Trains and train journeys often get me all nostalgic with fond memories of my childhood days. A train journey from Hyderabad to our home town, Banglaore was a ‘regular feature’ and a ritual we followed during summer vacations. It was something my sister and me always looked forward to, not to mention the fights we… Continue reading Photo essay: Nilgiri mountain railway: toy train from Coonor to Ooty
It is often said that while Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is its soul. Also called the “Athens of the East“, Madurai is a vibrant city, bustling with energy. It lies on the banks of the Vaigai River of the state. Intrinsically associated with the quintessential Tamil culture, Madurai is an eclectic… Continue reading The essence and spirit of Madurai with GRT Regency
Also known as the “Gift of the Forest”, Kodaikanal is situated on a plateau between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. Blessed with rich flora, Kodaikanal is bestowed with meadows and grasslands in abundance along with Eucalyptus trees and shola forests in the valleys. With the lake being central to the hill stations’ attractions, Kodai has some… Continue reading Five ‘not so touristy’ things to do in while in GReat Trails, Kodaikanal
Having experienced the best of GRT’s hospitality at GRT Grand on a personal visit to Chennai a couple of years back, an invitation for a bloggers’ meet by GRT, Kodaikanal had me all excited. I am happy to say that brand GRT not only lived up to my expectations but pleasantly surpassed them, making my… Continue reading GReat Trails, Kodaikanal: Ideal break amidst nature
A quiet panchayat town on the banks of River Kaveri, Swamimalai is well known for more reasons than one. Located just about five kilometres from the temple town of Kumbakonam, the town is home to the famous Swaminathaswamy Temple. The latter is a holy temple that is one of the six most holy shrines of… Continue reading Hands that create Gods: Bronze Idol making in Swamimalai
It has a history that dates back to the 10th century. It’s where you’ll see spirituality in a new light. And it has a lovely stretch of beach in the most serene of settings. So it’s little wonder that Tharangambadi, formerly Tranquebar, means ‘land of the singing waves’. Situated in Nagapattinam district, along the coast… Continue reading Curiosities on the coast: Tharangambadi aka Tranquebar
Walking through the narrow road leading to the Thillai Natarja temple, I was fascinated to see a bevy of men clad in saffron and white with really long hair neatly gathered into a bun on the left side of their heads. With their heads tonsured around the rim, they had a personality that was striking… Continue reading Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram: a medley of religion, tradition, belief and mystery
The ancient town of Gangaikonda Cholapuram dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by the great king Rajendra Chola. Established to commemorate his victory over Mahipala, the Pala king of Bengal and Bihar, the city was established as the capital of the Chola empire shifting it from Tanjore. It is said that… Continue reading Brihadeeswarar temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram: a symbol of triumph and architectural celebration
The bustling town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is home to a number of temples and is an important pilgrimage centre. While the soul of the town is the renowned Thillai Nataraja temple, there are a number of rare and stunning temples in and around the town. One such unique temple is the Bhoovaraga Swamy… Continue reading Bhoovaraga Swamy temple, Srimushnam: of piety and communal harmony
Greenery galore If you are looking to get away from the traffic, hustle bustle and busy streets of the city, then head to the beautiful Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society in Adyar. Spread over a whopping 250 hectares, these gardens are a pleasant escape and boast of a rich variety of flora and fauna. A… Continue reading Theosophical Society: tranquility in the heart of Chennai
