Travelling in TamilNadu

Language

Tamil is the local language in Tamil Nadu (South India) though English is widely understood and spoken. Upon arrival your English may not be easily understood due to the different accent, colloquialisms you use or the speed at which you speak. Be patient. Do not be embarrassed at having to repeat yourself. Listen carefully at the differences in pronunciation and try to adjust your accent accordingly.

Weather

The climate is tropical, generally hot and humid for most of the year. Daytime temperature ranges from 25ºC in the winter to 45ºC in the summer. The rainy season strikes in May/June and a smaller monsoon once again in November/December. The most pleasant time to visit is during the months of July through February. April and May are the hottest months.

Food

Food is generally spicy. So, always specify if you would like your meal to be made less spicy.
Tipping: A moderate tip of Rs. 20 is acceptable.
Drinks: While it is generally acceptable to get coffee or tea from the local street vendors, other drinks should only be purchased in sealed bottles. This includes bottled water (ask for “mineral water”), soda, soft drinks. Fruit drinks are also available in sealed cartons.
Do not ask for ice cubes, as they are merely frozen water.
Fruit drinks mixed with local water should be avoided.
Sugar cane juice from local vendor should be avoided.

• Use only bottled water for brushing your teeth.
• Avoid all fruits that have been already peeled or sliced.
• Roadside snacks are safe to eat if they are hot off the fire.
• Avoid salads in restaurants.

Security

Though incidents of theft are rare, it is advisable to keep your luggage and room locked. Madurai is a constantly bustling city making it quite a safe place to go about.

Photography

• Film processing and printing from either film or digital cameras is readily available. The “Mini Studio” in Madurai is located about four blocks from LAICO and does excellent work at low prices.
• Generally locals in Tamil Nadu love to have their photos taken. Please ask first to be sure, but once you take one photo, you will probably be asked to take dozens more!
• Photography inside temples is sometimes restricted. You may need to purchase a camera pass.

Medical Assistance

The pharmacy at Aravind carries all the common drugs. However, there are many well-stocked drug stores near the Aravind campus. You should bring your own supply of any special medicines you take, as they may not be readily available in India in the same prescription strengths.

In case of any illness or medical emergency, the physician at Aravind is available. Guests who feel ill should not hesitate to see the Aravind physician.

Electricity

• 240 V AC, 50 Hz
• Sockets: 2 or 3 Round pin
• If your country uses a different kind of plug, conversion adapters are available.
• Most computer-related devices and chargers will operate on 110 or 220 volt power, but check yours ahead of time to be sure. It is handy to bring one 3-way adapter to plug into the conversion adapter. DO NOT plug anything into the wall without first checking that it is safe to use on 220 volt power.
• If you bring any 110 volt electronics you will need a transformer or inverter. If you are bringing a small transformer check whether it can be used with electronic equipment or whether it is designed for heating appliances. Using the one designed for use with only heating appliances can burn out your radio or computer.

Local Transportation

Auto-Rickshaw – This is the most convenient way to get around. Auto-rickshaw stands can be found all over, or you can simply flag one down if you see one without passengers in the back seat. Typical charges should be from Rs. 20 to 40 per trip – for instance, from the Aravind campus to the Meenakshi Temple the charge should be around Rs. 40. Always agree on the price before getting into the auto rickshaw, and be prepared to bargain with the driver. If the driver insists on a higher price than you feel is reasonable, it is okay to simply walk away to find another auto-rickshaw. It is a good idea to have your destination and return addresses written down in Tamil so you can show it to the driver. This will make your communication much easier.
• Buses – Most Indian cities have an excellent system of low-cost buses, which are a convenient and inexpensive way of getting around. However, the signs and other information are all written in Tamil. If asked, the bus conductor will usually help you out by telling you when to get off for your desired destination. For finding the correct bus, look for the “bus number” prominently displayed on the front of the bus. There are three main bus stands in the city of Madurai, namely Periar bus stand, Arapalayam bus stand and Mattuthavani bus stand. If you are taking a long distance bus, ask which bus stand you should go to, to find the bus for your destination.
• Taxis – Taxis are also available, at a higher charge.

Dress

• Since South India is warm even in December and January, you generally do not need any warm clothes. Cotton clothes are most suitable. However, if you are planning to travel to North India during winter months or if you plan to visit any of the regional hill stations, it is advisable to bring adequate warm clothes, as it could be cold. People in Tamil Nadu are more tradition-bound and slower to modernization than the bigger Indian metropolitan cities. This makes it a warm and friendly place, and tourists easily feel at home. And also, anyone seen inappropriately or inadequately dresses gets undue glares and stares. So please consider the following dress recommendations especially while you are a visitor/volunteer at Aravind:
  • Women: It is appropriate to wear long skirts/pants and loose fitting tops (not sleeveless). Strictly avoid tight leggings or jeans and skimpy tops. If you are staying longer, wearing Indian outfits – the salwar-kurthas would be ideal. You can buy these from shops near the hospitals or the ones near Meenakshi temple
  • Men: Most men usually wear button-down shirts and loose trousers. Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, sleeveless tops or shorts. Most visitors love the cotton material here and often purchase shirts and trousers from readymade shops or have them custom made.
  • Shoes: Sandals or other loose shoes would be comfortable. Most visitors wear socks for fear of foot problems. Flip-flops are useful and inexpensive ones can be purchased locally.

