Madurai

“I have no other wish in this world but to find light and joy and pease through Hinduism”

-Mahatma Gandhi

The drive to Madurai was on a narrow road. We stopped for lunch and to stretch our legs at Kanaukathan, a small town in Tamil Nadu. The town was settled by those in fear of a tsunami which devastated their homes some 200 Km away. It’s like stepping back in time with many large century-old mansions, which are either used as historic hotels or are empty as the families have moved away. The town is also home to famous Chittinad cuisine. We took lunch at a hotel the lunch was served as they do traditionally on banana leaves. They don’t have a liquor licence but they managed to serve very cold beer in a pottery pitcher’s. the Chettinad region is home to a prosperous banking and d business community

After lunch and a walk around the town we to see some large vacant houses owned by families living outside India. There was also a community of residents doing traditional crafts such as weaving. Then it was back into the mini bus continue on to Madurai formally known as Madura. It is one of the oldest cities in India.

The main attraction in Madurai is a Hindu temple known as Arukmingun Meenakshi Sundarswarar Temple it stands about most of the single story buildings but as we all know historic temples are often under repair and I was lucky enough to be there during the repairs. The beauty of temple was still visible. I was able to take some photos outside the temple but the light was not very good, however you can still see the fine workmanship. This is the only temple I’ve been to in India that has very strict rules for entry no shoes, no electronic devices including Apple Watch no bags, no cameras. They search you to confirm before entry. That being said it would be the cleanest temple I’ve ever been in I’d recommend going to it many of the shops will let you have a locker to secure you belongings.