I started today with another bus. Unfortunately, it was one of the private buses I’ve been able to avoid my entire time so far here. Compared to state run buses, the private buses are slower and they have loud music. I got to use my ear plugs on this journey.
I stopped at Chidambarm, the location of a large and important temple. The four tall, colorful gateways had hundreds of sculptures up and down. I did notice a sign forbidding photography inside, so I couldn’t take too much. I did notice some other foreigners taking photos in the courtyard, so I decided to sneak a few.
Then it was on to the next city, continuing south to Kumbakonam. Here I needed to find a place to sleep. For at least and hour I walked around checking many rooms, but didn’t find anything I was happy with. Some rooms were not clean and ready, others had windows that couldn’t be closed. I decided on a very cheap room and would try my luck.
I found a packed local bus and luckily made it off the bus at the right spot to see some of the famous places in the city. I saw Ramaswami, Chakkarapani, Sarangapani, and Nageshwara temples this evening. Busy day.