Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled over much of South India from as early as the first century B.C to the eighth century A.D., and it is now recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Under the reign of Narasimha Varman (c. 630), this seaport began to grow as a great artistic center. The beautiful cave temples and gigantic open air reliefs carved from blocks of granite date to the seventh century.

The most important monuments are five rathas , Arjuna penance , shore temple , mahishasuramardhini cave, Krishna's butter ball, and tiger cave, At the southern edge of Mahabalipuram is a group of five free-standing temples. Four of them were carved out of a single long granite boulder. These temples are actually detailed replicas of ancient wooden structures. These temples represent the rathas (chariots) of Arjuna, Bhima, Dharmaraja, Nakula-Sahadeva -- the five Pandava princes of the epic Mahabharata -- and their common wife, Draupadi. Work on these five temples was stopped after the death of Narasimha Varman in 668. In early eighth century, work was begun on the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. This temple was built to honour Lord Shiva. Unlike the temples described above, the Shore Temple was built with granite blocks. The design of the Shore Temple is significant because it is the earliest known example of a stone-built temple in South India. The Shore Temple also influenced the architecture of the Cholas, who succeeded the Pallavas.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is among the most famous of the 'temple cities' of Tamil Nadu. Its temples house different Hindu sects. Though today it is only a destination for pilgrims, and a repository of major architectural monuments, in antiquity it occupied a more preeminent place in the history of South India. The city was the political capital of the Pallava rulers during the 7th - 9th centuries. It remained an important city during the succeeding Chola and Vijayanagara periods.

The most important temples in kanchipuram are Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

• Kamakshi Amman Temple - India has three main cities where the Goddess Shakti is worshipped. Kanchipuram holds the most important rank among the three. In the same order, the three places are Kanchipuram, where the Goddess Kamakshi is worshipped, Madurai, where the Goddess Meenakshi is worshipped, and Kashi, where the deity is 'Visaalakshi'. The Kamakshi Amman temple is the hub of all religious activities in Kanchipuram. The temple is also in closer control of the Shankara Mutt, unlike the other temples, which are governed either by the Department of Archeology, Government of India, or the Hindu Temples Department of the Tamil Nadu Government. The main tower over the sanctum (Vimanam) of the temple is gold plated. Also of significance is the Golden Chariot in this temple. The Golden Chariot is taken in a procession around the temple on Friday evenings around 7.00 p.m. This temple also features an Art Gallery with pictures depicting the history of Sri Adishankaracharya and the Shankara Mutt.
• Kailashanathar Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailashanathar (also spelt as Kailashnatha) is one of the earliest temples built by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha Pallava and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma Pallava in the 8th century AD. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India . The temple is situated among several low-roofed houses just over 1-km west of the town center. Of all the temples in India, no other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects of Lord Shiva. The temple is unique in its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place. Hence, it is never crowded with locals. But, once in a year during Shivaratri festival large crowds visit the temple and there could be hours of waiting in long queues.
• Ekambareshwar Temple - Ekambareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, spreading over an area of 12.14 hectares. This ancient temple is surrounded by a huge stonewall built in the early 16th century during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire. Ekambareshwar temple is of hoary antiquity, beginning as a small fane, it has grown over the centuries into a large one with innumerable shrines, Mandapams, Gopurams and Tanks. It is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in India and has been in existence even prior to 600 AD. It enshrines many traditions.
• Varadaraja Temple - The Varadaraja temple is one of the important shrines of Sri Vaishnavites, also known as "Hastigiri" and is one of the celebrated Vaishnava Divya Desams, located in Vishnu Kanchi or "the Little Kanchi". Originally it was known as "Attiyuran". The main deity here is Varadaraja Perumal in a standing posture facing west and the Lord here is also known as "Devaraja", "Pranatharthihara", "Deva Perumal", "Athiyooran" and "Perarulalan". Varadaraja temple with superb art has a magnificent history, which is associated with Sri Ramanuja, who used to serve here. Many miracles are said to have occurred. It was with his ministry that the temple, then already several centuries old, began to gain fame.

Thiruvannamali

Thiruvannamali is located at a foot hill and is a major pilgrim center in India. The five different temples for shiva is for worshipping him in five forms elements namely- earth, water, wind, fire & ether. The Arunachaleshwar temple dedicated to Shiva here in the form of Fire.The nine lofty towers 61meterof this temple with the numerous stucco figure and stone carvings shows the master craftsmanship of Dravidian Architecture. Another important place is the Ashram of Ramana Mahirshi, the 20th century saint who lived in here and taught simple methods of meditation to people from all over 30 million trees and provided evidence that this can change the climate, creating a Garden of Eden where once there was desert. Ramana Maharshi died in 1949. For more information about this enlightened master whose energy still pervades the please read "Ramana Maharshi and the path of Self Knowledge" by Arthur Osborne. Tiruvannamalai is a centre of power similar to Machu Pichu in Peru. Ramana Maharshi said they were on opposite poles of the planet and the Sacred Mountain of Arunachala, near Tiruvannamalai is the Focus. We will visit the Great Temple of Tiruvannamalai.

