ASIAN TRAVELLER - BEST OF TAMILNADU

Best of

Tamil Nadu Dr. S. BAKTHAVATCHALAM

An

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BEST OF TAMIL NADU

Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

An Asian Traveller Initiative Cover Picture Courtesy: Watana Kukkaibkk 3

TAMIL NADU

Enchanting As Ever

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amil Nadu, the southernmost state of India is home to the colorful civilization of the Tamils.

With a history of several thousand years, it inherited a vibrant collection of monuments, arts, culture, traditions cuisine and literature. Tamil, a classical language has been in use in inscriptions and literature for 2500 years. Today it is one of the mainstays among the tourism products of incredible India in spite of being the most urbanized state in India. Being an all round destination, it caters to spiritual, nature and adventure travellers alongside leisure and business travellers. Medical tourism has also prospered in the state with quality medical care centers in many parts of the state. With a multitude of attractions and products travellers both domestic and international have included the state to their travel itinerary.

Tamil Nadu is a vast region which has a lot to offer to everyone. It is colourful and diverse - culturally and geographically - in a pleasantly surprising way.

The state holds a gala of temples, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, hill stations, beach resorts and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has a wide range of terrains as the western, southern and the north-western parts are hilly and rich in vegetation. Tamil Nadu is the only state in India which has both the Western and Eastern Ghats with meets at the Nilgiri Hills which holds many hill resorts Udakamandalam, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Coonoor, Topslip, Valparai, Yelagiri and Manjolai are the most popular hill stations. Courtallam, Hogenakal, Papanasam, Manimuthar, Thirparappu, Pykara and Silver Cascade constitute the main waterfalls of the state.

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Thick vegetation and wildlife are found in Nilgiri hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy hills, Kolli hills, and Cardamom hills. Many National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries support wildlife while Mukurthi National Park, and Kalakkad Mundanthurai National Park, The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Arignar Anna Zoological Park are the main attractions along with the mangrove forests at Pichavaram.

Tamil Nadu is a state blessed with a long coastline of about 910 km which houses some of the best beaches in India spanning from Pulicat in the north to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari beaches in the South.

The Marina Beach in Chennai is the second longest beach in the world.

The major attractions among the beaches of Tamil Nadu are Marina Beach, Chennai, Rameswaram Beach, Kanyakumari Beach (where the three big seas Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea meets), Covelong Beach, Kurusadai Islands, Elliot’s Beach, Chunnambar Beach,

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Pichavaram Beach, Poompuhar Beach, Muttukkadu Beach etc. The long sandy washed by the Bay of Bengal is lately home to various activities like wind surfing, fishing and different boat rides. The seas here have an exotic variety of marine life and it is an ideal place to find numerous souvenirs here.

Mahabalipuram beach is 58 km south of Chennai is famous for its unique 7th Century Shore Temple.

The place was once a port city of the Pallavas and the monuments built between the 7th and 9th centuries has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is home to Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs, which is a universe itself in stone. There are numerous archeological sites in and around Adichanallur. Caves of Tamil Nadu, located in Anaimalai, Alagarmalai, Tiruparankundram and other places around Madurai are monuments related to Jainism in the region. About 26 caves built in 2nd to 1st Centuries BC contain epigraphic records written in Brahmi script. The stone beds here certifies that these abodes of the monks.

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The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a conglomeration of three temples, Valluvar Koottam, the memorial to the poetsaint Thiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot, Tanjavur Palace, Tanjavur Maratha Marvels including 275 Siva Temples and 108 Vaishnavaite Temples in the 9th Century AD, Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari district, Sivaganga Palace 40 kms from Madurai, St. George’s Fort, the oldest English Fort on the East Coast, the tallest flag post in the region, the oldest Anglican Church in the East of Suez located in Chennai are some of the major monuments of the state.

Tamil Nadu is also one of the leading destinations in spiritual and pilgrims travel. Being an ancient Dravidian land, Tamil Nadu houses grand Hindu temples depicting Dravidian architecture. The state itself is known as land of temples with nearly 33000 ancient temples built in different eras. Meenakshi Temple,

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Madurai, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Palani Murugan Temple, Palani, Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram Ramalinga Temple, Chidambaram, Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari Kapaleshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Nellaiappar Temple, Thirunelveli, Kailashnath Temple, Kanchipuram, Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram, Brihadeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Thanumalayam Temple, Suchindram are some of the numerous renowned templesin the state.

St. Thomas Mount in Chennai where St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, is believed to be martyred. The Santhome Basilica, The tomb of St. Thomas and

Velankanni Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health are the examples of Christian Architecture in Tamil Nadu. The major pilgrimage sites for Muslims include Erwadi in Ramanathapuram district and Nagore in Nagapattinam District. The Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai is one of the largest mosques in the country while Kazimar Big Mosque in Kazimar Street, Madurai and Karpudaiyar Masjid in Kayalpatnam are the oldest in the state.

Pongal, the four day harvest festival is largest festivals in Tamil Nadu. The Hindu festivals include Deepavali, Ayudha Pooja, Dasara, Krishna Jayanthi, and Vinayaka Chathurthi.

Christmas and Easter are celebrated

by Christians and Eid Ul Fitr and Bakrid by the Muslims.

The place has a large number of folk dances music forms. Bharatanatyam is the classical dance of Tamil Nadu.

Karakattam, Mayilattam, Oyilattam, Poikkal Kuthiraiyattom etc are some of the folk forms.

Tamil Nadu enjoys a tropical climate.

The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January and the highest in April to June. Ideal time to visit Tamil Nadu is between October and February. Welcome to the enchanting state. Go enriched and enlightened.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS Bestowed with several ideal locations for the adventure sports, Tamil Nadu attracts large number of adventure seekers from all over the world. Most important things to do include Hang Gliding, Trekking, Water Sports, Boating and much more.

Tamil Nadu has always been associated with temples and therefore its image of being a destination for spiritual experience. This typical image has attracted a number of tourists that belong to the middle age group. It is true that the state has a number of historically important temples and pilgrim centres but we should not forget that Tamil Nadu also has immense potential to lure the youth who wish to have some adventure in their holidays.

We have got more than 20 waterfalls, 12 hill stations, may water bodies,

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a dozen boat houses, a long coast line and many wildlife sanctuaries, which can offer thrill and unique experience to the youth. Trekking, mountaineering, camping, water sports, boating and bird watching can be done successfully in Tamil Nadu to engage the youth and make them repeatedly visit our State in large numbers. Therefore, Tamil Nadu Tourism is keen to promote this innovative aspect of tourism in a big way by mobilising resources at all levels.

Image Courtesy : trekkerpedia.com

AQUA SPORTS Adventure boats, water scooters, kayaks and banana boats are available at Muttukadu and Mudaliarkuppam. Muttukadu, located at a distance of 36 km from Chennai, is a small town which serves as the most preferred picnic spot.

Muttukadu is adorned with greenery, including coconut trees and lush grassland to provide ample shade and to give relaxation to the visitors, making the environment pollution free and breezy. Helped by the fact that the backwaters and the facility of boat house have been developed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation for the visitors to stay and enjoy, the place is visited by hordes every year who come here to enjoy their holidays.

The main attraction of this place is windsurfing regatta which is organized every year in the month of February, plus many other water games such as kayaking, boating, canoeing,

etc. are organized here. Those who are adventurous and fun loving, they can also join the training programs which are held in Muttukadu. No wonder it is visited by thrill seekers as well as peace lovers form India and abroad.

Mudaliarkuppam is a popular place of interest that attracts myriads of tourists from all parts of the country. Mudaliarkuppam is located in the district of Kanchipuram, 92 km from Chennai and 36 km down Mamallapuram on ECR (East Coast Road). Mudaliarkupam is an incredible tourist destination.

Tourism industry in the idyllic place is growing by leaps and bounds. Visitors and tourists visit this place alike, to while away their time on the choicest array of rowboats, pedal boats and motorboats. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation undertakes and preserves this unusual boating house.

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Image Courtesy : adventureclicknblog.com

HANG-GLIDING The Nilgiri ranges in Tamil Nadu is renowned not just for its pristine natural beauty, charming towns, lush tea gardens and coffee plantations, but is also famous as a wonderful destination for the adventure sport of Hang Gliding.

Just 20 kms from Ooty, Kalahatty in Nilgiris is a perfect place for undertaking Hang Gliding expedition. Start off your gliding trip from the launch pad at Kalahatty and fly over the densely covered forested areas, small villages and some unexplored regions. Apart from these, if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of some wild animals in the sanctuary below.

Kalahatty waterfall is another attraction on this criss-country route, which you can cover on your

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gliding trip. Also known as ‘Kalahasti Falls’, Kalahatty waterfall is home to a wide variety of wild animals such as Panthers, Sambar, Bison, Wild Buffaloes etc.

Kalahatty is well connected by a motorable road, you can hire private taxis or cars from Ooty to reach this place. March to May and September to November is the best time to enjoy hang gliding in Nilgiris.

As Hang Gliding is not much popular in Niligiris, so the Madras (Chennai) Hang Gliders Association (MHGA) is taking special interest on popularizing this adventure sport.

The Madras Hang Gliders Association provides essential training as well as motorized hang gliders to gliding enthusiasts.

low altitude hill stations. Variety of adventure sports were introduced in Island grounds with private participation. Paragliding in Yelagiri attracted tourists in large numbers.

The Nilgiris are a trekker’s paradise.

Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in trek for lovers of nature.

There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendour.

Udhagamandalam (Ooty) offers several trek routes, which vary in distance, altitudes and terrain. There is a base camp at Parsons valley, from where one can start trekking to various points within Western Ghats.

The down hills of Western Ghats on the North ends up with meeting the extensions of Eastern Ghats, where the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary lies which opens vistas for adventure tourists.

Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired.

ANGLING Angling is an interesting pastime for the tourists.

There are several water resources in Tamil Nadu, which are identified for Angling. In the Nilgiri’s the waters of Mukkurthi Lake and the river, Gurmund river and reservoir, Avalanchi and Emarald river, Peermund, Chambar, Kallkundi Streams, Upper Bhavani Reservoir, Bilitha dakulla River, Bhavani Puzha, Aradha Puzha, Parsons Valley Stream and Reservoir, Kings Dhar Stream, Western Catchment Reservoir, Thirupanthurai, Emeri Puzha, Silent Valley streams etc. are the water for excellent trout fishing.

In Kodaikkanal hills, trout streams are Pulavachiyar and Konalar. Carb fishing is recommended in Kodai lake. In addition the state’s 900 kms long coastal line provides you for ample marine fishing.

Apart from providing adventure sports activities, Tamil Nadu Tourism is also co-ordinating with Environment and Forest Department in conducting Trekking programme in lesser known

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Tamil Nadu is a state blessed with a long coastline of about 910 km which houses some of the best beaches in India, including the Marina Beach, Chennai - the second longest beach in the world.

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Tamil Nadu always had an added charm to those seeking beauty in nature, culture and its people. Being an all round destination, catering to spiritual, nature and adventure travellers alongside the leisure and business travellers, the state is positioning itself as an exotic one.

Beaches are one product that attracts a lot of travellers and tourists. Both foreign, domestic tourists and even the locals turn towards the beaches to spend their holidays or leisure time. The seas have an exotic variety

BEACHES of marine life and one can find numerous souvenirs here.

Beach, Kurusadai Islands, Muttukkadu Beach etc.

on the outskirts of the Chennai metropolitan.

The long sandy washed by the Bay of Bengal is lately home to various activities like wind surfing, fishing and different boat rides. It is also favoured by many film makers to shoot some parts of the movies here.

The major attractions among the beaches of Tamil Nadu are Marina Beach, Chennai, Mahabalipuram Beach, Rameshwaram Beach, Kanyakumari Beach, Covelong

The 12 km long Marina Beach is the longest beaches in Asia which attract a lot of travellers. The golden sandy beach and the azure waters make it a popular beach in the international map. A short 20 minute drive from Chennai is the Golden Beach Resort.

Covelong Beach another popular but away from the bustling Chennai maintown. Fishing activities are the main attraction of the beach situated

Mahabalipuram beach is 58 km south of Chennai, famous for its unique 7th century Shore Temple.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was once a port city of the Pallavas and is home to exotic monuments belonging to the times.

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Cuisines Every region in Tamil Nadu has its own special delicacies and sweets for its guests to savour. While being a land of varieties, it is also a land of tastes.

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amil Nadu while being a land of varieties, is a land of tastes too. Every region has its own special delicacies and sweets for its guests to savour. It provides a variety of food both for the vegetarians as well as the nonvegetarians. The word curry itself is said to have derived from the Tamil word ‘kari’ which means spice.

The main ingredients of the different dishes are grains, lentils, rice and vegetables, although different spices are added to give a distinctive taste.

Garam masala is avoided by the Tamils. The favourite drink of Tamil Nadu is the filter coffee which they prepare from the roasted and grinded coffee bean.

The Tamil style in Mughal food can be savoured in the biriyanis and paya. Paya is a dish of lamb or goat cooked in thicky spicy gravy which is consumed with paratha or appam.

The main breakfast dishes commonly called tiffin are Idly, Dosai, Poori and Vadai, the oil fried Indian doughnut along with coconut chutney, sambar

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or Pongal. Idly and dosa are made from rice and lentils dough. Pongal is a dish made of unpolished steam rice and lentils spiced with cashew nuts, ghee, pepper and Cummins.

Their lunch consist of an array of vegetable dishes, sambar, chutneys, mooru and rasam. Rasam, a hot broth made with tamarind juice and pepper and yoghurt helps digestion.

Different dies of mutton, chicken or fish is available for non vegetarians.

Pappads locally called Appalam is one of the unavoidable ingredients for their lunches. Vatha Kuzhambu and Payasam are some of the other favourites of the place.

Apart from the traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine the most renowned speciality cuisine from the area is the Chettinad cuisine which savoured by those in search of hot and spicy non-vegetarian food. Although there are some vegetarian dishes, the cuisine from the Chettinad region comprising of Karaikudi and adjoining areas has several variations of fish, mutton, and chicken dishes of which the Chettinad Pepper Chicken is a traditional favourite. Vegetarian dishes like appam, Uthappam, paal paniyaram evolved from this area.

Nanjilnadu in Kanyakumari district is famous for fish curries as it is available in plenty. Kongunadu region has specialities like Santhakai, Oputtu, kola urundai, Thengai Paal, Ulundu Kali, Ragi puttumavu, Arisi Puttumavu, Vazhaipoo Poriyal, Kambu Peniyaram, Ragi Pakoda, Thengai Parpi, Kadalai Urundai, Ellu Urundai, Pori Urundai.

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FESTIVALS DEEPAVALI

Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most vibrant festivals.

Be it Deepavali or Pongal or any other regional festival, the enegry with which the natives celebrate them often has no parallel.

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Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most vibrant celebrations at the time of Deepavali or Diwali although it is celebrated throughout India.

Deepavali is the festival of lights which the young and old, rich and poor celebrate with the same vim and vigour. Deepavali is celebrated by the lighting of diyas and bursting of crackers overnight, distributing sweets and gifts. It is to signify victory of good over the evil in the world as well as within an individual.

The festival symbolizes unity and bringing light into their life. The festival falls on October-November and as per the Hindu calendar, the five day festival of Deepavali is centered on the new moon day that ends the month of Ashwin and begins the month of Kartika.

The traditional Deepavali celebrations are spread over four days, which are; Vasu Baras the day on which cow and calf are worshipped, Naraka Chaturdashi, the day Narakasura was killed by god Krishna, Diwali, on which Lakshmi

Puja is held according to the Hindu traditions, which is also the last day of the year. Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali commemorating the Indra defeat by Krishna.

Three Legends are associated with the festival. In Tamil Nadu and most of South India, Deepavali is celebrated remembering the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. In North India, Diwali commemorates the retur of Lord Ram and with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana which also symbolizes the win of good over evil.

It is believed that the people lit ghee lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness to Ayodhya in North India, the homeland of Ram. They had to pass through South India first so festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India.

Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important days of Diwali celebrations. The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi Puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfil the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the Sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit) The legend of Govardhan Puja which is celebrated after Deepavali says the story of Krishna defeating Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. According to the legend Indra was then angered and flooded the village after Krishna debated and convinces the villagers to concentrate on their agriculture and cattle farming than make huge offering to the gods. Krishna then

lifted Mount Govardhan and holds it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepts defeat.

Tamil Nadu is one of the places that have to be visited at the time of Deepavali as the state is full of festivities in full fervour. The traditional oil bath is the main ritual of the Tamilians which they do well before sunrise around 3 o’clock. The entire household is cleaned and they get into their new festival attires.

They use to invite their dear ones for the feastings.

In south India the second day is the actual day of festivities. The Tamils draw elaborate ‘kolams’ in front of their homes and lights small lamps around the house. Special pujas are held for lord Krishna and after that children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon.

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PONGAL Pongal or the Thai Pongal, one the major festivals of the people of Tamil Nadu falls in the mid-January usually between 13 and 15. The harvest festival celebrated to thank the Sun God is one of the rare Hindu festivals that follow a solar calendar. Pongal which coincides with the Makara Sankranthi festival celebrated throughout India as the winter harvest which also marks the commencement of Uttarayana, the journey of Sun the northern hemisphere. It also marks the sun entry to the India zodiac of Makara or Capricorn.

Although Pongal was celebrated by the farmers from the early ages it is now celebrated by all the communities of Tamil Nadu both in the urban and rural areas. The festival attributes to the material abundance and prosperity which is symbolized by the boiling over of milk or rice at the houses. The common activities of this time include drawing of special Kolams, cooking of the delicious Pongal dish etc. The dish is made by boiling rice with fresh milk and jaggery in new pots. The rice is later topped with sugar, cashew nuts and raisins.

People make savories and sweets to distribute among friends and relatives and exchange greetings.

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Pongal festivities last for four days which are Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Maattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal respectively. The day of Bhogi, the day preceding Pongal is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra for the harvest and the prosperity of the land.

People clean their houses on this day and collect all unwanted articles from their houses and burn it at dawn.

Thai Pongal which falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai and is celebrated by preparing the Pongal dish at sun rise. When it boils over, the elderly shouts ‘Pongal-o-Pongal’.

Then the rice is offered to the Sun God and later it is served to the other members of the house. The third day is dedicated to the cattle and is termed the Mattu Pongal. The recognition and affection to cattle is shown by decorating them with garlands applying kumkum.

Mattu Pongal is intended to demonstrate our recognition and affection to cattle and on their foreheads and feed them good food. It is on this day the famous Alanganallur Jallikattu (bull taming) is held at Alanganallur near Madurai.

Kaanum Pongal or the fourth day is a time for family reunions and visiting friends and other merriments.

Brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving gifts.

SARAL The Saral festival is a unique festival followed by the Tamils. Celebrated at Courtallam a place renowned for its waterfalls, it is situated in the South west of Tamil Nadu. Celebrated in June in the time of the southwest monsoon, the scorching heat of the plains is soothed by the continuous light drizzles. Thick clouds gather and streaks of lighting flash across the sky. The southwest monsoon approaching from the Arabian Sea is blocked by the mighty Western Ghats. But a lighter part of it moves to the state through the mountain passes. Those escaping through the Aryankavu Pass reach Courtallam which pours down in a drizzle called “Saral� in Tamil.

The overcast clouds sprinkle water over the region throughout the day and the temperature drops making it ideal for holidaying. The Saral keeps the atmosphere and the people active becoming neither wet nor dry. The waters of Courtallam

is said to have healing properties so people in huge number visit for the celebration from different parts of Tamil Nadu and outside. Some of the main waterfalls of Courtallam waterfall are Peraruvi, Chtraruvi, Shenbaga Devi Falls, Thenaruvi, Aintharuvi, Puli Aruvi, Pazhaya Courtallam, Puthi Aruvi and the Pazhathotta Aruvi.

The festival extends to the month of July. Similar to other Tamil festivals daily ritual bathing is one of the activities. Cultural programs, competitions accompanied make the festival remarkable.

The nearest airport from Courtallam is at Madurai at a distance of 150 km. Tenkasi and Sengottai are the nearby railway stations. Tenkasi and Sengottai are the nearby railway stations which connects the place to other majors in the state. Courtallam can also be accessed from Quilon-Madurai rail route via Sengottai. The Courtallam falls is 1.5 hours away by road. It is also from 185-km away from Trivandrum.

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MEDICAL TOURISM

T Tamil Nadu, known for its temples and hill stations, is now fast growing as a preferred medical tourism or wellness tourism destination.

amil Nadu, a land inspired

by Dravidian culture and tradition in the southern most state of India. A land of divergent beauty, it is bestowed with peace and knowledge. With a distinctive title as “A Land of Temples�, Tamil Nadu has always excelled in the field of music, art, dance and literature and is home for some of the most reputed artiste.

