Trichambaram Temple is a Sree Krishna temple in Taliparamba, Kerala. The principal deity is Krishna in Raudra bhavam signifying his mood after destroying Kamsa.

Other Deities in Trichambaram Temple

A shrine dedicated to Durga is in the middle of a small pond within the temple complex. It is one of the 108 Durgalayas of ancient Kerala. Separate shrines are present for Durga, Sastha, Ganapathi, Vishvaksena and Naga Devathas.

Sree Mulangeswaram Shiva Kshethram is also in the temple grounds.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is in traditional Kerala architectural style. Visitors will notice the liberal use of wood and laterite stone in the construction. A copper-covered roof surmounts the round, two-storied sreekovil. The laterite walls have intricate carvings. Murals decorate the inner walls.

History

The belief is that the temple’s name originated from Thiru Shambara, named after Maharishi Shambara, who performed penance here to attain the blessings of Mahavishnu. The eleventh century CE Sanskrit kavyam Mūṣikavaṃśa makes a mention of the temple. Carvings and murals from the 15th and 16th centuries adorn the sanctum.

The Trichambaram temple has granite inscriptions from the eleventh century. The inscriptions are linked to the Mushika dynasty, former rulers of Kolathunadu. The temple was a political and religious hub for the rulers of the Kolathunadu kingdom.

A unique custom is that the naivedyam is proffered to the deity as soon as the sanctum opens. This symbolises Krishna asking for food from his mother Devaki after the annihilation of Kamsa. 

According to a legend, a royal elephant named Kuvalayapida attacked Krishna and Balarama. Consequently the  temple ruled that elephants be not allowed inside the temple grounds. 

Trichambaram Utsavam

The annual 14-day festival in Trichambaram Temple is well-known for Thidambu Nritham. The utsavam begins on the 22nd day of Kumbha Masam with the kodiyettam (ceremonial flag hoisting). It ends with Koodipirial ritual on the sixth day of  Meenam month in Malayalam calendar. Trichambaram Utsavam of 2026 will be from 6 March to 20 March. Thidambu Nriththam, a form of dance with the idols of Krishna and Balarama, is held at Pookoth Nada (1 km from Trichambaram temple).

Offerings

Even though there are many offerings to Lord Krishna, the most important offering is Unniappam. Women from Namboothiri families prepare the Unniappam in the Agrasala and dedicate it to the deity.

Administration

TTK Devaswom (Taliparamba, Thrichambaram, Kanjirangad Devaswom) is a major devaswom board administering around 15 temples in Kannur District.

Getting There

The closest airport is Kannur International Airport (CNN) at 35.4 km (54 min) via Mattannur-Iritty road. Kannur Railway station is a drive of 21.3 km (40 min) via NH 66. Raja Rajeswara Temple can be reached in 10 min by car (4 km).

Dress Code

Men must wear the traditional Kerala mundu. They have to remove the shirt and hang it outside the shrine. Women can wear the traditional dress.

Temple Timings

Trichambaram Temple remains open from 5:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 to 8:00 pm on all days. The temple remains open all round the year but the best months to visit are September to February.

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Sree Rajarajeswara Temple in Taliparamba is a renowned Hindu temple. The principal deity is Lord Shiva. The temple has traditional Kerala architectural style and massive stone walls.

History of the Temple

The temple was built in the early eleventh century. According to legend, Sage Parashuraman rebuilt it long before the start of Kali Yugam. The Kolathiri kings were intense devotees of Shiva and played a considerable role in the temple’s development. Only Hindus have the permission to enter.

Architecture of Sree Rajarajeswara Temple

 The main shrine of the temple has a rectangular shape. It has a two-tiered, pyramidal roof and a gold kalasham on top. The roof of the sanctum has a copper covering. In front of the sanctum is the Namaskara Mandapam. Rajarajeswara temple does not feature a kodimaram (dhvajasthambha). Intricate carvings cover the temple walls. A massive balikallu stands facing the eastern gate of the nalambalam. The foundation is built of granite to prop up the immense structure. The architecture is a distinguished fusion of Chola and Kerala architectural styles. 

