of my walk just as the women’s dragon boat team were approaching the landing.
Back into the Mangroves Sunny’s Kiosk & Boat Hire at the end of the walk, wasn’t open – so, I headed straight back into the trees.
Reflected Trunks
Lilies and Ferns There are short sections of earthen path that allow you to get off the boardwalk and into the eucalyptus and melaleuca forest.
Winding Boardwalk
Nature’s Sculpture : Standing Wood Even dead, the trees are beautiful.
Nature’s Artworks : New Growth in the Ripples
Weathered Wood on the Sand
Oyster Farms Oyster farmers will tell you that oysters are the canaries of the waterways: because they are filter-feeders, they are sensitive indicators of water quality. The waters here are carefully monitored to ensure good harvests.
Through the Mangroves and Melaleuca
Walkers on the Boardwalk This is a very popular walk – but all dogs are on-leash and no bicycles are allowed, so the popularity didn’t impact my enjoyment.
Sparkle and Shine
Lone Fisherman Parts of the community of Merimbula come back into view as I get close to where my car is parked.
Having missed out on a mid-walk coffee, I took myself back to town for a lunch on the harbour.
Blue Domes and Whitewashed Walls Santorini is – as they say – everything a Greek island should be. And Oía, that charming village sitting on the northwestern edge of a stunningly beautiful caldera, is the absolute cream.
I had to keep pinching myself!
Santorini lives up to its hype. This southernmost island in the Greek Cyclades is probably the country’s most-visited island. Rightly known for its extraordinary natural beauty, it is a popular travel destination for people the world over.
It was certainly on my bucket list!
Of course, the downside of the island’s popularity is that is also expensive and crowded. I read one blogger who complained about the price of his coffee – even while extolling the view that comes for free! During the peak season – July and August – the island is packed with tourists. Cruise ships offload thousands of day-trippers to add to the throngs.
I was travelling in late-September, during the more-reasonable and less-crowded shoulder season – and Covid19 lockdowns had not long since ended. Even so, there were queues of tourists and Instagrammers waiting for their turns at the most iconic viewpoints.
But, I was finally there! The weather was glorious, the food and wine were sublime, and the views were everything you could hope for.
We had arrived on Santorini from Naxos the day before, and spent the afternoon exploring the capital town of Fira where we were staying (see: Iconic Blue and White). On this particular morning, I – and one other person in the small group I was travelling with – had got up very early to walk from our hotel in Firostefani, north along the edge of the ruined caldera that formed the island, to the picturesque town of Oia (see: A Santorini Sunrise).
When we arrived there, we were free to explore Oia itself before checking out some of the wineries Santorini is also famous for.
Coming into Oia As we come to the tail end of our walk from Fira – some 10+ km (6.2 mi) away – the whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches on the outskirts of Oia come into view.
Church of Agios Georgios This large, creamy yellow Orthodox church with its contrasting blue domes stands out from all the other white churches in Oia.
Oia Those iconic whitewashed buildings and blue Orthodox church domes are everywhere you look. The other Santorini islands that are the remains of that spectacular caldera wrap themselves around us on the horizon.
The Virgin Mary of the Akathist Hymn Church Every Greek church seems to have several names! This one is also known as the Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn. With its six-piece bell tower, it is a commanding example of Santorini’s typical architecture. Located in the main square, it is the most famous church in Oia.
Photo Shoot Our guide leads us to “THE spot” – but, plenty of people are there already with their selfie sticks, or with actual photographers in tow!
A Classic View This is the Greek Orthodox dome that makes it into so many postcards. Far below, life goes on on the flooded caldera that is now a protected harbour. (iPhone12Pro)
Pumice Cliffs Buildings cling to the rough cliffs that rise up steeply from the water.
Souvenir Stand Watercolours and postcards are popular souvenirs. (iPhone12Pro)
Looking Down to Ammoudi Bay The inter-island ferries land in Órmos, further south on the island – but there are plenty of tourist boats in the fishing port of Ammoudi Bay.
The Bells of Oia Another classic postcard view – with just enough breeze to lift the flag! (iPhone12Pro)
Bells over the Caldera That view! Who can get enough?
The Castle of Oia on the Clifftop The ruins of the 15th-century Venetian fortress are a popular sunset spot. We won’t be in town that long.
Through the Gate
Windmill Windmills like this one dot the islands. In the old days, these windmills were used to grind grain. This famous windmill in Oia is a signature Santorini landmark. Although the windmills are no longer functional, many – like this one – have been preserved as a reminder of the island’s past. Some have been retrofitted as tavernas or tourist accommodation.
It isn’t ALL Whitewash! Rendered stone was a common building material. In a region prone to earthquakes, plenty of buildings like this mini market are in need of repair. (iPhone12Pro)
Oia on the Edge Who can resist one last look before we head back to our hotel in Fira?
The Venetsanos Winery In the afternoon, we head back out to learn about the unique (and expensive!) Santorini wines.
The History of Santorini Wine Santorini’s Mediterranean climate, unique terroir, and ancient vines all contribute to the exceptional quality of the local wines.
Boats on the Caldera Venetsanos Winery is located overlooking the magnificent caldera, right above the port of Athinios, so we have magnificent views for our tasting.
Young Server at the Venetsanos Winery Fortunately, we have some snacks to compliment our wine.
Modern Sculpture and Old Equipment Our second wine tasting was at the Estate Argyros.
Over the Vineyards to Anafi Estate Argyros is in Episkopi Gonia, a village on the other side of Santorini, so we have views over the Aegean Sea.
Our Sommelier Our hostess explains the wines as we taste them.
Last Light over Anafi Meanwhile, the sun sets on our last evening on Santorini.
I returned to my room a little tipsy and a whole lot sad knowing that this was my last day on this spectacularly beautiful island.
- Performing the Ganga Aarti from Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi
- Buddha Head from Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
- Harry Clarke Window from Dingle, Ireland
- Novice Monk Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Myanmar
Packets of 10 for $AU50.
Or - pick any photo from my Flickr or Wanders blog photos.
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Until then, 
Saint-Cirq Lapopie has been attracting artists since the mid-1900s; we enjoyed exploring the ateliers and shops as much as we enjoyed appreciating the cobbled streets and medieval architecture!
But, the architectural grandeur he left behind is indeed a testament to Meknes’ start as a magnificent imperial capital.
I returned to my room a little tipsy and a whole lot sad knowing that this was my last day on this spectacularly beautiful island.