Over the years, the state has shown tremendous growth in the field of Information Technology, Education, Infrastructure, and Agriculture and in the field of Medicine and Wellness. It currently ranks third in the industrial map of India.

Tamil Nadu is now widely regarded as one of the most preferred destinations for Health and Medical

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Care. The state boasts of numerous multi-speciality hospitals and is a leader in India especially in Eye Care, Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiology and Kidney Treatments. The hospitals are well equipped with latest medical facilities and equipments, which match international standards and practices. A team of motivated, qualified and experienced specialists runs these hospitals. The support team of nurses and para-medical are highly trained professionals who are known for the service and hospitality.

The hospitals adhere to stringent international quality standards, which include regular medical audits.

The hospitals also follow eco friendly disposals of medical waste.

Most importantly the cost of medical treatment in Tamil Nadu is much cheaper. Thousands of medical tourists who visit the state stand as a testimony for the quality and affordable Medicare that the state promises. The state also has a high English speaking population, which helps in easy interactions. Tamil Nadu also has many alternative medicinal healing like Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy, Unani, Yoga, Meditation, Naturopathy etc.

Tamil Nadu Tourism has been playing an active role as facilitator and helping the patients identify medical facilities and services. Apart from all Tamil Nadu Tourism board also assists in organizing tours to famous tourist and pilgrimage destinations.

By this way, one can recuperate and get rejuvenated. And not to forget, get a chance to witness the beauty of enchanting Tamil Nadu and take home fond memories.

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GINGEE FORT

One of the quintessential and unassailable citadels of India, the Gingee Fort in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, is known for its unique architectural feat and its temples around.

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riginally known as ‘Sengiri’ or Red Hill in Tamil, it became popular as Chenji, Jenji and Gingee. Legend has it that Sengiri originated from ‘Sanjeevi’ the hill mentioned in Ramayana from where Hanuman got

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the life saving herb, the Sanjeevini Booti for Lakshmana when he lay unconscious in the war between Rama and Ravana.

One of the few unique surviving forts in Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort was named the ‘Troy of the East’ by the British. It is approximately 160 km from the Chennai city and also lies close to the union territory of Pondicherry. The presence of this Gingee Fort in itself is a landmark architectural experience for the state, as it adds to its charm.

Built of strong blocks of granite, the 800-feet tall walls of the fort covering the three hills have two main entrances piercing it, namely, the Arcot or Vellore gate and the

Pondicherry gate. The fort has an eight–storey Kalyana Mahal or marriage hall, granaries, prison cells, a military gymnasium and a temple dedicated to its presiding deity Chenjiamman with a sacred pond beside known as Aanaikulam.

The original fort was built by the Cholas in the 9th century and since then it has withstood the test of time through the transition of power. The origin and existence of the fort of Gingee can be traced back to several hundred years; numerous ruling dynasties are connected with the history of the fort, including Vijaynagar Maharajas, Shivaji Maharaj, Nawabs of Arcot, Tipu Sultan, the French and British but the legend of the fort is

Forts

popularlyconnected with the story of Raja Tej Singh who was popularly known as Desingh and Desinghu Rasan in Tamil, perhaps the only Rajput ruler to rule Tamil Nadu.

The fort was modified by the Vijayanagar Empire in the 13th century, and gained formidable reputation. The Gingee Nayaks made it their headquarters during the Nayak domination in Tamilnadu. The fort finally came under British control in 1761 after a brief period of French possession. Declared a National Monument in 1921 and under the Archaeological Department, today it serves as a museum preserving the many historic buildings including its granaries, prison cells, marriage hall and temple.

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FORT DANSBORG

In a startling contrast to the short-lived sojourn of the Danes in India, the reminiscent of the same still stands tall gazing at the moody Bay of Bengal as it laps, foams, seethes and roars at its feet. The salt spray stings and discolors its walls but the edifice withstands the assault with stodgy pride. After all, it has weathered this and more for centuries. Delve deep into Danish India as Dr S Bakthavatchalam takes you to Fort Dansborg in Tharangambadi or Tranquebar in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

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antalized by the success stories of fellow-European powers - the Dutch, English, Portuguese and French - the Danish sent a fleet to India in the 17th century. Setting sail from Denmark in 1618, Admiral Ove Gjedde’s fleet was battered by fierce storms and lost more than half its crew by the time it landed on the shores of the kingdom of Thanjavur. This little seaside village was known as Tharangambadi - Tamil for ‘where the waves sing’.

Instead of the resounding welcome they expected, the Admiral and Danish trade director Robert Crappe were taken prisoner and presented before the Nayak of Thanjavur. After initially being ignored, the Danes negotiated a trade pact with the Nayak. A treaty was signed and it allowed the Danes to occupy the village of Tharangambadi, levy taxes, and construct a ‘stone house’ - the Dansborg.

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Locally known as the Danish Fort, it acted as the base for Danish settlement in the region during the early 17th century. The fort is the second largest Danish fort after Kronborg, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The fort was sold to the British in 1845 and along with Tharangambadi the fort lost its significance as the town was not an active trading post for the British.

After India’s independence in 1947, the fort was used as an inspection bungalow by the state government till 1978 when the Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu took over the control of the fort.

The fort was renovated twice in modern times, once by Tranquebar Association with the help of the Danish royal family and the State Archaeology Department in 2001 and secondly by a project named Destination Development of

Tranquebar by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2011. The fort is one of the prominent tourist destinations in the region.

Fort Dansborg is located in the southern part of Tharangambadi, located 283 km (176 mi) from the state capital Chennai. It is built in Danish style, characterized by large halls, columned structures, high ceilings and projecting drapery. The length of the fort in the side facing the sea is 60 m (200 ft) and the width is about 11 m (36 ft). The fort is trapezoidal in shape with three rooms in the left wing, originally used as the governor’s residence, a kitchen with an open fireplace and chimney in the top left hand corner, and a church room, now a museum, located in the centre of the building.

The original rectory and the northern part of it, which are now the store rooms, are located in the right wing.

that Fort Dansborg holds, the place is also an ideal spot to catch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal.

The core of the building is made of brick. The main door of the fort faces north, while an additional door faces the east. The second storey of the fort has a set of guard rooms. The staircase leading to it is built with bricks. The central part of the fort has four camel-hump shaped domes.

The central pillar of the hall holds the entire weight of the domes.

The fort now serves as an archaeological museum, housing an assortment of colonial artifacts from the time of Danish settlement in India. The museum also has remnants of the early centuries, coins,

Chinese porcelain and weaponry. The museum depicts the entire Danish history very well. The ships that came here, the captains who made it, the partnerships with the Indian kings and the trade route have been well documented.

One may also find paintings of the Maratha kings. Several documents have been preserved, some which have the seal of the Danish Governor and palm leaf manuscripts describing the methods of scripting in those times. There is also a castle inside the fort, known as the Dansborg Castle.

Apart from the historical significance

Best time to visit Fort Dansborg and Tharangambadi is from December to April because of its pleasant weather.

It may be best to avoid visiting the place in October and November as this is the time when the region is prone to cyclones. The timings for Fort Dansborg are from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Fridays.

Tharangambadi can be reached by road, rail, and air. The airports located near Tharangambadi are Tiruchirapalli (Trichinopoly) Airport (128 km), Chennai Airport (222 km), Coimbatore Airport (307 km), Kochin Airport (390 km), and Bengaluru Airport (336 km). There are also buses to Tharangambadi from the important Tamil Nadu cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. It takes about 3 hours to reach Pondicherry via road.The railway station located near Tharangambadi is the Mayiladuthurai Railway Station (40 km).

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WORLD HERITAGE SITES For those interested in exploring Tamil Nadu, the UNESCO heritage sites will be a delight and a different kind of experience.

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W

orld Heritage status is usually granted by UNESCO to sites of special physical or cultural significance. Of the 911 sites listed across the world, India has 29, of which mereby five are in the South.

In Tamil Nadu, Mahabaliupuram, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

and three of the major Chola temples – Brahatheeswara, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram – are the only sites which enjoy World Heritage status.

The State, along with Kerala and Karnataka, also has the Western Ghats that has recently made it to the list.

form of the Dravida type of temple (characterized by a pyramidal tower).

The Cholas were the second great historic dynasty of the Tamil Nadu, the Tamil country, which was the home of the ancient Dravidian culture whose influence was so considerable in the whole of southeast Asia. The great temple of Tanjore was built in a few years, from 1003 to 1010, during the reign of the great king Rajaraja (985 – 1014), true founder of the Chola Empire which spread throughout the whole of southern India, part of Ceylon and the Maldive and Laccadive archipelagos. Richly endowed by the sovereign, the sanctuary, which also bears his name - it is sometimes called Rajarajesvaram - had a permanent staff of several hundred priests. 400 devadasi (sacred dancers), and 57 musicians, according to inscriptions and chronicles.

Great Living Chola Temples The temples at Thanjavur (Brahatheeswara Temple), the Temple of Gangaikonda Cholesvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram are designated as Great Living Chola Temples. UNESCO selected the Brihadisvara Temple as a World Heritage Site in the year 1987, the Temple of Gangaikonda cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram had been included as extensions to the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage Site in 2004.

These Great Temples had been built during the Chola rulein South India.

These temples demonstrate the tremendous power, wealth, imperial doman, and religious commitment of the Chola Dynasity in the cities of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The Great Chola Temples of Southern India are an exceptional testimony to the development of the architecture and the ideology of the Chola Empire and the Tamil civilization in southern India. They represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure

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The Brithadisvara’s income in gold, silver and precious stones during the Chola period has been precisely evaluated. These vast resources were efficiently managed and provided not only for the upkeep and improvement of the buildings (which was continued until the 17th century) but also for real investments to be made.

The temple lent money, at rates which could sometimes reach 30%, to shipowners, village assemblies and craft guilds. Dedicated to Shiva, the Brihadisvara stands to the south-west of the historic city. A first rectangular surrounding wall, 270 m by 140 m, marks the outer boundary.

This is dominated on the east side

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by a 30 m high entrance gateway (gopuram). A second wall, with its entrance in line with the first and crowned with a smaller gopuram decorated with two dvarapala (gatekeepers), surrounds a colonnaded inner courtyard. The temple itself, built from granite blocks and, in part, of bricks, is oriented east-west like the courtyard.

The layout takes it inspiration from the Pallava tradition, and especially from the layout of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. There is a succession of halls and vestibules (mukta-mandapa, maha-mandapa, ardha-mandapa) leading to the shrine, which is crowned with a

13-storey pyramidal tower. This vimana, which is 60.95 m high and, in turn, crowned with a bulb-shaped monolith weighing an estimated 70 tonnes, is rightly considered to be one of the architectural masterpieces of India. The intricately carved decorations covering the outer walls of the temple are continued inside by the well known representations of the 108 poses of the Bharata-Natyam, the classical Indian dance, mimed by Shiva in person.

The iconographic programme, inspired by Shiva mythology, also consists of a series of murals from the Chola period which decorate the corridor around the shrine. The famous series depicting Rajaraja in conversation with his guru, Karuvur Devar, gives a good idea of the graphic quality, the delicacy of the colours, the expressiveness of the characters which make this sequence one of the great masterpieces of Chola art. Inside the inner courtyard, the Nandi-mandapa, a pavilion which houses the colossal statue of Nandi, the bull mounted by Shiva (vahana), is of very great interest. The temple of Devi, built in the 13th century by the Pandya king Konerinmaikondan, the temple of Subrahmanya, built and covered with carvings in the 17th century by a Nayak King of Madurai, together with additional temples and chapels of a later date (temple of Ganesh, mandapa of Nataraja) complete this remarkable religious architectural group.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’, and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the Palavas civilization of south-east India. The sanctuary, known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open air reliefs, is one of the major centres of the cult of Siva.

The influence of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by the softness and supple mass of their modelling, spread widely (Cambodia, Annam, Java).

Founded in the 7th century by the Pallavas sovereigns south of Madras, the harbour of Mahabalipuram traded with the distant kingdoms of South-East Asia: Kambuja (Cambodia) and Shrivijaya (Malaysia, Sumatra, Java) and with the empire of Champa (Annam). But the fame of its role as a harbour has been transferred to its rock sanctuaries and Brahmin temples which were constructed or decorated at Mahabalipuram between 630 and 728.

Most of the monuments, like the rock-cut rathas, sculptured scenes on open rocks like Arjuna’s penance, the caves of Govardhanadhari and Ahishasuramardini and the Jala-Sayana Perumal temple (the sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin at the rear part of the Shore temple complex) are attributed to the period of Narasimhavarman I Mamalla.

The monuments may be subdivided into five categories: Ratha temples in the form of processional chariots, monolithic constructions cut into the residual blocks of diorite which emerge from

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the sand. The five ratha of the south, which are the most famous, date to the reign of Naharasimhavarman Mamalla (630-68), the great Pallavas king (the Cholas texts, moreover, call the city Mamallapuram).

Mandapa, or rock sanctuaries modelled as rooms covered with bas-reliefs (the mandapa of Varaha, representing the acts of this avatar of Vishnu; the mandapa of the Five Pandavas and, especially, the mandapa of Krishna and the mandapa of Mahishasuramardini).

Rock reliefs in the open air illustrate a popular episode in the iconography of Siva, that of the Descent of the Ganges. The wise King Baghirata having begged him to do so, Siva ordered the Ganges to descent to Earth and to nourish the world. The sculptors used the natural fissure dividing the cliff to suggest this cosmic event to which a swarming crowd of gods, goddesses, mythical beings (Kinnara, Gandherya, Apsara, Gana, Naga and Nagini), wild and domestic animals bear witness.

Temples built from cut stone, like the Temple of Rivage, which was constructed under King Rajasimha Narasimavarmn II (695-722), with its high-stepped pyramidal tower and thousands of sculptures dedicated to the glory of Siva.

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Monolithic rathas, from single to triple-storeyed, display a variety of architectural forms, while the Dharmaraja, Arjuna and Draupadi rathas are square in plan, the Bhima and Ganesa rathas rectangular, and the Sahadeva ratha apsidal. Structural architecture was introduced on a grand scale by Pallava Rajasimha 70028), culminating in the erection of the Shore Temple.

Another piece of architectural beauty is the Shore temple, standing against the background of the deep blue waters of the ocean. It belongs to a period when the constructional style of the Pallavas was at its peak in its decorative beauty and intrinsic quality. This building has become eroded by the corrosive action of seawater and air and the sculptures have become indistinct.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway The construction of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a 46 km long metre-gauge single-track railway in Tamil Nadu State was first proposed in 1854, but due to the difficulty of the mountainous location the work only started in 1891 and was completed in 1908. This railway, scaling an elevation of 326 m to 2,203 m, represented the latest technology of the time. The Kalka Shimla Railway, a 96 km long, single track working rail link built in the mid 19th century to provide a service to the highland town of Shimla is emblematic of the technical and material efforts to disenclave mountain populations through the railway. All these railways are still fully operational.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway consists of 45.88 km of a 1 m gauge single-track, partly rack-and-pinion railway that connects Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam in Tamil Nadu State. The railways can be divided into three sections: Some 7 km, from Mettupalaiyam to Kallar (elevation 405 m), across the central plain of Tamil Nadu, with its betel-nut palm and other plantations.

Maximum speed is 30 km/h called the Blue Mountain Express, the name of which was changed recently to the native Nilgiri Express.

and 27 viaducts. The Kallar Bridge over the River Bhawani, the Adderley Viaduct and the Burliar Bridge are examples of such composite bridges.

Here, the railway climbs through almost uninhabited, tropical jungle.

A stretch of 18 km runs through a landscape with dominant eucalyptus and acacia forest. The railway continues to climb across the Nilgiris until it reaches the summit, just before the terminus of Udagamandalam at 2,203 m.

The rack section of the line, from Kallar to Coonoor (elevation 1,712 m).

There are 208 curves and 13 tunnels,

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WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

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The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058 sq km land area, 17.6 is covered with forest area that spreads over the plain and mountain slopes. Dry lands are bestowed with dry-deciduous forests, thorn forests, scrubs and mangroves. The Western Ghats and a few cooler regions are endowed with moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, sholas and grasslands.

T

amil Nadu is rich in flora and fauna. Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Tamil Nadu like Mudumalai and Anamalai (or Indira Gandhi wildlife Sanctuary), are situated in the Western Ghats. These hills are ideal havens for elephants, tigers, bisons, monkeys and deer. Of the 3,000 and more plant species found in Tamil Nadu, a majority is found in the mixed deciduous forests of this

region. One of the most noteworthy flowers is the Kurinji of Kodaikanal, which blooms once in 12 years.

Cinchona, from which the antimalarial drug quinine is extracted, and the medicinal eucalyptus grow abundantly in the Nilgiri hills.

Forests of other medicinal herbs are found in Palani hills and Courtallam.

Some of the best spots to explore the flora and fauna of Tamil Nadu are listed below:

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Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary In many parts of the world, birding or bird watching is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Venturing out to spot and listen to various species of birds in a locality can be an ameliorating and unwinding experience.

Dust off those binoculars and join the ride to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, one of the smallest and oldest in the country with a unique history.

One of the very oldest in India, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary spans over a 30-hectare (74-acre) protected area located in the Kancheepuram District of the state of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is about 75 kilometers from Chennai on National Highway 45, south of Chengalpattu.

Vedanthangal in Tamil language means ‘hamlet of the hunter’. This area was a favourite hunting ground for the local landlords in the early 1700s.

The region attracted a variety of birds because it was dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds.

The sanctuary has age old tradition of the people actively protecting birds coming to the area since time immemorial. The local people understood the relationship between birds and the productivity of their crops even before the concept of wildlife conservation gained prevalence. They knew that the bird droppings in the water created guano which acted as fertilizer.

According to forest department records, Vedanthangal was first developed as a bird sanctuary by the British as early as in 1798.

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It was formally established as a sanctuary in 1858 by the order of the collector of the then Chingelpet district (now Kancheepuram). Later, Vedanthangal Lake was declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by the Union environment and forests ministry.

Over 40,000 birds, including 26 rare species, from various parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the migratory season annually. One of the first birds to arrive at Vedanthal are Openbilled storks and breed twice during the same season before leaving the sanctuary. Egrets, Spot billed pelican, Painted stork, Great cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Darter, Eurasian spoonbill, Asian openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Purple Heron and Great Egret are seen in large numbers.

Some of the other commonly seen waterfowls are the white ibis, night heron, darter and pond heron. Ducks like Comb duck, pintails, common teals, dabchick, shoveller, black-winged stilt, little stilt, red shank, sand piper, ringed plover, curlew etc., and arboreal birds like parakeets, babblers, mynas, barbets, bee-eater, rollers, cuckoos onoles, drongos etc., and raptors such as blck winged kite, Brahminy kite, short-toed eagle, pariah kite etc., are seen at Vedanthangal .

The rain fed Vedanthangal tank is dry through much of the summer. An earthen embankment along its western precincts impounds the water when the tank begins to fill in August. The Barringtonia trees at the edges and the center of the tank, supports the nests and are scenes of hectic activity. If the monsoon is heavy, these

trees can be partially submerged. Their crowns, looking like leafy green islands in the water serve as nesting platforms and perch-sites.

The area had a compact grove of more than 500 Barringtonia trees earlier. An additional 100 trees were planted in 1973 and over 1,000 trees were planted in 1996. Officials of the State forest department have laid a concrete pathway running to a length of 1.4 km in the sanctuary to enable bird-watchers to take a closer look at the birds.

Besides, visitors can also avail the free binoculars on offer.

The Vedanthangal Lake has also been desilted and deepened to hold more water to help birds stay longer. There is a watchtower in the sanctuary equipped with a powerful field glass. From the watchtower we can have an uninterrupted view of the entire sanctuary.

Several steps have been taken by the Government of Tamil Nadu to protect the area. Water channels have been built by the Public Works Department to facilitate water supply to the sanctuary from neighbouring lakes.

The best time to visit Vedanthangal is from November to February when the temperature varies between 16°C and 27°C. This is the nesting season, the ideal time to visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Vedanthangal experiences tropical climate, with level of mercury rising high during the summer season. The summer months are hot, whereas the winter months are pleasant and mild.

During the summer season, from March to July, this place is extremely hot and temperature varies between a minimum of 29°C and a maximum of 40°C. The monsoon season arrives pretty late and stretches from August to October. During this season, Vedanthangal experiences heavy showers, so better avoid visiting this place during this season.

One can reach the sanctuary by taking a city bus or local train via Tambaram to Chegalpattu, the nearest town. From Chengalpattu there are regular buses which ply to the sanctuary. The best way is to arrange one’s own transport.