Sree Rajarajeswara temple is at the centre of a vast compound of six acres. A compound wall with two gopurams surround the temple. The ancient wall is an architectural wonder of enormous stones placed one above the other without any mortar in between.

A huge sculpture of Lord Shiva stands on the  temple grounds. It is the largest bronze idol of Lord Shiva in India. It has a height of 14 ft and weighs 4,200 kg. The sculptor is Sree Unni Kanayi.

The Idol of Lord Shiva

An immense jyotirlingam represents lord Rajarajeswara. The jyothirlingam carries the decorations of a crescent moon, nagaphanam and trinetram. A cluster of ghee lamps hang on both sides of the sanctum. The bhadradeepam, a ghee lamp lit by sage Agasthya, is on the left side of the jyothirlingam. Silver nilavilakkus line the floor on both the sides.

Pooja Timings

The temple has two main opening sessions: 5:00am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 to 8:30 pm. Key pooja timings include Natravat Pooja at 7:00 am and Ucha Pooja at 9:30 am. Deeparadhana is after 6:00 pm and Athazha pooja at 7:00 pm. Women can enter the nalambalam only on conclusion of the Athazha Pooja, from 7:10 to 8:30 pm.

Offerings and Vazhipadu

Devotees offer Ponninkudam (gold pot) and Vellikkudam (silver pot) which are full of ghee. Special obeisances known as Ashwamedha namaskaram and Yama namaskaram, with mantras from Rigveda, are significant offerings to the lord.

Devotees extend ghee in small pots to Shiva. They  place the pots on the steps (sopanam) leading to the sanctum. This is called Neyyamrithu in Malayalam.

Dress Code

Men must wear mundu and take off shirts. Women may wear sarees or salwar kameez. Lockers are available for storing valuables. Children below 4 years are  not allowed inside.

Getting There

The temple is 24 km (51 min) from Kannur. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport. It is 37.3 km (1 hr 2 min) via Mattannur-Iritty Road.  Taliparamba bus stand is nearby (2 km).

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Kerala train travel is scenic and connects Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Kasaragod in the north. You pass rivers, lakes, paddy fields and coconut plantations along the way. Major cities on the route include Kollam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur. Alleppey serves as a gateway to  popular destinations like the beautiful Vembanad Lake and hills of Munnar.   

History of Kerala Train Travel

The first railway line in Kerala ran from Beypore to Tirur on March 12, 1861. Tirur railway station is the state’s oldest. Later the Kollam-Sengottai railway was built between 1902 and 1904. This was the first railway line for the former Travancore state.  Cochin Railway was the brainchild of Raja Rama Varma XV of Cochin. The 104 km Shoranur-Cochin line became operational in 1902.

The Konkan Railway commenced operations in the 1990s. Thereafter travel time on the Mumbai – Kannur train route dropped dramatically. Understandably Keralites skipped the long journey on Jayanti Janata Express 16381. Netravati Express on the Konkan route completes the journey in about 30 hrs. Jayanti Janata Express on the old route (via Guntakkal and Palakkad) absorbed around 44 hrs.

The Kerala rail network is now completely electrified, thereby lowering carbon emissions significantly.

Significant Rail Bridges in Kerala

Major bridges on the Kerala railway network include the Vembanad Rail Bridge. It is the longest railway bridge in India, connecting Edappally and Vallarpadam in Kochi for freight trains. The Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge, a historic 13-arch colonial bridge near Aryankavu, is another remarkable structure. Other notable bridges are the Punalur Suspension Bridge over the Kallada river and Kerala’s highest railway bridge – Ayamkadavu Bridge in Kasaragod. 

Top Three Railway Stations in Kerala

Based on passenger earnings, financial achievements and other criteria, the top three railway stations in Kerala are:

• Thiuvananthapuram Central (TVC): It is the busiest and highest earning railway station in Kerala. The station is a principal landmark in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Ernakulam Junction (ERS): An important railway junction in Kochi and ranks second in passenger revenue. It is also  the first fully disabled-friendly railway station in India.
• Kozhikode (CLT): One of Kerala’s largest stations and ranks third in revenue. It was also named The Cleanest Railway Station of India in 2018. 

