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Madurai 1 - Nayakar Mahal

 

There is been zero travel since the covid lock down if early 2019. Decided to make a trip to Madurai as our first outing and a train ride too. Created an account in IRCTC and made our debut ticket booking - Tejas train, the super fast to Madurai. It runs on all days a week, except Thursdays and takes 6 hours to reach the destination. Tejas is said to have modern infrastructure and fully air conditioned coaches with the difference of AC chair car and Executive chair car. These feature intrigued us and we decided to try both the chairs, one on either side of the travel. While AC Chair costs around Rs.850, Executive chair costed us Rs.1985. So the train tickets alone costed us Rs.6000.


With raining pouring in on Chennai on the November month, we were not very sure on the train journey till we got the confirmation a day before the journey day. Train started at sharp 6AM from Chennai -Egmore. As soon we entered the station we could spot the platform of Tejas as it just the first and there is no need to climb up and down the stairs like other platforms. The coaches were opened 30 mins before the start. The infra looked old and most of the facilities were not working like the push back button on the seat. Since covid, no food is served in the train. So we bought the food sold outside. Also ordered food through the E-catering option available in IRCTC; this food will be delivered to us at Thiruchirapalli railway station. Tamil newspapers were provided in the train. This was the only item provided, even water bottle was to be bought by the passengers.


Just before 12PM we reached Madurai junction. The auto driver referred by our friend picked us from there and dropped us at our booked stay. We chose Viswa Residency through booking.com for a price of around Rs.4000 for 2 nights and 2 days. After check in when entered our floor, we could see that its an apartment turned accommodation. Each room in an apartment is allocated to customer and the hall area is shared by the travellers staying in the rooms of that apartment. There are 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments. Lift was available and breakfast was included in the cost. A cup of coffee here is priced at Rs.40 here.


Went to Amma Mess after check in and refreshing at the hotel. This is a popular non-veg restaurant in Madurai. The food tasted good; masala was over compared to Chennai foods. The side dishes were given in less quantity and highly priced. See seem to be case most of the restaurants post the covid situation. Took rest back in our room till 4 PM and then went our first place of visit - Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. The entry to the mahal is free while Rs.30 is collected for camera usage. This is a 17th century building occupying around 40,000 square feet. By 5: 30 PM, the mahal gets closed. Light show happens beyond 6:45 PM, but since it was drizzling, the show was cancelled that day. We spent around an hour here marvelling at this structure.



There is a museum inside with all the related artefacts.









Our next stop was it the Madurai's famous Jigarthanda joint. This was the original place from where they started selling Jigarthanda. Special Jigarthanda costs Rs.80 while the normal one is for Rs.40. We also are Thennangkeethu at a street cart, Rs. 20 per plate. Next place was the Theppakulam. Due to the recent rains, the water flow from Vaigai, the pond was brimming with water. Cement seats were stalled at regular intervals around the Theppakulam. We came to know that Madurai-ites do walking and jogging around this area. This pond is attached to the Vandiyur Mariamman temple. The pond is much bigger than the temple premises. There are stalls on one side of the Theppakulam where eateries are sold. Due to rains these shops were all shut that day unfortunately. From here we decided to head back to the hotel and get dinner packed on the way. Our auto driver took us to Simmakkal Konar mess but it was just 6:30 PM and early for food to be ready there. So we got our food from Naveen, this was quiet cheap and good too. Masala dosa costed only Rs.35.








With this we called it a day and retired to the hotel.

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