RAMA'S SOUTH INDIAN TOUR

PRELUDE

It all started with Ian's desire to see the architectural beauty of temples in South India. Rama agreed with the idea readily without much argument. She needed to plan the expedition and whom should she approach? The last time her family went to India, we, her parents were living in Chennai and had charted the journeys, made railway reservations and (of course cancellations too depending on the changes), but we had gone to USA during the meanwhile. She called Suntha who promptly said "Don't worry, my bava is the best tour planner!" With his rich experiences of organising her successful pilgrimages to most of the 108 ˜vaishnavite divya desams", his meticulous attention to detailed planning and owning Sterling Resort reservation days in almost all the south Indian tourist centres to his credit, who else could be the most appropriate planner! Yet another yearning of Ian was to tour Kerala, reputed to be the God"s own country, as extolled by Discovery channel. Well, my brother’s grey cells started working overtime and his phone bill started swelling. She in turn browsed extensively for well-liked and interesting places and inputted her observations to her ˜chinnaina". (For convenience, let me refer to him as chinnaina in this dissertation). He drew up various alternatives and presented them to Rama. By this time, both of us had decided to visit India and so agreed to join the expedition. Enthusiastic as she was, Rama invited other relatives in Chennai also to join the trip. Some did said, ’yes’ and the participants swelled to fourteen finally. Rama and family, VVGR and family, Jayu and family, Pushpa and both of us, comprised the group. A lively person Leena, Rama’s classmate in MAMC, threw in her lot with us for the Kerala portion of the programme.

My brother and Danaraj drove around Chennai in hot sun on the latter’s two wheeler, contacted offices of Kerala Tourism and Sterling Resort and tied up the nuts and bolts of reservation etc. The itinerary too got settled. The journey will commence on the fourteenth of August from Chennai and return on the twenty-first.

My brother had cautioned everyone to be on the ready by 5 AM. as we have a long journey ahead on the first day. Of course, his exhortation could succeed only partially. We commenced our tour ultimately by 6:30 am. Danaraj had engaged a Swaraj Mazda 14 seater van for the trip. The vehicle was designed to be air conditioned except for the front portion where the driver and two passengers would be seated. We were rather sorry for the non AC passengers, but then it could not be helped. Ian who was running a cold was comfortable in the front seat! My brother being the navigator, also sat in the front. Both of them sportingly advised us not to shed tears for their ‘discomfort’. Another problem, a near calamity, was that AC system in the van was inoperational. The indomitable navigator advised the driver to set it right en route, when we were visiting the Mamallapuram monuments. So he blew the whistle and we got into the East Coast Road, reportedly a new fast highway.

As we would be entering Pondicherry state en route, we needed permit for the van. (I recalled how Sardar Patel disgusted with the various check posts between hundreds of princely states requiring innumerable entry permits had decided to abolish the boundaries as well as the states themselves so that people can move around the India unhindered by obstacles. His dream succeeded mostly, but the the check posts between states continued.) The driver tried to get it in the RTO’s office at the outskirts of Chennai city. The office was there, but the official would not open it before 8 AM!

Well, my brother was undaunted.. Let us go, the driver can come back from Mamallapuram while we breakfast and get the permit, so he said . So the driver dropped us at the Sterling resort in Mamallapuram and drove back to get the permit!

My brother had thoughtfully called the resort a couple of days ago and ordered breakfast in advance. Lo and behold, on our arrival, a smiling resort manager was present in person and spread the red carpet. Good business for his restaurant! We realised how much of a favourite patron is my brother with the Sterling organization

The recently opened resort was pretty and we partook of a sumptuous breakfast. This town is a tourist centre attracting a large number of visitors, both foreign and Indians alike Then we sauntered around the Foreshore temple.. We recollected our last visit to this place more than three decades ago . Mridhu happily got into a stone tank and had to be coaxed to get out! Rama remembered how she and her cousins had taken a photograph sitting on a structure and decided to take a photo at the same spot with the next generation!

Ian was all admiration for the stone structures.  A local guide was recounting the history of the town in broken English. According to him, "they used to sacrifice animals here and so it was called Mahabalipuram. (Well, nowadays, the Tamilnadu Government has renamed it as Mamallapuram.) The stone temples represented six deities and not Pandavas as erroneously described by some. Mamalla Pallavar was the monarch who had ordered construction of these architectural structures." Some renovation work by Archeological Society of India was in progress now.

