Once again an unexpected trip lead with F5escapes to Madurai, Tanjore, Rameswaram, Chettinadu. It was a wonderful trip with awesome group.
Took a one stop flight from hyd to bangalore to madurai. Had yummy breakfast with filter coffee in the airport, The Rameshwaram cafe. Met few of the group members at the airport and we took off to Madurai.
Day1: Madurai
Reached Madurai and refreshed in our hotel JC Residency. We got our Tempo Traveller and left for lunch at Sabarees. A must to have Thali here, if u are in Madurai. Then our trip started. Our guide came and met us. First we went to see the handloom sarees shopping, we left for Thirumalai Nayakars Palace. Then we had the famous Jigarthanda on the way to Madurai Meenakshi Temple. It was less crowded during this time as some renovation was going on. We have to leave our mobiles outside only. Went inside the temple and the guide told us the stories and info about the temple and the place. We had good darshan and also saw the museum, 1000 pillars mantap and sculptures inside the temple premises. After this, we had a small stroll in the market nearby. Had dinner in the famous Murugan Idly, which was walking distance from the parking. Then went back to the hotel and winded up for the day.
Day2: Tanjore
Had a wonderful south indian complimentary breakfast and Super Filter coffee in the hotel itself. Then had to hit the road by 9am to reach Tanjore early. We took the new highway called Natham road. It was straight road with no traffic. Reached hotel Sangam and checked in.
Left for lunch at Adayar Anand Bhavan and met our tour guide there. He had good knowledge about the culture, temple etc. First we went to see Bronze idols making. It was very interesting to see how the idols are hand made. They also had Tanjore paintings. From there we went to the Big Temple, Tanjore temple. Had very good darshan of Lord Shiva and spent sometime inside the huge temple.
Later went for a shopping nearby and came back to hotel. Had dinner there itself as everyone were tired and we winded up after that.
Day 3: Rameswaram
This day was a long road drive. After good breakfast, we left for Rameswaram by 8.30am. The route was beautiful. We reached Devipatnam by 12.30pm. It is famous to see the Navagrahas in sea water. As the day goes by, they are immersed inside the sea water naturally. Hence, if possible go as early to see all the 9 grahas before they go inside. Our next stop was Pamban Bridge. Then we reached our hotel Star Palace by 2pm. The hotels here are good enough for the place. Cant expect more than this. We had lunch here and then went to Abdul Kalams Memorial. Its a Must visit place. We reached RamanathaswamyTemple around 4pm, where our guide was waiting.
We took tickets for the 22 wells and darshan. To our surprise, there was no crowd at all. We had a peaceful darshan and spent time in the temple. Some went for shopping and rest of us just sat in Sarvana bhavan nearby and had good coffee/tea. Then around 7pm left for hotel. We planned to see Dhanuskodi the next day morning.
Day 4: Chettinad
After a good breakfast at hotel, we left for Chettinad. First went to Dhanuskodi, the tip of India. Due to security, the check post opened late. But we all had good time near the sea. Saw the ruins of church and railway station. Visited a nearby Ram temple and started off to Chettinadu.
It was very long journey. Had lunch on the way in some bakery as most of the restaurants were crowded on weekends. Reached Karaikudi by 2pm. On the way visited Antique Market. Then we saw Big house of Chettinadu, Athangudi tile making, saree weaving place. Few of them shopped for sarees. Then reached our hotel Chidambara Vilas. Its a beautiful mansion. We were received and then were given the program for the evening and next day morning. After refreshing, we went around the place and just relaxed. Our first event was to see cooking by the Chef. They made local dish and then we had a feast. It was very good dinner something different and yumm.
Day 5: Madurai.. End of trip
Morning we had a local village walk for an hour. It was nice to learn about the place and people. Surprised to learn abt Chettiyar community. After coming back had a lavish breakfast and then tour of the Chidambara Vilas.
Then we had to pack and leave for Madurai Airport which was again a long drive. We all had a great time learning abt the place and blessed to visit the Temples.
Thanks for reading! Have a great time!
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