Gateways to Tourist Destinations

Trains on the Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod Route

Food On Board the Trains

Certain trains have pantry cars. They cook hot meals and serve to the passengers at their seats. Trains with pantry cars that pass through Kerala include Kerala Express (12625/12626),  Netravati Express (16345/16346), and Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12617/12618).

India has many food delivery apps for trains. Using the apps, you can order restaurant food for delivery at your seat.  IRCTC eCatering is the official app and others like RailRestro, ZoopIndia and RailRecipe are also downloadable.  

Booking Train Tickets

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Makreri Temple is thousands of years old. The temple is in Makreri (short for Markkadasseri) and 17.1 km from Thalassery. The main deity is the Valli Parinaya Subramaniyan (marriage of Subramaniyan and Valli). Here the chief priest (tantri) is Lord Hanuman himself. It is the only such temple in Kerala. Venkateswaran Dakshinamurthy, acclaimed musician, was a passionate devotee.

History

According to the temple mythology, Lord Hanuman installed the idol in Thretha Yuga. Since the supreme markkadan (monkey in Malayalam) consecrated the idol, the temple got the name of Markaddassery.  Over time, devotees abbreviated it to Makreri. The temple pond is also age-old and the belief is that Lord Hanuman dug the pond with his tail.

Long ago, Siva had punished his son Subramanya for locking up Brahma in a cell. For that sin, Subramanya had to take the form of a serpent and live in an isolated well. He would be liberated from the curse by Sri Rama in Threta Yuga. To protect him from the sun and rain, other serpents stood over the well with raised hoods. The place where the serpents protected Subramanya is Peralassery, according to legends.

In Threta yuga Rama, Lakshmanan and Hanuman arrived at Peralassery during their exile (vanavasam). Rama observed the presence of Subramanya and absolved him of his sin. Later he decided to install a vigraham (idol) of Subramanya. Hanuman set off on a journey to bring the idol of  Valli Parinaya Subramanyan which was on the banks of River Sarayu in North India. Since Hanuman could not make it back in time, Rama went ahead with the Prathishta using his Peruvala (big bangle). This is how the temple came to be known as Peruvalasherry. It was later shortened to Peralassery.

When Hanuman came back with the idol,  Rama found a site  to install the idol west of Peruvalasherry. The belief is that Hanuman does the poojas at Makreri temple. There is an idol of Hanuman with the prathista of Valli Parinaya Subramanya at the tantri sthanam (the place of the chief priest).

V. Dakshinamurthy’s Devotion

Makreri temple has a collection of Sri V. Dakshinamurthy’s awards. He worked primarily in Malayalam cinema and composed 1,400 songs in his long career. Sri Dakshinamurthy had decided to renounce the awards in front of the presiding deity of the temple. He bore the expense of constructing a Saraswathi Mandapam at Makreri temple. The mandapam is used for staging performances by children.

The Thyagaraja Akhanda Sangeetha Aradhana Yagnam at Sri Makreri Temple is an intense tribute to Saint Thyagaraja, a guiding light of Carnatic music. Sri V. Dakshinamurthy put in place the annual event which features non-stop renditions of Thyagaraja compositions. To honour his legacy, a museum near the temple displays the many awards that Dakshinamurthy collected in his glittering career.

Deities

Devotees come to worship not only Hanuman but also Subramanya Swami, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganapathi, seeking divine blessings and protection.

Festivals

Thaipooyam, the temple’s annual festival, occurs in the Malayalam month of Makaram (February-March). It draws crowds of worshippers who gather to honour the deity. The festival highlight is the spectacular Kavadi Attam dance. The participants go through a preparatory period of at least 21 days.  During this period, they wear a Tulsi or Rudraksha mala, adhere to vegetarian diet, practise brahmacharyam and avoid travel. They also abstain from wearing footwear and shirts.

