The Charming India - Incredible India - Information related to Indian Tourism

Nelliyampathy

2008-01-09T00:21:00.001-08:00

A forest range 75 kms. (travel time: 2 ½ hours) from Palghat, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations The height of the hills range from 467 meters to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 meters.
Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palghat is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms. from Palghat, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for an ideal stop over.

Wayanad

2008-01-09T00:19:00.000-08:00

Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber, stretch over the hills of Wayanad as far as the eye can see. With the fast-flowing rivers - Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini - cutting across the undulating panorama and lending a picture-postcard look to the whole region - the north eastern tip of Kerala.

Agasthyarkoodam

2008-01-09T00:18:00.001-08:00

Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions : Rare herbs and medicial plants.

The Agasthya forest believed to have been the abode of age Agasthya,a character from mythology.Trekking trails Thick forests
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.

Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonocaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud.

Ponmudi

2008-01-09T00:16:00.001-08:00

Location: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala.
Altitude: 915m above sea level.

Located within a short driving distance of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is an enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool, green environs. Along with a beautiful array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets, Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and mist covered valleys Ponmudi is a fast developing hill resort with cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km

Rajamala - Near Munnar

2008-01-09T00:14:00.001-08:00

Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!

Accessing Munnar:
By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres.Goa: 930 km; Chennai: 600 km; Malampuzha: 230 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Top station: 34 km, Anamudi: 20 km.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station, 142 km away Nearest airport: Cochin international airport, 130 km away and in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Madhurai airport, 142 km away.

Thrissanku and Peeru Hills

2008-01-09T00:12:00.000-08:00

The landscape here is breathtaking with rolling hills and a gentle breeze caressing. A perfect spot to unwind and to go for long walks.. The spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise from these hills is simply awesome.

Peeru Hills: Located 4 km from Peermede, 1 km from Kuttikanam.
A true haven for trekkers and picnickers, Peeru Hills gets its name after the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed who spent his last days here. Some of the spots worth visiting include the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan, all located nearby.

Located 4 km from Peermede, half a km from Kuttikanam.
Getting there: Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 180 km away. Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 75 km away.

Munnar Hill Station

2008-01-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

The nature-lover’s paradise. Snuggling in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills, lies the quite and restful resort of Munnar, at an altitude of 1524 m and 136 km off Cochin.

Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool bracing climate. It was opened up out of virgin forests a century ago by pioneering planters.
Within its remote and elderly churches - gracious, stone-structures with ancient chandeliers and rosewood pews. A little beyond lies Anaimudi, South India's highest peak. In the vicinity is the Eravikulam National Park, the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr that roams on a stretch of grassland or is seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills.

Here we can have a glimpse of a Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants roaming in herds.

The Kundale Tea Plantation - An area surrounding a lovely lake that offers some of the most stunning views of the region. It offers the best opportunity you are ever likely to have to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, to learn how tea is processed, to smell the sweet scent of tea wafting through the air and to buy the tea directly from the gardens.

Peermede - Near Periyar

2008-01-09T00:07:00.001-08:00

Peeremede is a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee,cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important monument here.

Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peeremede.
Another attraction here is Thrissanku Hills four km away. The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this a choice spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

Location: About 40 km from Kumily,Idukki district, central Kerala.Attractions: 915 m above sea level.

Ramakalmedu - Near Munnar

2008-01-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Distance 45 km from Idukki, 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar. Bus timings: 09.30 a.m. Munnar, 10.30 a.m. Kottayam, 09.30 a.m. Ernakulam.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km.
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km
Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km

Echo Point - Munnar

2008-01-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Getting there:
Nearest airport: Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kms Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 kms.Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kms Changanacherry, about 93 kms.

Bidar Travel Guide

2008-01-08T23:28:00.000-08:00

In the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped in history. The fort, the cannons, palaces in ruins, the magnificent tombs and the massive monuments, all combine to make a visit to the one-time capital of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties, truly memorable.

