Madurai Misadventures: A Spontaneous Journey of Humor and Flavor 😇

 

Madurai

I decided to go to Madurai on a whim, without much planning. I had heard a lot about Adiyogi in Coimbatore. It’s said to be beautiful, with bustling crowds and vibrant scenes. I learned about it from a friend of mine. Then, I decided to visit Adiyogi, like a pilgrimage, and make some money somehow. Finally, it was my mom who gave me the money for the trip. Okay, money is set. Now for a detailed plan. (First plan) Spend the night at my friend’s house in Palakkad. Visit Adiyogi in the morning and return the same night. What a plan. I am proud of myself. Now, let’s call my friend. Ring ring. I explained my plan. His response made me wish Mullaperiyar Dam would break and only his house would get flooded. So, I corrected the plan date. He had to go see his girlfriend in Ernakulam. Even though Mullaperiyar didn’t break, heavy rains disrupted his travel. So, Coimbatore was canceled. Now, another place. While watching YouTube, I came across a short video. A master chef was making a parotta with chicken gravy, dripping with oil. I couldn’t tell if it was the skill of the video maker or the expression of the eater.

NEXT SPOT FIXED – Madurai. My uncle is there. Direct call. Ring ring. Uncle, I’m coming on Friday. Get everything ready. Uncle said okay. First, checked the train. From here to Kottayam, then to Madurai. In a country with 170 crore people, not even half can be transported by train, so I converted my plan to a bus. After traveling 100 kilometers by bus, I can’t walk without a stick. Bloody back pain. When I got on the bus, I realized one thing. From home, it’s 140 kilometers by bus and 350 kilometers by train. Got on the bus and reached Madurai. For those who like bus travel, never mix Tamil Nadu routes. The road and the experience.

The first thing I did in Madurai was try the famous Jigarthanda. It was like giving Complan to a cow that drinks gruel water daily. What a taste. It was 70 rupees. Money doesn’t matter. Had two. After getting off in Madurai, another comedy ensued. Like the kid in "Home Alone" who ends up in the wrong place, I mistakenly went from Arapalayam Stand to Tamukkam. Went straight and got off – at the Mattuthavanii(A place). When I called my uncle, he was angry. Then, I added a bit of soap and coaxed him. Went straight home. The house is near the main road. It’s a prime location with good value. Planned for 2 days, stayed for 7 days. Each day a different location, a different task.

First Day: Woke up at 7 AM, checked my mobile till 10, had breakfast, bathed, and had the famous biryani. Came home.

Second Day: Woke up, checked my mobile, repeated.

Third Day:  This cycle reminded me of this. Each morning till 10, same task. After that, different spot, different food. Wow. Madurai food is the best food. Among everything I’ve eaten. Kozhikode halwa, Malabar biryani, Idukki tapioca and beef, Alappuzha toddy shop fish curry, KFC, Chick King. If these are all five stars, Madurai food is above them. My favorite was the famous Jigarthanda.

It was my first time staying alone for 7 days. I’ve stayed alone before, but not for so many days. Went on Friday, came back the next Friday. Looking back at those 7 days, they were the most beautiful days in my memory. Hoping to have another experience like this. Return, same route, same road, different bus.