By this time, the van and the driver returned with the permit! He took us to the place where the scene of Arjuna’s tapasya was carved  This carving is a popular one about which a lot has been written in Tamil Magazines!

Another interesting point about this town is that as you drive towards it, the road is flanked by many statues of damsels etc on both sides, obviously to recognize this as a sculptors’ workshop. Even today, many sculptors were busy carving statues.

Pondicherry

Bidding adieu to the historic town, we drove on to Pondicherry. Both of us and my brother's couple had come here a few days ago for attending Sudhakar’s wedding. We made an attempt to visit the Ashram before lunch but it was closed. My brother decided that lunch be taken at the same hotel where we stayed on that occasion. After driving through crowded streets, we reached Hotel Jayaram. The lunch was delicious. The hotel had another attraction, namely, the Hyderabad pearl exhibition that we had visited during our last trip. Well, some time was spent there and some pretty jewels were bought, much to the delight of ladies.

Then we drove to the Ashram where Babu Arvind Gosh and later the Mother (his prime disciple) lived. Ian chose to walk with Aparna and twins to the beach that was a stone’s throw from the Ashram.

Chidambaram

Our next leg of journey took us to Chidambaram where we spent some time admiring the architecture. At the temple entrance is located a huge Nandi (statue of bull). The sanctum sanctorum houses an exquisite Nataraja idol. As you know, at every Bharatanatyam recital, Nataraja statue is placed on the dais and the dancer offers obeisance to it.

Legend has it that it was the long cherished dream of Nandanar, a devoted worshipper of Nataraja, (belonging to a lower caste and working as a farm labourer in a nearby village) to go to Chidambaram temple, but when he came to the temple, he could not see the idol as it was hidden by the Nandi, he was not allowed temple entry, so he prayed devoutly and the Lord paying heed to his beloved disciple, directed Nandi to move aside, permitting a direct view of the sanctum sanctorum to Nandanar. On seeing this miracle, the priests rushed out and escorted Nandanar to the innermost shrine!

Swamimalai Heritage Resort

Our next place of stay is Thimmakkudi near Swamimalai and Kumbakonam. We arrived at Sterling resort called Sterling Heritage in Thimmakkudi. The resort is built as a heritage with rural atmosphere. The cottages look like village dwellings with thinnai (pials in village houses), thotti mutram (sunken courtyard around which rooms are built, rudimentary ancient air circulation system) and stone pillars. Inside, they had modern facilities such as AC, shower baths etc .The staff are dressed in spotlessly white dhoti and shirt. The office room and lounge are decorated with pallankuzhi (now known as mankala), gigantic idly vessel the type of which is used in large scale festival cooking, nadaswaram instrument, palm leaf hand fans, etc etc.

The location of resort has idyllic and tranquil atmosphere where one could either meditate or laze around as per one’s inclination. No hustle and bustle of cities. Far from the madding crowd, indeed! We are delighted with the natural surroundings.

On our arrival, we met Ramani, Suba’s father-in-law and relatives who were already staying there. Mr. Ramani advised us not to miss the temple at Darasuram a nearby town which he stated was an architectural splendour.

Had dinner and retired to bed. VVGR said that there would be a flag hoisting function in the next morning.

Thimmakkudi, Darasuram and Garbha Rakshambika

Bitten by an innate sense of patriotism, I bathed and dressed up quickly in the morning and walked up to the yard in front of the office where the staff and manager had assembled. They invited me to hoist the national flag, today being the Indian Independence Day. VVGR also joined.

After breakfast we went around the resort which had a swimming pool in the shape of a temple tank, commonly known as Teppakkulam. Ian, VVGR and Danaraj with their families had a whale of a time, swimming in the pool. The resort boasted of some pet deer,  

After lunch, we witnessed a potter making mud pot in the rural workshop in the premises. The British kids watched with interest the process of preparing the sand mixed mud, raw material for pot making. The craftsman told us that it was he who had made the statues on the road to Mamallapuram that we had seen yesterday. Aparna tried her hand at the pottery craft and got a pot as gift.

For the evening outing, the party split into two groups, VVGR and Suntha along with Pushpa, engaged a taxi and started on their temple visits to nearby Vaishnava shrines. The rest of us drove to Darasuram where a mammoth temple full of exquisite stone carvings are located. It is a monument protected by Archaeological Society of India.

