Dhanabalan Perumal

Dit is een top guru gids. We hielden van zijn passie en kennis waarmee hij 3 Belgische toeristen meedroeg in het verhaal van deze ceremonie van 'het naar bed brengen van de goden' tijdens het bezoek aan de Meenakschi tempel in Madurai. Hij contacteerde ons ook om de afspraak praktische vast te leggen en begeleide ons vanaf het hotel en weer terug. Moe maar voldaan, deze uitstap is zeker een aanrader. Grtz 3 toeristen van België

I highly suggest a walking tour with Mr. Dhanpal. He is a storehouse of knowledge. I got vast insights into the history of not only the temple town of Madurai but also the Tamil language and literature including Thirukkural. There are minute intricacies and stories behind the sculptures of Ayiramkal Mandapam and the temple architecture which I would’ve definitely missed if he wasn’t with me. I was taken through the snaking alleys of town where I visited the banana market and was surprised to see the smoking chambers of the fruit! A normal visit to the temple on my own would not have taken me to the Summer palace built by Thirumalai Naykkar which is in another part outside of the temple. I drank Jigarthanda from the original shop too. The walking tour takes you through puthu mandapam and wholesale and retail markets so I recommend shopping from these areas which I found way too economical than from around the temple. The palace is undergoing renovation but you can take a few pics here. I am eagerly awaiting to avail his services very shortly for my family and friends. Dhanapal gave me three viewpoints on most of the things - from the mythology, that of the Archeological Survey of India, and his own as a native of Madurai. I have been traveling far and wide, taking services of guides wherever I go to delve deep into the background but this has been the most satisfying one so far. He is ready to clear your doubts and I realized that he is well read. I highly recommend Dhanapal and Guruwalk.

As you can read in the other reviews, it was truly a very interesting tour ! Dhanabalan is very caring, nice and fun. He explained us a lot of things about the places we visited but also shared a lot about Indian history and culture. He gave us a lot of recommendations (things to do after the tour, places to eat, to see…). We also made a few stops during the tour to taste some drinks and food, this was highly appreciated ! Thanks a lot!

Dhana was really nice and interesting. He explained lots of things in a very intelligible way, answered all our questions! Amazing way to visit this beautiful temple! Highly recommended

We learned a lot obut the temple, the culture of (South) India, Hinduizem, customs. We also recived gret rexommendations what else to see and which food to try.