The most converient way to begin your sightseeing is from the Bidar Fort. Five darwazas (gates) with imposing bastions lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts.
Enter from the Gumbad Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal. The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite nother-of-pearl inlay work. Near the palace are the royal kitchens and the royal baths. Further on are the ladies' apartments with a sixteen columned prayer hall built in 14323.

The Solah Kambah Masjid as it is popularly known, is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar and one of the largest in India. Not to be missed are the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested, the takhat Mahal, the Royal Pavilion, the Hazar Kothari and the Naubat Khana. Once the exhaustive tour of the Fort is complete, move on to the Bahamani tombs at Ashtur. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with well - preserved paintings that are excellent examples of medieval Muslim art. The outer walls are decorated in title work.
Right in the heart Bidar town stands the Chaubaara a 71 foot tower. You can have a splendid view from the top of the Chubara. The Madrasa of Mahamud Gawan is anoteh important building in Bidar.

Architecturally similar to the Madrasa at Fez, this university was once a renowned centre of learning, attracting scholars fro all over the Muslim world. The rock temple at Narasimha Zarni is also worth a visit. Situated in a big cave, the temple is carved into the plateau and to approach the deity, you'll have to wade through water.

While in Bidar, don't forget to visit Basavakalyan - 80 kms away. Earlier known as Kalyani, this was the capital of the later chalukayas in the 10th Century. Embracing a large area, this ancient town.. "Surpassed in beauty and splendour all other cities in the world". It became famous as a centre of wealth and prosperity, a seat of learning an abode of spiritual wisdom.
Even today, Basavakalyan is remembered for the saints who made this city their home - Basaveshwara, Akka-mahadevi, Channabasavanna and Siddharama.

Temples and mathas, mosques and durgahs, and a Fort constructed by the Chalukyas of Kalyana beckon the tourist at Basavakalyan.

Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, English.

When to go there: The best time to visit Bidar is between September to February
How to go there: Road: Bidari is connected by road to most places in south India. Some of these are: · Hyderabad (136 kms) · Bangalore (669 kms) · Bijapur (280 kms) · Basavakalyan (73 kms) KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar at Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur and Sholapur.

Rail: Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay and Hyderabad.
Air: The nearest airport is Hyderabad. (136 kms).
Source: India Tourism

Kutralam - The Natural Spa from South India

2007-10-24T01:54:00.000-07:00

Courtallam or Kutralam, the "Spa of the south", is situated at an elevation of about 167 mts. on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort. The waters of Courtallam is believed to have medicinal and therapeautical qualities as it flows through forests of herbs. Courtallam is 160 Kms from Madurai, 137Kms from Kanniyakumari and 112 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest railway station is Tenkasi which is just 6 Kms ffrom here.

Season : July to September

Temple In Courtallam
It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha ( Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The sabha is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance.

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Bagalkot - Back to the Chalukya dynasty

2007-10-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Badami, Aihole, Kudal Sangama and Pattadkal are Karnataka tourists places' delight in this district. Almatti dam also is in this district.

Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal take us into the Chalukya dynasty. The Badami caves have their famous 'menabasi' carvings are very intricate. There are four rock-cut temples. Cave number three is famous for its frescoes. Aihole is known as the 'cradle of temple architecture'. One can see the temple architecture in its embryonic form here in the earliest Ladkhan temple to more complex forms in Kunligudi and Durgigudi.

Bagalgot Temple

The temples at these three places mentioned above, were centres of architectural activity between 6th and 8th centuries, when Chalukyas were in power. Aihole was the capital of Chalukyas before they shifted to Badami. Later the Chalukyas shifted to Pattadkal and returned to Badami only after Vikramaditya I avenged the death of this father and regained Badami in 645 AD, defeating Pallava king Narasimhavarman. At Pattadkal, one can witness the early Chalukyan sculpture detailing events from Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

Durga Temple Aihole

Besides these famous tourist spots, at Kudala Sangama, the confluence of Krishna and Malaprabha rivers, is situated the pilgrimage center of Veerashaivas, Basaveshwara, the great Veerashaiva saint had lived here.

