Mahabalipuram : Magnificence in rock!

A seaside village that takes your breath away! From beautiful sceneries to ancient monuments, historic temples and unique sculptures, so unique is this town that it’s been referred to as a fabulous “open-air museum” of sculpture. Mahabalipuram is indeed a legacy in stone!

Named more out of gratitude than out of respect for the leader, the city was named Mahabalipuram after the cruel and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed at that location by Lord Vishnu during a fierce battle. Another legend behind the name goes that while the ancient name of the city was ‘Mamallapuram’ it was later changed into Mahabalipura during the reign of King Narsimha Varman I. A very interesting history is associated with the name of the town. It is said that the King Narsima was awarded with a title ‘Mamalla’ meaning ‘the great wrestler’. It was from this title that the name of the city was derived.

Located close to Chennai (Madras) on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, along the Indian eastern coast, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is known for its rock carvings, monolithic sculptures and famous shore temple, the only one to have survived the ravages of nature.

A well established sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries, this city was actually the 2nd capital of the Pallava dynasty during which many great poets, artists, artisans, scholars and saints emerged. The Pallavas being the pioneers and forerunners of new styles both in art and architecture, Mahabalipuram was the best place to show off their skill and talent. It was during these glorious years that new artistic and architectural creations were constructed, and many  temples and rock-cut caves built, some even carved out of a single enormous rock!

While the shore temple and five rathas are must visits, other attractions here include Arjuna’s penance, Tiger’s Caves, the crocodile bank, and more.

While earlier it is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea shore, today only one stands there, others believed to be submerged under the sea. Constructed during the 7th century, it was one of the oldest of the south Indian Temples which were structural temples constructed in the Dravidian style – a temple that is full of designs made by carvings, this has been listed among the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. While it consists of three temples in total, two facing the east and west are dedicated to Lord Shiva while the other one is a Vishnu Temple. The Vishnu temples were built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two were built by Narasimha Varman II.

Built by king Narasimha I, and shaped like that of a huge whale, Arjuna’s penance is a famous rock sculpture known for its carvings of God’s of the triple world, demi-gods, or gods of men, birds and beasts, the Nagas and the Nymphs. Figures of Sun and Moon and other celestial (heavenly beings) are also seen. Other figures include Siddhas, Charnas, Kimpurushas, Kinnara (half-man and half-bird) with musical instruments like cymbals, veena in their hands.

Coming to the panch Rathas, these are a set of rock temples that are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. Built in the same shape as pagodas, these rathas are built to resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries and are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. They describe the heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as pancha pandava rathas. The five rathas are (i) Draupadi’s Ratha, (ii) Arjuna’s Rath, (iii) Sahadev’s Rath, (iv) and (v) Dharamraja Yudhistar’s Rath.

The first ratha that is located right by the entrance gate is Draupadi’s Ratha and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next is the Arjuna’s Ratha dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Nakul –Sahadev Rath is known for its huge elephant sculptures and is dedicated to the God of Rain, Lord Indra. While the Bhima Ratha is incomplete, one can find many carvings of lions here.  The largest of the Five Rathas is the Dharamraja Yudhistar’s Rath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A great example of later built South India temples, many innovative and well carved designs can be seen in this Ratha.

Masters of rock-cut mandapams, while the must visit mandapams are the Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardhini Mandapam and Varaha Mandapam, each depicting mythological scenes on it, others include  the Kodikkal Mandapam, Ramanuja Mandapam  and Pancha Pandava Mandapam. Other marvels in rock here are the  Trimurti cave, Koneri cave, Adivaraha Temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Replica of Arjuna’s Penance and Sthalasayana Perumal temple each having fascinating sculpting and an interesting story to tell.

While these amazing monuments keep you busy don’t forget to enjoy and relax by the seaside! The Mahabalipuram beach is one of the finest in India lined with casuarinas groves, and is known to provide some spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Other attractions here also include the Crocodile Bank, located 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram that houses several different species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles that are kept in open pools resembling their natural habitat. Besides the Crocodile Conservation Center, a snake farm also located at this site is the most popular amongst tourists, with the process of extracting the snake venom a popular tourist attraction

So spectacular is this seaside village, that it  has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Whether it is for its architectural marvels carved in rock…its scenic beaches or its rich heritage, this picture perfect place is an ideal getaway for lovers of art.

Beaches in Tamil Nadu are surely tempting!

