After the hike in the jungles of Periyar, we checked out of our hotel and drove down the Sahyadri mountains. We stopped at a lovely spot called Serenity, a colonial home turned boutique hotel, where we were greeted by the resident elephant Lakshmi…my old friend. It was so good to see her again. She's as mellow and happy as the first day I met here a few years ago. After feeding Lakshmi her fill of fruits everyone loosened their drawstring pants and sat down for another delicious thali meal (more eating with our hands off of banana leaves). The food has been irresistible!