Pondycherry

pondycherry Auroville are sometimes disappointed to find here no Ashram, no typical tourist attractions or generally welcoming atmosphere. This is firstly because Auroville is quite different to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where people are considered to have consecrated their lives to integral yoga (as compared, in Auroville, to an experiment in human unity), and secondly because Auroville is not a tourist place, despite being referred to in travel and tourist literature, and does not devote as much time and energy to welcoming tourists as sites established specifically for that purpose. Casual/day visitors are encouraged to go fistt to the Visitors Centre , which is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, and offers information, exhibitions, a video viewing facility, a cafeteria and shopping facilities.

Those who come with a deeper interest and actually want to visit one of Auroville's projects should make an appointment with the concerned place through the Information Desk at the Visitors Centre. On the surface, Auroville can appear rather incomprehensible. It is an intense and challenging experiment, attempting the seemingly impossible, and one needs to be ready to actively participate in such an adventure. The meaning of Auroville only becomes clearer in the context of the vision of its founders, which has stimulated people from all over the world to join in this ?aboratory of evolution?

Chidambaram

Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India. It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. Chidambaram is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness. Shiva is also worshipped in the "formless form" of the Chidambara Rahasyam, while the temple is known for its Akasa Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space. The word "Koyil" or temple in the Tamil Saivite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.

Chidmabaram was the Chola capital from AD 907 to 1310. The nucleus of the temple was constructed in the begining of the Chola empire and finished in the later stages of the reign. Set within a walled rectangular frame, the complex covers 22 hectares and has four large gopurams (towers above the entrances on the outer wall) two of which are 49 meters tall. Literature talks of a tradition of Shiva (Nataraja) worship in existence even as early as the Sangam period (very early on in the Christian era), and the Tamil Saints have sung its fame when an established worship tradition was in place. The later Chola Kings (Aditya I and Parantaka I) adorned the roof of the shrine with gold, and the other Chola Kings treated Nataraja as their guardian deity and made several endowments to the temple as temple inscriptions testify. The Pandya Kings who followed them, and the later Vijayanagar rulers made several endowments to the temple. There is a stone image of Krishnadevaraya in the North Gopura which he is said to have erected.

In the wars of the 18th century, the temple was used as a fort. The British General, Sir Eyre Coote unsuccesfully tried to capture it from the Mysore Kings. During this period, the images of Nataraja were housed in the Tiruvarur Tyagaraja temple for safety.

Gangaikonda Choleswarar

Gangaikonda Choleswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The new capital of the Cholas under Rajendra Cholan saw the rise of the majestic Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple.

This temple resembles the Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Temple in all respects, however its tower just falls 3 meters short of the Thanjavur temple's record height. The Shiva Lingam however is 4 meters high, taller than the one at Thanjavur.Sculptured images abound in this masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Thanjavur

Tanjore was the ancient capital of the Chola Kings between the 10th and 14th century and became a center of learning and culture. This place is also known as the rice bowl of Tamilnadu state as a major part of rice is agricultures here in Tamilnadu thehome of carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts.

Thanjavur is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. the great chola king Raja Raja in the 10th century AD is an outstanding example of the Chola Architecture. The Raja Raja Palace is now converted in to Museum & Art Gallery displays a number of bronze and granite statues of the chola period In a former palace you'll find one of the most beautiful collections of bronze sculptures. The city is in a fertile area because the Kauvery River that flows through it and the land is irrigated. The Kauvery is regarded by the Tamils as the southern Ganges, their holy river. The large Shiva temple was built in the 10th century by emperor Rajaraja I. It is among the most beautiful buildings in the world. to be laid out, In the temple grounds there is an enormous statue of the bull on which Shiva rides. Nearest palace:Tanjore Thiruchdhirapalli . (60 kms) is the nearest airport madurai (158 km)

Madurai

Madurai is Tamil Nadu's culturally most active city. It is also a very popular travel destination for visitors to India. 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.