Culture / Conduct

South Indians are mild mannered and are quite open to foreigners. The following tips should help you understand what is considered appropriate behavior here:

• Use only your right hand to give or receive anything.
• Avoid criticism of local customs or traditions.
• Avoid aggressive behavior.
• Be a patient guest; the pace may not be as fast as that to which you are accustomed. The formality of sitting at length in conversation is a time-honored custom.
• Shaking hands: Don’t shake hands unless a hand is offered. If in doubt say “Namaste” with both hands clasped together, especially when greeting women. Handshakes may be longer and could involve both hands at times.
• Always remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s house.
• Indians assume that Westerners dislike hot and spicy food, so if you prefer hot and spicy food, do tell them.
• If your host insists on paying for things, don’t force the issue.
• Observe social protocols in meetings - for example, don’t force junior people to speak in front of the seniors.
• The approach to time in India is more relaxed than abroad, so don’t be surprised if people turn up late for meetings or just cancel it at the last minute.
• It’s a friendly and common gesture for people of the same sex to hold hands.
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol, and chewing gum are not permitted within any of the Aravind premises. Smoking in public is banned.

Shopping

• Shop Hours: Most shops are open from 10 am to 6 pm. They generally don’t close for lunch. Most shops are closed on Sundays
• Credit Cards: The larger shops accept credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) and traveller’s cheques.
• Bargaining: At most of the smaller local shops, prices start out quite high, and you are expected to bargain to get a more reasonable price. If you don’t feel comfortable about bargaining, there are quite a few ‘fixed price’ shops you can go to.

Banking Facilities

• The current exchange rate is US $ 1 = Rs. 46 (Dec ’09). Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates
• Currency Exchange: You can contact any government approved exchange office or hotel to change money, or you may ask the hospital cashier for help.
• ATM machines are available throughout the city and most handle VISA & MasterCard.
• If you change money from your local currency to Indian currency, keep the receipt. You will need it later if you wish to change your extra Indian currency back to your local currency.

Communication

Post and post-related services like courier and FAX are available; ask the hospital receptionist where to find these services.

Telephones

There are three kinds of telephones, available at phone booths: for LOCAL calls, long distance within India (STD), and international calls outside of India (ISD). They are located on many streets near the hospital. In addition, there is an STD and ISD booth at the hospital.

Cell phone service is available at reasonable rates from several local service providers. Check with your contact person for recommended mobile plans. Aravind can assist you in obtaining a local SIM card. Cell phone reception is generally good in all major cities and even in most small towns. If you want to purchase a mobile phone in Madurai, you will find excellent pricing starting as low as Rs. 1,500 for a basic phone.
• You will need an “unlocked GSM tri-band or quad-band cell phone” for use in India. If you are bringing a GSM style phone with you to India, first call your home phone company to obtain the “unlock code” which may be necessary to allow you to use your phone with a different mobile phone service.
• To obtain a local SIM card to insert in your phone, along with your application you will need to submit a copy of your passport and a letter from Aravind saying that you are involved in Aravind related projects.
• You should purchase your SIM card in the state that you expect to stay in rather than a different Indian city, to be sure of being charged only local rates.
• Cell phone service for visitors is usually “pre-paid”. You purchase “air time” and “validity” as required. Extending either is very simple – there are numerous mobile phone suppliers who will be glad to assist you and sell you the appropriate card. One such supplier is located only two blocks from the LAICO building.
• If your home service provider allows it, you can also use your existing SIM card, but you will be paying higher prices as your local and international calls will all become international calls.

Internet

Many Aravind buildings including the Aravind Guest House in Madurai provide Wi-Fi. You can connect directly from your laptop. No “security settings” are required – simply turn on your wireless search program and it should find an access point to connect to. Ask the hospital receptionist where Wi-Fi is available. Internet service at most Aravind locations is often good enough to allow the use of programs such as Skype, for free phone calls, although the connection speed sometimes will slow down when the networks are busy. You will find quite a few cyber cafés in most commercial areas of the cities.

Internet from Mobile Phones - Several of the newer high-end mobile phones also have Wi-Fi capabilities. You can use these to perform most of the same functions as a laptop computer. You may even be able to install programs such as “Fring”, which allow free Skype calls from your mobile phone.

Festivals (Tamil Nadu State)

South India celebrates fairs and festivals in a very grand manner. Festivals in India are usually celebrated with the family. These festivals are some of the more grand occasions when the city comes alive…

PONGAL or the harvest festival, in January, is a thanks giving to the Sun God and is a colourful sight complete with decorated cows!

JALIKATTU or bull-taming on the days after Pongal is an impressive show of strength and courage by the village youth. The Madurai Chamber of Commerce organizes tourist visits to the “bull taming”.

DIWALI, the festival of lights in November, is a nation-wide celebration of the conquest of good over evil.

Miscellaneous Advice

• It is advisable to bring your own supply of toilet paper with you when travelling to India, as it is not always available at public toilets. If you travel away from the hospital area, you should carry your own supply with you.
• Also bring along some mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are active from dusk to dawn. If you are outside, wear long sleeves and trousers or apply insect repellent.
• Since it can be quite sunny, it is always good to carry a hat and a sunscreen lotion.
• Bring a thermometer and an adequate supply of prescription drugs you need. You can check ahead of time to see if these drugs are available in India.
• Carry a small amount of any over-the-counter medications you might need for minor illnesses. Eg: Tylenol, Imodium, Gravol, Dramamine, Decongestants etc.
• Make copies of your passport and visa, and carry them with you, instead of the originals.
• Be aware that what people in other countries such as America call the “second floor” is referred to as the “first floor” in India. Think of the ground floor as “0” and count up from there for additional floors.

Madurai

About Madurai

India, with its traditional and diversified culture, stands unique in the south of Asia and attracts many visitors from abroad. Nearly 19 languages are spoken in India. Though Hinduism is the main religion, others like Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism are also practiced. India has the second largest population in the world, which recently crossed the 1 billion mark. There are numerous places of interest in India. India saturates the senses, from the tropical backwaters to the towering Himalayan peaks.

Tamil Nadu, situated in Southern India is the home of Dravidian art and culture, characterized by the amazingly ornate temples with their soaring towers known as gopurams. Chennai, (Madras) ‘The Gateway to the South’, is the state capital.