Getting There

Peralassery Temple to Makreri is 5.7 km (11 min) by car. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, 12.1 km (20 min) by road. Kannur Railway Station is at a distance of 19.9 km (40 min). Expansive free parking is available.

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Merdeka Square KL is in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Historic buildings encircle it. It was here that the Malaysian flag was raised first, replacing the Union flag, on 31 August 1957. Since then, Merdeka Square has been the venue for the annual Independence Day Parade. 

History

Malaysia was a British colony for 180 years. On the night of 31 August 1957, Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman raised the Malaysian Jalur Gemilang flag on Merdeka Square KL. This marked the end of British colonial rule and the start of Malaysian freedom.

In 1892, the Acting British Resident Ernest Birch, a keen cricketer, levelled the ground to use it for cricket and other sports. The Selangor Club club house came up at the present site in 1890 and the St Mary’s Church in 1895. Merdeka Square was once the Selangor Club cricket pitch.

In 1897, the government offices were relocated from Bukit Aman to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building overlooking the square.  It is one of the notable British landmarks. After Kuala Lumpur became the capital, many office buildings came up here.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

It is a historic building, with a shiny copper dome and a 41-metre-high clock tower. The clock tower houses a one-ton bell clock that strikes on the hour and half-hour.

A 95-metre flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, stands at the southern end of the Merdeka Square. The building serves as the focal point for key events such as the National Day Parade on 31 August and  New Year’s eve festivities.

Behind the building stands the confluence of the Klang River and Gombak River. In the middle of where the two rivers meet stands the Jamek Mosque, a mosque designed in similar architectural style.

Panggung Bandaraya

Panggung Bandaraya is the oldest theatre in Kuala Lumpur. Today, the place hosts theatrical productions such as operas, musicals and plays. Completed in 1904, Panggung Bandaraya was built during the British colonial era. The building was the former headquarters of Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council and the office of the mayor of Kuala Lumpur. The theatre is a part of the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Old Court Building

The Old High Court Building is among the many heritage buildings in Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. It is near Panggung Bandaraya building. The Gombak River runs nearby. A.B. Hubback, British architect, designed the Old High Court Building. It has  Mughal-inspired design. It is painted in white and has bronze domes on top. A distinctive feature of the High Court Building are the towers topped with cupolas and decorative buttresses at the base. The construction started in 1912 and completed in 1915. After a major fire in 1992, they had to be rebuild the structure.

Jamek Mosque

Located at the end of Merdeka Square after The River of Life, Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest in Kuala Lumpur. British architect Arthur Hubback designed it. Built in 1909, it was the principal mosque of Kuala Lumpur until the construction of the national mosque Masjid Negara in 1965. The mosque has 2 main minarets among the other smaller ones. The mosque has three domes, the largest of which rises to 21.30 m (70 ft). The prayer hall is situated beneath the domes.

Batik Museum

The Museum is in a 114 years old heritage building and situated in the historic city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Sultan Abdul Samad building and the Dayabumi building surround it. The museum is diagonally across the Merdeka Square.

The National Textile Museum displays a collection of unique and exquisite textiles of the different communities of Malaysia – Malays, Indians, Chinese and others. There is also a superb display of gold ornaments and accessories in one of the four galleries in the museum.

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Chin Swee Cave Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist saint Chin Swee. Many believe that he possessed supernatural powers and the ability to perform miracles. The stunning temple attracts visitors from all over the world. It is on top of a mountain in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

History

Lim Goh Tong, the founder of Genting Highlands, constructed the temple. This was a year after he built the first resort and casino in Pahang, Malaysia in 1975. He selected the site as it was reminiscent of his village in Fujian, China. The misty 28 acre plot of forested land is at height of 4,600 ft. The temple overlooks lush green slopes of a pristine forest. Within the temple is a statue of Master Chin Swee. He was a Buddhist monk who was renowned for his magical abilities to bring rain and extinguish evil spirits.

The temple was built in 1976 and has undergone many renovations. Today it is an architectural wonder that merges traditional Chinese and modern segments.