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Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The best way to experience it is to personally be there, with a longing desire to explore the charming beauty of the wilderness. With rolling hills, virgin forests and verdant grasslands, Mudumalai, a serene para1dise with nature’s bounty, is one of the best places for one to immerse in the wild beauty of mountain ranges. Perfected by challenging rocks and endless trekking trails, tree houses and jungle camps, elephants, flying squirrels and infinite species of birds and animals, the wilderness of Mudumalai will surely fascinate the nature lover in you and help you disconnect from the world and connect with yourself.

Mudumalai, situated at the north-western side of the Nilgiri Hiulls, is an important wildlife habitat, thanks to its strategic position as a wildlife corridor, connecting several other protected areas that are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded

by Bandipur and Nagarhole National parks to the north, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the west Mukurthi and Silent Valley National Parks to the south, and Sigur plateau, which connects to the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forests and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, to the east. It is one of the most happening sanctuaries in South India, with a large number of ‘jungle’ resorts, on the outskirts of the forest.

The term Mudumalai literally means ‘first hills’ and it is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. Divided into five ranges, Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota, Mudumalai is home to at least 266 species of birds, including endangered species like the Indian white-rumped vulture, the long-billed vulture and the near threatened black and orange flycatcher. Here, one can also spot herds of Indian elephants, vulnerable gaur and chital, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards and other threatened species. The sanctuary abounds with civets, antelopes, langurs and macaques and rides into the parks on specially laid out dirt roads called ‘game roads’, which usually pass close to grazing areas, salt licks and water holes, offer excellent views of wildlife. Most of the common wildlife – deer, gaur, elephant and langur – can be seen at a close range. The Forest Departments offer mini bus safaris inside the park. Though they get crowded during peak holiday seasons, these mini buses offer ample opportunities to spot wildlife that freely roam around the sanctuary.

The Tamil Nadu government had in April 2007

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declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve and now the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is considering the sanctuary to be declared as a World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is situated at a point, where the boundaries of Kerala and Karnataka meet. Moyar River and the proximity to the imposing Nilgiri mountain ranges, make Mudumalai different from other wildlife sanctuaries. One of the major attractions is Moyar River Gorge, also called the Moyar Canyon.

It is a dramatic 20 kilometers long gorge dug out by Moyar River, which plunges into the gorge below Theppakadu in a roaring water-fall, popularly known as Moyar falls.

Moyar River, which runs through the dense forest, is an ideal location to spot animals, as they stroll into drink water from the river. The view point near the Moyar Gorge offers a panoramic view of the gorge and the forests, with the Nilgiri Hills

in the background. The gorge, which is nearly a thousand feet deep, cuts through the hills. The Moyar watchtower, built like a lighthouse, stands deep inside the forest, on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Moyar Gorge. When you gaze upstream, you can see the Moyar River plummets down into the gorge, disappearing in its own spray.

Crocodile Bank

This tourist spot also has another great fall in Kallatty Falls and it is located about 30 kilometres from Theppakadu. On your way to enjoy this breathtaking fall, stop at Theppakadu Elephant Camp, one of the biggest elephant camps in South India. Set up in around 1972, it is now home to around 25 elephants. At the camp, you can watch how elephants are fed and take a joy ride.

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

To enjoy boat cruises, head to Pykara Lake, which lies between the hills. The annual summer boat race that is held here is major tourist attraction.

Other attractions in and around include the view point at Kargude, Ombetta Lake, Chief Minister’s Watchtower and Safari Van rides on Sand road, Circular road, Manradiar road, Jayadev Avenue and Bombax road.

This Crocodile Bank has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc.

Situated 14 kms from Mamallapuram, this Trust now houses more than six species of crocodiles.

They can be viewed from a safe distance.

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is situated 223 km from Tirunelveli district. Though Kunthakulam is not so popular amongst tourists it is definitely worth a visit. During the season January to April every year more than 10 thousand birds from various countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA and Australia migrate here and when the season is over the birds return.

Reaching this beautiful wildlife sanctuary is not at all a strenuous task. The nearest international airport is at Coimbatore, while the closest railway station is at Udhagamandalam. The park is most conveniently accessible by road from Mysore on NH 212 to Gundlupet, then NH 67, to Theppakadu. Besides the cottages operated by the Forest Department, there are a number of various private resorts and guest houses. One can also opt for Greenwoods Nature Camp, an eco friendly wild life nature camp that is located against the backdrop of dense Mudumalai.

Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidakl swamps and dry evergreen mangroves, this wildlife sanctuary is situated in Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with populations of varied wild life such as Chittal, Wild Boar, Bonnet Macaque, Black Buck, Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which often come quite close to the shore.

Between November and January, the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons and up to 3000 Flamingoes at one time. In the spring, a different set of birds – Koels, Mynas and Barbets are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries. From April to June there’s very little activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.

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Amongst the most popular bird species that can be spotted in the Kunthakulam bird sanctuary are Pelicans, Cormorants, Spot-bill Ducks, White Ibis, Egrets, Herons, Minvets, Flycatchers, Kingfishers, Egrets, White Ibis, Partridges, White stork, Greater flamingo, Quails, Spotted and Brown Doves, Babblers and occasionally, Chipmunks and Pheasanttailed Jacanas.

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary Spread over 958 sq kms, this wildlife sanctuary in Tamilnadu can be reached though Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An ecological Paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park with an area of 108 sq kms. About 800 species out of 2000 South Indian Flora are distributed here.

This sanctuary nurtures Arboreal animals like lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Common Langouor, Nilgiris langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Grizzled Giant Squirrel. The ground animals listed are: Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Gaur, Pangolin, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild boar, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Nilgiris Tahr, Civet Cat and Taddy Cat. The avifauna includes Racket Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Fly catcher, Whistling Thrush, Emerald Dove, Green pigeon, Tickell’s Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eage, Great Indian, Malabar pied Hornbill, Fiery Blue Bird and green billed malkhoha etc.

Mukkurthi National Park The Mukkurthi National Park is located in the high altitudes of the marten Nilgiris, and is made up of rolling downs interspersed with sholas and woodland. This park is also a part of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and is situated 40 kms from Udhagamandalam. It contains a population on Nilgiris Tahr (Hamitragushilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiris Marten, River Otter, Jungle Cat, Jackal and many other species of fauna.

The avifauna consists of varietieis of birds found in the hills. They are the laughing and shistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle.

Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, can also be seen.

Trekking routes exist from the Parson valley, Pykara valley etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of the Mukkurthi.

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary The Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats, covering an area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District. The sanctuary along with Mundanthurai sanctuary forms the Kalakkad Mundanthurai

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Tiger Reserve. For tourists, the ideal time should be anytime between September and March.

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary Located in the Virudhunagar District, 45 kms off Virudhunagar Town, this sanctuary has a composition of dry deciduous forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. It is the home of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Other interesting species that can be found here are the Flying squirrel, Tree Shrew, Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiris Tahr, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, and many species of birds. This sanctuary can be visited all through the year.

Mannar Marine National Park The very name Tamil Nadu conjures up the images of ancient temples, art, architecture, hill

stations, wildlife sanctuaries and beaches. Seldom does one connect this southern state of India with a benthic world bursting with life. Earth’s ocean depths are often referred to as the planets’ last great unexplored frontier. The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

No matter where you end up, the best part is that it allows you to see the world in an entirely new perspective. The serenity of floating in the deep blue depths can’t be compared to anything you have ever experienced. And, Tamil Nadu has in it the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, to offer you such a unique experience.

Strung along the stretches of the coasts of Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), about 150 kilometres away from Madurai, are 21 separate pieces of land, surrounded by an ever changing cornucopia of flora and fauna, which form an integral part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Spread over about 623 hectares, the park is a protected area and comprises 21 small islands, with estuaries, mudflats, beaches, forests and marine components like algal communities, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves. About 23 per cent of the 2,200 fin fish species in Indian waters are found in the Gulf, making it the most highly diverse fish habitat in India.

The area, described as the Pamban-to-Tuticorin barrier reef, was declared a national park in 1986 and later converted into a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. It is the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and includes a 10 kilometres buffer zone around the park. There are about 125 villages along the coastal p0arts of the biosphere

reserve. The park is known for the diversity of plants and animals in its marine, intertidal and near shore habitats. The park is home to about 3600 plant and animal species and here you can spot globally endangered species, including Sea Cow and six mangrove species endemic to peninsular India.

Its surrounding shallow waters harbour three species of sea grass that are found nowhere else in India. Representatives of every animal, but amphibians, are found on this island. A chain of low islands and reefs, known as Rama’s Bridge or Adam’s Bridge, separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait, which lies to the north between India and Sri Lanka. Tamiraparani River from the coast of India and the Aruvi Aru from the coast of Sri Lanka merge with the Indian Ocean, on both sides of the park.

All the 21 islands are 1-10 kilometres away from coast of mainland and their extent varies from 0.25 to 130 hectares. The inhabitants are mainly Marakeyars, a local community principally engaged in fishing. It appears that the coral reefs of this park are in good condition, despite high rates of sedimentation and other threats.

Sea grass beds dominated by families like Hydrocharitaceae and Potamogetonaceae, and mangroves, including Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia alba, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal and Lumnitzera racemosa are also common in the stretch. Marine creatures such as dolphins, sea-horse, sea-cucumber and sea-anemone are also found in large numbers. Around 137 coral reef species form the basis of the ecosystem and here you can find five endangered marine turtles

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– Green turtle, Olive ridley turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Leatherback turtle and Loggerhead turtle. Another attraction is peculiar animals like Balanoglosses, living fossil linking invertebrates and vertebrates.

The Gulf of Mannar is rich in sea grasses, which provide food sources for the sea mammals, particularly Dugong, its flagship marine mammal. The park is also an important habitat for Cetaceans and hence Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, finless porpoise and spinner dolphin are a common sight.

Bird-watchers will surely love this place, as nearly 180 birds, including warders and sea birds, are found here. The islands form a good habitat and a stopover between Chilka Lake, Point Calimere and Sri Lanka, for migratory birds. While one can easily spot Lesser sand piper, Curlew sandpiper and Little stint, lucky few can take the sweet memories of watching rare birds like Red knot, Eastern knot, Crab plovers, Bar tailed Godwit, Broad billed sandpiper, Dunlin, Long toed stint and Red necked phalarope. Besides, thousands of larger flamingos winter here, before returning towards Rann of Kutch.

Guindy National Park Endowed with beautiful forests, scrub lands, lakes and streams, and rich flora and fauna, Guindy National Park is one of the key attractions for the people visiting Chennai, the capital city of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. An incredible picnic spot for family and friends, Guindy National Park is the eighth smallest national park of the country.

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The park is an extension of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan, which was earlier known as the ‘Guindy Lodge’ (and hence the name), the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

One of the major attractions of the park, which extends deep inside the governor’s estate, is the lake named Tangal Eri. Interestingly, the present day Guindy Park was actually an evergreen forest of the Coromandel Coast. It was originally a game reserve. However, in the early 1670, Governor William Langhorne built a residence here called Guindy Lodge and a garden to beautify its surroundings. Later, the government purchased the remaining forest area from its owner, a British citizen named Gilbert Rodericks.

Spread across an area of around three square kilometres, the park is popularly known as the green lungs of Chennai, thanks to the rich flora found here. The park is protected by a wall that stretches for around 10 kilometres. You can find an extensive network of roads and trails, here.

Roads, in fact, cover an area of 14 kilometres of the park. In addition to two ponds, there are two large tanks - Kathan Kollai (KK Tank) and Appalam Kolam (AK Tank) - in the park.

The rich flora of the park include dry evergreen scrub and thorn forest, grasslands and water bodies with over 350 species of plants, including shrubs, climbers, herbs and grasses. You can also find over 24 varieties of trees, including the Sugar-apple, Atlantia monophylla, Wood-apple, and Neem. This national park is also an ideal habitat for over 150 species of birds. About onesixth of the park still remains as open grassland, and it is the habitat of blackbucks.

The park is home to about 400 blackbucks, 2,000 spotted deers, 24 jackals and a wide variety of snakes, geckos and tortoises. You can also sight elephants, antelopes, toddy cats and jungle cats, here. Another attraction that awaits you here is over 60 species of butterflies and spiders.

For bird-watchers, the park is a great place to sight birds like King Fisher, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Crow Pheasant, Red-wattled Lapwing, Bluefaced Malkoha, Koels, Shrikes, Doves, Munias, Minivets, Gray Partridge, Parakeets, Tailor Birds, Drongos, Robins, Quails, Flycatcher, Stone Curlew, etc. It is also home to a large number of migratory birds. Taking a nature trail is the best way to enjoy the park’s rich flora and fauna.

Since the park has decent roads and trail paths, nothing stands on your way to interrupt a relaxed and enjoyable walk through it, sighting birds, butterflies, animals and reptiles, and experiencing the bio-diversity it offers.

The Guindy Park, which attracts more than seven lakh visitors every year, has a snake park and a children’s park adjacent to it. The snake park has deadly King Cobra, Vipers, Python and other reptiles.

The children’s park was set up with the idea of providing them a natural environment, and to educate them about animals and create awareness on the importance of conserving wildlife. At the park, children can have a great time with blackbuck, sambar, bonnet monkey, common langur, hyena, spotted deer, porcupine, jackal, python, grey pelican, night heron, cormorant, cockatiel, mongoose, etc.

on a guided tour to show them the bio-diversity of the park. There is also a new interpretation centre, if you are interested to know in detail about the bio-diversity found in the park.

The Guindy Park is about eight kilometres from the Chennai Airport, 12 kilometres from the Chennai central railway station and nine kilometres away from Egmore railway station.

The nearest railway station is the Kasturba Nagar MRTS station and it is located less than a kilometre away from the park.

The national park, at times, turns into a venue for nature camps, where school students are taken

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Tamil Nadu, one of the culturally and intellectually rich states with a strong Dravidian background has offered a lot to the art as it was woven close to the religious beliefs and patronised by its rulers.

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epicting tales of yore though the medium of fine art has been one of the vibrant traditions in India.

Centuries old sculpted history and myths still convenes audiences from different corners of the world and conveys the message with the same intensity and excitement although contemplation patterns or culture itself has evolved and prospered though the ages. Tamil Nadu, one of the culturally and intellectually rich states with a strong Dravidian background has offered a lot to the art as it was woven close to the religious beliefs and patronised by its rulers.

Tamil Nadu is a land having a rich history that dates back to several thousand years. The culture and

traditions make life here a festive notion. The monuments and temples of the state exhibits innumerous pieces of artistic and sculptural excellence incorporated in various schools of architecture that evolved in different eras. Known as the land of temples, Tamil Nadu has always attracted thousands to witness its marvel in the length and breadth of the state. Tamil Nadu houses temples from before the Christian era to those from the 20th century alike.

But the grandeur of those built by the erstwhile rulers still prevails. Each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishments.

The ancient stories mostly related to religion, mythology, legendary heroics initially were passed on to the generations orally. Later paintings

Temple Sculptures

and sculptures stepped in for the purpose before proper writing and keeping of history came to being.

The paintings and sculptures were still given due importance then also.

Hinduism was the base for most of the places.

Temple sculpture of Tamil Nadu received always had royal patronage from its rulers. Temples of Tamil Nadu were always known for their mammoth ‘gopurams’ and different architectural. The Pallavas, Cholas, Pandayas and Nayaka empires have contributed significantly in building around 33000 temples in the state in different time periods. The temple building used to span long periods of time resulting in various methods and styles.

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The early temples of Pallavas dating till 700 AD were built with brick, mortar and wood. Cave temples were also important places of worship. Hinduism had a great revival during this period along with Art and Architecture. In fact, it was the Pallavas who established the foundations of medieval south Indian architecture.

Most of the sculptures here are bas reliefs which are carved inside rock cut temples, traditional temples and on exposed rock surfaces. Kandhipuram, the capital of Pallavas and the port town Mamallapuram still have some of the remnants of this majestic realm. The Shore Temple Mamallapuram and Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram are the finest examples of the lot. There are rock-cut temples, excavated pillared halls and monolithic shrines known as rathas in Mahabalipuram. Killing of Mahishasuran by goddess Durga, Penance of Baheeratha or Arujna and Krishna protecting the people from Indra are some of the main stories potrayed by the sculptures at Mamallapuram. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Imperial Cholas, the rulers of Tanjore built some of the finest sculptures with their advanced skill continued the temple-building traditions of the Pallava dynasty. They developed the Dravidian style of temple architecture along with many other domestic constructions like planned cities, artificial lakes, dams etc. The early Cholas built a number of Siva temples along the banks of the river Kaveri. It was the Cholas who started constructing gopurams at the gateways of the temples.

The purity of artistic traditions of the Cholas that extended for centuries stands tall among all other styles and modes of temple architecture. The two temples at Tanjore and Gangaikonda

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Cholapuram at Tiruchirapalli District built in early 11th century A.D. are the best examples of Chola art. The Brithadeswara or Rajarajeswara Temple, Tanjore built in 1010 A.D. is the largest and highest of Chola temples. The main structure built in granite has a square base about 53 metres high and its lofty shikhara of thirteen successive storeys is 57.7 metres high. The three sides of the main shrine contain idols of various gods and goddesses and the passage around the sanctum is covered with panels of exquisite paintings. The gopuram on the entrance gates are decorated with beautiful sculptures. The Siva temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram houses massive grandeur and huge structures decorated with minute sculptures.

Chola bronzes, the renowned Chola crafting of the idols of Hindu gods and goddesses of different sizes in bronze can be found in numerous museums around the world representing the empire’s excellence in sculpturing. Nataraja or dancing Shiva portraying the cosmic dance of Shiva is the most popular among them. The Brithadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram were declared as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

The Pandya Empire had their contributions to the temple architecture. Being in power for three times in four centuries it has promoted both rock-cut and structural temples. Above 50 Pandyan cave temples dedicated to Siva, Vishnu and Bramha have been found. The rock-cut temples have monolithic vimanas.

Most important of them include Malaiyadikkurichi, Anaimalai, Karaikudi, Kalugumalai, Thirupparankundram and Trichy.

Sculptures of Siva, Subramanya, Ganesha, Brahmma and Durga are found on the walls of these caves. Of the earlier Pandiyas the structural stone temples had vimana, mandapa and sikhara although they were small in size. Temples built by the latter Pandya rulers had large vimanas with finely sculptured idols and the gopurams, Gopuras, Prakaras, Vimanas, Garbagrahas are the special features of the Pandya temple architecture.

The period of the Pandyas were more of a period of renaissance for sculpturing. Being more elegant and ornamental it portrayed more messages and values. Vishu sculpture at Kunnakudi and Nataraja sculpture at Thiurkolakkudi along with sculptures of Somaskandar, Durga, Ganapathy, Narasimha, Nataraja in places like Kalugumalai, Thirupparankundram. Thiurmalaipuram and Narthamalai are renowned.

here. The 1000 pillared hall with a profound collection of sculptures and the profusion of stucco works are the other attractions here.

Bronze sculptures were also coming in their time. Images of horses and other animals were carved on pillars. Fresco paintings of the Padyan period is found in the Chittannavasal cave temples where the ceilings and pillars bear the painted figures of dancing girls, the king and queen, plants and animals. Paintings of lotus, bathing elephants and playing fishes are also found.

In the Natya Sastra, the earliest literature detailing the classical dance forms Bharata has described 108 karanas in his fourth chapter.

These dance sculptures of Tanjore especially in the Brihadishwara temple which has karana figures in the first tier of the Vimana shows the art’s prevalence in the Chola period. All the 108 are found carved in the Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam although not in the order. The Nataraja sculpture is the most popular and the premier representation of the classical dance in India. The Nataraja temple, Chidambaram is one of the major landmarks in the dance sculpturing. It has all the 108 figures carved in the entrance of the four gopurams which was completed in a period of three centuries.

The best among their temples are Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple at Madurai and Aranganathar temple at Srirangam. Temples at Madurai, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Thiruvannamalai, Srirangam are also good examples.

The sculptural wealth of the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is amazing. Kambattadi Mandapam here famous for the life sized sculptures. The Nandi Mandapam in this hall is a monolithic structure with the various aspects of Shiva including Agora Veerabhadra, Agni Veerabhadra, the Urdhwa Taandavam of Shiva, Ardhanaareeswarar and Sankaranarayanan. Meenakshi Kalyanam, Kaali, images of Tripurasamhaaramurthy, Kaalasamhaaramurthy and Raavanaanugrahamurthy are also some of the noted sculptures

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Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, an excellent architectural masterpiece is located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu was built by Rajendra Chola I in AD 1025. The great temple Brihadisvara at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, is next only to the great Chola monument.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram means “the town of Chola who conquered Ganga�. Apart from the magnificent Brihadiswara (Brihadisvara) temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, there are few more interesting places to see around the temple.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram the capital city of Cholan empire was erected

by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola, the great Chola who conquered a large area in South India at the beginning of the 11th century. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was plundered for several times, but the architectural and sculptural wealth remained alive stands as a tribute of architects and artisans, who created this spectacular testament.

