After twenty five years, Cardamom House has installed three generators that will ensure a seamless supply of electricity. Local skilled trades people and artisans attended the blessing and celebration. It involved a goat, which was shampooed ready for its part in the proceedings. The bounds of the generator house were walked and prayers were offered for all involved in the building work and in Cardamom House.

The common hawk cuckoo is a regularly visitor and at this time of year plenty of grubs are available. Listen out for its repetitive call that rises in pitch and ferocity! Sometimes you can hold a brief ‘conversation’ with it.

Congratulations to the team. In 2014 and 2015, you were awarded the Trip Advisors’ Certificate of Excellence.

In 2017, you were awarded Trip Advisors’ top accolade, the Travellers’ Choice Award.

And now, in 2018, you have again received this award – 2018 Travellers’ Choice.

Well done to the team. You deserve it.

Take the juice of a lime and some hot water. Add honey to taste. Now add a liberal helping of ground black pepper (about a level teaspoonful). After the initial shock to the taste buds, it doesn’t taste too bad …. and it might just stop that irritating cough!

The squirrels have taken up residence in a number of

neighbour’s gardens. From time to time, they are seen at the

Sadayandi Temple.

They are on the ‘near threatened’ list of the International Union

for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

At the moment our mixed habitats aren’t so suited to it, although

Chris saw one sunning itself on the solar panel, by the pool.

The monsoon failed and the temperatures are rising, yet there are still plenty of birds around. Yesterday morning guests watched as a flock of around twenty painted stork wheeled around above the remnants of Kamarajar Lake.

Nearer to home, bee eaters have taken to diving into the pool.

Many happy returns, Chris!