washroom in Chennai

alextur

Who can tell me what kind of washrooms ( toilets) one can find in Chennai throughout the city( also in other smaller South India cities)?
And is it a problem to find such a facility?Thanks.

Sama

is this a serious question? I ask because you have a winking smiley in the title....

you're going to find both western and indian toilets in Chennai.

as to problems finding facilities, I think most everyone in Chennai goes to the toilet so you should have no problems finding one.

just don't go to Pondicherry -- they don't allow urination in certain areas of the city....and that goes for women, too.....

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indiadreamer

Too funny...

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alextur

Thanks YogaGal, yes it is serious question. The reason I asked - I travelled a lot in other Asian places and it was a certain problem in there. Do you know if some small towns as Trichy, Tanjavour etc. have the same as Chennai does?

Sama

yes, same. I have traveled to smaller towns myself and found both western and indian toilets.

however on the way from Tiruvannamallai back to Chennai my driver said I could get out and squat behind a building, but I did not take him up on his offer.

alextur

That was familiar to me and that what I meant by asking such a question.
By the way,I am also planning to visit Tiruvannamallai by taxi: how much was it to you that time you got there? I think you had 2 ways trip by taxi. I heard using bus is too long trip, isn't it?

Another question ( sorry for asking details ) - what difference between Indian and Western washrooms?

Sama

I hired a driver and I honestly do not remember how much he cost.

I think the bus trip is 3-4 hours....but I have to tell you....not too many toilets between Chennai and Tiruvannamallai if you have a weak bladder!

indiadreamer

alextur, a western bathroom has a western style toilet while an indian bathroom has a squat toilet. I think there is a thread somewhere that describes in pretty good detail using a squat toilet.

Used to visit a village a good hour outside Chennai and always trying to drink water- staying hydrated- found myself more than once finding a bush with a girl friend before returning to the city. That is certainly where the scarves came in handy. Although we were also warned about certain snakes that frequented the area. Made for some exciting times.

alextur

my bladder seems ok, but who knows what happen during 3-4 hours especially if you drink a lot water

txs, drmr, just confirmed all I knew from my previous asian wanders

got that thread and found it a pretty good and amazed

GoanCanuck

Finding a washroom may not be difficult but finding a clean one will be difficult and some times impossible unless you are visiting upscale establishments. Make sure you have a spare gasmask with you.

camelgirl

SO TRUE That's when a bush might be better. But I have found that there is no chance of privacy if you try to go outside (as a woman anyway). I once made a "pit stop" on a bus trip and headed for the public walled in area of dirt and I swear every single woman who was squatting stopped to watch me. It was awful since just attempting to pee in an open public place was enough to freak me out.

If the quality of toilets are an issue for alextur, India might be very difficult! Also, sometimes squat toilets are much better than western ones. But they can be pretty bad also. Sanitation in general is not one of India's better qualities

SitaParityaga

Yes, friends, thats why there's the great outdoors! When faced with facilities not to your liking, just get over yourself and cop a squat. Its ok. You're not doing it 24/7, just in emergencies only.

Two years ago I was travelling around some rural areas outside of Madurai, and nature called. My driver, who was totally upset with me because I wouldn't let him be my tout, stopped abruptly when I asked him to find me a facility quickly. He pointed at the farmer's house and said, with a smile, go ask them.

Well, they turned out to be the nicest family and I had an absolute lovely rest stop with all of them, and amazed the women in the family as they showed me their area behind the house, and I copped my squat with the best of them! They clapped and laughed and so did I! When I emerged laughing and friendly with the family, my driver looked truly disappointed.

Sama

squatting does not bother me in most places. used to do it up in northern Minnesota when camping up in bear country, keeping an eye out for bears, of course.....

but when my driver suggested it on the way from tiruvannamallai, with only guys around, and no women....uh....no thanks.

Nick-H

Smelly ones.

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machadinha

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Splendid post Sita <dries eyes smiley>

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