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The architecture of this temple exhibits the intricate carvings on hard southern granite stones discarding the earlier Chola and Pallava style of subtlety and simplicity. The temple is approached through the eastern entrance from the road.

temples; the one in the north houses the Goddess, fairly well preserved.

In the north-east is a shire housing Durga, with a lion figure guarding its steps.

The entrance called ‘Mahaduvar’ leads to the inner court and as one steps in, the great Vimana attracts the visitor’s sight and its recessed corners and upward movement exhibits a striking contrast to the straight-sided pyramidal tower of Thanjavur but with octagon shape of Dravidian architecture.

The four meter high lingam (phallic form) of Lord Shiva at the sanctum sanctorum is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in the Southern part of India. The sanctum is encircled with two walls to provide private worship area for the royal family and the entrance of the sanctum is adorned by the beautiful image of Goddess Saraswati. The meticulous accounts of the Cholas are inscribed on the copper plates and

It rises to a height of 182 feet (55 m) and is flanked on either side by small

Nandi is facing the east of the main shrine and in the same direction is the ruined gopura, The main tower is surrounded by little shrines that truly presents the appearance of a great Chakravarti (emperor) surrounded by chieftains and vassals. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Vimana is undoubtedly a devalaya chakravarti, an emperor among temples of South India.

temple walls and the exotic structure took approximately nine years to complete.

The Nataraja, Coronation of King Rajendra Chozhan by Siva and Parvati, the dancing Ganesha and the most interesting the Ardhanari (the man-woman manifestation of Lord Shiva), one half has masculine characters and the other the more decorative female form, signifying duality of divine energy.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a four meter high Lingam.

The sanctum is surrounded by two walls, the inner and outer, providing private worship area for the royal family. A well-crafted image of Goddess Saraswati adorns the royal entrance of the sanctum, which indicates the Chalukyan influence.

Also the presence of the ‘Suryapita’ icon, signifying sun worship and the presence of the ‘Navagrahas’ (nine planets), is said to be influenced by the Chalukyan connection.

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Thiruchirappalli Rock Fort Temple

Best known for its architectural beauty, Rock Fort Temple, is one of the world famous temples with religious and historical importance in Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu.

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richy Rock Fort Temple is one of the oldest in the world, approximately 3800 million years and as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. The actual centre of attraction is not the fort itself but the temple at the summit with 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top

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where inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century B.C., hardly be seen but the main guard gate is still intact.

At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirappalli and Manikkavinayagar temple underneath the rock. A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar of Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself and the fourth biggest Sivalinga in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess here is ‘Mattuvar Kuzhal Ammai’ which means the long haired goddess wearing a garland of flowers imbued with honey. The temple is one among the few temples facing west.

Two Pallava cave temples can be seen below the Siva temple with beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. At the foot of the Rock Fort are a tank and a pavilion which are used during the float festival of the temples and in ancient times Tiruchirappalli is also known as Thirisirapuram, further this place is known as Sirappalli Rishabachalam and Dhakshina Kailasam. One can see the Rock Fort rising above the street level and near the tank, is the house of Robert Clive who lived during the period and an 18th century Church built by Reverend Schwartz of Denmark.

Palani

Palani Hills is home to one of the most famous temples of Karthikeya or Lord Murugan of the Hindu mythology.

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he town of Palani is located 100 km southeast of Coimbatore and about the same distance northwest of Madurai in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The Dhandayudhapani Temple is situated at about 1500 feet above sea level and has 659 steps leading to the hilltop where the temple lies. The temple is made in Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Thiru Avinankudi and Pada Vinayakar are shrines located around this temple. A temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati called the Periyanayaki Amman is also located in the town.

The Mariyamman Temple and the Perumal Temple are located near the Periyanayaki temple. Pankuni Uttiram, the ten day annual festival held in March or April is the main festival of the place marked by a

number of religious processions each day. Other important festivals include Thai Pusam, Kanda Sashti and the Vaikasi Vishakam festival.

Palani Hills is a part of one of the oldest mountain ranges in India which dates back to the prehistoric Pre-Cambrian period. Located on the eastern portion of the Western Ghats, the terrain is more hilly than mountainous. Being on the Western Ghats, the place has a vivid variety of flora and fauna. It also has a good population of tribals.

The scenic area attracts a lot of tourists. Bison Wells is an area here which is best known for its wildlife and vegetation. Wildlife commonly spotted in the area includes bison, birds, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and deer. It is also an ideal haven for bird watchers as the place has a good

collection including night herons, golden-backed woodpeckers, egrets etc. Hikers, trekkers, and campers also choose to visit the place with great enthusiasm.

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C Chidambaram, one of the renowned temple towns of Tamil Nadu is home to one of the very few temples where where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite faiths coexist.

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hidambaram, one of the renowned temple towns of Tamil Nadu is located in the east central part of Tamil Nadu. The Nataraja Temple, the hallmark of the place is the ancient and renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Nataraja (God Siva in the form of a Cosmic Dancer). It is also one of the few temples where Siva and Lord Govindaraja Perumal (Vishnu) are enshrined under one roof, making it one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite faiths coexist. It is one of the five Shaivite mukti sthalams, the other four being Kalahsti, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalal and Tiruvanaikaval.

The place is spiritual as well as historic as it is known for cultural significance. Chidambaram also called Thillai which literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom.

According to legend, it was once a forest of Thillai, a mangrove species of trees. There was once a small

shrine on the banks of a tank. The saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali are said to have worshipped at this shrine, now called Thirumoolanathar.

It is believed that their penance attained fruition with the revelation of Shiva’s cosmic dance by Lord Nataraja on the auspicious Thai Poosam day.

It is one of the panchabhoota sthalam – representing five basis elements.

The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. This temple has five halls, of which two-the Kanaka Sabha and the Chit Sabha have gold plated roofs. The main icon of Natarja is in the Kana Sabha.

One of the significant aspects of the temple is that there is no image of god in the Chit Sabha, which houses the Akasa lingam. The Nritta Sabha or the Hall of Dance is the most beautiful and remarkable of the five halls, built in the form of a chariot on wheels drawn by horses. There

CHIDAMBARAM are 56 pillars in the hall depicting the 108 poses of Bharat Natyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu.

The Deva Sabha was the Hall of Festivals and the Raja Sabha, which is a thousand pillared pavilion, was the celebration hall of the Pandyas the Cholas who gathered here after every victorious campaign to thank the Lord. Devotees symbolize Lord Shiva’s Andnda Tandava as the five divine acts of creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment, and gift of grace. The Vaitheeswaran temple near to Chidambaram is also a popular Shiva temple dedicated to Vaidyanatheeswarar. The people believe that a bathe in the holy water of the siddhamirtham tank can heal the diseases.

The main temples around Chidambaram apart from the Nataraja Temple are the Poombuhar (40 kms), Pichavaram (16 kms), Gingee (132 kms), Gangaikondacholapuram (50 kms), Srimushnam (45 kms) and

Vaitheeswaran Koil (24 Kms).

The Natyanjali festival is one of the prominent cultural festivals of the region held at the ‘Prakara’ of the temple in the time of Mahasivaratri.

Prominent dance performers from different parts of India come together on the same platform in the month of February.

Marghazi Tiruvathirai and Ani UIttiram are the two great temple festivals are celebrated for NatarajaMurthi. The Marghzi Tiruvathirai is held on the day of Thiruvathirai, which is the favourite of lord Shiva. The festival comes after the rains in the foggy season and fails on the day of Thiruvathirai in the month Marghazi when the Moon is in full orb. This is well brought out by a verse in Paripadai. Tirunavukkarasar and Tirugnanasambandar have ecstasically sung the charm of Thillai Nataraja moving car procession.

Anti Tirumanjanam is held in the month Ani for 10 days. From the

1st to the 8th day, the festival idols Somaskanda, Sivananda Nayaki, Vinayagar, Subramanyar and Chandesvarar being the five Deities (Pancha Murthis) are taken round the streets every day in silver and golden vehicles. On the 9th day, for the car festival the prime Nataraja, Sivakami, Subramaniyar and Chandesvarar, the five deities go round in 5 cars.

Manickavachagar’s Mukti Day on which Manickavachagar with five Deities are taken round the streets, Appar’s Liberation Day conducted in Chittarai and Sambandar’s Salvation Day are some of the other main festivals of the place. The temple town of Chidambaram is located 58 km south of Pondicherry and 250 km south of Chennai on the way to Tiruchirapalli. The place is on the railway main line and is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai and Chennai. Bus routes connect this town to various places in Tamil Nadu.

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Rameswaram 54

Located on Pamban Island, this pilgrimage site, is part of the Char Dham (four abodes of Gods) - Badrinath in the North, Puri Jaggannath in the East, Dwaraka in the West and Rameswaram in the South.

As an avid reader, captivated by the stories, you might have thought about wandering in one of those factual or fictional lands mentioned in the epic. Of all the stories and places mentioned in the Ramayana, it is the bridge that Lord Rama constructed fascinates many. If you have ever thought of being on the bridge Rama Setu, don’t hesitate to pack your bags to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Rama created it across the sea to Sri Lanka, to rescue Sita (his wife), from Ravana (King of Lanka). Rameswaram is also the

place, where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, after the victory over Ravana. In fact, the entire area of Rameswaram has a story associated with the Ramayana to tell. Situated in Ramanathapuram district, it is also one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.

This pilgrimage site, located on Pamban Island, is part of the Char Dham (four abodes of Gods) - Badrinath in the North, Puri Jaggannath in the East, Dwaraka in the West and Rameswaram in the South. While the temple in

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Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the rest three sites have Vishnu temples. Rameswaram is about 170 kilometres away from Madhurai airport and well connected by both road and rail heads. The Pamban Island is located between peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

The Pamban Bridge will take you to Rameswaram. The second longest sea bridge in India after the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, the Pamban Bridge on the Palk Strait offers breathtaking view of the distant sea and the string of islands on the left of Pamban Island. Enjoy the sceneries as you pass through the bridge.

Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the first and foremost stop for you in the conch shaped Pamban Island. The temple occupies most of the area of the island and it stands as an epitome of Dravidian architectural style of the medieval ages. As you look at the temple, you have to keep it in mind that you are

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looking at a structure which is built around 12th century. The temple is famous for its 1200 massive granite columns and has a 54-meter tall ‘gopuram’ (gate-tower). There are three striking long corridors in the temple’s interior and the 3850 feet long outer set of corridor is reputed to be the longest in the world. The temple has in it 22 wells and the taste of the water in each well is different from the other. There are also 64 holy water bodies in and around the island. Bathing in these water bodies is believed to wash away ones’ sins.

The major one is Agnitheertham, a seashore about 100 metres from the main entrance of the temple. Pilgrims perform ‘poojas’ in honour of their ancestors at this seashore.

Besides the temple, the island also has in it other sites where you can relate many stories in the Ramayana.

Gandamadana Parvatham, a hillock situated three kilometres away is one such place. The entire Rameswaram is visible from this highest point in the island. Here, you can also see the imprint of Lord Rama’s

feet on a ‘chakra’ (wheel). On the way to the hillock, you can stop at Saatchi Hanuman Temple, which is considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with the ‘satchi’, or evidence, of the jewel that belonged to Sita. If there is a temple for Hanuman can be found, there should be one for Sugreeva too. You don’t have to search for it as the Sugreevar Temple/Theertham is situated adjacent to the Hanuman temple.

There is also a five-faced Hanuman Temple. It houses the idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman brought from Dhanushkodi, which is just eight kilometres away from Rameswaram. The floating stone, used to build the Rama Setu bridge between India and Lanka can also be found in this temple. Another not to be missed place is Adam’s bridge. It is a chain of reefs, islets and sandbanks, connecting India with Sri Lanka.

According to legends, the steeping stones were used by Hanuman to chase Ravana, while rescuing Sita.

Rameswaram is not only known for pilgrim sites. It is also home to a number of beaches. The Olaikuda beach, which is just a kilometre away from the main temple, is engulfed by coral reefs making bathing in the sea safe and enjoyable. When you move on to the eastern side of the Island, there is Dhanushkodi, a strip of land about one kilometre wide and 18 kilometres long. It is a place worth visiting for its scenic beauty and bird life. Indian Ocean on one side and Bay of Bengal on the other side and their confluence is shaped like a bow, while the strip of land resembles an arrow poised for release.

The arrowhead is considered to be a sacred place, to perform religious rites.

Winter in Rameswaram is exciting and at this time you can spot flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds that migrate to the Island.

The Arichamunai Bird Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi, the Kanjirankulam and Chittirankudi Sanctuaries on the mainland Ramanatha-puram are a paradise for bird-watchers.

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Linked to the St. Mary’s Major Basilica in Rome.

Vailankanni attracts multitude of pilgrims than any other sacred shrine in India.

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VAILANKANNI T he church popularly called “Our Lady of Vailankanni” is in the small town of Vailankanni located 150 miles south of Madras in Tamil Nadu and 5 miles south of Nagapattinam.

Vailankanni was a part of the parish of Nagapattinam, but it was raised to the status of an independent parish in 1771. Fr. Antonio de Rozario the last parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception under the Padroado system, the king of Portugal in Europe met all the expenses incurred by the Diocese of Mylapore, which remained under

the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiffs.

The Franciscan origin and ownership of the Shrine was also perpetuated, by giving the place of honour to two Franciscan saints, St. Anthony of Lisbon and St. Francis of Assisi, on either side of the miraculous image of ‘Our Lady’, on the High Altar until 1961.

In the sixteenth century, Our Lady with her infant son appeared to a Hindu boy carrying milk to a customer’s home, asked for milk for her Son and the boy gave her some.

The boy apologized for his lateness and the reduced amount of milk by relating the incident that occurred on his way. On inspection, the man found the milk pot to be full and realized that something miraculous had happened.

The residents of the local Catholic community became ecstatic and the tank where the apparition appeared is called “Matha Kulam” or Our Lady’s tank. The man erected a thatched chapel for Our Lady at the site of Her second appearance and the chapel became a holy place of veneration to Our Blesses mother and She was called henceforth Mother of Good Health (“Arokia Matha”).

Today, the celebration of this feast is an annual festival which lasts for nine days and draws more than a million and a half pilgrims.

His Holiness Pope John XXIII issued orders raising the Shrine to the exalted status of a Minor Basilica.

Thus the Shrine of Vailankanni became the Shrine Basilica of Vailankanni November 1962 and was linked to the St. Mary’s Major Basilica in Rome. Vailankanni attracts multitude of pilgrims than any other sacred shrine in India. Today, the celebration of this feast is an annual festival which lasts for 9 days and draws more than a million and a half pilgrims.

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NAGORE 60

Known for its prominent and popular Nagore Dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali, the five centuries old Islamic shrine draws millions of pilgrims every year, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

century saint, he is popularly known as Nagore Andavar or Lord of Nagore.

The tomb that is more than 500 years old has a golden dome, flanked by five minarets. In the vicinity is a tank called Peer Kulam which is believed to have waters with curative properties. Spread across a total area of five acres with four entrances at each direction, Nagore also features a 131 feet tower near the front gate called ‘Periya Minara’.

Nagore, an attractive pilgrimage center for Muslims in the north of Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, is known for its prominent and popular Nagore Dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali, a five centuries old Islamic shrine that draws millions of pilgrims irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

A venerated place for all faiths, Nagore is home to the famous Dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali. A 16th

The Durgah was built on the land donated by the King of Tanjore to Saint Hazereth Saiyed Shahul Hameed Quader Ali, in gratitude for curing his illness. The Saint exuded great wisdom and spiritual powers even as a child and was born in Manickkapur in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His father was Hazarath Syed Hasan Khuddoos Sahib and his mother Beebi Fathima. It is learnt that even before his birth, a divine messenger appeared before his mother in a dream and predicted that she would be blessed with a son who would be the Savior of people and spend his life to spread Islam.

He is known to be the 23rd lineal descendant of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

After learning Arabic language and its grammar, he went in search of a religious master who could educate him in understanding the mystery of the universe and its spiritual underpinnings. He went to Gwalior and was initiated by Hazarath Syed Mohamed Ghouse Sahib in divine knowledge. After more than a decade of training, he left Gwalior and went to Manickkapur with over 400

disciples and then toured extensively with his disciples to Afghanistan, Baluchistan and other places of the world performing numerous miracles on the way by raising the dead and by curing incurable diseases. It is known that he blessed a childless couple in Lahore with children and asked them to give their first born to him, for the service of God. He along with his child came to South India and preached Islam along with his other disciples.

Saint Hazreth Ali cured the sick and performed several services to mankind, before he died at the age of sixty eight at Nagore. His tomb is in the Nagore Durgah, his son and his family was also buried here. In honour of the saint, the ‘Kandoori Festival’ is celebrated here in all pomp and splendour.

This small town Nagore along the shores of the Bay of Bengal presents the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and other religious faiths. Approximately 16 km south of Karaikal and 4 km north of Nagapattinam, Nagore is flanked by nearby towns Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Muthupet.

The popular Kandoori festival season will change based on the lunar calendar but usually occur in the month of May. Adjacent the Nagore railway station is the Seeralamman temple, a century-old Hindu shrine maintained by local fishermen situated in the fishermen’s area. The annual Seeralamman festival season has ten days of celebration.

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Jain Temples

Despite Jainism having originated in North India, the religion features a 1000year background in Tamil Nadu. And curiously, nearly all of the evidences are concentrated in and around Madurai.

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ainism may have originated in North India. But it features a 1000-year background in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. The many monuments scattered inside the peninsular region from the Indian subcontinent only verify this. There are plenty of Jain shrines, images, and monasteries carved inside the hills of Tamil Nadu.

Curiously, nearly all of these monuments are concentrated in and around Madurai. You’ll find about 26 caves in Anaimalai, Alagarmalai, Muttupatti, Tiruparankundram, Vikramangalam, Karungalakkudi, Mankulam Kongarpuliyankulam, Tiruvatavur, and Varichiyur. The caves belong to the 2nd and Ist centuries B.C. The names of the monks who lived in these cave-dwellings along with the men who carved them are

engraved on these monuments.

These caves are considered essential since they are amongst the earliest stone monuments in these regions.

In addition they contain epigraphic records created within the Brahmi script. It is even mentioned that the Hindu temples in and around Madurai were fashioned after these caves. Thirunarankondrai, a village near Ulundurpet, was a well-known Jain pilgrim centre. It had been also a seat of studying in which monks and scholars from all over India gathered.

The carved photos of Paraswanathar, the 23rd Jain Tirthankarais found around the top of the hill here. He is portrayed in a standing place, having a serpent’s hood spread over his head. The men and women on this region refer to Paraswanathar as Appandainathar.

There are many cave temples in Tamil Nadu scattered all over the state.

The Pallava kings had been prolific builders of rock cut (cave) temples.

A number of the well-known cave temples are :

Mandagapattu Cave Temple Mandagapattu, situated about twenty km from Viluppuram and 17 km from Gingee, is yet another example of Tamil Nadu cave temples, built

by Pallava kings. This small village comes beneath Viluppuram district, which is about 162 km from Chennai.

The north going through cave shrine has two pillars and two pilasters in its front faรงade, thus forming three bays, with 22 feet in size, 24 feet in width and nine feet in top. There are two carved dvarpalas past the pilasters, on either end in the temple.

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Thiruchirapalli Cave Temple

as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tiruchirappalli is regarded as to be the 6th inside the series of Tevara Stalams within the Chola kingdom. They’re an assortment of three temples particularly Manikka Vinayakar temple in the foot with the hill, Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam on the hill along with the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the best from the hill. The cave temples at Thiruchirapalli will also be really famous among the cave temples of Tamil Nadu.

Pillayarpatti Cave Temple

Mahabalipuram Cave Temples

Mahendravadi Cave Temple

The rock lower temples of Mahabalipuram are superb examples of Pallava kings. The main structures are Thiru Kadal Mallai (Sthalasayana Perumal Kovil), Arjuna’s Penance, Varaha temple, Descent with the Ganges, the Shore temple, and Pancha Rathas (named following the Pandavas). These historic monuments built mostly in between the 7th as well as the 9th hundreds of years, by Pallavas, have been labeled

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The cave temple of KarpakaVinayakar shrine at Pillayarpatti close to Karaikudi is among the oldest rock minimize temples of Tamil Nadu.

This place is named following “pillayar” the Tamil identity for Vinayaka. This temple also houses Lord Shiva and other people as well.