Jog Falls - Untouched Nature - Karnataka's Beauty

2007-10-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Jog Falls - India's largest waterfalls

The Jog falls in Karnataka are magnificent falls, set in the wild and unspoilt surroundings. Nature here has not been disturbed for the tourist tappings i.e unneussary constructions and falling of trees

Jog falls in full flow

The Sharavati river crashes nearly nine hundred feet down forming four main channels named king, queen rocket and roarer. Just after the monsoon season or rainy season the falls are a magnificient and awesome sight to see.

Job falls - Side view

At this time the falls are surrounded by mists. The 50 km long hirebhasgar reservior now controls the flow of the Sharavati river in order to generate hydro-electricity but inspite of this there is an vast difference between the wet and dry season flow of the waterfalls. The Mysore power corporation releases water to the falls every village has a modest population of about 13, 300.

Jog falls is nestled in the Western ghats. The drive up the hill is glories giving a birds eye view of the festile and magical western ghats.

The flowing sharavati valley

Altitude

Climate: Jog falls are situated up the cool climes of the Western-Ghats.
Clothings: Light cool dresses for summer. During the monsoon season the nights are cool. Warm clothings will be required for the winter months i.e. December to February.
Language: Kannada is the principal language of this region. Few people also understand English and Hindi.

Accomodation:

The government owned (Karnataka Tourism) "Sharavati Tourist Home" is comfortable clean and reasonble priced. It offers good view of the falls.
Tunga Tourist Home : This is also a cheap and comfortable place to say.
Inspection Bunglow at Jog falls : This is often heavily booked and its booking can be done at the District Commissioners at Shimaga.
Guest-House near the falls : Reservations has to be done if one plans to stay here, through the Supt. Engineer (Elec.) Mahatma-Gandhi Mydro-electric works Jog Falls.
Jog-falls Guest house : Maintained by the Tourist department. Reservation can be done through its resident manager.
Woodlands : This is another place where one can stay at Jog Falls but is not upto the mark.

One can enjoy the beauty of the Jog-falls high-up in the western Ghats of Karanataka state. It is at its spectacular best just offer the rainy season and the beginning of the cool season i.e. Nov. to January

Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple

2007-10-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city - one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD).

Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines.
Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.

A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam”
or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. View from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces different musical note.

Timings : The temple is usually open between 0500hrs and 1230hrs and again between 1600 hrs and 21.30 hrs.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

2007-10-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

About 1.5 Kms from the Meenakshi temple, this palace was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorgavilasam (Celestial Pavilion), measuring 75m x 52m, constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of indo-Saracenic architectural style. Among other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard.

Connected by high decorated arches, these pillars measure 20m in height and have a circumference of 4m. Elsewhere, there are polished black stone pillars of varying heights. It was King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson who demolished much of the fine structure and removed most of the jewels and woodcarvings in order to build his own palace in Tiruchirapalli. (His dream never came true).

Thanks to Lord Napier, the then Governor of Madras, who partially restored the palace in 1866-72, and the subsequent restoration works carried out several years ago, today, we get to see the Entrance Gate, The Main Hall and the Dance Hall. There’s daily sound and light show in English at 1845 hrs and in Tamil at 2015 hrs. This half an hour show extols the virtues of King Thirumalai, particularly his passion for arts, his victories in battle and his love for his subjects.

Tickets for the show: Adults Rs.10/-- Children Rs.5/-

Timings : The Palace is open for visitors between 0900hrs and 1300 hrs and again between 1400 hrs and 1700 hrs.

Kancheepuram : The land of eternal reverence!

2007-10-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

The Kancheepuram Temple
The city of a Thousand Temples Ancient Kancheepuram, the city of thousand temples, is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in the outskirts. This city was under the control of the Cholas as far back as the 2nd Century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Kanchi is also a well known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kancheepuram is the birth place of C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.

