Mar 26 – Off to Madurai and visiting a Flower Market

We were off first thing in the morning for our drive to Madurai. 

More photos from the Pamban Bridge.

When we arrived in Madurai we were greeted by this monolithic rock.  It is Yanaimalai (Elephant Hill).  We didn’t get the best view so couldn’t tell that it had the rough shape of an elephant.

We stopped at the Flower Market before going to the hotel.  The Flower Market was abuzz with activity, even though it was mid-day. 

Several vendors offered us flowers.  They looked nice in the hat.

Many vendors were busily making garlands.  Sometimes with a mix of flower petals and ribbons.  The smaller flower garlands are used in marriages and the very large garlands are used to decorate shrines and statues.  

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Video of Garland Making
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And a lot of ladies were making small strings of jasmine for the ladies to put in their hair.  In this area of the country we have seen many women with flowers woven into their hair. 

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More Madurai Flower Market
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More photos around Madurai...these are taken along the river (which was pretty dry).

At temple in the middle of the almost dry river