Tag: Tamil Nadu tourism

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Five ‘not so touristy’ things to do in while in GReat Trails, Kodaikanal

Rashmi Gopal Rao8 Comments

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

Reviews · Tamil Nadu · Travel

GReat Trails, Kodaikanal: Ideal break amidst nature

Rashmi Gopal Rao25 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Hands that create Gods: Bronze Idol making in Swamimalai

Rashmi Gopal Rao20 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Curiosities on the coast: Tharangambadi aka Tranquebar

Rashmi Gopal Rao16 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram: a medley of religion, tradition, belief and mystery

Rashmi Gopal Rao24 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Brihadeeswarar temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram: a symbol of triumph and architectural celebration

Rashmi Gopal Rao17 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Bhoovaraga Swamy temple, Srimushnam: of piety and communal harmony

Rashmi Gopal Rao23 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Theosophical Society: tranquility in the heart of Chennai

Rashmi Gopal Rao10 Comments

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Thanjavur: centre of South Indian tradition, art and culture

Rashmi Gopal Rao37 Comments

The erstwhile capital of the great Chola dynasty, Thanjavur aka Tanjore is truly the embodiment of South Indian art, architecutre, culture and heritage. Located in the Cauvery basin of Tamil Nadu the town is also known as the “rice bowl” of the state. Synonomous with the world renowned Tanjore paintings, splendid temples with stunning Chola… Continue reading Thanjavur: centre of South Indian tradition, art and culture

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Indigenous handloom: Kalakshetra weaving and kalamkari unit

Rashmi Gopal Rao31 Comments

Tucked away in the bylanes of one of Chennai’s most popular neighborhoods Besant nagar is the renowned Kalakshetra foundation. Founded way back in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, one of pioneers in the field of Bharatanatyam dance, this is a centre for true connoisseurs of art. The sprawling campus that is spread across 100 acres, houses… Continue reading Indigenous handloom: Kalakshetra weaving and kalamkari unit