Periyar Sanctuary Warnings and Dangers

After finally deciding a price for a statue in one of the Kumily shops, it then took almost an hour to pay. Going from shop to shop (the shopkeepers all seem to be related or otherwise connected.), we tried various credit card machines without (apparent) success. On returning to the UK, however, I found that I had in fact paid twice. Luckily my bank refunded me, but I can't say whether you would always be so lucky.

I don't know whether this was a genuine error due to poor telephone lines or a con; either way it wasn't a pleasant surprise.

I won't name the shops concerned as I don't know whether this was a scam, and am very happy with the statue, but do pay with cash if at all possible or make sure you see that any incomplete card transactions are cancelled. Don't be put off the shops, just be careful!