Devaraja Market

Day 7 Mysore > Chennai > Māmallapuram

Despite the constant sounds of the vehicles horns performing like an orchestra outside along a major road, breakfast was enjoyed under the pavilion in the open air of the Green Hotel grounds.

While breakfast at 395 rupees / NZ$8.30 / US$6.10 cost twice that I could have had back at the hotel where we were staying, nothing beats this hotel setting and it's colonial atmosphere. I could well imagine how the gentry would have been served their g&t out sitting on the green lawn in the midst of this bustling city.

http://www.greenhotelindia.com/

Walking back hearing the sound of saxophone being played in the middle of a local park near place called Rythmn and Blues. Wonder if there is a connection?

Devaraja Market

Local bus to the Devaraja Market.

Only an hour was allowed here and yes, I could have certainly spent more time here talking to the store keepers and asking if they wouldn't mind their picture being taken. Two quick photos - head and shoulder plus one showing what they were selling. Some wanted their photo sent to them.

Was asked if I wanted to see how incense is hand rolled. Yes, then the "hook" with the perfume sampling and "you want to buy" routine.

While I have been through many local markets around the world, this one fascinated me with the colour and fragrance of the guys and girls making the flower garlands. It was pointed out that my requested posed photos of store keepers are of males. Need to work on getting the gender balance right.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/mysuru-mysore/attractions/devaraja-market/a/poi-sig/1293025/356332

Local bus 266 back, "Whats app" call to brother Tim and 30 minutes was enough time to head to the neighbouring food court for a cold press orange and lime juice at This and That for 120 rupees / NZ$2.50 / US$1.85 that took far too long to make. Perhaps they had to pick the fruit.

Jalandhar Express train

Tuk tuk to the railway station.

Fifteen minutes late in leaving at 2.40pm / 14:40. The Jalandhar Express train ride to Chennai on the east coast aboard Indian's vast rail system soon quickly past.

Met fellow passengers and let the landscapes soak in with a bright orange sunset before night darkness quickly descended.

Pre-dinner drinks served meaning was given a 1 litre bottle of water and 250ml tetra pack of juice.

Dinner service started at 6pm with a tray of Indian snacks and finished with a tub of ice cream served after 9pm.

In between was a couple of bread sticks and butter, soup, tea or coffee before served the main meal of rice, Dahl and a vegetarian container plus yoghurt curd. Yes, the railway crew certainly stretched out the meal service and why not.

End of the line when the train pulled in to Chennai Central just after 10pm / 22:00.

A 90 minute bus ride to the Māmallapuram got us there around midnight.