While talking of the many attractions in South India, we cannot just afford to miss out on Tamil Nadu, one of the captivating states in India. In whichever part of Tamil Nadu you are, there is something that would seek your attention and interest! Have a look at the glorious past of the state, be a part of the colorful festivals, know the culture of the region, relax at the beaches, take pleasure in the cuisine of the state or simply loose yourself to the natural beauty. Whatever you do, a visit to this wonderful state in India is something that you cannot afford to miss!

One of the major and popular draw of the state is the sandy beaches surrounded with palm trees. Swathed in an enthralling charm, the beaches in Tamil Nadu attract tourists from across the globe! Known for the sunny skies and blue beaches, the state of Tamil from the sea sweep off silvery sandy shores, a magical feeling seems to pervade this Southern peninsular region in the Indian sub-continent.

The captivating Tamil Nadu beaches beckon the travelers to explore them more; they entice the tourists leaving them behind with a want for more! Drenching the silver sands, the waves leave behind transient feelings and mystical charm.  Such are the beaches in Tamil Nadu!

The serenity of the sea, the rare and unique coral reefs and sea species, variety of marine life such as sea cucumber, algae, starfish, sponges, crabs, sea cows and dolphins- the beaches in Tamil Nadu are surely tempting!

Marina Beach

Situated on the east of Chennai, adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach is one of the popular beaches in Tamil Nadu! Watching the sunset and sunrise at the beach is always a captivating experience and when it’s on the Marina Beach, then nothing like it! You would feel like coming back to the beach again and again. Though swimming and bathing at the beach is dangerous to certain extent owing to the undercurrents of the sea yet if you are little careful, then bathing can be en enjoyable experience. During the evening, the Marina beach takes on a completely different look with food stalls and various other entertainment activities lined up!

The silvery sandy beauty, spacious promenade, shimmering blue sea, excellent surf characterize the beach and make it even more popular! The beach is often used as a venue for various state programs. The beach happens to be India’s longest beach extending over 13 km, from the Fort St. George to Mahabalipuram. You can take a drive along the Marina Beach covered with palm fringes and casuarinas.

The beach is circumscribed by a stroll surrounded with green lawn that lures the tourists to engage in a leisurely walk. There are beautiful statues as well of Tamil patriots, scholars and well-known personalities. The Statue of Labour, among these is a marvelous sculpture holding evidence to the hard-working laborers who are always involved in arduous, manual work. There is Anna Square at one side of the beach where C.N.Annadurai, the ex- Chief Minister of Tamilnadu was buried. Next to it, there is a park and the MGR Samathi, a memorial led for the ex-Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, Dr.M.G. Ramachandran. The tomb is replete with a striking memorial Pillar and an everlasting flame.

The main road along the Marina Beach holds some of the better and old, historic monuments and buildings such as the Senate House of Madras University, Presidency College, Chepauk Palace, the office of the Director General of Police and many more. The Marina beach consists of several parks and artificial fountains adding to the beauty of the place.

There is an aquarium by the beach with an assortment of fresh water fishes and the tropical sea fishes! On the southern side of the Aquarium, there is an Ice House from the 1840s, also called the Vivekananda house. It was earlier used for storing ice brought from America and England. In the year 1892, it came to be the home of Swami Vivekananda whereby the name was changed to Vivekananda house.

The ideal time to visit this beach is during the early morning or late evenings. While the mornings can be quiet and serene, the evenings are full of activity. Hawkers, Food stalls, and other entertainers surround the beach, making the area even more colorful! Kite flying happens to be a popular sport among the children, at the beach! Pony ride facilities are also there at the beach.

Mamallapuram Beach

Also referred as Mahabalipuram, the Mamallapuram beach is situated at a distance of about 58 km from Chennai. Nestling on the Bay of Bengal shores, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and pulls crowd all round the year. An extraordinary combination of Mamallapuram beach offers visitors a rare combination of natural grandeur and historical splendor is what the beach presents to its visitors. There are several rock cut monuments of architectural magnificence, portraying the glorious history of the beach and the region! The Mamallapuram beach sprawls over an area of about 20km. Earler the port of the Pallava Dynasty, the place is now abounded with caves, stone carvings, Monolithic Rathas, rock-cut temples, wonderful monuments etc.

