It has been a while since one has travelled long haul, especially with Superbunny (which was back in 2016!) hence it was rather strange boarding a plane for the 10 hour flight to Chennai. As Iranian airspace is currently closed off due to the deteriorating situation, we were sent on a jolly around Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, however, as soon as we knew it, we touched down in India albeit at 3:15am.
As I was unsure how Chennai International would handle Superbunny at that ungodly hour, one packed a spare joystick in addition to numerous tools, however, it appears that said wheelchair doesn’t even to have a scratch to it!
Now, one had a feeling that Indians would be quite helpful, however, as soon as we stepped down from the plane door, a swarm of staff came over to assist with the wheelchair which is used to transport individuals to baggage claim…
We were also kept informed as to the whereabouts of both the electric and manual wheelchair hence knowing the exact location of their entrance into said terminal…
We have the next 4.5 days to explore Chennai, the capital of the Tamil Nadu state and all it has to offer before boarding the Vande Bharat Express (also referred to India’s semi-bullet train) for the journey across the country to Pollachi via Coimbatore Junction. During our time in Chennai, we are lucky enough to have the accessible transportation (which made the 8 hour trek across India from Coimbatore yesterday along with the driver who is staying with the vehicle just down the road until Friday!) available at all times to allow one to explore the city with ease. However, the city is home to a metro system which, of course, has to be experienced at least once.
We are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott whilst in Chennai. Of course, the Indian version of accessibility is slightly different from the UK, however, the rooms still have ample space to roll around albeit the bathroom is a little small.
Despite being based in Chennai for the next few days, we will also be heading down to Puducherry (Pondicherry) to marvel at it’s French architecture along tree-lined streets. The plan is also to visit Auroville along the way.
Tomorrow, we plan to head to the Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple followed by a visit to the Chennai Railway Museum (of course, trains had to be involved!). Let’s see how chaotic driving through Chennai really is!
(Oh and Tom and Jerry popped up at the hotel earlier greeting guests for an international vacation conference…western influence strikes again!):
