We set out for Madurai one of the most significant places we would visit. We went first to Chettinad, land of the Chettiars that dates back to the Chola period. We saw old palaces and mansions but the place had known better days!
Along the way we drove on many minor roads. At times the road had been taken over as a good spot to dry the maize crop. We also had a stop at a coconut fibre rope maker. We have seen this still in use!
Yet another stop was at a tiny plant manufacturing tiles in a "backyard" factory.
This was the best preserved of the mansions and palaces in this forgotten city. We drove along tiny narrow streets and lanes to explore the old houses.
Lunch was welcome as the area is well known for its food. We were at the Bangala and had a banana leaf lunch.
Saves on the washing up!
The hotel was delightful and would be a very pleasant place to stay.
Our final visit for the day was the Ghandi Museum. This was a lot of information boards but also some interesting artifacts including his dhoti from when he was killed and sandals. No photos allowed.
The next morning we first visited the Thirumalainaicker Royal Palace. Built in 1636 with Italian architects, only one quarter remains today.
Influences from the Arab and British as well as the Italians and Indians.
Our main visit was to Meenakshi Temple or Madurai or Mother Temple. This is a Shiva Temple and is believed to be where Shiva married his wife Sree Meenakshi. It is 2000 years old and is a city within a city.
The main gate as you approach. It is very strict and you cannot take cameras, bags or lots more and have a body search prior to entry.
Close up of detail.
Taken from a rooftop nearby.
The temple is excellent. We may try to add some internal photos at a later point as you were allowed to use cameras in mobiles. Lots of the rules don't make much sense! We spent hours at the temple before shopping in the local bazaar and then returning to our hotel for a late lunch.
Along the way we drove on many minor roads. At times the road had been taken over as a good spot to dry the maize crop. We also had a stop at a coconut fibre rope maker. We have seen this still in use!
Yet another stop was at a tiny plant manufacturing tiles in a "backyard" factory.
This was the best preserved of the mansions and palaces in this forgotten city. We drove along tiny narrow streets and lanes to explore the old houses.
Lunch was welcome as the area is well known for its food. We were at the Bangala and had a banana leaf lunch.
Saves on the washing up!
The hotel was delightful and would be a very pleasant place to stay.
Our final visit for the day was the Ghandi Museum. This was a lot of information boards but also some interesting artifacts including his dhoti from when he was killed and sandals. No photos allowed.
The next morning we first visited the Thirumalainaicker Royal Palace. Built in 1636 with Italian architects, only one quarter remains today.
Influences from the Arab and British as well as the Italians and Indians.
Our main visit was to Meenakshi Temple or Madurai or Mother Temple. This is a Shiva Temple and is believed to be where Shiva married his wife Sree Meenakshi. It is 2000 years old and is a city within a city.
The main gate as you approach. It is very strict and you cannot take cameras, bags or lots more and have a body search prior to entry.
Close up of detail.
Taken from a rooftop nearby.
The temple is excellent. We may try to add some internal photos at a later point as you were allowed to use cameras in mobiles. Lots of the rules don't make much sense! We spent hours at the temple before shopping in the local bazaar and then returning to our hotel for a late lunch.
1 comment:
I've often thought you should plant a banana tree at Conjola for "plates" when you're feeding a crowd!
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