The prime attractions of the place are School of art, Shore temple, Five Rathas, School of sculpture, Dance Festival, Crocodile farm, Snake venom extracting center, Arjuna’s Penance, Dakshinachitra and Tiger’s Cave. The Dance Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism under the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Elliot Beach

Initially a famous bathing beach, Elliot Beach is presently a favorite destination for the younger generation. Good pavements and roads, illuminated sands, beautiful waves of the sea and many more would make your visit to the beach, a pleasurable experience. Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot’s beach is the sought after destination for all those who are in look for a clean atmosphere. This beach has many food joints and small stores lined up. There are several shrines as well. Decades ago, the Elliot beach served as a popular haunt for the foreigners looking for a secluded beach for enjoying a sun bathe. There is a temple called the Ashtalakshmi temple and Velanganni Church where the beach ends. The church attracts many tourists. The temple is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi and has a different look with a modern feel, than what the South Indian temples usually look like!

Kanyakumari Beach

Often called by the name ‘Land’s End’ of India, Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu, lies at the southern most tip of India and is the meeting place of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It is also an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is popular for its stunning sunrises and sunsets and especially those that take place on the full moon days. The multi-colored sand on the Kanyakumari beach is an amazing sight to watch. A lighthouse is there from where you can capture a picturesque view of the region.   There is a Government museum offering an assortment of art and crafts in Tamil Nadu. On the Chaitrapurnima, that is the Tamil name to refer to full moon day, which usually falls in the months of April, one can take pleasure of the unique and amazing experience of watching the sunset along with the moon rising over the sea, at the same time!

The Kanyakumari beach is very popular among the tourists, especially because of its amazing sunrises and poignant sunsets. The huge stretches of paddy fields, coconut groves, rich forests and mineral sands will attract your eyes. The Kanyakumari beach is however very rocky and therefore does not allow for sunbathing or frolicking in the waves. The seashore is dangerous; hence a manmade wall is there alongside the shores to prevent anyone from going near the rocks or cross the boundary. There are policeman at the beach keeping an eye on the activities of people, thereby preventing them from any dangerous situation. The sea is quite rough here and it is both recommended as well as entertaining to watch the waves from a safe distance. The long stretches of hued sands and a variety of shells are there to welcome you to a different world!

Covelong Beach

A dreamy and charming village located about 40 km from the bustling city of Chennai, Covelong is the hub of fishing activities. The beautiful beach and the swaying palms at the Covelong Beach is there to entice people from all across the globe!  The sea and the surf here are gentle. The vicinity, ambience, tranquility, peace and the gentle sea at the Covelong beach is just the ideal combination of all those aspects that will make your holiday perfect! It is also counted as a well-known beach resort. In the early times, Covelong was a famous port serving the Nawabs of the Carnatic. Later on it was revealed that revealed that the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali made this port of Covelong. In 1746, troops of Laboudonnais took over and in the year 1752, Clive destroyed it! There are several adventurous activities that the Covelong Beach offers you, such as swimming, windsurfing and several different water sports. The Covelong beach is located on the lee of a Dutch fort from the ancient times. Covelong is also there to captivate you with many historical monuments such as churches, forts, mosques etc. One of the major attractions of the region is the old Catholic Church. Those of you who believe that holiday is meant only to comfort and relax, then one of the better ways is definitely a sunbath at the Covelong Beach! The experience of being the part of the pristine environment and the serenity will rejuvenate your body and soul!

Rameshwaram Beach

Located off the mainland, Rameshwaram is an island surrounded by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. It has the longest bridge constructed on the sea, in the country. Rameshwaram also happens to be an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The best time to pay a visit to Rameshwaram is during the months of January to March. The serenity of the Rameshwaram Beach is ideal to unwind and sunbath while the calmness of the sea and its shallow water is prefect for swimming.

The sea here is home to some of the rarest species of coral reefs and aquatics such as marine life-algae, sea cucumber, starfish, crabs, sponges and the sea cow etc. This is the only beach in the region where one can engage into swimming in the sea from day to night. The frolic activities of the dolphins are a wonderful sight to watch! A drive through the Dhanushkodi road, which is surrounded by the sea and the waving bulrushes of the backwaters, is a wonderful experience. Stretches of the untouched beach seems to shine away into the fading light. One can get a splendid sight of the sunset from here. Some settlements of the local fishermen can be seen where the road seems to end!

