2023-01-11 11:26
Satyanarayana is a form of Vishnu, one who symbolises eternal truth. Satyanarayana Puja or Vrath is a common religious ritual worship observed across the nation from time immemorial. The puj… Read More
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kanthapara waterfalls
central bay
museum
waterfalls
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wayanad
A unique and ultimate travel guide...
2023-01-08 11:38
Kanthapara waterfalls is one of the beautiful tourist attractions of Wayanad, which is becoming popular off-late. About 22 km from Kalpetta, it is located amidst a serene forest surrounded b… Read More
2023-01-06 17:07
Tamil Nadu woke up on 1987 December 24th morning to the sad news that Dr. MGR had passed away. It was devastating and unbearable for millions of people to lose their beloved leader. How is t… Read More
2023-01-04 14:08
"900 Kandi" at Wayanad - it is literally 900 acres of unspoiled and lush green paradise. Originally called Thollayiram, this pristine patch of land is a feather on the cap of Wayanad. … Read More
2022-12-28 13:50
It's massive - it's majestic - it's mammoth. As it is located next door to the Central Railway Station, with just a small road in-between, not only the locals but even the new visitors to Ch… Read More
2022-12-22 13:45
Almost all major cities have zoological parks. But, Mysuru zoo has its unique charm. Whoever visits Mysuru never misses coming here. Founded in 1892 by Mysore ruler Sri Chamarajendra Wo… Read More
2022-12-21 06:29
There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, a few other old churches in the same local… Read More
2022-12-18 15:44
With breathtaking hills, an internationally acclaimed palace and zoological park, state-of-the-art temples, historical monuments, and heritage richness at every nook and corner - Mysuru - it… Read More
2022-12-16 01:33
There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, there are a few other old churches in the… Read More
2022-12-15 13:39
Sand sculptures are usually made for temporary purposes on beaches. Where else can we find the sand sculptures displayed permanently? I am not sure. At least in India, the one we have in Mys… Read More
2022-12-14 15:32
There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, there are a few other old churches in the… Read More
2022-12-11 11:25
Those who go to Mysuru never miss visiting Mysore Palace. But hardly anyone of them visits or even knows Jaganmohana Palace. It was destined to become the abode of the Mysore Royal family. B… Read More
2022-12-10 13:27
Located in a well-maintained cantonment area with the ancient and beautiful Garrison Church as its neighbor, the vast Golf garden is incredibly calm. It is hard to believe that this peaceful… Read More
2022-12-10 05:27
Mysore Palace is one of India's most spectacular and prominent sites. Besides the main palace, the complex has several other structures and twelve temples. Among them, Sri Lakshmi Ramana Tem… Read More
2022-12-07 16:02
"White Mughals", "The Last Mughal", "The Anarchy"....well, you know whom I am talking about - William Dalrymple, the famous Scottish historian who has made Delhi his home. If I say that Madr… Read More
2022-12-06 09:56
Mysore Palace is one of India's most spectacular and prominent sites. Besides the main palace, the complex has several other structures and twelve temples. Among them, Sri Kille Venkataraman… Read More
2022-12-05 00:54
The 2.5 hectare ecological park set up in Pallikkaranai marsh land in 2021 is a boon for bird watchers of Chennai. The tiled walking path surrounded by dense trees make bird watching easy. T… Read More
2022-12-04 03:24
Mysore Palace is one of India's most spectacular and prominent sites. Besides the main palace, the complex has several other structures and twelve temples. Among them, Sri Prasanna Krishnasw… Read More
2022-12-03 11:16
Millions of people go to Marina beach every day. But how many of them know about this tiny spot where history unfolded? This is the place where Mahatma Gandhiji delivered his lecture seven t… Read More
2022-12-02 16:14
People call Mysuru as the cultural capital of Karnataka state of India. And I would call Mysore Palace as the cultural capital of Mysuru. It is the pride of Mysuru - no! the pride of Karnata… Read More
2022-11-25 13:29
Located in the Kotturpuram area, the Birla Planetarium is the fifth planetarium named after the memory of great industrialist Shri B.M. Birla. Constructed in 1988, the campus houses eight ga… Read More
2022-11-24 14:15
Mysuru - I can't avoid reminiscing about so many things when I hear the name of this colorful and lively city. Its beautiful palaces, excellent museums, fascinating heritage structures, mesm… Read More
2022-11-23 09:50
Started as a modest school in a rented building on Armenian Street in George Town (rather, the original Madras), the Madras Christian College expanded into a strong and glorious institution… Read More
2022-11-06 13:23
Mysore is noted for its magnificent palace and other heritage structures - it's well-known. Nevertheless, your visit to this historic city cannot be claimed to be complete if you do not go t… Read More
2022-10-21 14:58
Kundrathur is situated at a distance of 13 km from Tambaram, the southern suburb of Chennai city. The locality is known for its numerous ancient temples. Tiru Uraga Perumal temple… Read More
2022-10-19 12:22
Gangaikondan is a small town located near Tirunelveli. To commemorate the victory of Rajendra Chola over the region of Gangetic plains. There is a magnificent temple of Kailasanatha&nbs&hell…Read More
2022-10-18 12:43
The Chola dynasty had many great kings. Among them, Rajaraja Chola I was perhaps the greatest. And his son Rajendra Chola I was greater than the greatest. He rose up to h… Read More
2022-09-29 10:14
Kundrathur is situated at a distance of 13 km from Tambaram, the southern suburb of Chennai city. The locality is known for its numerous ancient temples. Nagesvarar temple is… Read More
2022-09-15 07:41
Gangaikondan, a moderately bigger but quiet village located about 20 km from Tirunelveli, has one of the largest temples of Shiva in the region. The village named after the famous Chola empe… Read More
2022-08-29 12:42
Even those disinterested people who call museums dull and uninviting would die to visit Tamil Nadu Police Museum. It is stunningly vibrant and refreshing. Finally, Chennai has got a sought-a… Read More
2022-08-29 05:46
It was a promenade extended southwards from St. George Fort in Madras. And the pathway had a dead end at a roundabout. Nearby, the river Cooum met the Bay of Bengal. The poetic romance betwe… Read More
2022-08-28 13:52
All of us from Chennai know Vandalur Zoological Park. It remains a major attraction during the weekends for sure. However, I wonder how many of us realize there is a unique Tree Park next do… Read More
2022-08-27 14:22
I am standing in front of the narrow Road opposite Chennai High Court and wondering - "Can I drive? No...not possible....ride? Not sure....forget it....I don't think I can even walk on… Read More
2022-08-25 11:25
As I have written a few times in my blog, Broadway, one of the oldest parts of the Original Madras, has many surprises. Many stories were known well once and forgotten in recent times. … Read More
2022-08-23 16:04
The locality, Broadway, part of Old Madras, was planned and developed in the 1780s. Broadway, though it appears to be a misnomer today, was a prominent commercial thoroughfare in the 19th ce… Read More
2022-08-22 15:51
The first bicycle, without pedals, was invented by Karl Drais in Germany in 1817 CE. "The Daily News", a newspaper from England, used the word "bicycle" for the first time to define these tw… Read More
2022-08-22 11:48
The locality, Broadway, part of Old Madras, was planned and developed in the 1780s. Broadway, though it appears to be a misnomer today, was a prominent commercial thoroughfare in the 19th ce… Read More
2022-08-22 11:18
Smt Gunavanti Ben Mohanlal Mehta Bhavan, shortly called Gunavanti Bhavan restaurant in the Gujarati Mandal building remains the best authentic Gujarati restaurant for ages in Madras. Though… Read More
2022-08-21 11:24
The locality, Broadway, part of Old Madras, was planned and developed in the 1780s. Broadway, though it appears to be a misnomer today, was a prominent commercial thoroughfare in the 19th ce… Read More
2022-08-19 16:38
The locality, Broadway, part of Old Madras, was planned and developed in the 1780s. Broadway, though it appears to be a misnomer today, was a prominent commercial thoroughfare in the 19th ce… Read More
2022-08-18 16:38
The locality, Broadway, part of Old Madras, was planned and developed in the 1780s. Broadway, though it appears to be a misnomer today, was a prominent commercial thoroughfare in the 19th ce… Read More
2022-08-17 14:14
Prabhat Theatre - it's a lost landmark of Old Madras. Located on Broadway Road, this theatre and its neighbor Broadway Talkies were considered the Twin Talkies of George Town. They were like… Read More
2022-08-16 09:35
It is a small but beautiful building. The veranda on the ground floor has five beautiful arches supported by six pillars. The middle one is a circular arch, and the other four arches a… Read More
2022-08-01 12:45
It is a challenging task even to walk or ride on the narrow road named "Broad" way in the Old Madras. Forget about observing the heritage structures or historical landmarks! "Beehive Buildin… Read More
2022-07-31 06:45
Not anyone could imagine such a rural setup hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of the congested Ayanavaram locality in Chennai. It is a peaceful hamlet located within the busy par… Read More
2022-07-27 14:50
All hit films of yesteryear's superstar MGR used to get released in this theatre. Importantly, Haridass, the 1944 classic, ran for three successive years in this theatre. Despite being engul… Read More
2022-07-25 14:22
"He is a philosopher and a poet, a savant and a saint, a mystic and a religious reformer. Such diverse gifts did he possess that different images present themselves, if we try to recall his… Read More
2022-07-24 09:08
Would you believe me? One thing that motivates me to frequently visit the crowded Sowcarpet - Lassi! Yes, the best among the best lassi in the entire Chennai! It is served by a wrestler!Dine… Read More
2022-06-19 04:46
Navapashanam is an amalgam of nine poisonous herbs. It is said to act as a remedy for all types of diseases. It is believed that the Siddhas knew the secret formula to prepare this medicinal… Read More
2022-06-17 13:50
Pammal is a suburban locality of Chennai, located next to Pallavaram. This place is well known across the state of Tamil Nadu, thanks to the famous personality Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar, the… Read More
2022-06-14 09:38
Pammal is a suburban locality of Chennai, located next to Pallavaram. This place is well known across the state of Tamil Nadu, thanks to the famous personality Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar, the… Read More
2022-06-09 13:48
Neervannan, Neermalai and Anima Malar Mangai - beautiful Tamil names! Not only these names, but even the site associated with them is such a picturesque place. It's a lovely hill surrou… Read More
2022-06-07 11:05
Somangalam - it is such a picturesque village, surrounded by a beautiful lake and fertile lands. It's hard to believe that it is a Southern suburb of the highly congested Chennai. The v… Read More
2022-06-06 10:42
Not only its history but even its existence remains unknown to the citizens of Chennai. Located in Pazhanthandalam, not far away from the famous Tiruneermalai, this apsidal (Gajaprshtha) tem… Read More
2022-06-05 03:30
Consecrated in March 2021, the 40 feet high Bala Murugan icon at Saveetha Medical College campus is the tallest image of Murugan in Chennai. Malaysia has 140 feet tall Murugan. In April 2022… Read More
2022-06-04 07:29
Tiruneermalai, having twin Vishnu temples, is a popular outskirt of Chennai. Its lesser-known neighboring locality Tirumudivakkam has an old Shiva temple, which remains unknown.Originally a… Read More
2022-05-14 13:15
There is no limitation to the euphoria of Pallava sculptors. Hence, there is no end to the riddles in the form of exceptional monuments in Mamallapuram. Tri Murti Caves is another example of… Read More
2022-04-22 01:22
Little away, to the west of Trimurti Caves in Mamallapuram, a west-facing cave temple is found. Its architecture is basic and simple similar to the early cave temples of Mahendra Varma Palla… Read More
2022-04-19 13:26
Not all the sculptures in the great town called Mamallapuram are religious. Though not all the experts are convinced to classify certain sculptures as non-religious, the minor elephant panel… Read More
2022-04-17 16:16
It is perhaps the oldest monument of Mamallapuram. Unlike the other monuments of the town, which are the creations of the Pallavas or the Vijayanagaras, it is a natural monument. It is… Read More
2022-04-17 01:47
The earlier European records of Mamallapuram would give us a sense of how Sthalapuranas "get created". William Chambers, who had documented the town's monuments in the 1700s, heard from the… Read More
2022-04-15 03:53
Besides the interesting cave shrines and large relief panels, a few lesser-known monuments are also located in Mamallapuram. Draupadi's Bath is one such site.Draupadi's Bath is situated atop… Read More
2022-04-14 02:00
Mamallapuram is filled with experimental monuments of Pallava-era sculptors. Varaha Mandapa is the most complete and ornamental shrine among various cave temples. Four majestic relief panels… Read More
2022-03-30 14:53
Every monument of Mamallapuram intoxicates us with its incomparable workmanship in its own way. Hence, it is quite natural for us to believe that the monument that we currently visit is the… Read More
2022-03-20 03:51
It was 1885 CE. A good amount of money was spent on improvising the infrastructure of the Madras Port. However, the port did not generate enough revenue. The authorities wanted to attract mo… Read More
2022-03-18 11:59
Most of the ancient monuments located in Mamallapuram are partially finished. And, a few monuments have been just started off and remain unfinished forever. Near the most popular Mahisasuram… Read More
2022-03-15 12:56
Not all talented people get good opportunities. Not all people who get opportunities make good use of them. Similarly, in Mamallapuram, not all the stones got converted into monuments. And… Read More
2022-03-14 15:12
Little away to the south of the Unfinished Penance monument in Mamallapuram, Dharmaraja Mandapa is located. Though the town gets hundreds and thousands of visitors every day, hardly anyone v… Read More
2022-03-12 12:15
There seems to be no end to the experiments in stone done by the Pallava sculptors in Mamallapuram. Cave Shrines, Monolith Rathas, Structural Temples, Mini Shrines, and what next? A mini tem… Read More
2022-03-10 10:49
Abutting the northern boundary of the famous Shore Temple complex in Mamallapuram, an apsidal-shaped shallow stepped pit is located. Three interesting things are found over there - a beautif… Read More
2022-03-05 07:43
Mamallapuram is full of monuments. And, the monuments are full of mysteries. Yali Mandapa, called Tiger's Cave nowadays, is one such unsolved puzzle of the Pallava creators. Located in Saluv… Read More
2022-03-03 09:55
People know this place as Mahisasuramardini Mandapa. And, they would not miss paying a visit to this site when they come to Mamallapuram. Though this cave temple is dedicated to Shiva… Read More
2022-02-19 10:23
IntroductionIf I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. Yes! It is one of the most picturesque and famou… Read More
2022-02-13 04:09
IntroductionIf I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. And, by any chance, if I miss out on Dharma… Read More
2022-01-17 16:51
IntroductionIf I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. Yes! It is one of the most picturesque and famou… Read More
2022-01-09 01:34
IntroductionIf I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. Yes! It is one of the most picturesque and famou… Read More
2021-12-26 16:33
If I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. Yes! It is one of the most picturesque and famous monuments of the heritage… Read More
2021-12-11 04:18
When you think of Tamil Nadu, you cannot ignore Mamallapuram. And, when you think of Mamallapuram, you cannot overlook the Five Rathas Complex. The shrines and statues in this complex are so… Read More
2021-11-26 09:58
This temple is located about 5 km from Manimangalam, in a village named Pushpagiri, besides a factory in a secluded place. An ancient Shiva Linga named Siddhapureeswarar is the presiding dei… Read More
2021-11-25 13:33
When I visited Manimangalam five years ago (in 2016), I accidentally stumbled upon an ancient sculpture of Jyestha Devi lying in the middle of a field. I wrote about this in my blog. I had t… Read More
2021-11-23 16:16
Manimangalam, the heritage-rice southern suburb of Chennai, has two ancient Shiva temples, which are pretty popular. They are Kailasanathar and Dharmesvarar temples. Not many, including the… Read More
2021-11-22 12:39
In Manimangalam, an uprooted tree during the 2015 Vardah storm led to unearthing and discovering the ancient sculpture of Kottravai (also known as Vishnu Durga and Mahisasuramardini). T… Read More
2021-11-21 16:33
Located at about 15 km from Tambaram, the southern suburb of Chennai, Mambakkam Lake is one of the most picturesque water bodies in the surroundings of Chennai. The beauty of the vast lake b… Read More
2021-11-20 08:59
After crossing the picturesque Mambakkam Lake and the dense Kayar Reserve Forest, the tiny hamlet named Shozhathangal can be reached. After passing through the entire village, inside a fores… Read More
2021-11-19 16:40
His front face and the posture of his two lower arms make us believe that he is Venkatachalapati. But he has three heads. The left side of the head depicts Varaha, and the right one represen… Read More
2021-11-12 15:30
Chennaites are familiar with Kovalam on East Coast Road (ECR) en route Mamallapuram, as a fishing village and as a destination of a few luxurious resorts. But, not many of them might know ab… Read More
2021-11-04 12:19
Surrounded by high-rise apartments and multi-storied structures, this small temple of Azhageesar is located in an unknown lane. Indeed, it is hard to believe that it was once an important te… Read More
2021-11-04 01:55
Thaiyur is a southern suburb of Chennai. In the olden times, the village had seven ancient temples of Shiva called Sapta Sthana Temples. Unfortunately, in due course of time, many of those t… Read More
2021-11-03 14:10
About one km. away from the most happening OMR in Thaiyur, on the banks of the lake where the hustle bustle is missing, an ancient Shiva Linga is enshrined under a temporary shed. It is said… Read More
2021-10-29 13:58
Thaiyur, a remote, peaceful village till a few years ago, is a fast developing southern suburb of Chennai. Not many know that it is the site of seven ancient temples of Shiva called Sapta St… Read More
2021-10-26 08:07
Those who live in the high-rise apartments and ultra-luxurious villas of Thaiyur, the southern suburb of Chennai, may not know the village's old stories and heritage value. The development o… Read More
2021-10-20 15:51
I thought it would be a typical day for me to explore some unknown or lesser-known sites. But, when I stumbled upon this temple a few months ago, I literally turned speechless. I never heard… Read More
2021-10-11 13:42
Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Bhairava himself manifested into eight forms called Ashta Bhairavas. Each of these Ashta Bhairavas leads a group of seven Bhairavas, thus fo… Read More
2021-10-09 16:20
No! It's not an ordinary roadside temple. It is supposed to be one of the ancient temples of Chennai and its suburbs. Unfortunately, the temple has lost most of its structures and its glory… Read More
2021-10-08 13:37
On the southern outskirts of Chennai, near Tirupporur, there is a village called Kattur. The site known for its reserve forest has a big temple named Uttara Vaidya Lingeswarar. About one km… Read More
2021-10-07 10:26
Vaidyanatha or Vaitheeswaran Temple is an ancient and famous temple in Central Tamil Nadu. There is a temple with the same name located in Northern Tamil Nadu, and it is known as Uttara Vaid… Read More
2021-10-05 15:51
Traditional houses, wide pathways, scenic hills, fertile fields, large trees, beautiful ponds, ancient temples, the delight of heritage lovers, the paradise of history buffs, the holy site r… Read More
2021-09-11 03:41
It is an unknown temple in a lesser-known hamlet called Kayarambedu near Guduvanchery in Tamil Nadu. Once a beautiful Gajaprshtha Vimana shrine, it is currently under renovation.Known as Vaa… Read More
2021-09-10 13:49
Singaperumal Koil is a small town located between Chennai and Chenglepet. "Singa Perumal Koil" means "the temple of the Lion God" in Tamil. As the famed ancient temple of Narasimha is s… Read More
2021-09-06 13:22
Besides the famous Madampakkam located near Selaiyur, another lesser-known village known in the same name is situated near Guduvancheri, to the south of Chennai. A small temple of Lakshmi Na… Read More
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