Madurai, probably over 2,500 years old, is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Its origin and name emerge from the myths of a lovely legend... In a forest, near a lotus pond, Indra, the King of Gods, worshipped Lord Siva. At this hallowed spot, the Pandiyan monarch, Kulasekhra, built a great temple for Goddess Meenakshi (the consort of Lord Shiva) and by clearing the forest, he created a lotus-shaped city around the temple. On the occasion of the city’s opening Lord Shiva is said to have danced in joy and the nectar, or madhura, from his fragrant hair showered down on the city. The city was henceforth known as ‘Madhurapuri’. Madhurapuri grew and prospered to become the capital of the Pandiyan Kingdom.

Madurai lies on the banks of the river Vaigai. The temple and the old city are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its textile mills; engineering and large university sprawl around.

Travel to Madurai

• BY AIR: Chennai, is the closest international airport to Madurai, and even if your port of entry is not Chennai, we advise you to get to Madurai through Chennai. There are four airlines flying between Madurai (IXM), and Chennai (MAA):
  • Kingfisher:www.flykingfisher.com
  • Paramount:www.paramountairways.com
  • Jet Airways: www.jetairways.com
  • Indian Airlines: www.indian-airlines.nic.in
  By Rail: Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern Railway and is directly connected to Chennai, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli. It is advisable to make a reservation on these trains, at least a week in advance. Be aware that Chennai has two railroad junctions – trains to Madurai depart from the Egmore Station.
  • If you need a place to rest while waiting for your train, or even overnight, the Hotel Regent close to the Egmore Station has rooms for only Rs. 200 (Dec ’08), and is safe and clean. Bring your own towel and bathroom tissue.
  • There are signs at the railway junction telling you which platform to wait on for your train, and where to stand so you will be close to the car your ticket is booked for. If in doubt, ask one of the attendants.
  • Railway seats can be booked in advance or cancelled over the internet:www.southernrailway.org
  • Online Booking: cleartrip.com provides convenient online booking of air and train tickets as well as hotel reservation.
• By Road: You may also decide to take the road from Chennai to Madurai. You could take an overnight bus or rent a taxi and ride down

Getting to Aravind once you Arrive in Madurai

• You can get to Aravind from the airport, train station, or bus terminal either by Taxi or Auto rickshaw – just ask for “Aravind Eye Hospital”.
  • Typical auto-rickshaw fare from the airport will be around Rs. 300 (Dec ’08).
  • Typical auto-rickshaw fare from the train station will be around Rs. 50 (Dec ’08).
  • Typical taxi fare from the airport will be Rs.350 - 400 (Dec ’08). Prepaid taxi service is available at Madurai Airport.
• Transportation will not be provided by Aravind unless specified earlier.

Restaurants

Indian food is generally spicy. However, Continental and Chinese food are also available. Make it a point to specify if you would like your meal to be made less spicy. A wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available at most hotels.

Restaurants near the Aravind complex, Madurai

• Meenakshi Bhavan near the Anna bus stand (a few blocks from LAICO) offers a wide range of traditional South Indian vegetarian food
• Annapoorna Towers near LAICO serves good non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes
• Fortune Pandyan’s ‘Orchid’ restaurant offers a delicious spread at its lunch and dinner buffets. It also has a kebab and barbeque counter. It also has a pastry shop during the day.
• Hotel Sangam: Besides its multi-cuisine restaurant, it has opened up ‘Athangudi’ which serves authentic South Indian dishes typical of the ‘Chettinad’ cuisine.
• Hot Breads near the KK Nagar Arch, offers baked foods, soups and a variety of more western style foods
• Café Coffee Day: Located opposite the Golcha Complex on “80 ft. road”, in Anna Nagar Coffee day serves fresh cappuccino and snacks and is open until 11 pm
• Cafe Floats and Blaack Forest near Big Cinema (KK Nagar) offer fresh and delicious pastries, drinks and sandwiches.
• Metropole, near the court, is a roof-top restaurant that offers multi-cuisine fine dining

Places of Worship

Mosques

There is a small mosque about a five-minute walk from LAICO. Larger mosques are found near the Goripalayam junction and one in the Wakf Board College Campus in K.K Nagar.

Churches

Madurai has many churches. At the beautiful and historic St. Mary’s Cathedral, masses are held every Sunday, although in Tamil. Sunday services in English are also held at the quaint American College chapel. Regular 7:30 am and 6:00 pm communion mass can be attended at the pretty church of Divine Patience in the Railway Colony, also in English. There are various other churches, such as the large Lutheran Church near the railway station and the Pentecostal church at KK Nagar.

Temples

In the temple city of Madurai, you’ll find a temple on virtually every street. They vary greatly in size and architecture and house different deities. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks before entering a temple. A storage place is usually available nearby – when you get your shoes back; a two-rupee tip is generally appreciated. Cameras may not be permitted inside some temples, and at others you need to purchase a “camera pass”. If in doubt, ask. The following list will give you an idea of a few of the major temples (See the section on “Sightseeing” for additional descriptions):

• Meenakshi Amman Temple, at the heart of town
• Alagar Koil – one of the 108 major temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu 20 km from Madurai at the foothills of the Alagar Hills
• Surya Nagar – a fascinating temple found about 7kms south of Madurai, located on Alagar Koil Road, about 1/3 of the way to Alagar Koil
• Thirumohur Temple – one of the 108 major temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, 10 kms north of Madurai
• Thirupparankundram – an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya, 6 kms Southwest of Madurai

Buddhist Prayer Hall

There is a Buddhist prayer hall within the Gandhi Museum campus.

Meditation Halls

Meditation rooms at all the Aravind Buildings are always open. There is one on the first floor of the paying section of the hospital and one on the ground floor at LAICO.