Poompuhar Beach

Also known as Kaveripoompattinam, this Beach in Tamil Nadu is located about 40 km from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. At Poompuhar, the Cauvery River flows into the Bay of Bengal. Poompuhar is an old historic town in Sir Kali Taluk of the Nagapattinam district in the state of Tamil Nadu. It served as an important port during the time of the Cholas. One of the unique features of the Poompuhar Beach is that, black sands fill up the entire beach and gives it a different look.  The spot is ideal for picnics etc. The beach also consists of a monument carved with a bathing scene that definitely adds to the exclusiveness of the beach. The beach is however unsuitable for the purposes of swimming since the sea is very rough out here! Some of the prime attractions at the beach include Silappathikara Art Gallery highlighting the history of the region, the Zion church built during the Dutch period and several other architectural monuments like the town gateway and the fort!

Kanyakumari: An Enchanting Natural Wonderland!

 

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a small town in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Addressing the southern tip of the Peninsular India, Kanyakumari was formerly known as Cape Comorin. Are you planning a majestic holiday with some wonderful views and an enjoyable stay? Then surely Kanyakumari is the place for you. Known for its majestic hills, pristine rivers, virgin beaches and meandering rivulets, Kanyakumari is the best place to unwind, away from the daily tensions of life. The region puts up a spectacular view during the sunrise and the sunset that would definitely enthrall you and give you a feeling of divine ecstasy.  So why don’t you come and explore yourself, Kanyakumari- An Enchanting Natural Wonderland!

Situated at the feet of Mother India, Kanyakumari, boasts of 3 oceans. This wonderful place is the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a real feast to the eyes. Pristine beaches, paddy fields and green coconut grooves adorn Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari also bears a religious significance. The finest temples in India can be found here. Attractions such as Sripada Parai, Gandhi Memorial, Government Museum etc adds to the beauty of the region.

History of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari derives its name from the famous Kanyakumari Temple or Kumari Amman Temple, located on the shores within the town. Ptolemy in one of his works on the ancient India identified Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) with Gulf of Mannar as one of the centers for pearl fishery. He also identified Korkai in the east of Kanyakumari as one of the emporiums of pearl trade.

Kanyakumari has served as an excellent centre for religion and art for over centuries. It has also been a great center for trade and commerce. Kanyakumari was once ruled by the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and the Nayaks. The place is characterized by architectural splendor and beauty, which is reflected in the many temples built by the ancient rulers. In the later stage, Kanyakumari belonged to the Venad kingdom with Padmanabhapuram as its capital. The king of Venad built Travancore during his reign in between 1729 to 1758. Following this the current district of Kanyakumari came to be referred as the Southern Travancore. In the year 1741, the Dutch East India Company was defeated by Maharaja Marthanda Varma at the Battle of Colachel.

The Paravar Kings ruled in Kanyakumari till the demise of the Pandyas, and later on it was ruled by the kings of Travancore under the general domain of the British till the year 1947, after which India got independence. Travancore then joined the Indian Union in the year 1947. The supremacy of the Travancore kings thus ended.

Under the reign of the Travancore royals, the Kanyakumari District developed both economically and socially. Till date a considerable population of the region study and learns Malayalam as the mother-tongue. The culture that is followed by the people in Kanyakumari people has a Travancore influence.

In the year 1949, Kanyakumari came to be a part of Travancore-Cochin State that was reconstituted. This was the time when Tamil speaking people went for an agitation with the demand for the amalgamation of Kanyakumari into the state of Tamil Nadu. The agitation started under the leadership and control of Marshal Nesamony. In the year 1956, Kanyakumari was amalgamated with the state of Tamil Nadu.

Christianity entered South India in about AD 52 via St. Thomas, which is one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the European missionaries, who came in the sixteenth century, spread Christianity in the region. St. Francis Xavier pioneered the preaching of Christianity in Kanyakumari district. It is believed that Islam entered South India through the district of Kanyakumari in the early half of the 8th century AD. The missionaries and traders played a major role in this. Christianity, Islam and Jainism have immensely contributed to the growth and development of literary and cultural heritage and also the architectural wealth in Kanyakumari.

Places of Attraction in Kanyakumari

The Kanyakumari Temple or Kumari Amman is a major place of attraction in Kanyakumari. The temple is devoted to the Virgin Goddess, the manifestation of Parvati. Overlooking the shores, the temple and its ghat is located in a picturesque location. It attracts large number of tourist from across the globe. The diamond nose-ring of the Goddess is very famous and known for its sparkling splendor, which is believed to be seen from even the sea.

