We drove through Tamil countryside to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with Ancient Rome and now inhabits 3 million people spread out over 20kms. No buildings are higher than four stories, except for this temple .

we visited the Meenakshi temple., considered to be the height  of South Indian temple archirecture. It’s a six hectare  complex with 12 tall towers encrusted with a mind boggling array if gods, goddesses , demons and heroes.

afterward we went shopping ! Some ladies are having custom tunics and pants made that will be delivered to the hotel this morning.

This is was our last temple visit and today we are driving to Periyar, where we will be visiting the Western Ghats.