The name Darasuram is said to be a corruption of the original name Rajarajapuram, and this temple- smaller than the Periya Kovil and Gangai Konda Choleeswaram dates back to Raja Raja II's period (12th century AD). The Periya Nayaki Amman temple stands out as a separate temple because the outer walls of the temple have disappeared with the passage of time, unlike the original Periya Kovil in Thanjavur. Darasuram is described as a sculptor's dream re-lived in stone. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. Paintings and sculptured panels abound here, causing this shrine to be a veritable storehouse of art. In front of the temple we find stone panels which produce tones of varying pitches when struck, similar to the musical pillars in other temples.

Ian was thrilled by the breath taking beauty. We spent almost an hour going around and gazing at the art awestruck. Truly, Mr. Ramani was right in his recommendation.

By now the sun was setting and we drove to a temple town famed for the temple dedicated to goddess Garbha Rakshaambika. Suba had vowed during her pregnancy that she would visit this temple and offer prayers. The deity is credited with the powers to protect the baby and smoothen the delivery . The drive was much longer than we anticipated. As we arrived at the temple, we could perceive a number of devotees and their Ambassador cars crowding the entrance. Lalli accompanied Suba and her family, while the rest of us were waiting in the van. Suba and Jayu had brought some bangles for offering and offered prayers.

Our return journey to the resort was uneventful and as we reached it, we were greeted by a carnatic music recital in the central courtyard by a young vocalist. We were treated to a delightful rendering of melodious songs in different languages. By now VVGR trio had also arrived. The musician was the daughter of a bank officer and Suntha. felicitated her with a present.

The day ended with a tasty dinner and we retired to bed with advice from VVGR that the next day would be a long drive and so we need to leave early.

Bidding adieu to the picturesque heritage resort, we left Thimmakkudi after having fortified us with a good breakfast. We had programmed to skip Bragadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur for lack of time. But as we neared Thanjavur, we thought that although the journey would be a long one today, we should not miss Bragadeeswarar temple also known as Periya Koil. So we directed the driver to take us to the temple. Raja Raja Cholan, the Great Chola king had built this temple, also known as Big Temple and it was consecrated in the twenty-fifth year of his reign.

I recalled that some years ago, my brother VSR and sister-in-law Krishnaveni had escorted me and Lalli to this very temple. An obliging official of the Archaeological Department allowed us to climb up the gopuram to the level where several statues of dancing damsels depicting various Bharatanatyam poses had been erected all around the gopuram We had been told that the reputed Bharatanatyam maestro Dr. Padma Subramanian studied these for several days and incorporated the mudras, poses etc in her repertoire of performances.

This time we did not have the advantage of officialdom to escort us and so could not go up the gopuram. However we feasted our eyes with the beauty of sculpture, satisfying ourselves with a long distance view. Although the temple is under the protection of the Archaeological Department, the sanctum sanctorum flanked by dwarapalakas was managed by the temple authorities and poojas were being performed.

A humongous stone dome weighing 80 tons is at the top of the gopuram. It was stated that for lifting it to the top, an inclined plane had to be constructed from Sarapallam, at a distance of four miles and elephants were pressed into service to drag the slab up the slope.

So Ian had the satisfaction of having seen and appreciated the grandeur of South Indian temple architecture.

Rama and Ian’s classmate, Lina, was waiting for us in Srirangam at C.V.Rajan’s house in Srirangam, by earlier plan and so we drove to Srirangam. Both C.V.Rajan and his wife Andal are ardently devoted Sriaishnavite. They were instrumental in encouraging VVGR couple and all Suntha’s staff to get initiation to Vaishnavism by the Jeeyar.. Lina had come directly from Chennai this morning and was picked up by Rajan She is joining us for the rest of the trip.

On arrival at C.V.Rajan’s house, we met his family Andal and his daughter. We had biscuits and coffee, having politely declined lunch, which would have delayed us. Danaraj and family had planned to stay in Tiruchirappalli for a couple of days before returning to Chennai. So we dropped them at a hotel in Tiruchirappalli, bade goodbye and continued our journey, skirting the rock temple, a familiar landmark of the town.

