After exploring the main tourist attractions of East Fort, such as Chalai Bazaar, Gandhi Park, Sreepadmanabhaswamy temple, and Methan Mani, I was on my way to Thampanoor when I noticed that the Great Bombay Circus had set up its tents at the Putharikandam Maithanam. Ignoring the groans of my thin adult wallet, with childlike glee, I bought a 250-rupee ticket for the 1 PM show and secured a middle-row seat inside the circus tent.