The presiding deity is portrayed with two arms as well as a trunk curled towards his appropriate side, with a peak of 6 feet.

The Single Rock Lower Temple by Pallava Varman at Mahendravadi village in Arkonam, was excavated

by Gunabhara around the bund of a huge tank referred to as Mahendrathataka in the town of Mahendrapura. The Garbagraha has a picture of Narasimha. The village has a history of around 1700 years.

Shervaroyan Cave Temple Shervaroyan Cave Temple - is located

on the leading of Shervaroyan hill at Yercaud andis 5326 feet over the sea degree. The best stage in Yercaud hill may be the Sherveroyan temple, devoted to God Shervaroyan and His consort the goddess Cauvery representing the Shervaroy Hills as well as the Cauvery River.

Jain Cave Temple at Sittanavasal Similar to other rock-cut cave temples of 7th century in strategy and design, is another famous cave temple. This temple is located in Pudukottai District, (58 kms from Trichy) and it is called Arivar-koil (temple from the arhats), and has relics of paintings of 9th century CE.

Thirunandikkara Cave Temple Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, is located close to Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district. The most antique Murals of Kerala are identified in this particular cave temple of Pallava art dated seventh and eighth century.

Hill Stations T

The characteristics of the hill stations in Tamil Nadu vary in accordance of the geographic location, altitude, vegetation patterns etc., bringing in some uniqueness to each of them.

he summer season in India drives a lot of tourists, travellers and vascationers to the various high altitude hill stations in Tamil Nadu which provides them a shelter from the scorching heat in the plains and plateaus of the country.

The scorching summers of the subcontinent has always driven people to hill stations of various kinds spread over the country. The characteristics of these places vary in accordance of the geographic location, altitude, vegetation patterns etc. which brings in some uniqueness to each of them. Hill stations kissed by clouds, clean air, misty mornings, grass lands and thick bushes, winding roadways and muddy walkways are some of the common expectations of these places.

The picturesque hill stations also

provide a number of attractions and activities to its visitors making them grow popular over the years.

Trekking, fishing, boating, angling, hang gliding and golfing are some of the major leisure activities here.

The state showcases some of the major hill and summer resorts as it has both the Eastern and Western Ghats within its boundaries. The Nilgiri hills houses the most beautiful hill stations of Tamilnadu as it is the point where the Eastern and Western Ghats merge. They include Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Coonoor and Kotagiri. Other majors are Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Hills.

The hill stations showcase nature with all its vividness and beauty to the visitors. The rich collection of the flora and fauna in these places has always made itself a haven for the nature enthusiasts.

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of Yercaud – where flower and fruit shows are organized. Apart from that adventure sports, cultural programmes, fashion pageants, festival boat races, boat pageantry, dog shows etc. adds more colour to the celebrations. All these are jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. There is also a Tea and Tourism Festival Ooty in January. The Chithirai Festival is one of the main festivals held at the famous Madurai temple in Madurai in the summer.

Tamil Nadu hill stations also promotes many activities especially adventure and leisure. Trekking, gliding, boating, fishing, safaris, golf etc. are some of them.

Accommodation is available at various hotels, guesthouses and lodges in these hill stations in all price ranges. These stations can be easily accessed as Nilgiri which literally means the Blue Mountains is home to many hill stations as it is in the area of concurrence of the Eastern and Western Ghats. The altitude range here varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres. Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty, Coonoor, Yercaud, Elagiri, Velliangiri Hills and Kotagiri are the major hill stations in the area.

Ooty is the most popular among them in terms attractions and is called the ‘Queen of hill stations’.

The Nilgiris houses innumerable varieties of flora and fauna for the nature enthusiasts among which, the highlight is the Kurinji plant which blossoms every 12 years and turns all the mountain sides blue. The Nilgiris is usually enveloped by the blue haze of the clouds. Kodaikanal on the enchanting Palani hills, 120 km from Madurai is another major attraction among the summer retreats. Located 2100m above sea level it houses many attractions for the visitors.

The summer festival is held in the evergreen Ooty, the exquisite Kodaikanal or the salubrious heights

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YERCAUD Situated among the driest and rocky parts of the eastern ghat, Yercaud offers you a wonderful change of scene with its cool and comfortable climate.

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n Yercaud, temperature never rises above 30ºC and dips below 13ºC and is also a less expensive place than either Ooty or Kodaikkanal.

If you are looking for a hill station that doesn’t freeze even in harsh winter and always provides a cool but comfortable stay, visit Yercaud, known as the ‘Jewel of the south’.

Yercaud is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu.

Situated at an altitude of 1515 metres above sea level, it is so named owing to the abundance of trees categorised as a forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest. As a popular tourist destination, Yercaud is so different as the temperature never rises above 29°C or goes below 13°C. Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jackfruit. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western Ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

As one can imagine, Tourism is the major industry here with plenty of sightseeing and historical sites to offer to a tourist.

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Yercaud Lake, a pool surrounded by gardens and well-wooded trees. The lake has boating facility in which both paddle boats and oar-drawn boats are available. The lake is also known as emerald lake and it is the only natural lake amongst all hill stations in the southern part of India.

Lady’s Seat Another major tourist attraction in Yercaud is the Lady’s Seat. Tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady’s seat.

Lady’s seat offers breathtaking views of the Ghats, especially at night. one can see the traffic that looks gracefully on the horizon and the tourists making their way to Yercaud through the narrow winding.

Killiyur waterfalls, located just 3 kms from the lake, are one of the most beautiful waterfalls in south India.

Originating from the Shervaroyan hill range in the Eastern Ghats, it is a 300 feet high waterfall and the final 500 meters consists only of a rough unpaved steep pathway. It is a breathtaking sight in the monsoon time when the water levels are at the maximum. The best time to visit this place is immediately after the monsoon season.

Anna Park is a lovely garden located near the Yercaud Lake and has slides that would certainly interest children.

This park has a collection of the natural species of plants and trees seen around Shevaroy hills. Several flower shows are organized in the park during the month of May. Inside the Anna Park there is a Japanese park, in which plants are grown in Japanese style.

Yercaud has also developed into a major trekking destination in the region. Many treks are organized here. You can also do “Dirt Biking” in a place very near from Grange Resorts. It is around 4 kms from the lake and has a very limited variety of Dirt biking bikes but it is indeed an adventurous experience. There are different tracks available for the Dirt Biking and all of them are available at different rates.

Pagoda Point is a vantage view point worth visiting. Pagoda point or pyramid point is located on the

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eastern part of Yercaud hills. This has four piles of stones arranged so as to form a pyramid shape. It is said to be built by the local tribes and now there is a Rama temple located between the piles of stones.

The Grange is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, built in 1820’s by the then District Collector of Salem, M.D. Cockburn who first introduced coffee from Arabia and apples and other fruits from South Africa between 1820 and 1829. It is believed to have been the summer resort of Robert Clive, general of the East India Company in the late 19th century.

The National Orchidarium and Associated Garden run by the Botanical Survey of India is one of the

largest orchid nurseries in India. It nurtures and show cases 249 different types of orchids and other rare and endangered plants, including the highly-sought lady’s slipper, the intriguing insect-eating pitcher plant, and the kurunji plant that blooms only once in 12 years. The orchidarium is closed on weekends.

Situated very close to Lady’s Seat, Silkworms are reared here. Located 2 km from Yercaud town, tourists can see the cultivation of mulberries, growing of silk worms, and methods of silk spinning. The rose garden has a collection of varieties of roses.

There is a nursery in this garden which sells plants.

Temple. There is a huge cave formation beside this coffee estate bungalow that was condidered to be home for the bears. It is an important tourist place as it is believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Some of the nearest places of tourist interests around Yercaud include, Salem City, Namakkal, Aragalur, Kodumanal, Vedanthangal, Mettur Dam, Bhavani, Olli Hills and Tiruchengodu.

The Bear’s cave is located in a private coffee estate near the Norton Bungalow, on the way to Servarayan

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Yelagiri 70

Located at an altitude of 1,410 meters above mean sea level, the beautiful hill station of Yelagiri is situated amidst four mountains, which are well-known for salubrious climate throughout the year.

If what you want is a relaxed weekend at the comfort of exuberant greenery, Yelagiri hills, one of the popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu, is a right choice to spend quality time with your family. Located at an altitude of 1,410 meters above mean sea level, this beautiful hill station is situated amidst four mountains, which are well-known for salubrious climate throughout the year. To reach this ideal getaway from the hustle, bustle and madness of the city, you have to travel the winding ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends. However, the journey should surely be exciting, as the hairpin bends offer panoramic, breathtaking views of the hills and its surroundings. According to several travellers, seventh bend is significant, as it offers the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green forests that carpet the hill.

Spread across around 30 kms, this emerging tourist spot in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu is surrounded by orchards, rose gardens and green valleys. Situated off the Vaniyambadi-Tirupattur road, Yelagiri comprises 14 small hamlets and the population here is largely

tribal people, engaged in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, etc. The customs, habits and the structure of the houses of these tribes are very unique and a visit to this destination can well be an opportunity to experience an entirely diverse culture.

In early days, this hill station was not as developed as the other hill stations. Realising the potential of this green spot, it was the district administration which took up the task of developing this rustic beauty into a tourist destination by promoting adventure sports, such as paragliding and rock climbing. Now, Yelagiri is one of the famous places for trekkers in India.

The main attractions of Yelagiri hills include Punganoor artificial lakecum-park, Jalagamparai waterfalls, Swamimalai Hills, Telescope observatory and YMCA camp centre.

Among these, perhaps the most popular spot is the picturesque Punganoor artificial lake, which spreads around an area of 57 sq meters. This artificial lake also sports a park adjoining it and is an ideal outing place to take your kids along,

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who like to play around. One can take a short walk along the lake side or enjoy a boat ride. You can either take a pedalling or a rowing boat, as the Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society, which runs the boat club, offers these two choices.

There is a newly laid floricultural garden with a pathway along the lakes bund, offering a panoramic view of the lake, on one side and the garden, on the other. There is a bridge connecting the two ends. To enter the park and lake, one has to pay an entry fee but it’s worth it, simply because it helps pass time and kids can have fun too.

A short distance away from the lake, on the other side of the hill, is Jalagambarai waterfalls, another tourist attraction. It’s the river Attaru, which flows through the Yelagiri hills, plummets down to form a highly captivating waterfall. To reach the spot, one has to go all the way down the hill and then climb the hill, on the other side. It’s perhaps the only distant spot from the main town that is fairly frequented by visitors to the hills. If you are

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planning to visit this spot, make sure you are well-stocked with water and food. The waterfalls are, however, dependent on substantial rainfall.

If you are more passionate about trekking, Swamimalai possibly the highest peak in the area, is the best bet. Her, one can take an easy trek along a muddy path, starting from he eastern side of the lake, which is about three kms long and pretty scenic. Most visitors to Yelagiri hills, who have trekking in mind, climb up Swamimalai. The trek will lead one to a small peak, from where one can have an enchanting view of the entire valley.

This hill station also features a telescope house, from where one can capture a good view of distant places.

Whereas, YMCA camp centre is a non-profit organisation that offers accommodation (both dormitory and other types), trekking and other camp activities.

In every May and June, Yelagiri hills turns into a festive mood. It’s the time of the year when summer festivals are held here, with the objective of showcasing customs,

culture and traditions of the native tribal communities. This is the only time of the year, when its atmosphere becomes vociferous. Otherwise, it offers a quiet environment, where the only sound you hear is the chirping of birds. The climate is rather moderate and an evening breeze can get a bit chilly, as the hills have a fair those rugged hillocks, or take long walks through narrow roads, or explore the green surroundings of this rural retreat. Also, you can head to the lake nearby for some leisure boating, or just squat on a bench in the adjoining children’s park and watch the kids play.

What makes Yelagiri hills an ideal weekend getaway is it’s proximity from Bangalore or Chennai. The nearest airport to Yelagiri is the Bangalore International Airport, which handles both domestic and international flights.

From the airport, one can hire a taxi to Yelagiri. If you are coming by train from Bangalore, Chennai or Coimbatore, get down at Jolarpettai junction. It is the nearest railhead to Yelagiri.

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f you are the one in search of a lush, mist clad hill station, punctuated with large and small waterfalls that roar, gurgle and splash down the hill side, to have the most magical experience of nature in all its virgin beauty, Kolli Hills, nestled in the luxuriant forests of Eastern Ghats, is an ideal destination for you. The square shaped hills, which are about 1000 to 1300 metres in height, are spread over approximately 280 square kilometres.

To reach this not so commercialised tourist spot, known for its unspoilt natural beauty and pleasant climate almost throughout the year, you have to travel as many as 70 hairpin bends.

The journey through the winding ghat roads should be an electrifying experience, as it offers panoramic, breathtaking views of the hills and its surroundings.

Located in central Tamil Nadu, at Namakkal, Kolli Hills is one of the major hot spots for nature lovers, trekkers, hiking enthusiasts and meditation practitioners. You can while away your time at the botanical garden, boat house, cave house and Masila Falls, experiencing Kolli Hills more intimately, in a tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the viewpoints at Seekuparai and Selur Nadu, to enjoy the spectacular view of the nearby valleys. The hills are enclosed by lush green vegetation in the monsoon and spring and streaked with streams, adding to its natural beauty. Numerous streams originate from Kolli Hills and the major ones traversing the hills are Aiyaru, Varattar, etc.

Kolli

Visit Kolli Hills to spend quality time with your family, as it is an ideal getaway from the hustle, bustle and madness of the city

Like most other hill stations, Kolli Hills has in its bag a boat house at Valayapatti. The lake is artificial but with no one to disturb you, boat cruise will be a pleasant experience and worth enough to feast your tired body and mind. Another attraction is botanical garden, where you can find a rose garden, children’s park and cottages of different types.

The vast expanse of forest boasts a variety of rare medicinal plants, such as neem, ‘karu-veppilai’ (orange jasmine), ‘neermathi’, tamarind, ‘seetha odai’, ‘illupai’, silver oak, etc., which are widely used in the

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preparation of indigenous Indian medicines. Lemon grass is also prominent in most of the reserve forest areas. In the forest, you can spot rabbits, wild boar, hare, peacock, jungle cat, monkeys and a variety of birds.

You can also set out to the pineapple research farm maintained by the government, to take a stroll through it, breathing in the tempting aroma of pineapples that wafts in the air.

Kolli Hills is also famous for farming and he major cultivations include pineapple, black pepper, coffee, tea, jackfruit, etc. The jackfruit grown on these hills is known for its flavour and heady scent.

If you had enough of botanical garden, viewpoints and farming experience, visit the Akasa Gangai Waterfalls, to enjoy the enchanting view of Aiyaru River splashing down the hills. The waterfall is situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains in all sides. Located near Arappaleeswarar temple, there are thousands of steps that lead down to the falls. This location is ideal for trekking. The breeze here is pleasant and the cascade of silvery water touching and brushing the innumerable herbs is an enthralling view. The sight of fall is sure to inject more energy to body and ecstasy to mind. And, if you like to have a natural shower, the best place is Masila Falls. There is a concrete

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pathway right up to the waterfall and it is an ideal place for the holidaying families.

Kolli Hills is also a place associated with several legends and therefore your stay at this hill station would not be complete, without exploring some of it. Kolli Hills, known in Tamil as ‘Kolli Malai’, is also featured in several classical Tamil literature works. ‘Kolli Malai’ means ‘Mountain of Death’ and the origin of this name can be traced back to the early Hindu literature that records the existence of a ghost (spirit of a maiden) called ‘Kolli Pavar’, on the top of these hills.

As per the legend in ancient times, sages made Kolli Malai their hub to perform rituals, as it was a peaceful place. However, the demons invaded

the hills and disturbed the rituals performed by the sages, who in turn sought the help of Kolli Pavai. She lured the demons with her beauty and smile and then killed them. Even today, locals worship Kolli Pavai, who is the local deity of the Kolli Pavali Amman Temple. Visiting the temple, therefore, will help you recall the legend.

Another place of attraction at Kolli Hills is Arappaleeswarar temple and it is located at the top of the hills. At the temple you can find numerous Tamil inscriptions belonging to the Chola period. The temple is said to have a hidden path that ends at the Shiva temple in Rasipuram. The simple architectural style adds charm to the sanctity of the temple.

To promote the destination, its district administration organises ‘Ori festival’, with a lot of cultural events.

The name ‘Ori’ might have borrowed from its ancient ruler Valvil Ori, who was renowned for his generosity and valour. His valour and marksmanship are sung by some poets and his exploits are a trendy part of folklore.

Valvil is said to have killed a lion, bear, deer and a boar with, a single arrow.

Tourists can reach Killi Hills by road from Chennai, Salem, Namakkal and Tiruchi. The nearest railway station is Salem and it is just over 80 kilometres from Kolli Hills. The nearest airport is at Tiruchi and it is about 139 kilometres from the hill station.

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OOTY ‘The Queen of Hill Stations’ Better known, as Ooty, is the most popular hill station in South India. This picturesque, green hill station of Udhagamandalam.

Is located in the Western Ghats.

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At a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two Ghats meet. By far the most beautiful in the state, the nature has been generous with this region.

Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c.

Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like Confiers, Eucalptus, Pine and Wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its environs.

Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. T hey were, however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial.

But the credit for modernizing Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

It was in 1854, that the first plans were made to build a mountain Railway from Mettupalaiyam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it took the decisionmakers 45 years to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and complete the construction and installation of the line. The line was completed and opened for traffic in June 1899.

It was operated first by the Madras Railway under an agreement with the Government.

The smaller hill stations of Coonoor - 19 kms, and Kothagiri 31 kms from Ooty, are the other hill stations of this district. Nilgiri is India’s first biosphere. It has been declared as one of the 14 ‘hotspots’ of the world because of its unique bio-diversity.

Nilgiri presents a truly breath taking kaleidoscope of visual treats and soul stirring experience

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HOGENAKKAL Hogenakkal is one natural, traditional river spa in this part of the universe where the water is said to have special healing powers, as it travels through the forest filled with herbal plants and shrubs.

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he lush green expanses, streams and rivers filled to the brim and cascading waterfalls make Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu a perfect destination for leisure travel.

Surrounded by hills at various heights, it is where you can enjoy the real beauty of bubbling streams and lush greenery, in the most refreshing ambience. Hogenakkal is the only natural, traditional river spa you can find in this part of the universe and its water is said to have some special powers, as it travels through the forest filled with herbal plants and shrubs.

Situated just 46 km from Dharmapuri on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border, Hogenakkal is, in the first place, famous for its spectacular waterfall. The broad stream of the Cauvery gets forked at this place, forming an island from where one stream continues on, while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfalls. The carbonate rocks at the site are said to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia. The word Hogenakkal means ‘smoking rock’ -- when the water falls on the rocks it appears as if ‘hoge’ (smoke) is emanating from the top of the ‘kal’ (rock) because of the force

of the water. Hogenakkal has a falls viewpoint and a rope bridge that stretches across the falls. Hogenakkal, which is endearingly called as the ‘Niagara of India’, is surrounded by Melagiri Hills in the backdrop and 750 ft above sea level. The way to the falls is naturally endowed with beauteous mulberry fields, titanicsized protector deities (Aiyanars) made of terracotta, the gushing sound of Cauvery and bountiful of vegetation.

Once you have soaked in the beautiful views of the falls, which drop from a height of 30 ft., you can

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enjoy a fun coracle ride. The coracles or circular basket boats are covered with black plastic sheets and ferry tourists across the shimmering, rippling river. The ride will take you to the foot of the majestic waterfalls, which would be an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. The water here surges under the coracle, tossing it around, raging and hissing as though it might capsize the boat any moment. The sight of Hogenakkal up close is as spellbinding, imposing and even a bit frightening. Enjoy the coracle ride and spend some time on the small sand island, enjoying fried fish. If interested, you can also try oil massages by locals.

You can also embark on long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and explore its lush, rugged, landscape. The Melagiri region is nestled between the Cauvery and Chinar rivers and comprises 1,295 sq. km. of dry deciduous, scrub and dry evergreen forests. The place is home to several endangered species, including the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Smooth Coated Otter and Marsh Crocodile.

Other attractions in and around Dharmapuri include Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, Mount Carmel Church, Theerthagirishwarar Temple, Adiyamankottai, Thenkaraikottai,

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Subramaniya Siva Memorial and Sir Thomas Munro Pillar.

Theerthagirishwarar Temple at Theerthamalai, located 16 km northeast from Hasur, is one of the ancient temples constructed by Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The temple, situated about one km up the steep slope of a hillock, derives its name from the five springs found in and around it. Lord Shiva is the main deity. According to the legend it was here that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing several demons in the war against Ravana.