There are two rocks in the southeast of the Kumari Amman temple that reach out to the ocean. Among theses rocks one is Sri Padaparai, in which it is believed that the footprints of the Virgin Goddess is imprinted. Swami Vivekananda is believed to have sat here in deep meditation. The well-known Vivekananda Rock Memorial established in the year 1970 is also located here. One can reach the memorial by availing ferry services. A place called dhyana mandapam is here where one can meditate amidst the serene atmosphere.

The remarkable Gandhi Memorial can also be found right here at Kanyakumari. The memorial has been set up on the area where the urn that contains Mahatma’s ashes was kept for the public to have a look before it was immersed. Resembling the Hindu Temples in India, the memorial was established in such a way that on 2^nd October, Gandhi’s Birthday, the 1^st sun rays would fall on that particular place where Gandhi’s ashes were kept.

Places around Kanyakumari

Literally meaning circular fort, Vattakottai is a fort from the eighteenth century that overlooks the sea. It is situated at a distance of about 6km from the beautiful land of Kanyakumari.

The Udayagiri Fort is yet another interesting place near Kanyakumari that was built by King Marthanda Varma in between 1729-1758 A.D. The fort is located about 34 km from Kanyakumari and has a foundry for the casting guns. The grave of De Lennoy, the European General of the King, is within this Udayagiri Fort.

Suchindram is the place nearby Kanyakumari that carries the impressions of various ancient kingdoms. It is located only at a distance of 13km from Kanyakumari. The place is known for the Thanumalayan temple, which is a repository of artistic treasures of the old kingdoms. The musical columns and the 6m high figure of Hanuman, the monkey god are the interesting features of the temple. The main idol is a “shivling” that represents Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, the holy trinity of the Hindus. Ancient inscriptions that date back to 9th century can also be traced here.

Among the many places around Kanyakumari, one that is worth visiting is the Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil. It is 20km from Kanyakumari and is devoted to Lord Nagaraja. The other attractions of the temple are the two shrines located here, devoted to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The entrance of the temple reminisce Buddhist Vihara in a Chinese style.

Padmanabhapuram Palace is a huge mansion belonging to the Travancore Kings. Famous for its magnificent natural splendor, the palace is at a distance of about 45 km from Kanyakumari.

Tiruchendur, located at an approximate distance of 85km from Kanyakumari is famous for having a wonderful temple devoted to Lord Subramanya. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the temple is among the 6 abodes of Lord Subramanya. The temple serves as a major crowd puller to this region. Many devotees come to pray at the temple on one hand and experience the inspiring view of the temple that overlooks the sea.

Perked up at a height of about 167m, the Courtallam Falls is located at a distance of around 137 km from Kanyakumari. The water of this beautiful falls is supposed to have some great medicinal values.

How to Reach Kanyakumari

Trivandrum is the closest airport that serves Kanyakumari. It is located at a distance of about 80km. Regular flights from this airport  connects Kanyakumari to Mumbai, Cochin, Bangalore,  Goa, Delhi, and Chennai.

Various rail heads connect Kanyakumari to other parts of India, wonderfully well. Broad-gauge rail network connects Kanyakumari to Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. The nearest railway station to Kanyakumari is Tirunelvelli, which is located at a distance of 80 km. One can reach here by road, through Nagarkoil.

Roadways connect Kanyakumari to Nagarkoil, Tirunelvelli, Trivandrum, Tiruchendur, Rameshwaram, Courtallam, Tuticorin, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Palani, Thekkady, Ootacamund, Cochin and Coimbatore. The road distances of these places from Kanyakumari can be listed as below:

• Trivandrum: 86 km
• Tiruchendur: 89 km
• Tuticorin: 129 km
• Nagarkoil: 19 km
• Tirunelvelli: 91 km
• Madurai: 242 km
• Thekkady: 358 km
• Rameshwaram: 300 km
• Palani: 370 km
• Ootacamund: 576 km
• Courtallam: 130 km
• Kodaikanal: 362 km
• Cochin: 309 km
• Coimbatore: 478 km

Intercity trains and various tourist vehicles operate within Kanyakumari to make local transportation for the people easy.

Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari

Since Kanyakumari is located in close proximity to the sea, so the region experiences a pleasant and comfortable climate, in most parts of the year. In the summer months, the temperature might go up to 34.8°C while in case of winter, it can go down to 20.4°C. Hence Kanyakumari can be toured in any time of the year. The ideal time however is during the months of October to March.