Ghat Road 

Our next place of stay is Moonar, in Kerala state. We attempted to obtain permit to enter the state, but were advised to go to Kumuli at the foothills. This meant an additional distance of over forty to fifty kilometers and consequently we arrived at the RTO’s office there by 7 PM. We learnt that we had to travel nearly 110 KM’s. It was getting dark and the road was a steep climb at some places. The driver drove the van skillfully, not deterred by the pitch darkness on both sides of the road that passed through mountainous forests . Now and then we came across small villages bustling with human habitation. What distinguished the nocturnal journey from the tours that I had undertaken during my service some years ago is that every village now had a couple of STD/ISD booths. Surely India has come a long way from the days when one had to book a trunk call in the local village Post Office and wait for inordinate length of time with certain frustration. Also it showed the economic progress of rural areas in Kerala which boasts of substantially large Gulf expatriates!

VVGR being a meticulous planner, took out his phone book and Sterling guide  at one such village and called the Resort in Moonar and told the manager that we would be very late, probably arriving there by midnight and so would they keep some food for us? Sufficient number of chapattis and some curd rice will do!

The van climbed the ghat road slowly but steadily. We could not appreciate the scenery around in the pitch darkness; but in a way it was a blessing in disguise, as the children would have been scared of the steeply winding path bordered by deep ravine on one side and tall mountain on the other. The final stretch took us between tea gardens and distance specks of Moonar lights peeping through the darkness. Sterling resort was not the only resort. There were also some other hotels. Our plan envisaged arrival at the resort by 7 or 8 PM, but we ultimately reached our destination at 11:30 PM!!

Lalli had been all the while praying for our safe and secure journey and she heaved a deep sigh of relief at the safe arrival. She appreciated the driver’s skill and told him, "I wanted to offer our Kanikkai to Tirupati Hundi, but instead let me put this money in your pocket!" Thus we reached Moonar Sterling Resort. As usual VVGR organised unloading of baggage and distributing them to our respective rooms. The resort manager had kept his word and livery clad waiters trooped in with plates of hot chapattis, curry and curd rice, which was gratefully devoured by the weary and hungry travelers.

Thus ended our third day of journey.

The day’s plan envisaged that we go around the town. Rama, Lina and Ian had taken an early morning walk and returned fully satisfied with the vistas of lush greenery all around.

A local guide offered to show us important sight seeing spots driving with us in the van. So after breakfast, we boarded the van and set off. The narrow road set between stretches of private tea gardens on both sides needed careful driving and confirmed our recollection about having spared the kids of possible scare!

We saw a pretty waterfall en route, where we stopped and found tourists taking bath in the cool waters. A water lorry was filling water from the waterfall. Could it be that the lorry was supplying our resort too?

The guide wanted to know what places we would like to see from amongst the various spots he listed. Our suggestion was to confine ourselves to a few that were interesting and not too far away. As we drove along, we noted that almost all the tea gardens belonged to Tata Tea. company. We did not see any tea garden workers, probably it was not the season nor time for tea picking.

The driver stopped the van at a bend in the road and the guide invited our attention to what he called honeycomb tree. This was a tree from the branches of which hung innumerable honeycombs. It looked as though the entire honeybee population of the mountain had assembled at one place to build their nests. The guide told us that in flowering season the honeycombs would be dripping with honey profusely and one could just gather enough quantity by catching the dripping. Now there was very little honey and many honeycombs looked a pale white in colour.

The lake that was our next stop was a beautiful place frequented by many tourists. It offered different boating experiences what with speed boats, large sized motor boats etc. Youngsters were sailing speed boats in Bollywood style and rightly we chose two  motor boats capable of seating five or six persons each. The slope leading to the pier was rather steep and rough, however we negotiated the slope easily and got into the boats.

The waters were placid and peaceful and as we sailed along we saw a family of wild elephants, mother and baby walking docilely on one bank, and probably looking quizzically at us, the intruders of their habitat. We were told that it does not happen always that the tourists could see wild elephants in their natural habitation.Sure, we were lucky.

By the time we berthed, we had developed a healthy appetite and the guide took us to "Saravana Bhavan Hotel". Apparently these guides entice visitors to the restaurant of their choice. It was no branch of the popular Saravana Bhavan of Chennai, not even a distant cousin! Anyway, we lunched on plantain leaves, south Indian rice meals. Of course we had been carrying our own protected water bottles with "safe" water. As we drove back to the Resort, we found a couple of decent restaurants. We regretted that we could have gone there for lunch. Anyway, it was too late. The only saving grace was that the lunch in the ‘bogus’ Saravana Bhavan cost a paltry  fifteen rupees per head!

