Tourism India

Kolli Hills

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Mon, 7 Mar 2011 09:30:00 -0800

Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 72 hair pen bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.

Tourism: Two viewpoints - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu - are being developed to encourage tourism. As of 2007, creation of a park and formation of an approach road to the Seekuparai viewpoint were nearing completion. The government maintains a pineapple research farm where hybrid varieties are created. Research about medicinal plants is also pursued on these mountains.The government holds a tourism festival in August. Kolli Hills has been the top choice for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, trekking clubs and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu. In comparison to other hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills is not commercialized, less polluted and offers unique mountain ranges. Recently, the local administration has been in full swing to create a Botanical Garden, a Boat House and giving an overall face lift to the view points.

Accommodation :

There are few Resorts/Lodges that are available. A well known resort called "Nallathambi Resorts" has been operating for the last 15 years. It is situated in the highest point of the hills and offers medium and high end budget accommodations. Recently it underwent a thorough renovation/refurbishing. Recently a new resort has been opened by name "Kolli Hill Resorts" Near the Petrol Bunk, Semmedu.It is a six swiss cottage tented accommodation with good luxury on top of a lake and so the stay will be pleasant.

ANAMALAI HILLS

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Fri, 4 Mar 2011 09:25:00 -0800

ANAMALAI HILLS, a range of mountains in southern India, in the Coimbatore district of Madras, lying between 10° 13' and 10° 31' N. lat., and between 76° 52' and 77° 23' E. long., forming a portion of the
Western Ghats, after this range has been broken by the Palghat Pass, south of the Nilgiris. They really consist of a forest-clad and grassy tableland, with summits rising about 8000 ft.; the Anaimudi mountain, which is the highest in southern India, having an altitude of 8850 ft. Their geological formation is metamorphic gneiss, veined with felspar and quartz, and interspersed with reddish porphyrite. The lower slopes yield valuable teak and other timber; and some land has been taken up for coffee planting. The only inhabitants are a few wild tribes who live by hunting and collecting jungle produce.

Location: Along The Western Ghats

Also Called: Elephant Hills

Attractions: Some of the places to be visited: Monkey Falls, Aliyar, the Crocodile Breeding Centre at Amaravati, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Attakatti, Mirar, Kullipatti, Manompally, Chinnar, Varagaliar, Manjampatty, etc.

ANNAMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (also called Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary) is a full-fledged visitor's centre at Top slip, This sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the western ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958 Sq. Kms. It has various kinds of exotic fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, pangolin, black headed oriole, green pigeon and civet cat. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karain Shola, Anaikunthi shola, Grass hills, waterfalls,groves ,teak forests,estates,dams and reservoirs.

Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the Sanctuary on elephant back or by van.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air : The nearest airport is at Coimbatore.
Rail : The nearest railway station is at Pollachi from where there are trains to Coimbatore and Dindigul.
Road : There are regular buses from Coimbatore and Palani to Pollachi, which is the nearest big town. To reach Topslip by road tourists can catch a bus or hire a taxi from Pollachi. Divide the text into air, rail and road

Dharmapuri

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 09:18:00 -0800

In Dharmapuri district, one of the Major river Cauvery flows. Hogenakkal is the place for water falls, Boating, Bathing and it is also famous for popular pilgrim centre namely Theerthamalai.

Hogenakkal is situated on the border of Karnataka, 46kms from Dharmapuri. One of the major rivers of India and a perennial river of south India the Cauveri flows through and make the soil fertile. The river plays major role in making the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu prosper as it passes through. Kudagu in Karnataka is where the Cauveri originates as a small stream and gathers momentum and gets bigger on her way down. It is in Hogenakkal that the Cauveri enters Tamil Nadu as a big river with gushing waters presents a waterfall.

The setting of the descent of the Cauveri at Hogenakkal is panoramic. The name Hogenakkal is derived from Kannada. It means smoky rocks. The gushing force of the water when it falls on the rocks below looks like smoke emanating from the rocks. hoge in kannada means smoke and of kal means rock , the falls and the place were called Hogenakkal.

At many places the falls descends as far as 20 mtrs. The water also makes a continuous thundering sound. This gives the area a different atmosphere. At Hogenakkal the water spreads for miles around. The locally made boats are called Parisal . A parisal ride will give you a rare experience.