Leisure Time

Movies

• The Tamil film industry is one of the largest in the world. Most Tamil films are musicals and are two-and-a-half hours long. Film-going is very popular in Tamil Nadu and a number of theatres are located near the Aravind campus.
• Most of the theatres are air-conditioned. Ask for ‘balcony’ class for the most comfortable seats.
• English movies are rarely screened.
• Check the local paper (The Hindu) for reviews and what’s showing. The Cine-Priya Theatre Complex and Big Cinema Theatre are located just a few blocks from Aravind Hospital usually shows good movies.
• Movies are shown in two parts, with a brief intermission to give you time to get refreshments or use the rest rooms.

Swimming

• Hotel Sangam, on Alagar Koil Road has a small swimming pool with sun beds.
• The Taj Garden Retreat Hotel is located on a hillock just out of town providing a spectacular view over the whole of Madurai in a very peaceful setting. The hotel has a swimming pool, available at a nominal charge for the day and includes towels, changing facilities and showers.
• The Fortune Pandyan has a swimming pool, though quite small.
• The Madurai Corporation maintains a swimming pool near the Gandhi Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Yoga

For early risers there are Yoga classes held at 6:00 am each morning at the Swami Sivananda Yoga Centre just opposite LAICO on Sathar Road. Classes are held from Monday through Saturday, for an hour and a half and cost Rs.150 per month. Classes are also from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Shopping

Shopping in Madurai is a whole new experience. The streets around the Meenakshi Amman temple are packed with shops. Madurai markets, many of which are located on narrow streets, can be overwhelmingly noisy and crowded. Small shops selling the same wares are often grouped together in the same area. You will need to bargain in most smaller shops where there isn’t a fixed price. Books and cotton clothes are cheap. Madurai is also a good place for local crafts.

Clothes Shopping in Madurai

• If you are looking for traditional Indian wear, the best-known outfit for women is the Sari. Churidars or Salwar Kameez are also elegant and comfortable to wear. Most Indian girls and younger women prefer wearing them.
• Hajeemoosa is a trusted name for clothes. Besides men’s wear they also have an excellent collection of silk saris.
• Next to the famous Meenakshi Temple is a bustling business centre that is housed in a quaint, ancient stone-pillared hall -‘the Puthu Mandapam’: This is a delight for most visitors. You can select from an assortment of silk and cotton material and have one of a dozen tailors to make your outfit. Both the material and the tailoring are inexpensive here. Handicrafts Shopping in Madurai
• Palma Corner, near the TTS Building at Arasaradi is a small shop that sells handicrafts produced by the locals. The rates are cheap and the proceeds go to supporting the local artisans.
• The Kadhi Bhavan located on the Town Hall Road is an authorized sales depot for handicrafts as well as kadhi clothes. If you are purchasing antiques or crafts from the boutiques around the temple, be sure to bargain hard!

General Shopping in Madurai

You can purchase most things, from stationery to clothes, along the 80 ft Road in Anna Nagar

The new Milan’em Mall on the KK Nagar Main Road has a good supermarket. It also has a good food court.

Festivals Unique to Madurai

Teppam Festival: The Float Festival in Madurai in January is a grand spectacle where the deity from the Meenakshi Temple is taken around the large Mariamman Teppakulam temple tank on an elaborately decorated float

Chithrai Festival in April is Madurai’s most colorful carnival. It is about a fortnight-long celebration of the coronation and the marriage of the local deity, Goddess Meenakshi in the first month of the Tamil Calendar, Chithirai. This is a wonderful time to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple. But the streets will be extremely crowded.

Sightseeing in Madurai

Within the city of Madurai, common places of interest include the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Museum, etc. While these can be visited during the day, tours to other places can be arranged. Local travel agents can organize short trips over the weekends. Besides these, look out for periodic special events and festivals, which are announced by the Tamil Nadu Tourist Office or local newspapers (Metro Plus section of The Hindu), for example Jallikattu at Alanganallur, Pongal in the villages and classical dance or music concerts.

Meenakshi Amman Temple: The main attraction of Madurai is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is situated in the heart of the old town. It is a fine example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. It houses the large central ‘Tank of the Golden Lotus’. Its large towers and sunning architecture is not to be missed. It is the heart of the Old Madurai city. The city is said to be ruled by Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Meenakshi, who are the main deities. If you bring a camera, you will need to purchase a camera pass. Some parts of the temple are for Hindus only – if in doubt, ask first. It is just a 15 minute autorickshaw ride travel from Aravind.

Tirumalai Nayak Mahal: About 1.5 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple is this palace that was built in 1636, by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm. There’s an entertaining sound-light show in English every evening, narrating Madurai’s history and the temple carvings.

Gandhi Museum: It was in Madurai in the year 1921 that Gandhiji adopted for the first time, the loin cloth as his mode of dress, which made him known throughout the world as “The Naked Fakir”. It was in Madurai again that the doors of the great Meenakshi Amman Temple were thrown open to Harijans, thus winning a historic battle against “untouchability”. Gandhiji visited the Temple in the year 1946 along with Harijans as a triumph for the cause of Harijan Temple entry.

Located at just a 10 minute walk from the Aravind Eye Hospital the Gandhi Museum is housed in the old palace of Rani Mangammal. This museum is worth seeing and gives a clear history of the independence of India. Some of the utensils used by the Mahatma are also kept on display.

Mariamman Teppakulam Tank: This tank is located 5 km east of the old city and covers an area almost equal to that of the Meenakshi temple. It is the biggest tank of its kind in Tamil Nadu and one of the most imposing sights of Madurai when it is full of water. This enormous temple tank was fed by water brought from the Vagai River through an ingenious system of underground channels.

This is the site of the popular Teppam festival. In commemoration of the birth of the king, the colourful Float Festival is held in this tank, in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (January-February).

