I'm in Madikerri (or Mercara) as it is supposed to be known now. It's a hill station in sw Karnatica, an area known as the Coorg. It's in the mountains Known as the Western Ghats, at a height of 1800m. Therefore here in winter the cimate is like a good sunny day at home. I came here from a higher place in the Ghats, Oooty, which is at a hieght of 2400m and there first thing in the morning there wes a heavy frost on the grass but when the sun got up it was beautiful. Whilst there I walked up the highest mountain south of the Himalyas Dallabetta 2640m (over 8000 ft). Since I was last on line in Pondicherery, Iv'e also visited Mammallapuram and Mysore where would you believe it, last Tuesdy I bumped into Grahame walking down the street in the dark. There was no mistaking his slloette with his day sack over his shoulder. He was intending to go to Madikerri the next day and I went to Ooty the day after that. I came yesterday afternoon. Did a 14 km walk this morning to Abbi Falls and back. Not much to do at night. Very few Western travellers.I don't suppose he will still be here as this is a small town and I'm sure I would have bumped into him by now. He will probabley have gone on to Kerala by now where I am going the day after tomorrow - Kunnar. I have taken lots of Photos. I could murder a good pint and a slice of decent bread. Kevin

© Kevin Gilmartin 2001. Page last updated 5 November 2001.