Day 16 - Sunday 4th August

The day started at the Kodai resort in Kodaikanal , which was an enjoyable and well deserved rest to recover from the stresses and strains of teaching life. After a hearty western breakfast of omelettes and other familiar journey back to Sankarnagar. In the centre of town to our surprise a political rally was taking place in which we saw a man screeching and preaching to a crowd of empty seats.  

Once we got back to the hotel it was time to begin the long journey home back to Sri Jayendra School. We drove along the winding mountain roads which lasted for what felt like an eternity. Everyone was feeling ill and uncomfortable after the three hours of driving on the unnerving and dangerous roads until we eventually returned to Madurai Galleries.

The staff at Madurai Galleries kindly welcomed us all back into their shop in which they tried to sell us more things such as Mrs Morrison-Bartlett buying another rug as well as the Rev Hunt buying one as well. The Madurai Galleries kindly supplied us with a guide for the temple which was opposite the shop. Also all people who were wearing shorts were asked to wear lungis which are a sort of skirt/tea towel. 

This time the temple now open we were able to go inside the largest Hindu temple in India a wonderful experience. Though still busy, the temple was considered to be quite quiet and we had a pleasant tour around the complex. The temple was a hot environment with large bath in the middle in which people would wash bad karma away by cleaning their hands and feet. We were also able to see ceiling painting from around 700BC which in western terms is around the same time as the Mycenaean empire. We learnt incredible facts from around this period such as widows in India have to wear a white sari. There was segregation of where those from north India and those from south India worshipped. Inside the main centre of the temple was an elephant and a statue of a deity which was being washed in milk. 

After our fascinating tour of the temple we said thank you to Madurai Galleries and headed home. The journey was slower due to bad weather but eventually we returned home to Sri Jayendra and though the hotel was lovely break we were pleased to be returning.

By Tom McL 

[Editor's note: We have now had the chance to upload the photos from our weekend trip. Please see the relevant pages. Thank you. - Kimberley]