Sightseeing Outside the City of Madurai

Azhagar Koil: This is a Vishnu temple located 21 kms north of Madurai at the foothills of Alagar Malai, a lovely wooded hill. It is a picturesque place alive with monkeys. The main deity is Lord Vishnu. Vishnu presides as Meenakshi’s brother “Azhagar”. During the Chithirai festival in April/May, when the marriage of Meenakshi to Sundereshwarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai for the wedding ritual in an impressive procession.

Surya Nagar – a fascinating temple found about 7kms south of Madurai, located on Alagar Koil Road, about 1/3 of the way to Alagar Koil.

Thiruparankundram: Located 6 kms southwest of Madurai, this is a small town known for its sacred granite hill. Also regarded as one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya, this is a rock-cut temple . Here, Lord Subramaniya was wedded to Devayanai, daughter of Indra, after annihilating the demon, Surapadman. There is a long walk to the top, but the view is spectacular once you get there!

Athisayam Theme Park: Located at a distance of 12 kms from Madurai along the Dindigul road at Paravai is the Athisayam theme park, the only one of its kind in this part of the region, which promises you non-stop fun. World-class water sports offer plenty of exciting entertainment.

Thirumohur Temple: is a quiet and serene temple with a lotus pond about 10 km north of Madurai. The main deity is Lord Vishnu.

Vaigai Dam: This is a popular picnic spot 70 kms from Madurai. Well laid out gardens on one side of dam is a prime attraction. On Sundays the dam is illuminated with an array of colored lights.

Kanyakumari: This is known as “The Land’s End” of India, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This is a spectacle to watch the sunrise, sunset and the moonrise over the ocean. It also has a temple, a memorial to Gandhi and a good museum on Swami Vivekananda’s life. You could either travel by train or hire a taxi.


Kodaikanal: is an enchanting hill station 2,130 m above sea level on the Western Ghats and 120 km from Madurai. Travel takes about 3 hours. Kodaikanal is an ideal place for trekking.

Megamalai: 130 kms from Madurai, Megamalai lies 1500 m above sea level. One has to climb up from the Chinnamanur side. There are many cardomon estates and tea plantations in the hills. Wild animals like sambhar, elephant, tiger, cheetah, gaur and spotted deer are found amidst thick vegetation.


Coutrallam: (the spa of the south) is situated at an elevation of about 167 m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District, 160 kms from Madurai. It has nine waterfalls. The water as it gushes through different herbs of the mountain absorbs their medicinal properties. A shower in the falls makes one’s body and spirit hale and healthy.

Rameswaram: Known as the ‘Varanasi of the South’, Rameswaram is a major pilgrim site for Hindus. With temples, shrines, and an incredible beach, it makes for a nice day or an overnight trip from Madurai. Bus tours leave at 7.00 am and return in the evening at 7.00 pm. Hiring a car and driver is also a good option. It takes four hours to get there and the drive itself is picturesque.

Places to Stay

Aravind Guesthouses:

• Harmony: A three-storied guesthouse with all facilities, located just a five-minute walk from the hospital. It consists of sixteen air conditioned and two non-a/c rooms all attached with western style bathrooms. A housekeeper is there to serve the volunteers and guests. The guest house is equipped with a TV and DVD player. The guesthouse also has a small library.
• Aspiration, (also called PG Hostel) is located just across the Aravind Eye Hospital, set up mainly for post graduate students, fellows and short term trainees.
• Inspiration – Hostel for the international visitors and trainees

The following are some timings and guidelines for guests, to allow smooth running of the guesthouse and hostels

Meals

• Breakfast is served from 7am to 8am
• Lunch is served from 1pm to 2pm
• Dinner is served from 7:30pm to 8:30pm

If you will be away for a meal, please inform the staff in advance. This will allow them to clear the table after the meal so they will not have to wait for you. Lunch and dinner are not served on Sunday, as this is the cook’s day off.

Hotels near Aravind

• Hotel Sri Annapoorna Towers: It is a 3-star hotel located near to Aravind Eye Hospital. The amenities include provided here are direct dial phone, local and international TV channels, laundry and dry cleaning facilities. www.annapoornatower.com
• Hotel Star Residency: The rooms are elegantly furnished with centralized AC, LCD,satellite TV, telephones with direct dialing facility, Wi-Fi internet and so on. www.starresidencyhotels.com
• Hotel Fortune Pandiyan: An ideal place to stay for business and leisure travelers. It offers the highest standards in accommodation and cuisine. www.fortunepandiyanhotel.com

Theni

About Theni

Theni municipal town, recently upgraded to district head quarters is mainly a commercial town and is known for its big weekly shandy held every Sunday which brings in the produce from the surrounding rural areas. Theni is 75 kms away from Madurai and easily accessed by the frequent buses or taxis.

Places of Interest Around Theni

Thekkadi

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkadi is 155kms from Madurai. Situated in Kerala, the forest of this beautiful sanctuary slopes down to a manmade lake. The motor boat ride allows one to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Elephant, gaur, sambhar, bear, even tigers and leopards come down to drink from the lake.

Cochin

The fascinating city of Cochin has a plethora of things to see including churches, winding streets crammed with 500 year old Portuguese homes, Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the diaspora, a 16th century synagogue and a palace built by the Portuguese. The best way to get there is by hiring a taxi, which may cost you around Rs.3000 (US$70).

Backwaters Trip

Kerala is a labyrinth of lazily meandering backwaters. Sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and tranquility, it is an intricate network of innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Kerala thrives along these backwaters that snake across the state, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests, and provide whole villages with drinking water.

Kodaikanal

It is an enchanting hill station located 2,130m above sea level on the Western Ghats. It is an ideal place for trekking.