Surrounded by hills at various heights, Hogenakkal offers the visitors a different ambience and is a refreshing place to relax. Fresh fish caught in the river is cooked and served. One can also take bath in the falls. Local people give oil massages. As the river flows through out the year, Hogenakkal can be visited through the year. To add attraction the forest department maintains a mini zoo and a crocodile park here. The New Moon days in the months in January or Thai and in July or Adi are special for the pilgrims who arrive to take a dip in the river. However on Adi 18th, which is in August, a festival to the river goddess is celebrated.

Theerthamalai: Theerthamalai is a popular pigrim centre and it is 16 k.m. from Harur in Dharmapuri district. This pilgrim and picnic centre becoming very popular with the public. The temple situated about one k.m up the steep slope of a hillock derives that its name from the five springs in the temple. Lord Theerthagireeswar (Lord Shiva) is the worshipping deity. According to the legend it was here that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of having killed several demons in the war against Ravana. Hence there is belief that a holy dip in the waters of this spring will wipe out the sins committed by the people.

According to the legend, in order to worship to Lord Shiva, Rama sent Hanuman to fetch water from the River Ganga, but when Hanuman did not return at the appointed time for pooja, Rama unleashed an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hillock and water sprang forth, which today is called Rama Theertham. The tiny waterfall drops from a height of about 30 feet is perennial and during the summer as well as the rainy season the water falls on the bathing ghat behind the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The other Theertham, all of which have their origin in different parts of the rocky surface, are the Agasthya Theertham, AgniTheertham. Kumara Theertham and the Gouri Theertham, besides these four Theerthams the Hanuman Theertham is situated about 16km from the main temple on the banks of river South Pennar. This too is also closely associated with the temple. It is stated that when Hanuman returned with the water from the Ganga, he found that Rama had brought the Ganga water with his arrow. He then threw away in anger the vessel containing the Ganga water. This water fell onto the riverbank. Hanuman Theertham also is a very holy place. During summer even when the river is dry there will be sweet water in the spring that flows from rock in the riverbed. The waters of the Theerthamalai are supposed to have medicinal values too. It may be mentioned that Theerthamalai has huge reserves of magnetite iron ore that can be utilized for the Salem Steel Plant.

Several Inscriptions can be found in the Theerthagireeswarar Temple. They relate to the Vijayanagar and Chola rulers. There is one inscription in ancient Telugu and Kannada. Poet Saint Arunagirinathar referred to the Temple of Theerthagirieeswarar in his compositions. The Mandapam near the sanctum sanctorum is supposed to be built by Sila Naicken. He is said to have maintained a well-fortified garrison at the top of the hill from where a commanding view of the surroundings can be on all sides is available.

There is another spring known as Vashista Theertham higher up in the hill. Close by are the wonderful granite pieces of Saptha kanyakas. The beauty of these sculptures is that they can be viewed only through a very narrow crevice in the rock. The nine-day annual festival at the Temple is in the month of March. The main festival is held at the Shiva temple at the foot of Theerthamalai.

Yercaud

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:08:00 -0800

This quiet little hill station on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate.where temperature never rises above 30ºC and dip below 13ºC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal.

Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jack. 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.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthur's Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Shevaroyan temple

Yercaud Lake The first thing that attracts a visitor is the lake. It is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well wooded trees. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

The Anna Park : Near the Lake. It is a lovely garden.

Lady's Seat : It overlooks the winding ghat road and provides a breath - taking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinking lights of Salem town in

sight. The Tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's seat.

Pagoda Point Another vantage view point.

Area :

383q. kms.

Altitude :

1515 Metres

Population :

36863 (1991 Census)

Climate :

	Max	Min.
Winter :	25° . C	13 °. C
Summer :	30° . C	16° . C

Average 13°.C to 30°.C

Rainfall :

Min 1500 mm - Max 2000 mm .

Season :

Throughout the year

Clothing Winter :

Ordinary cotton with light wollen pull -over is enough.

Clothing - Summer :

Ordinary Cotton.

Languages Spoken :

Tamil and English.

STD Code :

04281

TAJ MAHAL

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:13:00 -0800

TAJ MAHAL

Kerala Alappuzha House Boat

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:08:00 -0800

Cruise through Kerala in a houseboat!
Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If you haven't, make sure you do. This one is really a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

Present day houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams were used to carry tons of rice and spices. A standard kettuvallam can hold up to 30 tons from Kuttanad to the Kochi port.
The kettuvallam is held together with coir knots. Not even a single nail is used during the construction of the boat.. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a kettuvallam can last for generations.