The magnetic pull of the town : Sightseeing
Sakkiswarar Temple: Built by the Cholas, this temple is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: An important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla, in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
Kailasanatha Temple: Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th century AD.
Ekambareswarar Temple: Another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South India.
Kamakshi Amman Temple: This is one of the three holy places of Shakti worship in India. The other two are in Madurai and Varanasi. The temple in its present form was built by the Cholas, during the 14th century AD.

Access:
Airways : Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram. One can take flights for most of the important Indian cities and important cities abroad from Chennai.
Railways : Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.
Roadways : Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

Dhanushkodi: Washed away but still alive

2007-10-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

HAUNTING YET appealing, deserted but still full of life, eerie but fascinating — Dhanushkodi is full of contradictions. Bow's End (as translated from Tamil) is a sure delight if you have a penchant for impossibly blue seas, pristine white sands and ruins by the shore. Bordered by the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, this semi-ghost town is probably one of the most spectacular stretches in Tamil Nadu.
Breathtaking beauty, a population of less than 500, the nearest telephone about 20 km away, out of reach of mobile signals and the feeling of being in a place which was once alive, now reduced to rubble, makes it a place truly less travelled. And standing at the tip of India is a pretty heady feeling!
The road that leads to the land's end is lined with casuarina and the sea on either side. A ride down this 18 km-long, impeccably straight road leading to the ruins of a township is an exciting experience by itself. Dhanushkodi was a major point of entry to India until 1964, when a cyclone devastated the entire town, washing away the railway track, a steam engine and its carriages, and the entire village.

How to get there:
Rail: There are direct trains from Chennai to Rameswaram — Sethu Express and Rameswaram Express. From Rameswaram several buses ply to Dhanushkodi.
Road: There are no straight buses from Chennai. However, there are buses from Madurai to Rameswaram.
Air: Madurai is the nearest airport.
Where to stay: Most hotels offer affordable accommodation, but if you are looking for a package — food, guide, cab, etc. — TTDC is recommended.

Kanyakumari Beach - Sun rolls in the sea !

2007-10-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

Kanyakumari is often referred as the 'Land's End' of India. Here, the Bay of Bengal confluences with the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea and, at Chaitrapurnima (the Tamil name for all full moon day that generally falls in April), it is possible to enjoy the unique experience of seeing the sunset and the moon rise over the ocean simultaneously.

Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari) district is contoured by Tirunelveli district in the north and northeast, by Kerala state in the northwest and confluence of Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in the west and south. The coastline is almost regular except for some points of land projects into the sea at Cape Comorin. Kanyakumari is the district headquarters of the district of the same name. At the southern most land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important revered pilgrim centre.

Kanyakumari is famous for its beach and the magnificent sunrises and emotive sunsets, especially on full moon days. Kanyakumari is also popular for its vast foliar stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves and mineral sands. The Kanyakumari beach has an overwhelming sight with the sand which has played with the colours of the sky. The beach here does not usually offer one the opportunities to sunbathe on soft silver sands, either to frolic in the waves or in the sands. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone moves out of bounds, he or she is quickly and severely admonished by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach welcomes you to capture the waves of change. A spectrum of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, 87 km away. Kanyakumari is spirally connected with all places by rail and road. Local includes transport is bus, auto rickshaw and taxi.
Altitude : sea level; temperature: ranges from 20 to 35 deg C.
Rainfall : average 102 cms; clothing: cotton; visiting season: round the year.
Languages : Tamil, Malayalam, English.

Best time to visit :

Due to it's friendship with the sea, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, the most enjoyable season to visit this place is between October and March. During summers, the temperature can elevate to a high of 34.8°C while it can dip to a low of 20.4°C during winters.

Kanyakumari - The horizon of faith !

2007-10-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India. The architectural beauty of the temples is the work of these rulers.

Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess

The Temple :

The main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate though the deity is facing east. The eastern entrance is kept closed except on special occasions when the deity is taken out for ceremonial bath.

