Madras (10/11 Jan 1997)

		Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is India's fourth-largest city, and the cradle of the Dravidian civilisation, one of the worlds oldest articulate cultures. Sprawled over 130 sq km (50 sq miles), the metropolis has few tall buildings and enjoys the relaxed ambience of a market town rather than the typical bustle of a city this size. The gateway to Southern India and site of the East India Company's first settlement in 1639. The people are zealous guardians of Tamil culture and the most vociferous opponents of attempts to make Hindi the national language.
		Although scheduled to spend two days in Madras we missed the first one due to a terrible flight.

		Top of the cities few attractions is Fort St George, (East India Company, 1653). This contains a fascinating museum and St Mary's Church.
		Thats myself sat in the truck on the left and Sue enjoying the sun on the right.

Leaving Madras we head south along the coast road. January is just at the end of the winter monsoon and water is everywhere, (flooded fields either side of the road). Mahabalipuram our next point of call is 50Km away, but we take our time and stop at some places en-route.
Water Buffalo bathing by the side of the road.

A crocodile farm we passed on our way, and a fascinating place to behold. Crocodiles, aligators, and turtles from all over the world, (and not one of them destined for shoes or a plate).

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If you are interested in South Indian Food then why not visit Sue's Recipe Server, our other Web site.

North India & Nepal is the record of our overland journey from Dehli to Kathmandu during January 1998.

Exploring Vietnam is the record of a journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and beyond during March and April of 1999.

Copyright © Laurence Rogerson & Sue Powell 1997. South India Overland is designed and hosted by HubCom (UK).