Huge Statue of Buddha

One of the most striking features of Chin Swee Cave temple is a towering statue of Buddha which is 15 m tall. The statue is made of bronze and weighs 40 tons. Visitors can climb up the statue and offer prayers or just savour the beautiful views. It represents Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The statue is surrounded by smaller statues of the eighteen arhats who were the original followers of the Buddha

The temple complex also features a garden, fish pond and pagoda. The pagoda is a seven-story construction which accommodates many Buddhist statues, scriptures and other artefacts. Visitors can climb up to the top of the pagoda and enjoy the panoramic views. The pagoda is a symbol of the harmony and integration of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It houses the statues and relics of the three religions. The pagoda also has a bell tower and a drum tower. Visitors can ring the bell and beat the drum for good fortune.

Construction of the Temple

Due to the steep and rocky terrain, construction of the temple was back-breaking and treacherous. It was impossible to use modern machinery for basic jobs such as piling. Lim Goh Tong had to go with manual labour for excavations. His team gouged holes 80 to 100 ft deep on the steep hillsides. Despite the labour-intensive nature of the project, the temple was completed in 18 years. There were no casualties or work-related accidents during the construction project.

Other Features

Another popular attraction is the Sky Terrace which has a glass-floored platform. It extends out from the side of the mountain. The Sky Terrace provides a fascinating experience as visitors can look down at the sheer drop below and take in the stunning view of the landscape.

The temple has a vegetarian restaurant on the premises. It serves enjoyable Chin Swee cuisine which is a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian tastes. The restaurant is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and offers a choice of dishes such as noodles, rice, curry, soup and desserts.

 The temple has ornate Chinese decorations and intricate carvings. Visitors can appreciate the details of the temple’s architecture and wonder at the skill and dedication of the artisans.

Dress Code

Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops and hats. They must refrain from smoking, drinking, eating or littering within the premises. Visitors may follow the instructions of the temple staff and volunteers.

Getting There

• By Bus: Catch a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur’s Pudu Sentral or KL Sentral to Awana Skyway Car Park.
• By Car: Drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway (E1).
• By Awana Skyway: For the spectacular route, park at the Awana Skyway Car Park and take the cable car. Alight at the Chin Swee Station which is the second stop of the cable car.

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Little India Singapore in some ways resembles T Nagar in Chennai.  Serangoon Road is the main street. It is lined with jewellery stores, saree shops, teahouses,  Hindu temples, pawn shops and money exchange centres.

History

Little India was once a European locality for cattle trading. Indian migrant workers  found job opportunities there. Cattle trading in Little India began to blossom due to its location along the Serangoon River. Little India was known as Serangoon, named after the road which connected the port to the interior. As the Indian community continued to grow, the demand expanded for goods and services that catered to their needs.

Some streets in Little India bear the names of persons who lived in the area. Dunlop Street and Clive Street were named after distinguished European families who resided in the area during the early 1840s.

Places of Worship

The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple at 141 Serangoon Road was built in 1855. Also constructed in the same year was the the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, located between Race Course Road and Serangoon Road. The Angullia Mosque, a landmark on Serangoon Road, came up in 1890. The Angullia family from India  constructed the mosque. There is also the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, known the Temple of a Thousand Lights. It features a 15 m tall statue of a seated Buddha which weighs nearly 300 tons. Murals portray the life of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Little India Arcade

A vibrant shopping area in the heart of Singapore’s Indian district, the Little India Arcade is the place to go for bona fide Indian food, music and fashion. The arcade includes a series of revamped shophouses, all well decorated and colourful. There are several small shops selling an astonishing selection of Indian products including traditional dresses, herbs and spices, extravagant accessories and costume jewellery.

Restaurants in Little India

You will find about 150 restaurants in the area. This contains a number of vegetarian eateries. Komala Vilas serves delectable dosa, vada and filter coffee. The great variety of food in Singapore encompasses Indian cuisine which tends to be of Tamil origin, especially local Tamil Muslim cuisine. North Indian food has become sought after recently. After years of mingling with other cultures in Singapore, Indian chefs have adjusted to diverse tastes.

