Houseboats, Haathi, and Hairy Animals*

Spending a night on a houseboat in Alleppey has got to be one of the highlights of our stay in India.

It was so relaxing...

... just crusing around, watching the other boat traffic pass by

Boat Traffic

(sigh)

Next it was off to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. So from really chill hang-out time we then went to super exciting jeep safaris, 3-hour jungle** trek (leeches no extra charge), and two more boat rides (one guess who was thrilled to be back on the water).

Seeing the pack of local humans feasting their eyes on a recent spotting

We saw elephants, various kinds of monkeys, giant squirrels, all manner of birds, and heard bison crunching through the forest

Allen's favorite the giant squirrel

Watch out Richard!

Taking a break during the 3-hour trek

They spotted one! One what?

The scenery was so beautiful

Oh, and least I forget MEETING AN ELEPHANT! Bucket list entry #453 DONE!

Usha Kalmari was capable of carrying all three of us, even if Richard felt like he was gonna fall off

Look how much fun we're having, right Richard!

Getting blessed by the elephant

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* Give me a break, I was trying for an alliteration

** Not wimpy jungle, proper "Oh my gosh, I'm totally in the middle of the jungle" jungle