Cooling our heels at Whispering Willows Plantation

Whispering Willows (outside Gudalur, beside Mudhumalai National Park, one and a half bus trip north of Ooty! ) is managed by a wonderful young couple, Babu, and his wife Simi. Theirs is a wonderful love story. They found each other at church – she a visiting nun from Kerala. He gave her his number. She put it away and found it three years later, called him, they met at a bus stop. They didn’t look back. You see it in their eyes; meant to be.

Coffee plants in bloom; from our deck

Top: Babu lead us on a few walks around the property pointing out various plants and tree (rosewood, teak, various fruit etc ) Pepper and coffee drying/raking.

Bottom: Walking with Diane and Simi to latter’s nearby family home, also pictured.

Top: Vinotha emerges from her home dressed for safari; white spotted deer; searching for cardamom seeds – found.

Bottom: the fragrance of the coffee flowers daytime, but particularly in evening, is magnificent. My camera views wild elephant just off property.

St Sebastian Church is in the wee village from which Weeping Willows is an easy walk. Father Thomas later visited the plantation, and we in turn went to church with Simi the following morning to return the favour.

Most parishioners knelt, sat and stood on the carpet; confession boxes.

Old man watches the world pass by; rosewood slice, cashew nut (now appreciate work to get at seed) white tailed deer, Cobra skin (thank God).

We love the steam cakes (rice flour and coconut primary ingredients) served, so get a demo. A ‘must have‘ purchase, hopefully in Delhi.

Babu on left with some of his family: his mother, brother, Simi (baby expected in July!) Diane, Vinotha, neighbour in front of their beautiful home, in village.