Fish head curry is popular in Singapore. Indians from Kerala introduced it in Singapore. Keralites are fond of its unmistakable taste.

Festivals

Pongal and Deepavali attract a lot of festivities. The streets have colourful floral decorations. The buildings get beautiful illuminations. Shoppers crowd the area. Shop signs feature peacocks and oil lamps. Holiday treats like barfi, dosa and biryani are on offer. Campbell Lane is shut for traffic to the Deepavali Festival Market. And on the eve of Deepavali, traditional music fills the air as people join in either dance performances or special pujas at the temple.

Getting There

Little India MRT station is an underground interchange station on the North East (NEL) and Downtown (DTL) lines. The station is located at the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Race Course Road.

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Flower Dome Singapore is home to a collection of plants from Mediterranean regions around the world. It highlights lavender fields, olive groves and giant baobab trees. Design of  the ecosystem is such that it casts as little shadow as possible. Highly selective glass panels separate out heat from the sun. Retractable shades control light levels and limit the heat gain when the sun is up.

For the Flower Dome, designers chose a displacement ventilation system coupled with a network of chilled water pipes embedded in the floor slabs. The displacement ventilation system is the primary source of cooling. Ground cooling by chilled water pipes allows cool air to settle at the lower levels while the warm air rises and is vented out. The temperatures in the Flower Dome are in the range of  23-25 *C. 

Flower Dome Singapore is the largest greenhouse in the world as recognised in the 2015 Guinness Book of World Records at 1.2 hectares (3.0 acres). It replicates the cool-dry Mediterranean climate and reveals eight themed gardens: The Baobabs, Succulent Garden, Australian Garden, South African Garden, South American Garden, Olive Grove, California Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. These eight gardens exhibit exotic flowers and plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions in five continents.

The Flowers

The Flower Dome is filled with many kinds of roses, orchids, tulips, bromeliads and  hydrangeas.   You may come across pretty fuschia standards, clematis, uncommon liliums, camellias and others. Many flowers in the dome bloom throughout the year due to the conducive climate conditions inside.

Singapore’s national flower is Vanda Miss Joaquim. The orchid is named after Miss Agnes Joaquim who created the flower in her garden in 1893.

Grass Tree

The fascinating grass tree is a slow-grower at an estimated rate of 1-2 cm per year. But it can eventually attain tree-like branching and heights of over 6 metres in individual trees (300-600 years old). Grass Tree is native to the rocky ranges of south-eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria.   An iconic and staple plant of aboriginal Australians, the grass tree is a source of food, glue and material for tool making.

Baobab Tree

The magnificent baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is an icon of the African continent. It is the source of many indigenous remedies, traditions and folklore. The bark and fruit offer over 300 life-sustaining uses.  Over time, the Baobab has adapted to its environment. During the rainy season it stores water in its vast trunk. A large Baobab can store up to 136,400 litres of water. Some baobab trees have reportedly lived to more than 2,000 years.

Olive Tree

Olive trees are acutely resilient. They can survive long droughts. Even when a wildfire has burnt large parts of the tree, it is likely to recover. The olive tree is widely known for its strong tendency for alternate bearing (biennial bearing) which severely affects the fruit yield from year to year.

Flower Domes’ Succulents

Succulents belong to families such as Cacti, Aloes and Crassulas and are water-storing desert plants. Many of these species have sharp spines to protect themselves. A thick cover of blue or grey wax over the surface of the leaves and stems shields the plants from dehydration and deflects excess UV light in the desert.

Canary Island Date Palms

The palm is slow growing and can reach heights of 50 to 60 ft. The trunk may have a diameter of four ft and is covered with an attractive, diamond-shaped pattern from old leaf scars. It has a crown of strong leaves which are eight to fifteen feet in length. The deep green leaves have very sharp spines at their bases. The stems are yellow in colour. The orange-yellow, ornamental fruits ripen in early summer. The dates are oblong and about one and a half inches in length.

Nymphaea Firecrest

It is a water lily with bright pink flowers. It is a well-known medicinal plant, widely used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicines for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary diseases, menorrhagia, blenorrhagia and as an aphrodisiac.