The Resort was a big affair with well over 100 rooms. There were no party games etc to amuse the customers this time. Normally Sterling Resorts boast of some form or other of entertainment. Nevertheless, food was good in the clean Resort restaurant. It was interesting to find seats shaped in the form of elephant feet in the dining hall. The weather was rather cool, as we were at an altitude, and one had to use blankets at night. The next day we would have a long drive and so we decided to hit the bed somewhat early.

Yes, it has been a pleasant and entertaining day at the Moonar Resort. We need to start very early tomorrow and so should skip breakfast at the resort dining room.

We commenced our journey for the day rather early. Puduveli is the village where Mr and Mrs. Divakaran live. We arrived at their house to be received warmly by them and Mr. Divakaran’s brothers who also live in adjacent houses. It is a pretty small village and their houses are situated on the banks of a small brook. There are steps leading to the water’s edge and I believe Divakaran’s mom used to go down and bathe in the cool water almost daily. Really this is an idyllic and typically Keralite setting. Mr. Divakaran has fixed a swing in the veranda for his beloved grand daughter. Their house is surrounded by lush garden growing vegetables, pepper, papaya, tapioca and other crops. He took great pleasure in showing us around. He is enjoying his retired life with his favourite occupation of tending his garden. We were served typical Kerala snacks (all preparations of banana and jack fruit) topped by tea and coffee.

Having spent a pleasant hour or two enjoying the hospitality of the Divakarans, we left for Kumarokam. We ought to have reached the boat quay by midday. VVGR had thoughtfully called the Kumarokam tour office and appraised them of our delayed arrival.

House boat on the Backwaters

So when we reached Kumorakam by 2:30 PM, two motor boats accommodating six and five passengers respectively were berthed in the jetty on the backwaters awaiting our arrival. Leaving the van and driver to follow us to Alappuzai next day, we boarded the boats and commenced our sailing. The boats are provided with comfortable bed rooms, beds, showers and WC’s all in the style of five star hotel! Each boat had three crews inclusive of a cook and a pilot. Rama’s family and Lina occupied one boat while the remaining five of us got into the smaller boat. I had presumed that the backwaters that we would be sailing for a day may be somewhat narrow and maybe smelling of fish. Surprise of surprise! The canal or lagoon (by whatever name you may call it) was very broad and filled with fresh and deep water.

Within a few minutes of our starting, the crew laid the lunch table and served delicious food, of course vegetarian. Ian and family, we learnt, had a non-vegetarian dish.

The boat chugged along the broad waterway, on both sides of which we perceived islands with coconut trees and small dwelling huts. On the other side of the island were rice fields. During nine months the water is fresh and during the remaining months salt water enters the lagoon from the sea. People who live in the narrow islands cultivate paddy on the other side of the waterway.

Now and then the other boat would come close by and we could shout and converse with Rama, Ian and the kids. By evening, our boats berthed in a small island and Rama and family trudged down to us. We had travelled two thirds of the distance and would spend the night here. Ian was all admiration for the beautiful scenery. The twins too! Indeed this is God’s own country as advertised by the Kerala tourism department!

As darkness set in after sunset, Rama and family went back to their boat. Stars came out and it was a tranquil atmosphere that soothed us. Dinner was served in style, with soup followed by three courses.. It seems that Rama and Ian spent early morning hours out on the platform in front of the boat watching the stars unhindered by city dust and smoke, a divine experience, getting close to mother nature. As night enveloped us, some boats appeared as though from nowhere and for a moment they looked like pirates on the blue waters! They turned out to be fishing boats to catch fish that would come out only at night!

The cook asked me whether we would have toast and butter for breakfast, to which I expressed assent. but by then Rama came and informed us that their cook had offered to serve Idiyaappam with toast etc. my wife immediately opted for a similar item and the cook readily agreed . Interestingly, he got out of the boat and climbing a coconut tree, plucked a coconut and proceeded to make Idiyaappam . Thus we had a typically Keralite breakfast.

Now the boats moved towards the destination, chugging along and between more dense trees and habitation on both shores. We passed through a narrower waterway and arrived at the Alappuzai jetty. Several boats belonging to many boating tour companies were berthed. Some had been engaged by foreign tourists who would wave their hands at us enthusiastically,. We disembarked with our luggage and thanked the crew profusely for the pleasant trip. The van arrived with the driver and we commenced our onward journey by road.

