ldtc2

My plans have changed somewhat as my friends from London are meeting us in Madras/Chennai for the last leg of our trip. So, after doing Bombay-Kerala route, we are flying from Cochin ( after spending time there) and meeting them in Madras/Chennai. But, after I read what "carrom" had to say about Chennai I got freaked.... "one of the dirtiest cities they had ever been to."
So, my questions are:

Can anyone else comment on this.
AND, should I spend more time in
agree/disagree with this ( I didn't mind the "feel" of Delhi or Varanassi)......

Feb 9 - Bombay arrive at 10PM Bombay
Feb 10 Bombay Bombay
Feb 11 Bombay Bombay
Feb 12 Bombay- Cochin Cochin
Feb 13 Cochin Cochin
Feb 14 Cochin-Kumarakon (45 minutes) Kumarakon
Feb 15 Kumarakon Kumarakon
Feb 16 Kumarakon ( Houseboat) Houseboat
Feb 17 Houseboat-Cochin-Madras Madras
Feb 18 Madras Madras
Feb 19 Madras - Mahabaliipuram Mahabaliipuram
Feb 20 Mahabaliipuram Mahabaliipuram
Feb 21 Mahabaliipuram-Madras Madras
Feb 22 Madras Madras
Feb 23 MAA – BOMBAY-JFK Air

shaktipalooza

Well if they thought Chennai was dirty, can't imagine what they'd think about Bombay.

I haven't seen other threads about your trip, is there a reason why you're looking to spend so much time in the cities?

If it were me I'd spend the majority of time outside the megacities and travel overland from the backwaters (Houseboat leg) into the mountains around Periyar then towards Madurai. It's a great drive by hired car. You're friends could meet you in Madurai (less than 1 hour flight from Chennai) and work your way through the temple towns, chola region to Chennai.

thursdaysd

shaktipalooza - so true! In general I thought the south was significantly cleaner than the north. Especially the temples, but also the cities.

sfmaster

I thought Madras was fine but I didn't do any touristy things there, just visited friends. We REALLY enjoyed the fisherman's cove resort where we had lunch one day. If you don't want a "city" experience you could easily spend more time out of the city and cut out 2/18 in Madras. See my post on the Khailash Beach Resort in Pondicherry (in India trip Report) for some thoughts on another destination in the Mahabalipuram region.

anom

Hi
The comment that Chennai is 'dirty' - is offensive and an insult to the citizens of this city.
Considering the population and challenges of major cities throughout India - Chennai is a bustling metropolis but certainly not dirty.
I spent a few days here in Jan 2006 and I disagree.

citybell

If you think Chennai is dirty, then most of India would be dirty for you!!
Seems these activities don't need so much time:Mumbai, House boat stay, stay at Mahabalipuram.
If you cut short a bit, then you can include Thekkady or Munnar or Madurai or Mysore.
anyway have a nice stay in India.