Petunia Grandiflora

One of the oldest type of petunia, Grandifloras produce large flowers (up to 5 in wide). Although they bring out fewer blooms than other petunias, the big size makes the grandiflora very enticing. Grandifloras usually form large mounds of flowers 12 to 15 inches tall. Some have a cascading manner that makes them good for window boxes and hanging baskets.

Getting There by Grab Taxi

Flower Dome Singapore is located within the Gardens by the Bay compound at the Bay South area. The Gardens by the Bay taxi stand is near the main gate entrance, a short distance from The Marina Bay Sands Hotel. If you are travelling by taxi, turn on Google Maps to navigate to Gardens by the Bay. Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953.

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Batu Caves attracts travellers from all over the world. The Murugan Temple is within the caves and a prime draw for all Hindu Tamils. Visitors must walk up 272 steps to reach the temple complex. A magnificent Murugan statue at the base of the flight of steps towers to a height of 141 ft (43 m).

History

K. Thamboosamy Pillay, a leader of the Tamil Hindu community in Malaya (as the area was then known), constructed a Murugan temple within the caves in 1891. Since then, the temple cave turned into the venue for the annual Thaipusam festival in the months of January or February.

Before the cave complex became a Murugan temple, the Temuan people used it as a shelter. They belong to an indigenous group belonging to the tribe Orang Asli.

The Temple in Batu Caves

After ascending the 272 steps, I entered an immense open area with a height of over 100 m (328 ft). On the left of the cave is the Main Temple (Sri Velayuthar Temple). After climbing up the next short flight of steps, we reached the Murugan Temple.

Sri Velayuthar is a deity worshipped at Batu Caves. Sri Velayuthar is another name for Lord Murugan, who is also known as Velan or Velayudham. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and wields the spear (Vel). According to Shaivite tradition, goddess Parvati presented the Vel to her son Murugan to trounce the asura Surapadman.

The Murugan Temple itself has been a focal point of Hindu worship since its construction in the 1850s. The site represents the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Tamil Hindu community in Malaysia.

– Murugan is the name for the Hindu god of war, youth and fertility. Hindus worship Him in various parts of India and Sri Lanka. His mount is the peacock. It represents beauty, grace and the conquest of ignorance.

– Tamil-speaking communities commonly use the name Sri Velayuthar. It means “one who holds the spear” (vel = spear, ayutham = weapon), referring to Murugan’s renowned weapon.

Thaipusam Festival

The temple is a central location for the Thaipusam festival. Many devotees celebrate it with great intensity. Thaipusam, held in January or February, is a Hindu festival that honours Lord Murugan. Pilgrims do rigorous penance, including carrying a kavadi (burden). Kavadi represents a burden or sacrifice undertaken by devotees to seek blessings, fulfill vows or demonstrate gratitude. The festival attracts large crowds, making it a vibrant and culturally significant event for both local and international visitors.

Architecture

The Batu Caves are famous for the stunning natural beauty and impressive architecture of the temple. The temple is within a series of caves on a limestone hill. At the entrance is a colossal statue of Lord Murugan, one of the tallest in the world. The 272-step climb to the temple provides both a spiritual journey and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. They have painted the steps in colours of blue, green, red and yellow. Monkeys scramble up and down the steps looking for food. They may snatch food items, mobile phones and cameras if they get a chance.

Biodiversity in Batu Caves

The Batu cave system and its caverns is a biodiversity hotspot consisting of several plant and animal species. Many of these are specific to such limestone environments. About 269 species of vascular plants, including 56 species of calciphiles, exist on the site.

Getting There

Batu Caves is 13 km from Kuala Lumpur. You can take a train on the KTM Komuter Line. Alternatively you can hire a Grab taxi which will set you back by MYR 30-40 one way.

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Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park within Resorts World Sentosa . It is one of the five Universal Studios theme parks across the world and started operations on 28 May 2011. The park is an enormous attraction in Singapore, not just among travellers but also celebrities. The theme park is packed with adventure rides, shows and fun rides for kids. You can meet your favourite movie characters in the meet-and-greet sessions.