A portion of the kettuvallam was covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals would be cooked onboard and supplemented with freshly cooked fish from the backwaters.When the modern trucks replaced this system of transport, some one found a new way that would keep these boats, almost all of which were more than 100 years old, in the market. By constructing special rooms to accommodate travelers, these boats cruised forward from near-extinction to enjoy their present great popularity.

Now these are a familiar sight on the backwaters and in Alappuzha alone, there are as many as 500 houseboats.While converting kettuvallams into houseboats, care is taken to use only natural products. Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the areca nut tree are used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds. For lighting though, solar panels are used.
Today, the houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views. While most boats are poled by local oarsmen, some are powered by a 40 HP engine. Boat-trains - formed by joining two or more houseboats together are also used by large groups of sightseers.

Kerala - Munnar

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:56:00 -0800

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.

Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.

Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.

Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal is 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station
Top Station, which is about 3 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurunji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

Getting there:
Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Ernakulam about 130 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.

Mahabalipuram - Famous forShore temple

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:36:00 -0800

Intriguingly enigmatic, the picturesque city of Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its shore temples. The long stretch of unspoiled beaches and rock-cut art of this historic city attracts one and all. Located just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram was earlier called ‘Mamallapuram’. The journey through the city is no less than a joy ride and is full of spectacular sights.

Best Time & Climate

The climate of Mahabalipuram remains hot and sultry throughout the year with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The best time to visit this place is during October to March.

How to get there ?

» By Air-The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai, located around 60 km away. Flights for almost all major destinations in India and abroad are available from here.
» By Rail - The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several other major cities in South India are available from here.
» By Road -Mahabalipuram is connected by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry. Tourist places in India can arrange for you all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in Mahabalipuram and throughout the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Must Visit

» Arjuna Penace - Mahabalipuram is well known for its series of fascinating rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna's Penance is the mythical story of the river Ganges, issuing from its source high in the Himalayas. It also shows deities, and other semi-divine creatures and fables from the Panchtantra. It is renowned for its beautiful mandapams. A complicated piece of work on a vertical rock, Arjuna’s Penace is a well-preserved architecture of ancient times.

»Krishna Mandapam -This is one of the earliest rock-cut temples. It features carvings of a sylvan scene, showing Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain, to protect his kinsmen from the wrath of Indra, the God of Rain.

» Rathas - These are architectural paragons of all Dravidian temples, demonstrating the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi-pillared halls and sculptured walls, which dominate the landscape of Tamil Nadu. The rathas are named after the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. Although they are widely known as "Five Rathas", there are actually eight of them.
» Shore Temples - The shore temples were built in 7th century, during the reign of Rajasimha, and represent the final phase of Pallava art. These exquisite temples, ravaged by wind and sea, are so significant that they were given World Heritage listing, a few years ago. The two spires of the temples, contain a shrine for Lord Vishnu, and for Lord Shiva.
» Caves - The Varaha Caves, a small rock-cut mandapam or the hall, is a faceted and finished gem with two incarnations of Vishnu-Varaha (boar) and Vamana (dwarf). Especially the four panels of the famous Pallava doorkeepers are exceptional. The Dharmaraja Cave, built in the early seventh century, contains three empty shrines. The Mahisasurmardini Cave built in mid – seventh century has fine bas-reliefs on its panel of immense beauty.
» Mahabalipuram Dance Festival - Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is an occasion for all the tourists visiting the place to enjoy the performances of the artists from all parts of the country. The festival is celebrated in the month of January/February every year.

Madurai - Cultural Capital

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 09:35:00 -0800

Madurai Tourism - One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the distinguished Meenakshi Temple.Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. The Madurai city has 3 hills as its city boundary. Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai.

Madurai - As the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has a lot of tourist attractions . The Meenakshi Temple complex is factually a city, one of the largest of its kind in India and unquestionably one of the oldest too.The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into a massive complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m.The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was significantly lengthened during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak. About 1.5 Kms from the Meenakshi temple is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace which was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The impressive structure is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and striking arches.

The Thirupparankundram Temple is located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction. The temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock. About 21 Kms North East of Madurai, stands a celebrated Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Alagar.The temple is situated on a hill amidst panoramic surroundings. The shrine is known as Alagarkoil and the hill, Solaimalai. The Gandhi Museum , located in the old palace of Rani Mangammal depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement.