One of the springs is called Rama Theertham, which was said to be created after Lord Rama unleashed an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hillock. The tiny waterfall drops from a height of about 30 ft and is perennial.

at Papparapatti town in Krishnagiri district. The memorial is dedicated to Subramanya Siva, a freedom fighter who inspired many youth to join independence movement.

You can also pay a quick visit to Krishnagiri fort, built by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Empire, one of the monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The huge boulders that make up its walls reveal its glorious past.

Krishnagiri dam, located about 10 km away from here, is a peaceful picnic spot, where you can unwind with your friends and family before moving ahead with your itinerary. The dam is sandwiched between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, irrigating all areas on the way.

There is another spring known as Vashista Theertham higher up in the hill. Adjacent to it, there are wonderful granite pieces of ‘Saptha Kanyakas’. They can be viewed only through a very narrow crevice in the rock. Several inscriptions relating to Vijayanagar and Chola rulers can be found in the temple. Hanumantha Thirtham is situated just 12 km from here and is associated with Theerthag-irishwarar Temple.

Stop next at Adiyama-nkottai, an ancient site located just 8 km from Dharmapuri. There is a fort here with several inscriptions. Situated on the Salem-Dharmapuri road, the ruins of the roughly oval shaped fort are still pleasing to the eyes. Another attraction that you will find here is the Chenraya Perumal Temple. The main deity of the temple, which is said to be built by Hoysala and Vijayanagar kings, is Vishnu.

There is a ‘mandapam’ which leads to the sanctum sanctorum. You can find paintings belonging to 13 century in the ceiling, depicting scenes from the ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Vishwaroopa Darshan’ of Lord Krishna and Ramayana. And they are a beauty to watch.

It is also worth stopping by the Subramanya Siva Memorial, located

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Anamalai Anamalai Hills is one of the most awe-inspiring and scenically overwhelming 365-days-destination in south India.

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A walk in the wild is refreshingly different. If you have not tried it so far, head to Anamalai Hills, one of the most awe-inspiring and scenically overwhelming places in south India. Here, you can ski, hike and climb the mountains, raft, trek and trail, camp out in the jungles, take elephant or vehicle rides‌, the list is seemingly endless. Quiet and beautiful, Anamalai is home to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Situated in the scenic Western Ghats, near Pollachi, at an altitude of about 1400 metres, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Moderate warm climate makes Anamalai and its surrounding areas a destination 365 days. But, the best time to visit Anamalai is December-April.

It is an ecological haven with rich and varied vegetation, including extensive forests of teak. Added attractions include over 100 species of orchids, a wide variety of ferns, grasses, palms and canes. As you pass through, you are under the ever-watchful eye of the animals who call it a home. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Nilgiri Langur and the Bonnet and the Lion-tailed macaques, while elephants, gaurs, wild boars, leopards, chital, sambar, muntjac and giant squirrel are quite commonly sighted. It also boasts of rich avian life and is a bird-watcher’s paradise.

You can find Malabar whistling thrush, Grey jungle fowl, Malabar and Great pied hornbills, Ceylon frogmouth and Malabar trogon, here. Another specialty of the place is its tiger reserve.

Besides being one of the finest repositories of rich flora and fauna, these forests are also home to several indigenous tribes such as Malasar, Kadar, Eravalar, Malai Malasar, Pulayar and Muduvar. Some of the places to be visited near Anamalai include Topslip, Monkey Falls, Aliyar, Crocodile Breeding Centre at Amaravathi, Attakatti, Mirar, Kallipatti, Manompally, Chinnar, Varagaliar, Manjampatti, etc.

Topslip is the first choice to most tourists. At Topslip, you can move around the sanctuary on elephant top, or by van.

Besides rides, it offers ample accommodation facilities and avenues for nature trail. Dotted with forests, grass hills, rivulets and streams, Topslip is sure to win the hearts of a true nature lover. In the west, it connects to Kerala’s Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, while the elephant camp at Chinnar is just 25 kilometres away from Topslip. From here, you can also set out to the Grass Hills via Varagaliar and Manompally.

The Amaravathi Crocodile Farm is considered as the largest crocodile breeding centre, in south India. The mugger crocodiles, popular as the Persian crocodiles and marsh crocodiles are commonly found here. The crocodile farm is located very near to the Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Another not to be missed attraction is the gentle Monkey Falls, a natural waterfall.

Attakatti, another not to be missed attraction, is on the Pollachi-Valparai state highway. A well maintained trekking shed is available near Attakatti. From here, it is easy to head to Monompally, a place known for its thick shola forests, fast flowing rivers and scenic beauty.

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KODAIKANAL Known as the Princess of Hills, this lovely hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu indeed stands pretty like a well decked up princess.

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he sight of an elegantly decked up princess is something that no one would ever want to miss.

It is one such beauty that you will find in Kodaikanal, which earned the moniker, the Princess of Hills.

This lovely hill station in Tamil Nadu stands pretty like a well decked up princess. With numerous view points, waterfalls, trekking options and a splendid lake, it definitely is one of the best hill stations in India. Situated on the southern crest of the Palani knolls, some 120 km northwest of Madurai, Kodaikanal is surrounded by wooded slopes,

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waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops. The winding route up and down is breathtaking.

The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors, while the meadows, long stretches of forests and the beautiful spots are a source of joy, delight and thrill.

The main attraction here is the Kodai Lake. Located three km from the main bus stand, the lake adds to the beauty and attraction of the location. Much of its present glamour owes to Vera Levinge, who transformed the marshy lakeside into a spectacular one by strengthening its

banks and bringing beautiful boats from Tuticorin. The Kodai Lake is a hot bed of fun and you can enjoy activities like boating and fishing.

One can also try horse ride on the banks or cycle around the lake.

Other attractions here include Bryant Park, Berijam Lake, Coakers Walk, Moir Point, Dolphin’s Nose, Suicide Point, Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves, Shanti Valley, Silver Cascade and Kurinjiandavar Temple.

Bryant Park, which is named after British Army officer H D Bryant, is located next to the Kodai Lake. The park, home to about 325 varieties

of trees, shrubs, cactuses and roses, transforms into a rainbow of stunning flowers during the season. Water lilies in the pond here are another pleasing sight. There is a glass house, which shelters fine varieties of flowers, at the park. In every may, flower and vegetable shows are held here.

Then, there is Coakers Walk, a beautiful walkway offering enchanting views of the valleys, distant hills and floating clouds. The place is often crowded with a lot of hawkers, selling different memorabilia and paraphernalia to the tourists. The Solar Physical Observatory can be found on the way. This observatory was founded in 1989 and is located at an elevation of 2,343 m. It is the highest point in Kodaikanal.

From the Coakers Walk, head to the beautiful Pine forests. It is a prime film shooting location and numerous movies in the 80s and 90s have been shot here. The place is on a slope and a perfect location for taking a long walk, crisscrossing the pines.

The next attraction is Moir Point. One has to climb up an elevated place to reach there and gaze at the exceptional vistas. The place is closer to the road that leads to the Berijam Lake, where visitors are not allowed without prior permission. The lake is one of the starting points for the Kodai-Munnar trek. A few km away is Shanti valley.

You can’t miss the Guna Caves, also known as Devil’s Kitchen, which shot to fame after the Kamal Hassanstarrer movie Guna. The caves look eerie with roots of trees weirdly snaking all around. This place was earlier known to be a killer, as many people who had trudged further ahead ended up losing their lives. However, Devil’s Kitchen does leave its visitors spellbound with the beautiful vistas and quirky roots.

Pillar Rocks is also a must visit. It’s a set of three giant rock pillars. With the beautiful landscape in the background and mist hovering around it, they are a treat to watch.

Suicide Point, which is renamed as Green Valley View, makes for another spectacular sight.

Another not to be missed attraction is Dolphin’s Nose, a flat rock that projects over a breathtaking chasm of around 6,000 ft. As the name suggests, the tip of the peak resembles a Dolphin’s nose and from here one can have the view of mountains, winding streams and extensive tea gardens. You can also view from here the Catherine falls, a double cascaded fall, on a clear day. Silver cascade waterfall is located a few km outside the limits of Kodaikanal. Bear Shola falls is three km from the bus stand.

Kodaikanal is well connected by road, rail and air. Nearest airports are Madurai, Tiruchy and Coimbatore. If you are travelling by train, get down at Palani ralway station, Kodai Road station or Dindigul railway junction.

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VALPARAI

V around.

Located 3,500 feet above from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range Valparai is often considered a pollution free heavenly land.

alparai does not mean only a single town. It stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and forest all

Valparai’s history dates back to the 19th century when the Karnatic coffee company bought some land from the Madras Government for Coffee Cultivation in the Anamalais. But the expected yield of coffee was not obtained and so growth stagnated in the area.

But things started to turn around in the first half of the 20th century when tea estates and rubber plantations started to develop around the area. The Valparai Township was started in 1903 by the Anamalai Planters Association.

64-km drive from Pollachi to Valparai is itself an exotic experience. En route is the Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary where lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri and the common langur, Malabar giant squirrel,

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elephant, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer and wild boar reside.

The unique grass forests, Grass Hills is located near Valparai. The hill sports tall grass and houses elephants, boars, cheetah and other wild animals. In addition one can drive around the mountain tea estates enjoying the pleasant climate and forget the once dense forest that has paved the way for tea bushes.

Valparai is loaded with viewpoints giving out rich and breathtaking views. Some of the viewpoints are Number Parai and Nallamudi Poonjolai near Sangili road of Valparai. The Kadamparai dam is also a beautiful area with an excellent viewpoint.

Major Attractions includes: Sholayar, Nirar Nirar Dam, Chinnakallar, Aliyar Aliyar Dam, Annai Velankanni Church, Balaji Temple, Grass Hills and Siddhi Vinayakar Temple.

MEGHAMALAI

T Meghamalai in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, is a hill station, with a difference. It is where you can enjoy a multiactivity holiday.

he places to go and sites to see during the warm summer months are virtually endless.

It ranges from an exotic tropical getaway to a backpacking excursion. However, today’s stress is on multi-activity holidays. Not everyone wants to lie on the beach.

Hill stations have become the preferred getaway for many. It is in this context, Meghamalai in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, stands apart.

It’s a hill station, with a difference.

It is where you can enjoy a multiactivity holiday. So, get ready to take a mesmerising journey to the Meghamalai, which beckons avid travellers, with a host of attractions, ranging from the clichéd to the never-before.

Endowed with spectacular scenery, hills, waterfalls, valleys and lakes, the scenic town of Meghamalai will surely offer a respite from the hustle

and bustle of a city life. Meghamalai is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats, close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, about 43 kilometres off Chinnamanur, on the MaduraiKumily interstate highway. The drive to Meghamalai, which is popularly known as ‘High Wavys Mountains’, is a thrilling experience, as the roads snake through the spice plantations and a series of hills and winds around eighteen hairpin bends.

All through the drive from Theni to Meghamalai, where silence reigns supreme at 1500 metres above sea level, the forests and the mountains often disappear, as the mist mysteriously wraps everything in it. As you drive past the stretches of tea and coffee estates, and pepper, cardamom and cinnamon plantations, you can see Meghamalai welcoming you with its extensive forests, plenty of wild flowers, misty

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moors and luxuriant grasslands.

Covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by undulating hilly terrain, Meghamalai is home to attractions like Manalar, Venniyar and Iravangalar dams, echo points, Meghamalai estate and Maharaja Mettu.

Spread over an area of about 6000 acres, Meghamalai is home to several unique varieties of wildlife. Gaurs, elephants, tiger, leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, langur, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, porcupine, lion-tailed macaque, pea fowls, jungle fowl and Malabar giant squirrel are commonly sighted across the forest terrain.

Meghamalai is also home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Over 100 species of birds have been identified so far. One of the rarest fruit bats in the world, Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat, which is named after Indian ornithologist Salim Ali, is found in this mountain range. If you

are either a bird-watcher or a wild life enthusiastic, you are surely in for a big surprise.

The hill station is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks and on the way you can find a view point by the very name Highwavys. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the nearby Varusanadu Hills. Another major attraction is Vellimalai, which could be described as the heart of Meghamalai. Standing at an average elevation of 1650 metres, Vellimalai is sure to cast a spell on the travellers, with its emerald green mountains. An abode of river Vaigai, Vellimalai offers a breathtaking beauty. The tea and coffee estates, houses of plantation workers and an artificial lake, add to the charm of the place.

It’s not enough to go to Meghamalai and just drive to the top of the mountain peak. There are a variety of sights and sounds that are worth indulging in. The beautiful 190 feet high Meghamalai waterfalls is special,

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as it embodies a twin-waterfall that is active almost throughout the year.

The fall is also known as Clouds land fall. If you wait enough, you can also spot elephants, gaur, spotted deer and other wild animals, which often frequent the site, at dawn and dusk.

What you cannot miss is a drive to Manalar dam. The entire stretch from High Wavys to Manalar is scenic.

You will just get awestruck at the number of lakes you see on the way to Manalar. From Manalar dam, one can view the deep Cumbum Valley and the villages of Theni district. Then, there is something extraordinary awaiting you at Maharaja Mettu. Lo and behold! A mist clad peak.

The congregation of clouds, water and green covered hills of Iravangalar will be the perfect finish that you could ask for. Heavenly would be a word too clichĂŠd to describe the beauty of Iravangalar.

Sirumalai

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A hill station unspoilt by commercialisation is what the charming Sirumalai, situated about 25 kilometres from Dindigul on the Natham-Madurai Road, Tamil Nadu is known to be among the discerning travellers.

hat can be more rejuvenating than spending a couple of days amidst misty mountain ranges? The more pleasant the experience will be, if you head to a hill station unspoilt by commercialisation. The charming Sirumalai, situated about 25 kilometres from Dindigul on the Natham-Madurai Road, Tamil Nadu, will surely be a best bet, as it has all the above qualities; it’s still pristine and will help you revitalise your body and mind, in a cool atmosphere. A canopy of trees, profound valleys, lush green meadows, melodious chirping of birds and cool scented breeze are just some of the magic you can experience in this beautiful hill station. The scenery all around is purely photogenic. Your eyes will only grow wider, as you wander around enjoying the rustic charm of this summer getaway, which is spread across about 60,000 acres.

The Natham-Dindigul Road to Sirumalai has a lot of surprises for you. First and foremost, the journey uphill won’t disappoint you. The 15 kilometres of narrow and uneven ghat road, with as many as 18 hairpin bends, will only make your journey more exciting and fascinating. On the way, you can spot a church and a view point, from where you can watch the beauty of Dindigul city, Dindigul Rock Fort and a few lakes in and around. After a 45 minutes long drive, you will find yourself in the midst of cardamom, sandalwood and coffee estates. And, now you are at an elevation of 1,600 metres!

Once you are at the heart of Sirumalai, take the winding path.

It will lead you to an artificial lake, where you can enjoy boating and spend some good time with your family/friends. The lake is clean and pristine and the picturesque surrounding enhances its overall beauty. After having enough of

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especially the devotees. From here, you can head to Selvi Koil Point, which offers a panoramic view of Dindigul and the Chinnamalai town below. It is also worth visiting the horticulture zone in Sirumalai, which has around 90 acres of eucalyptus, silver oak, black pepper, Sirumalai plantain and lemon trees. The famous Sirumalai banana, popularly known as ‘malai vazhai’, which is used in the ‘panchamrutham’ made in the Palani temple, is grown here. Then, there is a sericulture department, which has about 10 acres of mulberry plantation.

From here, around 2,15,000 tonnes of white cocoons are produced, annually.

Sirumalai is also a destination that finds a mention in the great Hindu epic Ramayana and the South Indian epic ‘Silappadhikaram’. It is believed that a small piece of the Sanjeevi Hill is dropped here when Hanuman returned with it from Sri Lanka.

And hence the name Sirumalai!

Also, Kannagi, a legendary Tamil woman who took revenge on the early Pandyan King of Madurai, for a mistaken death penalty imposed on her husband Kovalan, by cursing the city with disaster, is believed to have stayed here, on her way to Madurai. lake experience, you can slowly move on to Saathiyar basin. It is the catchment area for the Saathiyar dam in Madurai, which is about 90 kilometres from this scenic destination. The place offers a panoramic view of the green valleys.

There are no must-sees or dos in Sirumalai. However, you can go trekking or hiking, till you have enough of it. Exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Sirumalai by trekking or hiking the vantage points would surely be a pleasant experience. If you are lucky enough, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including bison, bear, panther, barking deer and slender loris, on your way. Since the climate is salubrious, a lot of endemic and rare varieties of birds can also be easily spotted here, and bird-watchers will surely love this place.

Vellimalaiswamy Temple is another place that may interest the travellers,

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Kuttalam Kuttalam is more famous for the medical properties of the water flowing through thick herbal forests than for the beauty of its cascading waterfalls.

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terrific for almost everyone. The beauty and charisma of these waterfalls is so immense that no one can resist saying ‘wow’.

Waterfalls are definitely one of the most spectacular panoramas the Goddess of Nature provides for all of us. Seeing a waterfall and experiencing its natural beauty and soothing effect is always exceptionally

Kuttalam with its numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts is also known as the ‘Spa of South India’.

Kuttalam is essentially a place for rest

aterfalls are one of the most spectacular creations of Mother Nature. Kuttalam in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district is famous for the cascading waterfalls and for the medical properties of the water flowing through thick herbal forests. It is known as the “Spa of South India” due to the presence of multiple health resorts.

Dr S Bakthavatchalam takes you to Kuttalam waterfalls, also called as “Ooty for poor” due to its splendid climate.

Kuttalam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district is not only one such place but is believed to have the capacity to cure a number of ailments as its water passes over a lot of medicinal herbs before plummeting from about 550 feet. The force of the water on top of our body while we take bath makes us feel free of all tensions and worries, and completely relaxes us.

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Chitraruvi or Small Falls is located adjacent to the Main Falls. The size of the falls is comparatively small. Chitraruvi leads to other waterfalls like Shenbaga devi falls and Thenaruvi. Shenbaga devi falls is situated above Chitraruvi falls, at about 2.5 kms distance. The falls are surrounded by Shenbaga trees that bear fragrant flowers that are offered to Amman in Shenbagadevi Temple.

and relaxation and it is refreshing to take a bath in the waters of the falls though the falls carry a good amount of water only when there is a rain on the hills, so it is advisable to visit Kuttalam during the monsoon season. The waterfalls flourish during monsoon season in neighbouring Kerala.

Season begins from June of every year till September. The South West Monsoon brings in the cold breeze with mild temperature. From October to December North East Monsoon sets over in Tamil Nadu and the climate is cold and the rains are very heavy sometimes. Sometimes the falls get flooded and people are not allowed to take bath during floods.

Many seasonal and few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The nine waterfalls at Kuttalam are - Main Falls (Peraruvi), Small Falls (Chittaruvi), Chembakadevi (Shenbaga) Falls, Honey Falls (Thenaruvi), Five Falls (Aintharuvi), Tiger Falls (Puliaruvi), Old Courtallam Falls (Pazhaya

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Courtallam), New Falls (Puthu Aruvi), Fruit Garden Falls or Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Arvui).

Main Falls or Peraruvi is located in the center of Kuttalam and is the biggest falls at about 60 m height. Local people used to drink some quantity of this water while taking bath as it contains medical properties.

Thenaruvi or Honey Falls is located at a distance of 3 km from the Main Falls. This waterfall can be reached only by walk, which is very dangerous. Taking bathe in this falls is strictly prohibited as it is risky; but adventurous. We have to swim across a pond to reach this waterfall.

During rainy season, it is not advised to swim in this pond as the under water current will be very high.

Thenaruvi means a river of honey.

The place has acquired its name due to a number of beehives present in its vicinity. Besides the water falls, the town is famous for its two temples, Thirukuttralanathar dedicated to Lord Shiva and another one dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Kuttalam is well connected with major towns in Tamil Nadu. It is just 5 km from Sengottai, 6 km from Tenkasi, 40 km from Tirunelveli, 137 km from Kanniyakumari, and 640 km from Chennai.

Kanchipuram

A walk down the lanes of the city of Kanchipuram will surely culminate in a spiritual voyage of legends, mythology, saints, temples and dynasties.

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ho is not marvelled by the vignettes of India’s rich cultural heritage background? And if you like to explore it in person, just visit Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, one of the seven centres of salvation (seven Puris) and the nerve centre of vedic schools. Situated just around 72 kilometres from Chennai, Kanchipuram, with its glorious temples and vedic schools, is a treasure trove of heritage developed by illustrious saint philosophers and kings of Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. A walk down the lanes of this city will surely culminate in a spiritual voyage of legends, mythology, saints, temples and dynasties.