Munnar

Rolling mountain scenery, craggy peaks, manicured tea estates and crisp mountain air form the quaint hill station Munnar. It is the commercial centre of some of the world’s highest tea – growing estates. A 3.5 hour drive from Theni, it is a perfect getaway for a weekend.

Tirunelveli

The Land of Tamirabarani

Situated in the far south of Tamilnadu the Tirunelveli district is famous for its ancient temples, enchanting forests, waterfalls, and the elegantly flowing river Tamirabarani - the lifeline of the region. In this district we have the Pothigai Hills, the abode of sage Agasthiyar who is said to have developed the Tamil language. A number of renowned Tamil scholars, journalists and writers have their origins in Tirunelveli district. The green paddy fields fed by Tamirabarani and the tall palm groves add a picturesque dimension to the landscape of this district.

The district headquarter town of Tirunelveli is blessed with the river Tamirabarani and the legendary Nellaiappar - Kanthimathi temple, the holy landmark of the city. Another holy landmark is the beautiful Cathedral built in 1826 by Rev. Rhenius. Once the capital of the Pandiya Kings, Tirunelveli, has a 2000-year-old history and a rich tradition. Though the weather here can be quite hot (reading upto 420 C in the summer) it is quite pleasant in winter. Tirunelveli is well known for korai (reed) mats woven in a small village, Pathamadai, 30 kms. away from Tirunelveli town. Tirunelveli is also popular for useful articles made of palm leaves and the delicious sweet “Halwa”.

Shopping in Tirunelveli

Handicrafts Shopping : Poompuhar, a unitof Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited is located very close to Aravind Eye Hospital. The shop offers bronze icons, brass lamps, carvings on stone, sandalwood and wood, paintings, kalamkari, Thanjavur art plates and so on.

Textile Shopping: RMKV and Pothys are the famous textile shops in Tirunelveli

Eating Out in Tirunelveli

• Sri Janakiram Hotel: located very close to Aravind Eye Hospital, it has a roof top vegetarian restaurant and offers a wide range of traditional South Indian and North Indian Vegetarian Food.
• Hotel Nellai Saravana Bhavan: Offers a wide range of traditional South Indian Food.
• Hotel Aryaas: Offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food
• Arasan Bakery & Restaurant Limited is a well known shop which offers a wide range of bakery items, pastries and good quality Ice creams at reasonable costs.

Travel to Tirunelveli

• By Air: The airports nearest Tirunelveli are Madurai (170km) and Tuticorin (52km)
• By Train: Railway connections are available from all major cities.
• By Road: Tirunelveli is linked by a good network of roads including a national highway.

Sightseeing in and Around Tirunelveli

There are many places for short tours and pilgrimage near Tirunelveli. Notable among them are:

Swami Nellaiyappar Temple

Swamy Nellaiappar Gandhimathiamman Temple dedicated to Siva (Nellaiyappar) and Parvati (Kanthimathi) is situated in the heart of the city and built by the Pandyas. The main deity is a 'Suyambu Lingam' or a Shiva Lingam which erupted from underneath the earth. The temple is worth seeing for its beautiful sculptures, musical pillars, valuable jewels, a golden lily tank and a thousand pillared mandapa. It is one of the five sacred places in Saiva religion.

District Science Centre

The District Science Centre is unique Institution popularising Science. Inculcating the spirit of enquiry, fostering creative talents and infusing scientific temper in life are its objectives. This autonomous body is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums. This is one among the 124 such centres in the country.

Manjolai Estates

It is 57 kms away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162 sq. metre. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Manjolai is noteworthy for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere. Just above Manjolai, there are places like Kakkachi and Nalumukka which are real gifts of the nature. On the way to Manjolai from Manimuthar there is a very beautiful place called Dasan Pool with plenty of fresh water, greens and fine climate.

Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary

It is situated in tiny village in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District and is emerging as a new favourite haunt of the migratory birds. It is just 38 Kms. away from Tirunelveli. Migratory birds start coming by December end and fly away to their northern homes by June or July. About 35 species of birds visit this calm but congenial village for breeding.

Courtallam

60 kms away from Tirunelveli town, at the foot of the Pothigai Hills lies the curative Courtallam. It is the summer resort of thousands of middle class people who could not afford a Ooty or Kodaikanal.

Courtallam is a cluster of 9 waterfalls, both big and small. These lush waterfalls, as well as the cool breeze from the Pothigai Hills, are said to possess medicinal properties.

At the entrance of the Main falls, there is an ancient Siva Temple known as Tirukkutralanathar Temple. Not far from this temple there is a Hall of Pictures called “Chitra Sabha” which is dedicated to ``Lord Nataraja”. This is one of the five sabhas where the Lord performed the cosmic dance.

Papanasam

42 kms away from Tirunelveli town, on the western slopes of the Pothigai Hills, there is a holy place called Papanasam. Here there is a waterfall named after the great sage Agasthiyar. And there is also a temple dedicated to him.

Tiruchendur

48 kms away from Tirunelveli is Tiruchendur, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal sea, the temple draws a perennial stream of devotees. ”Kandha Sashti” festival which culminates in the killing (Sura Samharam) of a demon is celebrated in the month of November every year.

Kanyakumari

85 kms away, Kanyakumari lies at the southern most tip of India where the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of the Bay of Bengal meet. The temple of Kanyakumari, Gandhi Memorial, Rock memorial of Vivekananda and the gigantic statue of the timeless poetTiruvalluvar are worth seeing, as well as the spectacular sun rise and sunset over the ocean.

Krishnapuram

About 13 kms away from Tirunelveli is Krishnapuram. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Breathtakingly beautiful life-like sculptures carved with great intricacy adorn the temple.

Kalakkadu Wild Life Sanctuary

This Sanctuary located 47 kms away is a naturalist’s delight. Tigers, panthers, Jackals and wild dogs can be seen roaming in this hilly forest. Lion-tailed macaques can be spotted here.

