India Trip 2009_Recollections_Part V_ Cochin, Munnar, and Madurai

Saturday January 17th: This was an enjoyable train ride. Early in the morning Mr. Brewart joined us and brought breakfast. Kerala is very scenic, and we enjoyed the lush beauty. After we arrived at the station, we took the coach to our hotel. It was a beautiful place, and overlooked the shipbuilding yard where a navy aircraft carrier was being built. After lunch we saw the Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Museum, and the island itself. We went to a performance of Kathakali dance in the evening, and returned for dinner at the hotel.
Sunday January 18th: Left at 9:00 AM for Allepey. Got on a houseboat for a three hour journey to Kumarokom. The houseboat ride was very enjoyable, with lush scenery, even though the water was dirty. Had lunch on the boat, and once we got off the boat the coach was ready to take us to Munnar. It was a long bus ride, and as darkness fell, the climb up the Western Ghats appeared increasingly treacherous. It was a difficult drive, and the driver did an excellent job navigating the steep turns and tight traffic. We finally arrived at Munnar and checked into the hotel quite late and had dinner.
Monday January 19th: Some students got up early in the morning and took a walk up the hill. I got up around 6 AM, had coffee, and took a stroll. It was cool, and the morning fog clouded the lush landscape. After breakfast, we left the hotel and took the coach to a tea plantation. Stopped by the roadside for some pictures. Went further and stopped at an elephant-ride place. Everyone took turns riding the elephant, and some fed it too. I stood back and actually did some hiking up the hill. The principal of a nearby school came by to join us. Next, we went to a dam nearby. Did some picture taking. We also stopped at a spice store- I went in and quickly logged into the Net, and also called a friend VN. Next we stopped at a spice garden and looked at some interesting plants, including the black pepper vine. Then we headed for Madurai. It was a long bus ride, and we got into Madurai around 7 PM. Checked into the hotel and had dinner.
Tuesday January 20th: Went to Madurai Meenakshi temple. It is a spectacular temple- unfortunately it was under renovation and the exterior was covered. Interestingly our tour guide was a muslim gentleman. I went to the main part of the temple and saw the deities. We then went to the Naikar mahal which was also beautiful, though rather empty. We then returned to the hotel for lunch and came back to the temple. Wandered around the temple, took some pictures, made a call to Shiva, and then returned to the hotel. We celebrated the birthday of one of the students. We then left for the train station to catch the train to Chennai. This time I got to sleep in the lower berth.