Ella, with its verdant hills and cool nights, is fertile ground for growing many of these spices, such as cardamom, curry leaves and turmeric.

BBC: Foodie paradise in Sri Lanka's hill country

According to my gastric guardian, I had nothing to fear from the vada (pronounced "wahda") a mixture of chunky mashed potatoes, curry leaves, cilantro, mustard seeds and other spices, dipped in a turmeric- and chili-powder-laced chickpea flour batter, then deep fried.

WSJ: Indian Snacks That Pack a Punch

Consider curry: the happy intersection of pungent chili powder and fragrant spices, a kaleidoscope of shifting colors.

NPR: Indian Food: Eating in Technicolor