Ernakulam and Atharampalli

The ladies and Ian decided to do some shopping en route and so we stopped in Ernakulam. We went into cloth stores and Kerala handicraft shop, Koirala. Ian fancied the beautiful art work drawing tables and promptly bought two of them. The journey thereafter was charming, with lush green vegetation, coconut groves etc. on both sides.

Adarampalli (also called Athirapally) water falls was our nest stop which we reached after a few hours. There were oil palm trees and vanilla trees cultivation as we neared the falls. A cute restaurant appeared suddenly and the staff extended a warm welcome, offering lunch. It had been inaugurated only a couple of days and we were one of the earliest groups to come. To find a three star restaurant at the remote place was almost miraculous. We enjoyed some North Indian and South Indian cuisine.

Having parked the van at the falls parking, we walked down the slope to be greeted by the beautiful water falls. Water was gurgling down in torrents from a height of eighty feet and already there was a crowd enjoying the marvellous sight. The waterfall was located between tall peaks covered by thick forest. Indeed it was a feast to the sight as the travel literature claimed.

A police inspector in charge of a small force described to us how this was a favourite spot for people committing suicide and that is why the Government has posted the security forces to prevent such incidents. Also it was favoured by movie directors.

Tearing ourselves away regretfully from the charming location, we drove towards Coimbatore. Slowly and gradually the road took us away from the beautiful and fertile Kerala state and into the dry highlands of Tamilnadu. It was a sad transformation of landscape from greenery to parched countryside.

Coimbatore

We arrived at Coimbatore late in the evening and were welcomed by my sister Rajalakshmi, Gopu, Renu and Janani. Expectedly, they had prepared grand dinner and we enjoyed it. Having spent quite some time exchanging pleasantries and gifts etc, We drove into Coimbatore town and stayed in a nice hotel. It boasted of breakfast on the house in buffet style.

Lina had to go back to Chennai and so early morning, Lalli and Rama took her to the railway station and saw her off by Kovai Express. The rest of us had a nice breakfast and left for Salem.

The journey was comfortable, the road was good and without bumps. Well, I should admit that the roads in Kerala also were good. Our time of arrival had been communicated over cell phone to my brother Sundararajan. (For record, I should say the cell phone that I was carrying did not work in Kerala state).

Krishnaveni welcomed us with sweet and delicious fruit juice. Heavy lunch was served and I had a nice nap, as usual. This was a unique event in the sense three brothers in their sixties with their spouses and a sister assembled in Salem.  We had programmed to visit my cousin sister Sarojakka and her family. Sundarakrishnan, alias Nityakumar, who had come in his two wheeler led us to his house. We met my cousin Sarojakka, Rathika and Nirupama and Nityakumar’s mother-in-law. Sarojakka was delighted to meet Ian for the first time. In fact, she had given a video message through Ravi, who visited her a few months ago, that she had a long time desire to see Rama and her family. She was happy that I had kept my promise. It was a pleasing and joyful sight to watch that she and Ian communicated with each other though each did not understand the other’s language, thanks to Rama acting as interpreter. Dinner consisted of Aappam and Guntappam, dishes that we had chosen in advance! Aparna and the twins consumed the Guntappam with great relish!

Then we proceeded to Vasu, Anusha and Subramaniyan’s house. Ramaprasad, Shali and Tanmaya were already there, having arrived earlier from Bangalore. We spent some quality time listening to Subramanian’s description of his green house farm. As it was getting late, we decided to leave VVGR and Rama’s families there and returned to VSR’s house for the night.

21-08-2003

Vaniyambadi and back to Chennai

Subramanian had taken VVGR and Rama to his green house farm for a tour, which they enjoyed. Later we began our return journey to Chennai. Poor Ramprasad had a bad night due to stomach upset and so Shali was driving their car on their return to Bangalore. Part of the distance they followed us and then branched off to Bangalore. My brother had communicated with Gopi in Vaniyambadi and had advised him to make lunch for us. So when we reached Vaniyambadi, luscious feast was waiting for us. After a brief stay, we started on the last leg of our journey and reached Chennai by nightfall.

Thus ended our South India -Kerala tour. 

We express our gratitude to my brother VVGR for his efficient and meticulous planning and also for having brought back everybody in good spirits and good health. Undoubtedly it has been a memorable journey for all of us.

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