Before long it’s time to leave Madikeri and climb back on board the minibus. Along the narrow, winding roads we go passing through small towns and villages all bustling with people, cows and dogs among other things.   Half way we pull off at a checkstop, we’re heading into Kerala, another state and need a permit for the bus. There are some small shops there so we get out for a stretch, snacks and chai.

After another hour or two of watching the landscape sail by we arrive at the train station. It will be our last train ride, a 7 hour journey to Kochi.The time passes quickly as we chat and do the odd chai run if there is time to hop off as the train stops at the various stations, no express trains!