A host of temples for various Hindu gods can be found in every nook and

corner of Kanchipuram. Hence, it is called the temple town and the city of thousand temples. Every path you take, you are sure to be confronted by a temple. Some of them are wonderful monuments with excellent sculpture, architecture and murals.

Some of the best and finest temples of the country, including Kailashnatha Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple, are located here. Most of the temples here are said to be originally built by the Pallava rulers and renovated later by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings.

One could begin the journey to the temples by visiting Kamakshi Amman Temple. It is one of the three most sacred places for ‘Sakthi worship’ in India. Built by the Pallavas in the sixth century and modified between

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14th and 17th century, the temple features a golden gopuram and some fine carvings. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati. The Kanchi Mutt seers worship here daily.

Ekambareswarar Temple, the most famous Shiva temple at Kanchi, is located north-east of the Kamakshi Temple. Built in 600 CE by the Pallavas, this temple features a tall south gopuram, which soars to a height of about 59 metres. It is also the largest temple in Kanchipuram and covers an area of about 23 acres.

The main feature of the temple is its hallway with a thousand pillars.

Another temple which is of great importance is the Kailashnatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Built in the seventh century by the Pallava king Rajasimha, the temple bears a close resemblance to the monolithic structures found in Mamallapuram. This is an overwhelming sculptural edifice with intricate carvings and is the oldest Pallava temple still in existence.

It was declared an archaeological monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, sometime back.

There are a number of small shrines within this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and their sons Ganesh and Murugan.

The Kumarakottam Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located between the Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple. It is believed that it is from here Kanda Puranam, the Tamil religious work on Lord Murugan, is translated from Sanskrit Skanda Purana.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple, which was originally built by the Cholas in 1053 and expanded during the reigns of Kulothunga Chola I and his son Vikrama Chola, is also a must visit. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 ‘Divya Desams’, the holy abodes of Vishnu, is located in a part of Kanchipuram called Vishnu Kanchi. The temple complex showcases the skills of ancient vishwakarma sthapathis in temple architecture. Besides Varadharaja

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Perumal Temple, Vishnu Kanchi has a lot of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The town is home to many more important Hindu temples, including Devarajaswami Temple and Chitragupta Temple.

You can also find a twin Jain temple here, which still contain nice frescoes.

Located at Thiruparuthikundram, a village situated on the banks of the Palar River, the twin Jain temple of Trilokyanatha/Chandraprabha features mural paintings that depict the scenes from the life of Rsabhanatha and Neminatha, two of Jain Tirthankar. The temple

is maintained by Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.

institutions in India founded by the philosopher-saint Adi Sankara.

Even though it is known as a temple town, you can find nine mosques, including Nawab Sathathullah Khan Mosque and Hazrat Aliya Dargah, here. No wonder, given that Kanchipuram was ruled by the Nawab of Arcot in early 1700 AD. There are also two British built churches in Kanchipuram - Church of South India and St. Mary’s Church. They were built in 1922 and 1943, respectively.

Kanchipuram is also famous for its thriving handloom industry and is rightly called the Silk City. Browse for traditional silk saris in shops on the streets. Almost every home in Kanchipuram has a pit loom, as 75 per cent of its population is involved in the weaving business.

Another must visit is Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. It is one of the most important Hindu monastic

It is easy to get to Kanchipuram from Chennai, where the nearest airport is, as it is well connected by road and rail. It will take only two-hour drive to reach the destination.

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Pichavaram Home to the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, Pichavaram is one of the very few unique eco-tourism spots in South India that offers the rare sights of the permenantly submerged roots of mangrove forest trees.

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ichavaram is home to the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, and it is one of the unique eco-tourism spots in South India. Pichavaram is located near Chidambaram in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, in South India and is just four hours drive from Chennai. The nearest railway station is Chidambaram from where it is accessible by road and has the only Mangroves which were untouched and undisturbed by the tsunami.

The backwaters, interconnected by the Vellar and Coleroon river systems offer abundant scope for water sports such as rowing, kayaking and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises, but also another very rare sight - the mangrove forest trees are permanently rooted in a few feet of water.

Mangrove forest constitutes unique ecosystems. They are found in the coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions where the level of the saline water rises and falls with the tides twice every day. The terrain is open to the devastating effects of wind and rain, making life in this inhospitable region difficult, to say the least. But the mangrove tree has adapted itself exceedingly well. Not only does it survive it thrives under these conditions. It not only counters the erosion caused by the wind and waves but is responsible for actually reclaiming the land!

Seeds could hardly survive in such a hostile environment so the mangrove evolved a singular solution. The seeds germinate on the tree and develop into cigar shaped seedlings, pointed at the lower end. When mature enough, these fall of the tree and penetrate the soil where they develop roots. This mode of germination ensures a high percentage of survival and a rapid growth of new trees.

The roots have very developed membrances which act like filters permitting only fresh water to enter. If by chance some salinity filters through, the excess salt is accumulated in the leaves which

simply fall off. The most important feature of the tree however are its prop-like roots which give it is peculiar appearance and made it appear as it were standing on stilts.

The root system has pores through which the tree breathes in oxygen from the air when the water level falls and the roots are exposed.

There root system acts like gigantic net trapping broken branches, dead leaves and sundry debris. Mud and sand collects at the base of the tree entrapped by the roots and in this way the mangrove forest is the most effective natural barrier against the erosive forces of the wind and waves, cyclones and storms. The mangrove forest is the most effective natural barrier against the erosive forces of the winds and waves, cyclones and storms. The mangrove swamps are gigantic biological sinks with unrivalled capacity to absorb and assimilate chemicals from polluted water and recycle them into nutrients from the surrounding vegetation.

This unique ecosystem attracts a large variety of fish invertebrates which in turn attracts birds and animals. The Pichavaram Mangrove forest remains unknown till Late M G Ramchandran selected this location for his film Idayakani.

The mangroves are spread over 3000 acres with trees rooted in a few feet of water. One of the best ways (or the only way), is to hire a boat and discover the many fascinating water ways. You will encounter hanging branches, dark channels, birds and spiders.

Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water covered with green trees. The area is about 2,800 acres (11 km) and is separated from the sea by a sand bar which is a patch of extraordinary loveliness.

The Pichavaram mangroves attract an appreciable bird population of residents, local migrants and true migrants. Amongst others, one can view birds like Water snips, Cormorants, Egrets, Storks, Herons,

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Spoonbills and Pelicans. At the mangroves, so far, 177 species of birds belonging to 15 orders and 41 families have been recorded.

The season for birds is from September to April every year. Peak population of birds could be seen from November to January. This is due to high productive nature (in terms of prey organisms) of the ecosystem and coincidence of the time of arrival of true migrants from foreign countries and local migrants from their breeding grounds across India. The availability of different habitat types such as channels, creeks, gullies, mud flats and sand flats and adjacent sea shore offers ideal habitat for difference species of birds.

The Tamil Nadu tourism department operates paid boating services for the visitors to go around Mangrove forest for sightseeing. There are both motor boats and row boats available for rent. We choose row boat and luckily it became a wise decision since the row boat is friendly enough to paddle across the narrow Mangrove bushes where the motor boat cannot reach.

It’s really awesome to see the dense Mangrove trees amidst the water bodies while you travel in boat. Since Mangrove trees are dense and found in water bodies there are many birds found in this place, both native and migratory birds are commonly seen.

These birds built nests on these trees and feeds on the fishes living there.

The forest area of 1400 hectares has an extensive covering of Mangrove trees and is crises crossed by numerous creeks and channels.

On the eastern side is a narrow sand bank. Reasonably good accommodation is available in comfortable cottages. Restaurant facilities though not lavish are more than adequate and boats are available for the adventurous who want to explore nature’s bounty to the full.

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Poompuhar, the splendid port city was the capital of the powerful Chola kings. Today it has gained significance as a major attraction for the tourist

Blessed with beautiful gardens and heritage temples by its serene seaside, Poompuhar, a splendid port city at Sirkalitaluk in Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu is a popular tourist destination. This legendary town was known as the historical Kaveripoompatinam, the capital of the powerful Chola kings and finds its mention in various Tamil Literatures such as Agananuru and Purananuru.

Anecdotes from history indicate that a second century Chola king Karikal Cholan after conquering a great part of India upto the Himalayas had even made a pass into China and the valuable gifts from all these places exhibited at Poompuhar thus adding to its glory.

Planned on the basis of Mayan architecture, this town Poompuhar had clear segregated areas such as Pattinapakkam, Maruvurpakkama and Nalangadi, for people of different professions. These areas were separated by a stretch of gardens and orchards, where daily markets were held under the shades of the trees. The market place was known as Naalangadi during the day and Allangadi at night.

In Pattinapakkam, there were five manrams where the kings and

Poompuhar nobles lived, and the remaining area here was occupied by rich traders, physicians, astrologers, members of the king’s army and court dancers. While, Maruvurpakkam adjacent the beach and the shipyard had several terraced mansions and warehouses. Obviously it was a preferred destination for overseas travellers, merchants and foreigners. Mavurpakkam was also inhabited by the fisher folk, weavers, silk merchants, vendors, fish and meat sellers, potters, grain merchants, jewellers and diamond makers.

Built on the banks of the river Kaveri, Poompuhar also had exquisitely laid out garden like Uyyanam, Chanpathivanam and Uvavanam. The city had cool shady trees on river banks and passages to the river from the temples. Temples to worship Lord Shiva, Indira and his elephant Airavatha and Buddha stupas were found. There is also mention of the Indira Vizha which was celebrated at Poompuhar in all traditional gaiety.

Excavation at poompuhar, since 1910, had revealed several monuments and structures that were in use such as pottery, Roman coins, Buddha vihar and Buddha padha. A large part of

the town was washed away by what is now speculated to be a tsunami around 500 AD. Based on the evidences collected from the excavations, the town has been renovated by restoring several monuments.

One of the major tourist attractions in Poompuhar is the Silappathikara Art Gallery housed in a beautiful building of great sculptural value with engraved stone walls of the gallery bringing alive the scenes from Sillappathikaram, the Epic of the land. The gallery has a collection of sculptures carved by the sculptors of Mamallapuram Art College that remains the treasure house of Tamil Culture.

Equally attractive for the tourists is the Masilamani Nathar Koil temple built in 1305 by Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan.

Though heavily eroded by the sea in a number of places, its architectural richness still manages to impress all the tourists to Poompuhar.Wth its nearest airport at Chennai and the nearest railway station at Sirkazhi, Poompuhar is well connected by road to Mayiladuthurai and Sirkhazhi.

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Darasuram

A Darasuram is well-known for its Shiva Shrine - ruins of Airavateshwara Temple - now a UNESCO World Heritage monument.

visit to Darasuram in Tamil Nadu will be, for sure, different from other journeys. Any other journey to a temple town may or may not turn out to be a pilgrimage, but a journey to Darasuram, situated about three kilometres from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur, even if it is meant to be a leisure trip, may transform into a pilgrimage, somewhere, somehow.

Darasuram is famous for its Shiva Shrine ruins of Airavateshwara Temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage monument. The earliest records of the temple mention the name of the town as Rajarajapuram.

The main attractions of the devout Hindu town of Darasuram revolve around the Airavateshwara temple, said to be constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II, in the 12th century AD.

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The exquisite stone carvings and the ‘mandapam’ in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses and elephants, speak volumes for its architectural beauty. The temple is about 85 inches tall and is one of the finest examples of the Dravidian architecture. This famous temple is named after the mythical white elephant of Indra - Airavata, who was a strong devout of Lord Shiva.

The temple has in it a Shiva Lingam, which is believed to have been worshiped by Airavata and hence the name Airavateshwara.

The temple, a storehouse of art and architecture, has quite interesting legends to tell the travellers.

When you spot the sacred tank ‘Yamateertham’, remember that there is a legend attached to it. Yama, God of death, is said to have taken a bath

in the sacred tank, to get rid of the burning sensation that developed all over his body, following a saint’s curse. And now you know the tale behind the tank’s name. The tank gets its supply of fresh water from Kaveri River. A bath in this tank will be a rewarding experience. The main deity of the temple is Shiva and he is worshipped here as Airavateshwara.

The temple complex houses Amman Temple and it is dedicated to Goddess Deva Nayaki, the main deity’s consort.

Though not as large as the other two Chola temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the level of detail that has gone into the architecture of Darasuram temple is

simply stupendous. The Jagannath Puri temple in Konark is believed to have taken inspiration from Darasuram’s architectural master piece. Shaped like a chariot drawn by horses and elephants, Airavateshwara temple is supported by around 100 monolith pillars, all elegantly and splendidly carved. The temple wall is a veritable art gallery, with sculptures made of polished black basalt, distinctive representations of ancient Chola art. Multi headed and multi armed, they come alive with various emotions.

Since elephant draws the chariot, the main ‘mandapam’ is known as Raja Gambira ‘Mandapam’ and it features some of the interesting sculptures,

including Lord Vishnu and Brahma attending Shiva’s marriage, the entire marriage sequence of Lord Muruga, Goddess Saraswathi in a yoga posture and a beautifully crafted Annapoorani with sharp nails. On the eastern side of the ‘mandapam’, there is a sculpture of Saraswathi with a closed lotus and to the western side there is another depiction of Saraswathi, with an open lotus.

Works of various demons and birds adorn the roof of the Raja Gambira ‘Mandapam’. Another artistic marvel is the ‘mandapam’ in front of the temple, which can be reached by three steps in the form of a ladder. It produces different musical sounds when tapped and one can hear all the seven ‘swaras’ at different points.

Various moods and forms of Shiva can also be seen depicted through sculptures. Other major attractions include Periya Puranam, a poetic account of the lives of the 63 Nayanmars depicted in vegetable colour paintings, sculpture of chopped off Nandi’s head and beautiful depiction of Yali, a mythical creature. The numerous carvings depict not only the gods and their stories but also daily life of those days. As you pack your bags to head to nearest destinations such as Swamimalai, Pazhayarai and Patteeswaram, you will realise, the atmosphere and the intricate carvings have taken you entirely to a world of Gods and Goddesses, for quite a long time.

The word Swamimalai literally means ‘God’s mountain’ and the place is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. Pazhayarai is known for the Pazhayarai Someswarar Temple, while Patteeswaram’s main attraction is its Sri Dhenupureeswarar Temple. If you have time at your disposal, it is worth exploring nearby towns like Nallur, Govindakudi and Thiyasamuthiram, to experience rustic charm of remote Tamil Nadu.

Reaching Darasuram is quite easy.

The nearest airport is Trichy, while the nearest railheads include Kumbakonam and Darasuram. The destination is also well connected by road.

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THANJAVUR

T Thanjavur, the erstwhile seat of the glorious Chola Empire, the Nayaks and the Marathas, boasts of hundreds of ancient temples built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola and his successors.

hanjavur, with its temples and palaces that are known for their intricate cravings, paintings and architecture style, is a 365-day destination. A storehouse of art and architecture, temples in Thanjavur are not only for the pilgrims. They are a major tourist attraction for any traveller. Most of the temples here are built during the Chola period and they are toady world-renowned for their intricate cravings, paintings and architecture style. These majestic, towering monuments proclaim the glory of the Chola regime and its commitment to the arts and culture.

Thanjavur was the seat of the glorious Chola Empire, the Nayaks and the Marathas. The town boasts of hundreds of ancient temples built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola and his successors.

Brihadeeswara Temple, which is located at the heart of the city, is the foremost among them. The temple, dedicated to Lord Siva, was built

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in the 11th century and is today a UNESCO Heritage Site. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are mind-blowing.

This largest temple in India is situated in a complex, which is made up of many structures that are aligned axially. The temple tower is about 216 ft. high and it is topped by a huge monolithic cupolas carved out from an 81.3 tonnes block of granite.

The complex also houses a big statue of Nandi, which is carved out of a single rock. It is about 16 ft. long and 13 ft. high and is the second largest Nandi in India.

The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, once the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the Thanjavur region from 1674 to 1855, will take you back to that time frame.

The palace is a series of large and rambling buildings of fine masonry, built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD, and partly by the Marathas.

It is a fascinating building, with huge

corridors, spacious halls, decorated rooms, tall observation towers, beautiful stucco works, wonderful fresco painted walls and ceilings, an underground tunnel and intricate carvings. There is a temple within the palace walls.

The main attraction of the palace is Goodagopuram, a vimana (tower) like building on the southern side of the third quadrangle. It is 190 ft. high, with eight floors and was the palace watchtower and the armoury of the Thanjavur kings until 1855 AD. The palace complex consists of the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen’s courtyard and the Durbar Hall.

The Raja Raja Chola art gallery, where you could find a large collection of stone and bronze images, stone sculpture and pieces of art from the ninth to the 12th centuries, is situated inside the palace. The collection is unique for its representation of Hindu gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Most of the idols in the

gallery were collected from various temples in the Thanjavur district.

The Saraswathi Mahal Library, located in the palace premises, should not be missed out if you like to take a stroll back to the 1700s. The library features over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper. Many rare Tamil works, including the treatise on medicine and commentaries on Sangam literature, can be found here.

The palace complex also houses a royal museum and it displays rare antiques possessed by Maratha Royal family. There are artifacts, manuscripts, weapons, royal robes and other handicrafts made out if ivory, jade, lacquer, glass, porcelain, wood and leather.

Other attractions nearby include Punnai Nallur Marriamman Temple, which is six km away; Thirukandiyur, situated 10 km away is home to Brahma Sire Kandeswarar Temple and Harsha Vimochana

Perumal Temple; Shiva temple at Thiruvaiyaru, which is 13 km away, ancient dam of Grant Anicut, which is 48 km away and Poondi Matha Basilica, which is 35 km away. The Arulmighu Mullaivananathar and the Karpagarahshambigai temples are situated at Thirukarugavoor, which is about 20 km away.

Though it is a place you can visit at any time of the year, during festivals Thanjavur turns more colourful.

October turns out to be a special month for the people of Thanjavur, as they celebrate Sathya thiruvizha, the birthday festival of Raja Raja Chola. Another festival, which is celebrated with much fan following, is the Tyagaraja Aradhana - a Carnatic musical festival held annually during January–February at Thiruvaiyaru.

Thanjavur is not all about famous palaces and the temples. It is also known as the ‘Rice Bowel of Tamil Nadu’. The vast expanse of paddy fields is a beautiful sight.

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MADURAI Synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple, it is believed that Kulasekarar, the Pandyan King built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city, Madurai, around the temple.

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ituated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai is one of the cities that boast a rich history antiquity and cultural heritage of more than 2500 years old. Being one of the great temple towns of South India, it is situated in the south of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. It is believed that Kulasekarar, the Pandyan King built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple.

The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi.

It was the capital for many great kingdoms including the Pandiyas which has made it an important cultural and commercial centre as early as 550 AD. Jasmine flowers are the main identity of the city. Its special fragrance has become one

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of the identities of the place. Tons of these flowers are exported from here to other countries for producing perfumes.

Madurai is famous for its textile market especially the ‘Sungudi’ sarees. Madurai holds a strong spot in Tamil literature, culture and tradition. So are the inhabitants of the place. Ballads, folk dances and dramas are very popular here.

Karekudi Temple another famous temple is at a short distance. A great place of worship, it is famous for the temples dedicated to Ganesha or Pillaiyar, the elephant god.

Thirupparankundram Temple is located 8 km away from Madurai is considered to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock. Thirumalai Nayak palace is about 1.5 km from the Meenakshi

temple. Built in 1636 it is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and arches. Thirumalai Nayak Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The present building was the main Palace and King’s residence.

The original palace complex which was for times bigger consisted two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa which included royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival.

Alagar koil, situated in scenic location about 21 km North East of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Alagar. Palamudirsolai another temple close by is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya.

Gandhi Museum is set up in the old Palace of Rani Mangammal. The Museum depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and also a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement, relics, Khadi, village industries and handicrafts. Kazimar Periya Pallivasal, famous mosque built in the 12th century is the earliest Muslim place of worship in Madurai.

Pongal, the harvest festival celebrated in January the biggest festival in Tamil Nadu. It is a tribute to the Sun, Nature and cattle for the rich harvest.

The three day festival consist Bogi, Pongal and Mattu Pongal celebrated respectively. Jallikattu, (bull taming) is the most popular sport in Tamil Nadu is part of the pongal celebrations. Navarathri festival is one of the main festivals held at the Meenakshi temple honouring of deity in all her forms. During the nine day festival nine varieties of rice meals and flowers are offered here.

The city is easily accessible by air, rail and road transport. There are daily flights to Madurai airport situated 10 km away from the city centre, from Chennai, Bangalore, Trichi and Coimbatore. Madurai is an important railway junction connecting the place to other main centres. Excellent road networks also connect Madurai to all parts of South India.