Koodal Azhaar Temple

Among the most ancient temples in Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple stands high. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You could see him in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. Apart from that there are intricate woodcarvings, one of them depicting Lord Rama's coronation.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

Built in 1523 AD by the Nayak ruler Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. Once four times larger than what is left of it today, the palace is only left with the main entrance gate, the dancing hall and the main hall. You can enjoy the main attraction of the palace which is light and sound show based on the life of "Tirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".

Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam

Built by Thirulmalai Nayak in 1646, this huge tank covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple. Some sources say that this tank was once connected to Vaigai River, however today it lies empty except during the Teppam Festival.

Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5 Kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colorful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank.

Brihadeeswarar Temple

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:23:00 -0800

The Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Brihadeeswarar Temple also known as Rajarajeswaram, at Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the world's first complete granite and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas kingdom Vishwakarmas in temple architecture. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron RajaRaja Chola I. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples".

This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The 'Vimana' - or the temple tower - is 216 ft (66 m) high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kalash or 'Chikharam' (apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is not carved out of a single stone as widely believed. There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The entire temple structure is made out of hard granite stones, a material sparsely available currently in Thanjavur area where the temple is located. Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola in Thanjavur, Brihadishwara Temple also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple’ has turned 1000 years in 2010.

The main temple is in the center of the spacious quadrangle composed of a sanctuary, a Nandi, a pillared hall and an assembly hall (mandapas), and many sub-shrines. The most important part of the temple is the inner mandapa which is surrounded by massive walls that are divided into different levels by sharply cut sculptures and pilasters providing deep bays and recesses. Each side of the sanctuary has a bay emphasizing the principle cult icons. The karuvarai, a Tamil word meaning the interior of the sanctum sanctorum, is the inner most sanctum and focus of the temple where an image of the primary deity, Shiva, resides. Inside is a huge stone linga Literally the word Karuvarai means "womb chamber" from Tamil word Karu for foetus. Only priests are allowed to enter this inner most chamber. In the Dravida style, the Karuvarai takes the form of a miniature vimana with other features exclusive to southern Indian temple architecture such as the inner wall together with the outer wall creating a pradakshina around the garbhagriha for circumambulation (pradakshina). The entrance is highly decorated. The inside chamber housing the image of the god is the sanctum sanctorum, the garbhagriha. The garbhagriha is square and sits on a plinth, its location calculated to be a point of total equilibrium and harmony as it is representative of a microcosm of the universe. In the center is placed the image of the deity. The royal bathing-hall where Rajaraja the great gave gifts is located to the east of the hall of Irumudi-Soran.

The circumambulation winds around the massive lingam in the garbhagriha and is repeated in an upper story, presenting the idea that Chola Empire freely offered access to the gods.

The inner mandapa leads out to a rectangular mandapa and then to a twenty-columned porch with three staircases leading down. Sharing the same stone plinth is a small open mandapa dedicated to Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull mount

Kodaikanal

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:47:00 -0800

Extensively visited by tourists and yet very serene, the beauty of virgin nature could be best witnessed in the breathtakingly beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal. Situated 2133 m above the sea level in Tamil Nadu, the magnificent hill station was developed by American missionaries in 1845. On arrival, the tourist is greeted by orchards of pear trees with extended branches.

Kodai Lake The tree-fringed Kodai lake enthralls all who come to Kodai. The lush green tress on both sides of the lake gives the impression that they are jealously guarding the lake by forming a natural fence. There is also a Boat Club and public ferry services.

Green Valley View Providing a bird's eye view of the abundance of scenic beauty of Kodaikanal is the Green Valley View point. Located at a distance of 1000 feet overlooking the Vaigai Dam, this place is enveloped by a thick layer of clouds most of the time.

Pillar Rocks There are three vertical pillars that stand side by side and measure 112 m. On most occasions, the rocks are surrounded by mist and leave one guessing whether they are real or a creation of one's imagination.

Shenbaganur Museum The Shenbaganur Museum has an impressive collection of stuffed-birds and the butterflies. The Sacred Heart College has one of the best orchidariums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids.

Excursion Delights

Dolphin's Nose It is a flat projecting rock located at a distance of 8 kms from Kodaikanal. A breathtaking view of the scenery below is available.

Berijam Lake Berijam is a popular picnic spot that provides a serene ambience

The Perumal Peak It is a place frequented by adventure lovers. Trekkers climb the mountains from this point.

