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
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
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
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
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….
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
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
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
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
