Tamil Nadu · Travel

Chettinad Mansions: Reflections of a Glorious Past

If Tamil Nadu travel is on your list, one place that must not be missed is the Chettinad region within the state. Also known as Chettinadu, this one is located in the central part of Tamil Nadu and is about 400 km from the capital city of Chennai. Situated mainly in the Sivaganga and part… Continue reading Chettinad Mansions: Reflections of a Glorious Past

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku aka The Nachiarkoil lamp

As mentioned in my previous post, Natchiarkoil is an eclectic town near Kumbakonam and forms for an engaging visit in more ways than one. Apart from the Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple, the village is famous for its handcrafted lamps. There are several factories in the town that make the exclusive Kuthuvilakku which is… Continue reading Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku aka The Nachiarkoil lamp

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Nachiar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple: Natchiarkoil, Kumbakonam

There is no denying the fact that travelling within India is replete with interesting sights, engaging experiences and surprises at almost every nook and corner. A visit to the southern city of Kumbakonam is sure to treat you to some unique sights. And the seemingly non-descript town of Natchiarkoil on the outskirts of Kumbakonam is… Continue reading Nachiar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple: Natchiarkoil, Kumbakonam

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Chettinad Museum: An ode to Chettiar culture, heritage and lifestyle

Located in the Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is a popular destination to visit for more reasons than one.  Synonymous with grandeur and opulence, Chettinad was originally the home of the wealthy Nattukottai Chettiars.  A merchant community who traded in spices and precious metals, the Chettiars were also… Continue reading Chettinad Museum: An ode to Chettiar culture, heritage and lifestyle

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – a Grand Reflection of the Incredible Chola Heritage

With close to a whopping 40,000 temples, Tamil Nadu in South India is rightly known as the Land of Temples. Most of these temples are centuries old and have been built by the erstwhile ruling dynasties like the Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas etc. Many of these were just not places of worship but also centres of… Continue reading Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – a Grand Reflection of the Incredible Chola Heritage

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Kumbakonam Diaries: Sacred Trails, Streetscapes and more….

As the first rays of the sun pierced, almost reluctantly, through the gaps of the thick clouds on an overcast January morning, the lush green paddy fields were still shrouded in thick fog.  With birds chirping and the rhythmic hymns of Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam playing in the background, women deftly covered the wet earth outside… Continue reading Kumbakonam Diaries: Sacred Trails, Streetscapes and more….

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Thirumayam: a town of temples and a historical fort

There is no denying the fact that India is a treasure trove of eclectic sights spanning history, architecture, art, culture and religion. With engaging sites in almost every small city and town, it is no surprise if you spot them totally unplanned, say, when you are travelling to a totally different place. And this what… Continue reading Thirumayam: a town of temples and a historical fort

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Photoessay: Postcards from the ancient city of Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

Located in the central part of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Trichy is often referred to one of the oldest cities of India. A centre of rich cultural and architectural heritage, Trichy is a busy city that is bustling with temples and markets. The city is believed to have been the capital of the… Continue reading Photoessay: Postcards from the ancient city of Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Photoessay: Gedee Car Museum, Coimbatore

Strolling on the busy Avinashi road in the industrial city of Coimbatore, a brick red Beetle mounted on a pedestal caught my attention almost out of the blue. Needless to say, this piqued my curiosity and as I moved closer, I realized that this was the complex of the sprawling Gedee car museum. A hidden… Continue reading Photoessay: Gedee Car Museum, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai

On the occasion of Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) also known as Sarvodaya day, celebrated each year on 30-Jan, here is a look at the Gandhi Memorial museum in Madurai. The date marks the death anniversary of the Father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The temple town of Madurai in southern India is famous for more… Continue reading Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai