Spelunking In Ayakudi, Tamil Nadu

Ayakudi is a small town in the Tenkasi taluk of Tamil Nadu and quite honestly, there is not a lot to describe. Until I decided to visit this place I had not heard of it at all. My work in Ayakudi was with an NGO called Amar Seva Sangam and that is how I even knew such a place existed. I had accompanied my father to this NGO, by way of which I got to see a little of the town.

Ayakudi is well on its way into becoming a fully developed town. The place is one of the most serene that Tamil Nadu can offer. Supplies and other essentials for the NGO come from Chennai, Thirunelveli or Dindigul.There is greenery everywhere and the wind is bent upon sweeping you off your feet. This town therefore harnesses wind energy through wind mills. There is a river that runs by the town which meets its irrigation and water requirements to a minimum.

What is evident from the time you set foot there is its pristine waters and landscape, not to mention very strong winds. It is a very sleepy town from the outside, but upon interaction with the people there you'd see it is very industrious. I had a great time at the NGO and also visited other schools and organizations.

One of the most interesting things I did was, exploring caves. Ayakudi is a very hilly area and has many caves hidden in its folds. We got a local to help us and we hiked along the river, climbed a small hill and got to see some caves. The hike along the river was fantastic. The cool waters and the greenery around was too mesmerizing for a girl from the city. Back home, cool water meant water from the refrigerator and most of the greenery was potted plants. This though, was awesome. 

The caves were located very precariously near an edge and we were advised not to make an attempt scaling the boulders to make it in. Following which we were also told that these caves were once used by saints and hermits for 'tapas' or deep meditation. Apparently some made it out,some did not and some were still inside attempting to attain enlightenment. This last bit of information spooked me just a wee bit, enough to make me race down as fast and carefully as my feet would permit.

In spite of getting the 'heebidebajeebies' it was a great experience. We visited temples close by which included the Vishvanatha temple of Tenkasi. For those wanting a quite time off, Ayakudi is recommended. Although it does not have hotels and lodges, one may stay at Tenkasi or Thirunelveli and make it to Ayakudi for a day trip. This place put me in a meditative state upon entry till my exit and remains to this day, a special memory.

Lots of coconut palms around

Tips for travel to Ayakudi:

• Carry shades, an umbrella, sunblock and plenty of eatables and water.
• There is only one train to Tenkasi and at the most two to Thirunelveli. Check schedules and book well in advance.
• From these stations buses ply back and forth to Ayakudi, but a taxi may be more comfortable.
• Not many good hotels are available here so plan a stay at Thirunelveli or even Trichy perhaps.
• Wear cotton clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Use the help of a reliable local who knows his/her way around and who can speak Tamil.

Here are a few more snaps of this scenic place.
Happy exploring!

Windmills : View from a small hill

Caves

Entry to a cave

View of windmills from near one of the caves

Read More

Vishvanatha Temple Of Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu

625 kms from Chennai is the town of Thenkasi (Then/Ten-South Kashi), located in the Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The town is well known for the Vishvanatha temple of Shiva, Ulagamman temple and also the Coutralam falls located a few kilometers away. Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Thenkasi offers breathtaking views and sights of awe-inspiring Pandiyan architecture. The best time to visit would be between June and September. One would experience 'saral' or drizzling during this period.

The 'Mahagopuram' of Vishvanatha temple and the musical pillars offers one an insight into the genius of the Pandiyan craftsmanship and thereby the power and wealth of the rulers that built these monoliths. King Parakrama Pandiya was instrumental in bringing Thenkasi into the limelight by making it his capital. He is known to have poured massive funds and endowments towards building these temples. It is here that Parakrama Pandiya and his successors were crowned kings.

Many scriptures in Tamil and Sanskrit bear testimony to these facts. The courtralam falls located a few kilometers away from Thenkasi attracts people from all over the district. The cool falls offer a very pleasant respite from the otherwise hot weather.


I managed to take a few snaps of the Mahagopuram from the outside. The light inside was insufficient and so were my skills in photography. Inside are many sculptures and idols of supreme beauty and craftsmanship, that refuse to leave my amazingly meager memory. In the land of temples, the ones in Thenkasi definitely form a class apart.

Tips for travel to Thenkasi:

• Carry shades, water, an umbrella and sun block for travel in the town during the day.
• Hire a cab for local conveyance.
• Trains & buses ply between Chennai & Thenkasi and Chennai & Thirunelvelli. Check up schedules and book well in advance.
• Reasonably good hotels and lodges are available in and around the town. Some research may be required before booking.
• the waters at the falls are turbulent so bathing under the falls is NOT RECOMMENDED.

Read More

Around The US Consulate, Chennai

I am writing this impromptu, after taking a call from a couple of friends who’re in Chennai for their Visa appointments. They wanted to know what they could see around the US Consulate within a couple of hours before they take their train back to Bangalore. Having spent all my life in Chennai, it is safe to say, I know my way around the place. So if you’re one of those that want to have a quick look at the sights and sounds of the metropolitan city of Chennai, with a time constraint, this might help you.

The US Consulate is located in Anna Salai, named after ‘Anna’, former politician of Tamil Nadu & ‘Salai’ meaning Road. This road is one of the arterial roads connecting many parts of the city and is perhaps also one of the widest, longest & busiest roads in the city. So what are you’re options around Anna Salai?

1. Spencer Plaza, Mount Road

This is the oldest mall in the country. The very concept of mall in India started with the construction of this building. Originally built during the British Raj in 1863, it was reconstructed after a fire accident in 1985 & serves as one of the prominent landmarks of the city. The building has changed a lot with time (for good or bad?? Don’t know) but still many elements of the olden days remain. You have everything from big modern brands to local handicrafts.

2. Poompoohar, Mount Road

This is a State government funded initiative to empower local and rural artisans. You will find many handicrafts and handloom products exclusive to the State of Tamil Nadu and is ideal for some unique gift shopping.

3. Express Avenue, White’s Road

It is the largest mall in the south of India & also boasts of the largest gaming arcade in the south of India. It is promoted by a subsidiary of the Indian Express group. You will find the best of cinemas, the best of restaurants and of course the biggies of retail here. Ideal spot for some retail therapy or maybe a quick movie at Escape, their cinema hall.

4. Sathyam Multiplex, White’s Road

Sathyam cinemas has been around for a quite a while now. Apart from movie screenings, it has Blur- Dedicated to gaming freaks, also has a bowling alley. Magic pot-A day care centre (so mums & babies, alike can have their space) and Ecstasy- A restaurant. There have been times when I’ve spent an entire day in just those 3 or 4 storeys.

5. Amethyst, White’s Road.

This comes diagonally opposite to the parking lot from Sathyam’s and up the road from Express Avenue. I recommend this place to everybody who wants to have a quite time. It is a restaurant cum boutique. I visit this place a lot. It is in the heart of the city, quite inconspicuous from the outside. Inside, it is set in a very contemporary South Indian/Anglo fashion amidst a lot of landscaped greenery. It has great food and a lovely collection of clothes, trinkets and organic spa products.

6. The Marina Beach

This beach runs along the coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. The beach starts from Fort St. George in the north all the way to Besant Nagar in the south for a little over 13km, making this the longest beach in India and the 2^nd longest in the world. It’s the perfect getaway on a cool evening. I usually tell people to go closer to the patch near the light house as there are lesser people there compared to the rest of the beach. You can see the Port Trust of Chennai from anywhere in this part of the beach & if you’re lucky you may catch a few a container ships docking. These are turbulent waters that forms the rough patch between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, so I DO NOT recommend swimming. Also there are no life guards in any of the beaches in Chennai. The beach is a perfect ending to a long day.

7. Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam

This place is also close to Anna Salai. You will find many unique shops and restaurants here catering to many tastes. You can hop from Calvin Klein to Man Mandir or Kalaniketan that makes traditional saris and south/north Indian dresses. You will find restaurants serving European, Mediterranean, Indian & oriental cuisines here and also some quite little coffee shops. You’re also parallel to Rutland gate, where the German Embassy is located.

8. St. Thomas basilica (or San Thome Church), Mylapore.

It was built first by the Portuguese explorers in the 16^th century and later the British rebuilt it in 1893. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the city, located on the same line as the beach.

9. Naturally Auroville, Khader Nawaz Khan Road.

This is a beautiful boutique that needs a special mention. I am positive that anybody that visits this place would come out wearing a smile with or without purchases. Everything you get in here is handmade, right from Home décor to aromas & fragrances and clothes. Its joy just to see all that can be made from natural raw materials.

10. The Madras Music Academy

The Music academy as it is more commonly referred to was inaugurated in the 1920’s. It is a primarily engaged in promoting the Indian art form of Carnatic Music & also the Indian Classical dance of Bharatnatyam. Eminent & upcoming young artistes of both these cultural arts perform in the auditorium of the Music Academy. Every year in the month of December, the Academy holds a music festival called ‘Marghazhi utsav’, for the whole month. Ever since its inception, this festival has been a major tourist attraction and a haven for music patrons. Concert schedules and details are available on their website and I recommend this festival to all those who want to understand the quintessence of Chennai & her culture & traditions.

So here were a few options for the hasty traveler. You can easily cover two of the above mentioned spots in a span of 2-3 hours. The list is not in any particular order based on direction or location. I’ve simply taken the US consulate as the centre point and have listed the sites the way my mind has mapped the area. (Many thanks to Guru for the idea for the post)

Tips for traveling in Chennai:

·        Carry umbrella, shades & sunblock.

·        Wear cotton clothes for a more comfortable time.

·        The language spoken is predominantly Tamil & perhaps a little English, enough to make a tourist get around the city without any trouble.

·        There are boards & directions everywhere written in both Tamil & English. You will make your stay by easily even without knowing Tamil.

·        Chennai has a typical costal weather. For all the delicate darlings, the best time to visit is between September through March. For those who are not fussy about the weather, sun or humidity, the city will welcome you at any time of the year.

·        Be wary of the auto-rickshaws. Regardless of whether you’re a local or from out of the city, they will loot you (meaning: autos are expensive). The autos do not operate on a meter basis, so sharpen your bargaining skills prior to your visit.

·        Hire a cab for a more comfortable & in some cases, perhaps a more economical commute. Have a ‘call-taxi’ number at hand. There are many reliable taxi services available.

·        The public transport system is very good. There are buses & local trains connecting all to parts of the city. The bus & train schedules, routes & frequencies are available on the Metropolitan Transport Corporation limited (Chennai) website {mtcbus.org}

·        DO NOT SWIM in the beaches. The waters are very rough & muddy and there are NO LIFEGUARDS in any of the beaches in Chennai. Be content just getting your feet wet.

·        The beaches, malls & roads are safe. There are cops all around. The beaches are patrolled by the mounted police and do not allow you to enter water before sunrise & after sunset.

So those were just a few things to keep in mind. Travel without expectations or self set boundaries & you will find yourself appreciative of everything that a place has to offer.

We wish you great times ahead!

Read More

Road Trip To Southern Tip Of India : Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari - The last chunk of scenic landscape in the southern tip of Indian Peninsular. Our caravan road trip to Kanyakumari from Bangalore via Hosur and Madurai is one of the best stretches of National Highways in India, the NH7. The same NH runs from Kashmir till Kanyakumari, the longest NH in India.

 Day1: Bangalore to Kanyakumari, hotel stay in Kanyakumari

A few glimpses of the scenic beauty all along our journey of around 650kms, which was covered in 10hrs (2008-09).

We concluded the first days’ journey by halting at the Hotel Madhini that offers an excellent view of the juncture of the Indian ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

The sunrise on the day 2 was a splendid sight to spot right outside the balcony of our hotel, sipping a kappa hot and strong south Indian filter coffee.

The day 2 activities followed by a visit to the Kumari Amman temple where the Goddess Kumari Amman had a diamond nose ring which was seemingly bright and sharp enough to fox the ships and big boats arriving at the harbour to misunderstand it for the light house.

To avoid any further mishaps, one of the entrances to the temple was closed forever. Unfortunately couldn’t get snaps of the idol of the great goddess.

The delights of the Dosas and idly vadas’ are always mesmerizing when one plans to stay in this serene place.

The most famous tourist spots, a must visit in Kanyakumari is the juncture point of the Indian ocean, Arabian sea and bay of Bengal along with the great Vivekananda Rock.

The peace lovers paradise and the very location where the great saint Sri Vivekananda found eternal bliss…. The Vivekananda Rock. The way to get to this place is through ferries that ply every 10 minutes from Kanyakumari.

After returning from the peace palace, we drove towards the west coast of Kanyakumari that had lots to offer in terms of superb sunset views, all along the coast.

With a lot of resistance, we had to pack our bags to head towards Rameshwaram, another holy and scenic city in the southern east coast of India. 

The famous Rameshwaram bridge is a must-stop location, with winds blowing at speeds good enough to flyaway… the kilometers of the sand that are left out for drying and processing is a common sight on the way from Kanya to Rameshwaram.

The Rameshwaram bridge was a total delight to watch the railway and the motorway running parallel and almost feels like, we are driving in the mid of the sea.

Read More