One of the most magnificent examples of Dravidian architecture and sculpture, the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple at Madurai is striking in both its size and significance. The grandeur of the Meenakshi temple has remained undiminished for the past two thousand years. This sprawling and awe-inspiring temple complex is not only a marvel of architecture but also a veritable treasure trove of Indian culture and civilization. It is also one of the largest temple complexes in India. Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is one of the greatest Shiva temples in India, known for its sprawling landscape filled with sculptural wonders; halls, pillars and lofty towers with lavish artwork in all forms. In terms of the richness of the legends, the abundance of literature & the stunning architectural & sculptural splendor, Madurai is second to none in representing the rich cultural traditions of India.

Thekkady

The name (periyar) for this place comes after the Dam made here by the English in 1895 . A wild life reserve hence is a ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other variety of birds. A palace built by the Maharaja is in the middle of the lake and now it is converted to a hotel. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea ,coffee & other spices. A small walk in to the forest early morning & the boat ride in the evening through the lake in to the wild life sanctuary is very interesting.the lush green tropical forest around the lake is the natural habitat of elephant tiger ,bison, spotted deer, sambar bear etc.

There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison's and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also different species of apes that often come close to the hotel. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India.. Osprey and Cormorans belong to the most important species of birds in this area. It is also possible to take a walking tour of the jungle.

Munnar

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Alleppey Backwater

Alappuzha beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry.

Cochin

Cochin is the largest city in Kerala with a population of 5.5 lakhs. An all weather harbour, Cochin is an important centre for commerce and industry. It has a maritime history that began in the remote past. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the English had established themselves here at one time or the other. In fact Cochin fort was built by the Portuguese with the permission of the local.. Cochin (Kochi). Queen of the Arabiansea. Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding itsbreathtaking view. As you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge.

Aboard, you can relax with a drink, watching the Arab dhows in the foreground. And behind, the tree-shaded buildings of spice-traders and merchants,the descendants of the families who sold gold, ivory, timber and peacock to King Solomon 19 centuriesago.

Ooty

Meanwhile Sue went off with a group which walked into town. Hills and ViewsUdhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations" among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 kilometres from Coimbatore Kalhatty FallsThe Kalhatty falls are located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13-km from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. Also known as the "Kalahasti Falls", the water here cascades down a height of 122m. Kandal Cross ShrineKandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem of the East is located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Catholics consider it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu". Mini Garden and Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National ParkThe Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through the sanctuary, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur. Ooty LakeThe beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.

Mudumalai

Situated in the foothills of Nilgiris this large reserve (3000 sq.km) ranges in vegetation from Semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grass lands. In mudhumalai the mostly dense forest is home to spotted deer, Indian Bison, tiger, panther, wild boars and sloth bear. Otters & crocodiles inhabit the Moyar river. The wild life elephant population estimated around 600 is one of the largest in the country. Jungle Safaris by jeep and elephants will give you the maximum enjoyment of wild life. The surprising attraction of Mudumalai is the elephant Pooja ceremony. A good Hotel Gives you a good sleep for the night.

Mysore

The mysore derived its name from a demon named Mahishasuran who was killed by chamundeeshwari. The famous five meter NANDHI (Shivas Bull) carved out of solid rock in 1659 and is one of the largest in India. The View of the Mysore city from this hill is very nice . After this you are taken to the beautiful palace of Mysore, walled Indo-Saracenic occupies the entire south eastern sector of the city centre. An earlier palace Burt down in 1897 and the present one also known as Ambavilas palace was completed in 1912 at a cost of Rs.4.2 million. Inside it's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirror, gilt and gaudy colours, beautifully carved wooden doors, decorations with ivory, historical 3D paintings etc.. The Jaya chamarajendra art gallery in the Jaganmohan Place, has a collection of Kitsch Objects and Wodeyar memorabilia, including wired and wonderful good musical machines, rare instruments and very beautiful, paintings by Raja RaviVarma.

Halebid

Halebid is 15 km from Belur. This place was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of Hoysalas. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines. The Hoysaleshwara temple, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. Outside there is a Nandi (Bull), the mount of Shiva, and a hillock where the Palace stood, connected to the temple by a passage. Inside its dark depths, the queen Shantala Devi beckons from an alcove.

The figure of mortals and immortals are larger here as compared to Belur and are beautifully chiseled, in shining black stone. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. There is a museum on the lawn with 12-13th century sculpture and the gold coins in use at the time. Another famous temple is the Keddareshwara temple where the sculptor's virtuosity seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith's skill in its sheer intricacy. One kilometre from Halebid is Basti Hill where there are Jain Bastis with gleaming black stone pillars.

Somnathpur

"There is a stillness and everlastingness about the past, it changes not and has a touch of eternity," wrote Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in his "Discovery of India." These words somehow hold true when one arrives at Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore. Here in this everlasting rural stillness, like a milestone to eternity, stood one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments - the Kesava Temple built 740 years ago.