Madurai

Madurai is around 6 hours on the direct bus from Munnar. Unfortunately only  three buses go direct from Munnar, and the times don't suit us. However, lots of buses go to Thenni, and lots of buses go from there to Madurai. So that's what we did.

The first bus nice and clean. Dramatic views coming down the steep, winding, precipitous narrow roads.

The second bus was more the archetypical Indian affair; dirty, smelly, and overcrowded. Luckily it was only for 2 hours.
Both jammed in ear buds; Mike with best of Pink Floyd, Yvonne with UB40. Soon arrived in Madurai. Temperature very much higher in the mid 30's.

Staying at a palace compared to WTF hotel. Nice and cool and clean, called the 'BG residency'. Over a restaurant. Well used by locals. Food tasty, served on a banana leaf, eat with fingers.

Madurai is famous for its large and colourful temple complex, Sri Meenakshi Temple. Has 4 main gates, and concentric courtyards. The outer two anyone can visit; the inner ones are for Hindus only.
No cameras allowed, although bizarrely, mobile phones are, with which one is allowed to take pictures for an additional fee.
No footwear allowed. We went at 9 am on Sunday. Nice and quiet. By 11 am it was getting crowded. 

Later went to the Gandhi museum. Was mainly a potted history of the British rule under the Raj. Listed many of the bad things about British rule. Didn't even mention that we gave them cricket. Saw a pair of Gandhi's sandals, allegedly.

Leave you with some photos; stunning landscape; a ten minute bus break; picking tea; one of the four main temple buildings; a smaller temple in the grounds; hotel above Ariyas restaurant, no widow's to the front.