Short Madurai tour?

nekobus · Dec 16th, 2007, 17:49

Sorry to keep asking questions - promise will actually ocntribute stuff when not watching the clock in an i-ways...

For complicated reasons we have only half a day to see the sites of Madurai. Obviously this isn't nearly enough, but as we have no choice, does anyone know of a good guide that could show us around the main temple at least? Would need to be for a morning - probably 9am to 1 or thereabouts. With such a short time it seems to make more sense to use a guide.

Thanks

dhans · Dec 17th, 2007, 00:17

You'll n\be able to do it without a guide, but with a reasonable guidebook. They are sold around the temple.

Hans

wonderwomanusa · Dec 18th, 2007, 07:52

Unless things have changed since I was last in Madurai, if you are not a Hindu, you won't be able to enter the temple, but the layers of stalls around the outside can easily use up half a day - with or without a guide.

Nick-H · Dec 18th, 2007, 13:17

When was that, WWUSA? I was there in 2003, and, as with many of the temples, entry into the shrines themselves would be restricted, entry into the temple was freely available, and there is plenty to see. Even apart from the temple itself, there is the market hall you mention, the tank, the 1000-pillar hall, the 'musical' pillars.

Amazing place

Half a day there is fine, and I wouldn't worry about missing anywhere else. I vaguely remember some palace or something, but it obviously didn't do much for me compared to the temple!

It is in the nature of things that guides will find you. It is probably worth your while to pick one whose English seems good, and let them show you around. It will also mean that you will have no worries about going where you should not.

Even to know the names of the deities, which are often written in Tamil script only, the guide will be useful.

ananda2193 · Dec 18th, 2007, 19:22

You can go inside the temple, but NOT the inner sanctum unless your hindu.

Nick-H · Dec 18th, 2007, 19:53

That's the usual rule in TN temples, and is as I thought.

dhans · Dec 18th, 2007, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

That's the usual rule in TN temples, and is as I thought.

Correct, allthough taking two blond kids along helps you get in a lot of places, without even asking!

Have Fun,

Hans

Dec 16th, 2007, 17:49	#1
nekobus Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: london Posts: 31	Short Madurai tour? Sorry to keep asking questions - promise will actually ocntribute stuff when not watching the clock in an i-ways... For complicated reasons we have only half a day to see the sites of Madurai. Obviously this isn't nearly enough, but as we have no choice, does anyone know of a good guide that could show us around the main temple at least? Would need to be for a morning - probably 9am to 1 or thereabouts. With such a short time it seems to make more sense to use a guide. Thanks

Dec 17th, 2007, 00:17	#2
dhans Uru Buru member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,394	You'll n\be able to do it without a guide, but with a reasonable guidebook. They are sold around the temple. Hans __________________ Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids Stories about our travels in India: Journal

Dec 18th, 2007, 13:17	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,299	When was that, WWUSA? I was there in 2003, and, as with many of the temples, entry into the shrines themselves would be restricted, entry into the temple was freely available, and there is plenty to see. Even apart from the temple itself, there is the market hall you mention, the tank, the 1000-pillar hall, the 'musical' pillars. Amazing place Half a day there is fine, and I wouldn't worry about missing anywhere else. I vaguely remember some palace or something, but it obviously didn't do much for me compared to the temple! It is in the nature of things that guides will find you. It is probably worth your while to pick one whose English seems good, and let them show you around. It will also mean that you will have no worries about going where you should not. Even to know the names of the deities, which are often written in Tamil script only, the guide will be useful. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Motorbike Tour - xKmph.com's The West Bengal and Sikkim Tour	santanu	Buses, Automobiles, Motorcycles, and Bicycles	0	Nov 11th, 2007 23:44
Madurai-palani-rameshwaram-kanyakumari Tour	p_venkateshwarrao	Tamil Nadu	2	May 22nd, 2006 01:48
Can you recommend a tour package/ tour operator/ driver?	Ferret	Tamil Nadu	1	Dec 29th, 2005 03:55
why the tour operaters dont like to start tour from punjab	hillpanther	Punjab & Haryana	2	Oct 14th, 2005 09:00

Dec 18th, 2007, 07:52	#3
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,137	Unless things have changed since I was last in Madurai, if you are not a Hindu, you won't be able to enter the temple, but the layers of stalls around the outside can easily use up half a day - with or without a guide.

Dec 18th, 2007, 19:22	#5
ananda2193 Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: you essay Posts: 1,360	You can go inside the temple, but NOT the inner sanctum unless your hindu.

Dec 18th, 2007, 19:53	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,299	That's the usual rule in TN temples, and is as I thought.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password