Srivaikuntam

Srivaikuntam, 27 kms away from Tirunelveli, is one of the Nava Tirupathis. It is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its lofty tower and the Tiruvenkata Mudaliyar mandapam rich with sculptures of yazhis, elephants and warriors are worth seeing.

Mundanthurai wild life sanctuary

Situated 55 kms away from Tirunelveli, this sanctuary spans an area of 567sq. km. This sanctuary is a Project Tiger reserve area, so one might well be rewarded with a glimpse of this magnificent beast. Trekking is allowed, with prior permission from the forest department.

Coimbatore

About Coimbatore

Coimbatore is an important industrial city, in the state of Tamil Nadu. An important textile-manufacturing centre, it is also known as the ‘Manchester of South India’. There are more than a hundred textile mills in and around Coimbatore apart from a number of other manufacturing units, which produce engineering equipment and electronic items. Today it is also known for its educational institutions, medical care and software industry. Coimbatore lies at the foot of the quaint Nilgiri Hills. Its vicinity to the Nilgiri hills gives Coimbatore a pleasant climate.

History of Coimbatore

Coimbatore city is situated on the banks of river Noyal, a tributary of river Cauvery. Existence of Coimbatore can be traced back to 2nd Century AD as a small tribal village capital called Kongunad. According to Manuscript "Chola Poorva Pattayam" found in the Madras (Chennai) Oriental Manuscript Library, a small village Covanputhur named after a leader of the group Covan existed here. Later it was changed as Coimbatore. Coimbatore is also known as Kovai in Tamil language

General Information

Getting to Coimbatore

• By Air – Coimbatore has an international airport connected to most metropolitan cities in India and the UAE.
• By Rail – Coimbatore is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Chenai, Madurai, New Delhi, Thirupathi, Trichy, Ooty and Palghat by rail.
• By Road – Coimbatore is easily accessible by buses. Taxis at reasonable prices are also available

Restaurants in Coimbatore

• Chin Chin: This specialty restaurant at The Residency on Avinashi Road offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine – Located in Avinashi Road, Coimbatore
• Coffee Pot: The 24 hours Coffee Shop at The Residency, overlooking the pool offers a variety of cuisine including a buffet for break fast, lunch & dinner, and a la carte dining too.
• Mangala International: Multi-cuisine restaurant with a roof top garden restaurant serving delicious food of all varieties - located at Nehru street, Ram Nagar.
• Cloud Nine - Multicuisine restaurant attached to Hotel City Tower, Ram Nagar – Gandipuram.
• Annalakshmi – for vegetarian South Indian dishes. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snacks.
• Annapoorna Park - Situated directly behind Nehru Stadium, this vegetarian restaurant is known for its multi-cusine specialities .
• Hotel Surya International has a multi cuisine restaurant situated on the Race course road.
• CAG Pride -located near to Gandhipuram Bus stop, Bharathiyar road, it has a multi cuisine restaurant.

Fast Food Joints and Pastry shops

• Baker’s Corner - In-house confectionary at ‘The Residency’ offers a wide choice of products ranging from gateaux, pastries, assorted savories, breads and chocolates.
• Anjali Drive Thru - Located at Peelamedu near Ford Service Centre.
• Nilgiri’s Pastry shop offers a wide range of delightful Cakes. Snacks are always available and it is ideal for people on the move.
• Drive Inn - A popular drive-in restaurant in Hotel Aarvee, serves snacks and light fare.
• Hot Breads - Fast food restaurant and pastry shop located in R.S.Puram is a favourite haunt for the city’s teen crowd.
• Dominio’s Pizza - Situated at Nehru Stadium a place exclusively for hot pizzas.
• A 1 Chips – Located on Trichy Road, it offers fresh chips and snacks
• Sri Krishna Sweets – Offers pure ghee sweets and light snacks, on Avinashi Road.
• Adayar Ananda Bhavan – Another destination for Indian sweets and snacks located on Nanjappa Road.

Sightseeing in and Around Coimbatore

Ooty

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains”. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. With an influx of modern development surrounding it, the old Ooty still retains its charm and appeal. At an elevation of 2,333 m, Ooty makes for a great escape from the heat of the plains below. Hiking, horseback riding and rowing are the main attractions. There is also a large botanical garden and rose garden on the edge of the town, and peaceful St. Stephen’s Church that has views out over the town. The best way to get to Ooty is on the toy train (Blue Mountain Express) from Mettupalayam, which is 40 minutes from Coimbatore.

Coonoor and Kotagiri are the other hill stations in Nilgiris. Kotagiri is quieter than Ooty and Coonoor and is famous for its tea garens, tea factories and trek routes.

Kerala

Located west of Tamil Nadu, Kerala is a coastal state – fertile and green. It boasts of picturesque backwaters and a leisurely cruise along these is recommended.

There are tourist cruises available from Allepey to Kollom running daily. You can choose to go one way only or return to where you started. A more extravagant option is to hire a houseboat, definitely worth the cost. Other places worth visiting include Kovalam, Varkala, Cochin and Kumarakom.

A real treat for your body and mind is a trip to an Ayurvedic resort – An Indian style health resort. Ayurveda (meaning life knowledge) is the traditional health science of India. At the resort you can choose from a variety of treatments including a general massage, hot oil treatments, a medicated steam bath and a facial. There are also 7 to 28-day treatment packages designed for different illnesses or for general health care. Yoga classes are also held.

One such resort is the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort located south of Kovalam.

Black Thunder

This water theme park is set in a grove of coconut and betel nut trees. Black Thunder is situated about 40 kms from Coimbatore on the Ooty Main Road. The different attractions include Wave Pool, Wild River Ride, Dry Rides, Surf-Hill Side, Lazy River Ride, Kiddies Pool, etc.

