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
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