Over 3 million guests visited the park in its opening year. Since then, Universal Studios Singapore has welcomed four million visitors every year. Visitors include Singaporeans as well as international tourists.

History

Universal Studios Singapore opened for a sneak peek week during the Chinese New Year Celebrations, from 5 to 9 pm every night, between 14 to 21 February 2010. Even though the rides were not functional, tickets (SGD 10) for the week were sold out in just two days. From 13 March 2010, the team members of Resorts World Sentosa and their families had a chance to visit the park before the general public had a chance. The soft opening was from 18 March to 26 October 2010.

Park Layout

Universal Studios Singapore is on 25 hectares (62 acres) of land and the smallest among Universal’s parks. It takes up the easternmost part of the 49-hectare (120-acre) Resorts World Sentosa. There are a total of 24 attractions of which 18 are original or specially adapted for the park. The park comprises of six themed zones that  surround a lagoon. Each zone is based on a movie or television show and features its own attractions. Over 30 restaurants, food carts and 20 retail stores are spread around the park.

Six themed zones are a part of the park. These zones are: The Lost World, Far Far Away, Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City and Ancient Egypt. The Hollywood Zone is reminiscent of America in the 1960s with movie halls, restaurants, cafes, shops and bakeries. You will even find old cars with California 1960s registrations.

The Ancient Egypt Zone contains huge twin sculptures of the Egyptian God Anubis, depicted as a man with the head of a jackal.  Anubis reportedly invented the process of embalming. The two sculptures are in front of an enormous building which dwarfs those who walk by.

Universal Studios Rides in Singapore include Revenge of The Mummy, Transformers: The Ride,  Canopy Rider,  Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Water World, Shrek 4-D Adventure and many more.

We reached there at 10:00 am on a weekday. The park had just opened. Still there were crowds everywhere and long wait times for the sought after rides. In one case, the wait time was 90 min. So we ended up doing only 4-5 rides during the day: Transformers The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, Canopy Flyer and Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey. We were also able to witness the Water World Show which is based on the 1995 Hollywood movie by the same name.

The Transformers ride was where you experienced everything that you were seeing. The synchronisation of the 3D visuals and actual movements of the ride were very good. Revenge of  the Mummy is an intense blend of  roller coasters, horror movies and scarab beetles. In ancient Egypt, scarabs were important symbols of rebirth and resurrection as well as good luck and fortune.

Highlights Transformers The Ride: This indoor roller coaster was a thrilling experience. Downlights  Long wait times for popular attractions (up to 90 min).  Many food options and steep prices. Some attractions were closed for maintenance. Tips Get there early to avoid the crowds. Download the Universal Studios SG app where you not only see the park map but also the food carts and restaurants. Besides you can monitor the wait time for every ride.  Carry drinking water and sunscreen lotion.

The best rides for kids are: Madagascar,  King Julien’s Beach Party Go Round, Treasure Hunters, Magic Potion Spin and Dino Soarin.

Tickets

The admission tickets cost S$ 83 each. This allows access to all rides and shows. Express Pass is S$ 90 which does not include admission but could minimise wait times. Re-admission is illegal. You may book the tickets online.

Getting There

Take the cable car from Mount Faber to the Imbiah Lookout Station. Get off and change to the Sentosa Island Cable Car Line and travel one stop to the Merlion station.  From the Merlion Station, it is a short walk to Universal Studios and Resorts World. You get gorgeous aerial views of Singapore harbour and Sentosa Island from the gondolas.

Monorail is another option. Travel to Harbourfront station. Then walk to Vivo City Mall, climb to Level 3 and proceed to Lobby L. You are at Lobby L when you can view Food Republic. You might wish to devour breakfast before proceeding further to Sentosa. Then buy a ticket for S$ 4 and board the monorail train. Get down at Waterfront Station and follow the signs to reach Universal Studios. Journeys within Sentosa and the return trip from Sentosa back to the mainland are complimentary.

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