Main Festivals and Opening Times :

The main festivals are held in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) and the Navarathri festival in September/October. The temple is open to the public from 4.30 AM to 11.45 AM and 5.30 PM to 8.45 PM. Male worshippers are required to remove their shirts before entering the temple.

Rameshwaram Temple

2007-10-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

The sacred island town of Rameshwaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula. Rameshwaram is the Varanasi of the south and a major pilgrimage centre for
both Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites as it was here that Rama offered thanks to Shiva. At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India. A fine example of South Indian architecture, the temple is renowned for its many pillared (and often
painted) corridors, about 1220 metres in length.

Rameshwaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail, and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. 14 years to build and was opened by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.

Rameshwaram is hallowed by the epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who visits Varanasi is expected to visit Rameshwaram also for the culmination of his quest for salvation. Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Lord Siva after the war against Ravana. Therefore, it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. It is one of the major marine food centres in the south, much of its fish and prawn catch being exported.

According to the Hindu mythology i.e. the story of Ramayana Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Rama after the battle at Sri Lanka and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the
Ramayana. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.

Access

Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras. Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Madras, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all the main places in India. Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with Kanyakumari 320 kms, Karaikudi 149 kms, Madras 666 kms, Madurai 167 kms, Ramanathapuram 55 kms, Sivaganga 136 kms, Pudukottai 188 kms, Tanjore 248 kms, Tuticorin 180 kms, Tiruchendur 209 kms etc.

Arjunas Penance - Mahaballipuram

2007-10-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

A concord of lexeme on the rocks of history

Arjuna's Penance, perhaps the world's largest bas-relief, is the universe itself in stone, throbbing with a vastness of conception. Legend has it that King Bhagiratha had to bring down to earth the celestial Ganga to sanctify and redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors. But the river in its torrential spree would deluge the earth, and so he had to undergo a penance to propitiate Shiva who finally received the flood in his matted locks and let it flow down. This was a sight for the world's creatures to see and they gathered round. The cleft in the rock depicts the descent of Ganga, a theory supported by the ruins of a stone water tank on the hill. There is a forest with tribal people and all forms of fauna, just as they would appear in their habitat. Women clothed in an aura of amazing grace, a rich inner beauty transfiguring the plainest of them. The whole scene has a dimension of humor too! Juxtapositioned against the ascetic is a cat doing rigorous penance too, eyes firmly shut, even to the delectable mice scampering around within easy reach.

Arjuna's Penance is located in Mamallapuram or Mahaballipuram !

Mamallapuram is 60 kms from Chennai and connected by a good road that runs along the coast. It is also connected to Chengalpattu via Tirukkalukunram. There are bus services to Mamallapuram from Chennai and Chengalpattu. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu while Chennai is the closest airport. Regular tourist coaches ply every day. Consult Tourism Office for timings.

The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

2007-10-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Thanjavur Palace

The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, Tanjavur is a bustling country town situated 55 kms east of Trichy. Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, was the ancient capital of the Chola kings and later of the Tanjavur Nayaka and Maratha rulers. Tanjavur rose to glory, during the later Chola reign, between the 10th and 14th centuries, and became a centre of learning and culture. The Cholas, who were great patrons of art, built most of the 93 temples. It was the practice of the kings to donate part of their wealth to the temples, for spiritual gain, and the Chola kings lavished their wealth to build these as well as other temples nearby. Tanjore's crowning glory is the Brihadishwara temple built by Raja Raja. This is listed as a World Heritage site and is worth a visit.

Access

Thanjavur is easily accessible from other cities of India. In terms of air transport the Tiruchirapalli airport that is 58 kms away from Thanjavur is the nearest. Though Thanjavur is directly connected with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore, and Madras by rail. The excellent road network links Thanjavur with the major towns in Tamil Nadu and the neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka. At Thanjavur accommodation is easily available. There are several hotels that offer comfort stay for the various travelers to Thanjavur and suit every pocket. Hygienic and delectable food is available at reasonable rates