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

About Puducherry

Puducherry town is the headquarters of the Union Territory of Puducherry comprised of Puducherry, Karaikal, Yaman and Mahe - four widely separated towns. The first two enclaves in Tamil Nadu, and the other two enclaves in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala respectively, are united by their French connection. Puducherry has recently been renamed to its original name, replacing the name Pondicherry which was used for many years.

Legend associates Puducherry town with the Sage Agastya, who travelled from the north and settled here. Recorded history talks of Puducherry being, for almost 300 years, the centre of Anglo-French conflicts, and, later, the retreat of Indian freedom fighters, including Sri Aurobindo.

Puducherry was a French colony from 1675 until 1954, when Puducherry merged with the Indian Union. Puducherry has a rich history - at one time an obscure village, later a centre of trade with the Romans, then a place of learning. Francois Martin, Dumes and Joseph Francois Dupleix were the most famous Governors who administered Puducherry, which still retains its French character.

Today, the Puducherry of the French is to be found in the policemen’s red kepis, on quaint signboards, in a few houses, in the statues of Dupleix and Joan of Arc, libraries and in the accented Tamil, English and French still spoken there. This oval-shaped township, with the streets aligned at right angles is not like any other Indian town. Its skyline from offshore is typical of the French-influenced Mediterranean settlements as is its town-planning.

Neat, pleasant, and charming, Puducherry has a beautiful beach and a sea that is always warm and refreshing. It has been made world-famous by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot, Auroville. And in what still remains of its French connection there is a uniqueness that sets it apart from the rest of India.

General Information

• Getting to Puducherry: Puducherry is connected with Chennai by railway and road (170 kms). There are regular bus services. Taxis can also be hired.
• Languages: Tamil, French, English
• Climate: Rains occur principally in October, November and December with a few showers from July to September. The dry season lasts from January to July and the hottest period is from April to August . The most pleasant months are December, January and February. The mean monthly temperature varies from 24 C (January) to 30 C (June). The maximum temperature reached in May or June is sometimes 43 C.

Sightseeing in the City of Puducherry

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw people from all over the world. The Ashram has become a centre for the practice of Yoga and a place of learning. The ashram activities include agriculture, industries, art and culture. The Samadhi in the Ashram premises is the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (see below).

Auroville

Located 10 kms north of Puducherry town, Auroville is envisioned as a universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.

The construction of this ‘universal town’ was started in 1968 under the guidance of the Mother, a Paris - born painter-musician who become Sri Aurobindo’s disciple and close companion from 1924 until his death in 1950. The development of this Utopia is still in progress. Several countries have offered to set up permanent pavilions, reflecting the culture and ethos of their countries.

Chunnambar Resort

Water Sports Centre known for its virgin beaches and backwaters, Chunnambar has a water sports centre which offers exciting boating experiences. It is also a great tourist attraction.

Beach

Puducherry’s beach and the 1 1/2 km-long promenade alongside, are the most delightful parts of the city. On the beach front is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic pillars and a War Memorial raised by the French in honour of those who died in World War I. Enquire with your local contact for safe places for sea-bathing.

Botanical Garden

Established by C.S Perrotet in 1826, it preserves a large varity of exotic species of plants from all over India and abroad.

Puducherry Museum

On display are the findings of Arikamedu, the chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage, specimens of modern and traditional handicraft, paintings, armoires, carvings and many other things of historical interest.

Houses of Bharathi, Bharathidasan and Ananda Rangapillai

Subramanya Bharathi, the Tamil poet-revolutionary and an icon in the Indian freedom struggle, sought refuge in this French enclave when the British made life impossible for him elsewhere in South India. At No. 20, Easwaran Koil Street, where he lived in Puducherry, Bharathi composed some of his finest patriotic songs and his other immortal works of Tamil literature. Bharatidasan was another great poet, who was inspired by Subramanya Bharathi. He lived at No.95, Perumal Koil Street. The houses of both Bharathi and Bharathidasan are now maintained as memorials and are places of pilgrimage for Tamil-lovers.

Ananda Rangapillai lived at No. 69-C, Rue Rangapillai (Maison Ananda Rangapillai). His palatial house is an excellent piece of 18th century architecture, a unique blend of French and Eastern styles. Ananda Rangapillai is the famous diarist of Dupleix’s time. The records he maintained of the events between 1736 and 1760 are an invaluable source of information on the history of Puducherry and the French India of that age.

Raj Nivas

The former palace of Dupleix is now the residence of Puducherry’s Lieutenant Governor. Across the road from Raj Nivas is the Government Park.

Sightseeing Outside the City of Puducherry

Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram (130 kms from Puducherry)

Mahabalipuram is famous for its beautiful rock cut temples build over 12 centuries during the Pallava days. It is one of the greatest concentrations of temple art in India, with fourteen cave temples, eight monolithic rathas, and a host of the fragmentary sculptures and of course, the famous shore temples.

Tirukkalukkunram (near Mamallapuram)

Thirukkalukkunram, with its hill top Pallava temple, famous for the two eagles which come to be fed by a priest everyday. Legend has it that they are two ascetics who upset Shiva and were turned into birds. Everyday they start in Varanasi, and make their way south to Rameswaram making pit stops at several particularly favoured temples on route.

Crocodile Bank (150 kms from Puducherry)

Backed by the Worldwife fund, Crocodile Bank was set up in 1976 to provide a captive breeding program for the, rapidly vanishing species of native Indian Crocodiles. The Crocodile bank has around 2,000 crocodiles of six different species and a number of other reptiles, including tortoises, turtles and snakes. Open from 8.30am - 5.30 pm.

Maps

India Map
Tamilnadu Map
Madurai Map
Tirunelveli Map
Coimbatore Map
Theni Map
Pondicherry Map

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