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CHETTINAD A visit to Chettinad will surely spice up your holiday with options to go shopping, enjoy a unique culinary experience and explore the beauty of architectural marvels

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hettinad, which lies around 85 km from the famous temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its unique architecture and cuisine. A trip to Chettinad reveals entrancing glimpses of the distinctive way of life of Chettiars, the early settlers of the region. The most endearing symbol of the Chettiar era is the Chettinad homes. The rich and well-travelled Chettiars’ unique style, combining western and eastern sensibilities, is evident in their cuisine, architecture, furniture and customs.

The palatial houses of Chettinad are built on rectangular, traversal plot that stretches across two streets, with the front door opening to the first

street and the back to the second.

It’s worth revelling in the legends of the powerful families that originated here and are still represented by the opulent homes that they built.

Most of the Chettinad mansions are treasure troves of architectural details that mirror the passion for art and craft of this mercantile community that had the reputation of establishing and running their business ventures from various corners of South-East Asia.

Chettinad architecture stands out for its use of large spaces in halls and courtyards, ornate embellishments like Belgian glasswork, intricate woodwork, spectacular ceramic tiles, stone, iron and wooden pillars

like nothing else that can be seen in this part of the world. High ceilings, special wall plasters, Athangudi floor tiles and open courtyards add to the charm of Chettinad buildings.

Most Chettinad houses feature two floors and huge ceilings – keeping the ground floor and inner courtyards always cool. The flooring was generally of Italian marble or locallycrafted cool-to-the skin Athangudi tiles with their earthy hues ranging from burgundy, ocean blue, mustardyellow and black.

Kanadukathan Chettinad Palace is an outstanding specimen of the Chettinad architecture, which is just 10 km from Karaikudi. Designed and constructed by Annamalai Chettiyar, founder of the Indian Bank and the Annamalai University, the palace spreads over 40,000 sq. ft. Its rooms are embellished with the effective use of Burmese teak wood, Italian marble and English steel. The wood and stonework was inspired by that of the houses in France and other European destinations. The ceiling of the palace has artistic patterns in vegetable dye over roofing plates made of copper soldered with a special variety of aluminium. The walls are made 1.5 ft. to 3 ft. wide to keep the interiors cool, without the use of any electronic equipment. The no cementing agent was used in the construction and

the bricks are bound together with a paste of egg white, the extract of an unripe medicinal fruit found in the hills of Kadukkai, and lime grind.

Chettiar hospitality is legendary and the food is a feast for the gourmet. It is this lavish everyday spreads that has made Chettinad a culinary experience in its own right across the world. Rice is the mainstay of every Chettiar meal that includes noodle like dishes, carefully preserved sun-dried legumes and berries. The non-vegetarian fare has an array of meat items, ranging from the ubiquitous chicken and mutton, to exotic dove and duck. Chettinad chicken, peppered with the spicy condiments, must not be missed.

The Chettinad crafts have a distinct place in South Indian Folklore and the shopaholics would surely love the offerings here -- wood carving, handmade tiles, silver mbellishments, hand woven traditional Kandangi sarees, palm leaf baskets, gold jewellery and egg plastering from the region are well acclaimed. Named after their place of manufacturing, Kandangi or Chettinadi sarees are hand-woven in cotton and usually come with big checks, stripes or temple pattern borders, and in contrasting hues like oranges, reds, browns and chromes. The Chettinand

sarees also have a different pattern of wearing.

Apart from palatial homes, mansions, artefacts and cuisines, the Chettinad region is also famous for its majestic temples. The renowned Pillaiyarpatti Temple is just 12 km away from Karaikudi.

The city is also houses Sri MeenakshiSundareswarar Temple, also known as Shiva Temple, which has 108 Ganapathistatues. The Mathur Temple is about 5 km from Karaikudi and is rich with sculptures. There is a unique work at the entrance to the mahamandapam, where the steps, two flanking elephants and pedestals for the two doorkeepers have all been hewn from one stone.

The Subramanya Temple, situated 10 km west of Karaikudi, is another attraction. The temple, located on the top of a hillock, houses Lord Subramanya, known as Shanmuganathan, with six faces facing east.

Another must visit is the splendid 19th century temple tank of Vairavanpatti, which is only 15 km away and is a Dravidian architectural marvel. The temple also has several striking wall paintings, 37 on the ‘Vairava Puranam’ and 43 on the ‘Ramayana’. There are also paintings of scenes from the ‘Mahabharata’.

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POLLACHI Every year thousands of tourists flock around the dreamy town of Pollachi just to get the feel of being on the sets of an Indian movie. What’s so aesthetic about this modern day mega market that produces and sells agricultural and farm products that it continually appeals to the cinema makers and cine goers of India?

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Pollachi, during the ancient times was referred to as Pozhil Vaichi, which means land of natural wealth and prosperity. During the period of Kulottunga Chola, this historic town was known as Mudi Konda Chola Nallur. In recent times, Pollachi has become a vital commercial area with the development of industrial establishments and various markets selling agricultural products and cattle. Pollachi Market, popularly known as Pollachi Sandhai, is especially the most famous of its kind in Tamil Nadu.

But despite having several claims to fame – of being the second largest town in Coimbatore district after the Corporation of Coimbatore, for being one of the biggest markets in Asia for Jaggery and Cattle, for being one of India’s key producers of coconuts, copra and tender coconuts and tomatoes, besides other vegetables – the reason for Pollachi being so well-known among the lesser mortals around the world is the fact that it is one of the most favourite film

shooting locations in India. More than 1500 movies, in most Indian languages, have been shot here, thanks to its natural beauty, rich wild life, pleasant climate, lush greenery, picturesque tea plantations, scenic dams that make great picnic spots, old world charm of the vegetable and cattle markets, spirited pomp of the regional festivals, and an absolute abundance of age old temples.

Every year thousands of tourists flock around the town just to get the feel of how it is being on the sets of an Indian movie as Pollachi is frequented around the year for its scenic locales by the Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi film industry, making it a Mini – Kodambakkam!

What’s so aesthetic about this dreamy town that it continually appeals to the cinema makers and cine goers of India? Read on.

World Markets Easily one of the biggest markets in Asia, in both size and the amount of business done, on a daily basis, the Jaggery Market of Pollachi still retains the nostalgia of the past while harmoniously accommodating the amenities of the modern business world.

The Cattle Market of Pollachi is considered as the largest in southern India. The market, located along the Anamalai Road, next the vegetable market of Pollachi, very often gets to witness some of the biggest collection of live stock at a single venue. The spirited trade that rakes in lakhs of rupees and men shaking hands under a towel as the deals get negotiated and closed by both parties or by a broker is a sight to be seen!

Festivals In Pollachi, every important festival is celebrated with much pomp and splendor. In fact, these festivals are the very reasons for the natives to celebrate “Life”.

Pongal: Celebrated with great passion and vigour, this is one of the most awaited events not just in Pollachi, but all over the state. The term Pongal signifies sweet dish

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of rice, eaten on the festival day.

Prepared with a rich mix of jaggery, cardamom and cashew nuts, the local people dedicate this dish to the Sun God. It is one of the most popular festivals of Pollachi, held in mid January every year.

Saraswathy Pooja: Held during the last three days of the Navaratri festival, the festivities are especially meant for Goddess Saraswathy. The preparations of Krishnanattam, Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu are usually accompanied along with the celebrations.

The other important festivals of Pollachi include Utsavam or Annual Festival celebrated on the day of Pushya during February-March, and Bajanotsavam, held at the Kalpathy Manthakkara Ganapathy temple, during the first fortnight of August

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every year.

Religious Places Also known as Porul Achi, Pollachi is an exquisite tourist destination with a wealthy reference of religious places.

Alagunachi Amman Temple: Alagunachi Amman Temple was built by a group of people from Valliarachal in the 16th century and was reestablished in the year 2002. Located at a distance of 80 Kms from Pollachi, the Temple is a famous and holy religious place for Hindus.

Pollachi Ayyappan Temple: Built in the year 1970, Pollachi Ayyappan Temple holds many similarities with the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, in its external appearances. One of the famous temples of Pollachi, this temple has many idols including the main deity Ayyappan.

Lord Subramanya, Subramania Swamy Thirukoil: Widely known as Thiruvahatheswaramudayar Temple, it was built by the Konga Cholas about 700 years ago. Subramania Swamy Thirukoil, devoted to Lord Subramanya Swamy is very wellknown for its aesthetic architectural style.

Sulakkal Mariamman Thirukoil, built about 300 years ago; Maasaniamman Thirukoil, where the image of the deity is made up of stone, placed within the chamber of temple, depicted along with the body of a serpent; and Ambarampalayam Dargah, also known as Chandsha Vali Allah Dargah, situated on the banks of River Aliyar are some of the other significant places of worship.

Wildlife Sanctuary Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Indira Gandhi National Park, is one of the integrated tiger reserves of South India. Irrefutably a wonderful place to visit the sanctuary is located around 90 Kms from Coimbatore in the Western Ghats, and at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. Very famous for its naturally rich habitat of wild animals like Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Deer, Civets, Gaur, Wild Dogs, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Jackals and Pangolins.

The park is home to numerous species of birds like the Red Tree Pie, Whiskered Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Rocket-Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole and Pigeon. This wildlife park also has a natural reservoir, called the Amaravati Reservoir,

which is inhabited by Crocodiles.

The main attractions of this park are Anaikunthi Shola, Karian Shola, dams, hills and waterfalls.

Aliyar Dam Located at the foothills of Valparai, Aliyar Dam is an exceptional place of tourism. The dam is situated at about 20 Kms from Pollachi, at the base of Valparai in the Anamalai Range of the Western Ghats. With a park, garden, boating facilities, aquarium, play area and a mini Theme-Park, Aliyar Dam is worth a day’s outing. And if one wishes to stay over, the forest rest house is also available.

Valpparai Estates Interestingly before becoming a Teagrowing Area, this lovely little hill station perched 3500 feet above sea level in the Anamalai Hills, Valparai, originally was a Coffee-growing Area.

Initially Ramaswami Mudaliar had

put up the first Coffee plantation in 1846. Much later a British Gentleman named Carwer Marsh played a major role in deforesting the area and putting up the Tea plantations.

Today, he is fondly referred to as the ‘Father of Anaimalai’ by the local populace. Valparai is 65 Kms away from Pollachi.

How to Get There Pollachi is well connected to major cities by Rail, Road and Air. The nearest Airport is 40kms away in Coimbatore. Taxis are available at Coimbatore to ply to Pollachi. The railway line passing through Pollachi is also well-connected with other major cities in the South. Pollachi is about 400 kms from Bangalore, and is also connected via road route to Salem, Perundurai,Tirrupur and Palladam.

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DHANUSHKODI Ever thought of travelling to the farthest tip of civilisation? Being in a town that’s known to be haunted? And what if the place has it all? Are you the brave heart you claim to be? Then, this is your chance to be at the must-visit-at-leastonce-in-a-lifetime destination. Take the plunge. What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

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Mythological Dhanushkodi As per the Hindu mythology, the place earned its name, Dhanushkodi, from the fact that Lord Rama used his bow to destroy one end of Ram Sethu on the request of Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, after their job was done. Dhanush means ‘bow’ and Kodi means ‘end’.

Situated at the confluence of Mahodadhi (Bay of Bengal) and Ratnakar (Indian Ocean), Dhanushkodi has a small land border of around 50 yards, which forms Palk Strait. And until 1964, Dhanushkodi was a major point of entry to India.

The place is just 30 kilometres away from our neighbouring country Sri Lanka.

Being located at the south-eastern tip of Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi once used to be a flourishing pilgrimage spot. It attracted tourists from all over every year. Adam’s Bridge, popularly known as Ram Sethu, starts from here. Reported to be passable on foot till the 15th century, it was constructed by Lord Rama to reach Lanka free his wife Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The remains of the bridge made of limestone, can still be seen in the shallow waters that surrounds the peninsula.

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hanushkodi takes you back to the time when Lord Rama broke the end of the massive stone bridge that he built with the assistance of his Vanarasena to cross over to Lanka to rescue his queen, Sita.

Today the place is haunted without a soul around to talk to. But with thousands of stories to tell, of fishermen, their wives and children, that inhibited had previously the land. Until the fateful night of December 22nd, 1964, when the killer cyclone from the Bay of Bengal took away the lives of the entire population, including the 115 passengers on the Boat Mail to Chennai-Egmore (Then MadrasEgmore). It washed away the railway track, the steam engine and its carriages, and the entire village.

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DHANUSHKODI BEFORE THE 1964 CYCLONE

There used to be many ferry services between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar of Ceylon, transporting travellers and goods across the sea. There were also hotels, textile shops and dharmashalas catering to pilgrims and travellers.

Dhanushkodi, in those days, also had a railway station, a small railway hospital, a higher secondary school, a post office, customs and port offices etc.

Before the cyclone, the train service from the mainland which now crosses the modern Pamban Bridge ends at Rameshwaram, used to have an extended service up to the south-eastern tip of the former Dhanushkodi Township. Trains would halt at a pier, from where, a waiting steamer transported passengers to Sri Lanka. That’s an obsolete practice now, though.

THE 1964 CYCLONE THAT DESTROYED DHANUSHKODI A few days before the ill-fated day of the killer cyclone, on the 17th of December, 1964, a depression occurred in the South Andaman Sea. Two days later, on the 19th, it intensified into a cyclonic storm. And by 21st it had already started moving westwards at the rate of 250 miles (400 km) to 350 miles (560 km) per day. On 22nd December, it crossed Vavunia of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) with a wind velocity of 280 km/ hour, moved right across Palk Strait during the night and crashed into Dhanushkodi of Pamban Island.

At midnight around 23.55 hours, the Train No. 653 Pamban-Dhanushkodi Passenger, a daily regular service had already left Dhanushkodi Railway Station with 110 passengers and 5 railway staff.

As the train moved a few metres ahead of the railway station, the signals failed. With pitch darkness around and with no indication of the signal being restored, the driver blew a long whistle and decided to take the risk. The train moved ahead into the darkness.

It was around this time the 8-yard high killer tidal waves hit the island. The train, which was only a few hundred yards away from the station, was completely washed away, killing all 115 on board. The huge tidal wave had submerged all the six coaches in deep water, in the matter of few minutes. The tragedy that

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left no survivors also destroyed the Pamban Bridge, which connected the mainland of India to Pamban Island.

The houses and other structures in Dhanushkodi were abandoned. The killer tidal had wrecked havoc and ruined the entire town as it moved towards Rameshwaram.

Reports say that over 1800 people died in the cyclonic storm. Naval vessels sent from the mainland to

rescue affected people reported seeing several bloated bodies floating around the Eastern-end of Dhanushkodi. Eyewitness accounts recollected how the surging waters stopped short of the main temple at Rameshwaram where many people had taken refuge from the fury of the storm. Following this disaster, the Government of Madras declared Dhanushkodi, a ghost town, unfit for living!

DHANUSKODI, AS ON TODAY Today one can still see the sad remains of the railway line, government offices and hospital. The remains of the old school, is now being reused by the few fishermen and their families that continue to inhibit the island.

A visit to this place would make you wonder as to how could such fury and destruction ever be unleashed on to such gentle, peaceful and tranquil piece of land. But that’s the miracle called life. As it is for the inhabitants of the little fishing hamlet that continue to depend on the land for food and drinking water (sweet tasting water, dug out of little mud pits by bare hands!).

As there is no place to stay at Dhanushkodi, a ‘one-day-to-and-fro –

bumpy-jeep-ride’ from Rameshwaram has to be endured. But the trip’s worth it.

Dhanuskodi, as on today, has many heritage sites, broken houses, reminiscence, relics and anecdotes to be preyed upon. Besides, standing at the very end of the land facing the waters, one gets to experience the heavenly beauty of the gradually changing colours with the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon. And despite the eeriness that these remains of what was once a flourishing town holds on to, the enchanting shades of turquoise blue water, along the spotlessly clean silvery beaches, are sure to leave you mesmerised!

Come, drive down to history, and get enchanted by the pristine beach and sea.

HOW TO GET THERE Dhanushkodi is easily accessible from the Madurai Airport, only 175 km away from the town. The nearest town is Rameshwaram, 18 kms away.

Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town and permit visitors only during day.

So one has to stay at Rameshwaram and take a one-day Jeep ride to Dhanushkodi. With very good road connectivity right up to Dhanushkodi made available now it is easy to reach the spot which was earlier unreachable.

Winter season is the best time to visit Dhanushkodi as the weather is pleasant and highly suitable for sightseeing. During the period of July to September, the place receives heavy rainfall, making the place totally unsuitable to visit.

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Kanyakumari Often the name of any given place has a connection with its history. Either of its origin or growth or decline and subsequent history. As curious as it sounds, to name a place that literally translates to the virgin teenager is quite uncommon. Tracing back to its time, there’s an interesting tale to be told about the land that watches over three seas.

Here’s how the tale unfolds

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t involves the story of a demon Banasura, who had been granted a boon - to be killed only by a virgin teenage girl.

Protected by this boon, the demon wrecked havoc on the devas in the heaven. Listening to their pleas, Lord Vishnu advised them to supplicate before Goddess Parashakti.

During the yajna that followed, Parashakti appeared before them in the form of a little girl. Promising to help them, she walked out of the holy fire, and traveling to the southern-tip of India’s mainland where she began meditating upon Lord Shiva. Lord, on the other hand, fell in love with the beautiful form of Kanyakumari and proposed his love for her.

Parashakti who agreed to become his bride, waited for his arrival at scheduled midnight on a certain auspicious day.

But sage Narada sensed danger, as it was only ‘the virgin’ Parashakti who could quell Banasura. He could not be killed by a married woman. Sage Narada prevented the disaster by cunningly misleading Lord Shiva by falsely heralding the break of dawn. Lord, who was on his way from his abode in Suchindram, returned thinking he missed the appointed hour of marriage.

Angry at Shiva for not arriving, the Goddess threw away all the food and decorations prepared for the wedding. It is believed that the multi-coloured sands and small pebbles found on the shore are the result of this. The heart-broken Goddess, however, continued her meditation with the hope that one day she will be united to her Lord.

Meanwhile, Banasura having heard Kanyakumari’s beauty, decided to take her by force. But Kanyakumari, who was prepared for the moment, resisted his attack. A fierce battle took place. It ended with Kanyakumari slaying Banasura with her chakra. At the moment of his death, though, Banasura repented for his acts and begged to Parashakti to be able to absolve himself of his sins in the waters of Kanyakumari. Devi granted the boon. Thus, giving birth to the centuries’ old custom of pilgrims taking a dip in this holy confluence of seas to clean themselves of all the sins committed in their lives, knowingly and unknowingly.

Geographically a cape, the place was called ‘Cape Comorin’ during the British Raj, to ease the Englishman’s inability to pronounce local names. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage, besides, trade and commerce for centuries. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have contributed heavily to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. During the early eighth century, Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries and Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52, through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ.

The land was under the rule of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who ruled South India at various points. Kanyakumari was also under erstwhile Kingdom of present day South Kerala, Venad. But in 1609, Kanyakumari fell into the hands of Viswanatha Nayak of Madurai. The remaining part of Nanjilnadu remained under Venad though.

Venad came to be known as ‘Thiruvithamkoor’ or Travancore under the valiant King Marthanda Varma. It was around this period, Padmanabhapuram, near Nagercoil, became

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the capital of Travancore. As the kingdom expanded northwards and southwards under him, the present day Kanyakumari came to be known as Southern Travancore. The capital shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram in 1745 and when the rule of the Travancore royals finally ceased in 1947, Travancore joined the independent Indian Union. Under the new government, in 1949, Kanyakumari became part of the newly constituted Travancore-Cochin state.

But since the majority of the population of Kanyakumari spoke Tamil, the district of Kanyakumari, part of South Travancore was merged with Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) under the Indian States Re-organisation Act of 1956.

Kanyakumari District was thus formed on 1 November 1956 with the four taluks – ‘Agasteeswarem’, ‘Thovalai’, ‘Kalkulam’ and ‘Vilavancode’ from Travancore, merged with Tamil Nadu.

Even historically this land has so much mythology written all over it that even a divine soul like Swami Vivekananda drew his spiritual strength to face the western world meditating here. Strategically located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, at Kanyakumari, one gets to watch the sunrise in the east, traverse the heavens and then finally set in the west—all over the water – a phenomenon that draws hordes of people from the world over, every

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year, just to watch this spectacle.

Kanyakumari also offers a number of other attractions for the discerning travelers. Vattakottai Fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Mathur Hanging Bridge, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvalluvar Stature, Chitharal Jain Monuments, Udayagiri Fort, Kanyakumari Beach, Muttam Beach, Suchindram Temple, Thirparappu Waterfalls, Vattaparai Falls, Perunchani Dam and Tsunami Memorial are some of such popular attractions of historical and geographical importance.

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