Ooty - Hills station -Tamil Nadu

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:16:00 -0800

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.

On a heritage track Tea gentle stimulant

One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.

The scenery, as it unfolds during the trip, is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and fantastic. One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. At Kallar it is tropical and at Burliar-the next bus-stop as one proceeds from Mettupalayam-it is sub-tropical. Near Coonoor, it is humid with pines, blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and cypress trees. As we go from Ooty to Gudalur, the change in vegetation is striking. What a splendid interaction between climate and vegetation ! It is therefore very appropriate that Mount Stuart called the whole road leading to Ooty from Mettupalayam, "One long botanical debauch."

This beautiful botanical paradise was first brought to the public eye by John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore district in 1819. But prior to this in 1812, the first Englishmen who were sent up the Nilgris by the Collector of Coimbatore, were Mr. Keys, Assistant Revenue Surveyor, and his Assistant, McMahon. They made their way via Dananayakan Kottai to Aracad and the existing village of Denad, and penetrated as far as Kallatti, the lower level of North Ooty, but never set their eyes on the beautiful valley in which Ooty lay. After Keys' visit there was no further expedition until 1818 when J.C.Whish and N.W.Kindersly (Asst. and second Asst. to the Collector of Coimbatore respectively) went up by the Dananayakan Kottai-Denad route, crossed the plateau in a south-western direction and descended by the Sundapatti pass from Manjakombai to the Bhavani valley and then went back to Coimbatore. The purpose of their visit is not known.

In March 1819, John Sullivan obtained Rs 1,100 (Rupees of those days not to be compared with the present-day rupee) from the Board of Revenue for laying a bridle path up the hill from Sirumugai to Kotagiri and its neighboring village, Dhimatti. The work was executed by McPherson in a period of 2 years starting 1821. This was the only route to the Nilgris from Coimbatore until 1832, when the first Coonoor ghat road was laid, thanks to the then Governor, S.R. Lushington, who got the work executed by Lehardy and Capt. Murray. The present metalled ghat road from Kallar to Coonoor, a distance of 25 km which has 14 hair-pin bends and a gradient of one 18 ft, which facilitated carriage traffic from Madras to Ooty, was mainly constructed by Colonel G.V. Law in 1871. It is gratifying to note that the cascade of the Coonoor river near Wenlock bridge on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam road named after Law, continues to bear the same name.

The Coonoor-Mettupalayam road was extended to Udagamandalam, covering a distance of about 15 km. The Kotagiri-Mettupalayam road (about 34 km long) which was 8 ft wide to begin with, was widened to 17 ft in 1872-75 with a gradient of one in 17 by the Dist. Engineer, Major Morant R.E. and handed over to the District Board in 1881. During the period from 1819 to 1830, John Sullivan's contribution was, apart from laying the route to Ooty, that he built the first house called Stone House in this place. This formed the nucleus of Government offices. Further, at his own expense, he conducted experiments on agricultural and horticultural crops and in animal husbandry to find the most suitable crops and breeds of milch animals for future settlers.Next to the magnificent task of laying the road to Ooty, the British took up, around 1880, the stupendous task of connecting Mettupalayam to Ooty by rail. A Swiss engineer, M. Riggenback and Major Morant of Kotagiri road fame prepared an estimate of 1,32,000 pounds (currency) for laying the rack railway and floated a company called The Rigi Railway & Co Ltd. Since capital was not forthcoming, Mr. Richard Wolley of Coonoor came forward to advance money on the condition that the contract would be entrusted to Mr. Wolley by the Government of Chennai.

The agreement between the 2 was signed in 1886, and the company called The Nilgri Railway & Company came into being with a capital of Rs 25 lakhs. The work on the line was started in August 1891 by Lord Wenlock, Governor or Madras, but the company was liquidated in 1894. Later, a new company was formed in 1894, and the work was completed in 1899. The line was worked by Madras Railway, to start with. Though the Nilgris formed part of Coimbatore district, it was separated into an independent district in 1868. For a period of 13 years from 1830, it remained part of Malabar district. This was to prevent tobacco smuggling from Coimbatore. From John Sullivan's days to this date, more than 170 years have rolled by. Udagamandalam considered a sanatorium and hill resort by the Europeans, has come to be like any other district. The devastation was so much that a ban on fresh construction was belatedly imposed by the Government.

balaji.kuppuraj0@gmail.com (bala) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:52:00 -0800

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