56 monuments found
Showcasing its uniqueness in more than one way, Guindy National Park in Chennai is one of the very few national parks that is located inside a city. The smallest of all national parks in India, Guindy National Park is a habitat to the rarest vegetation type viz. the tropical dry evergreen vegetation. Spread in about 22 acres, the national park has more than 60 species of butterflies and spiders. Home to black buck, mongoose, jackals and spotted deers, toddy cats, Indian civet and chital, Guindy National Park plays a major role in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation. The Guindy National Park attracts tourist by its Snake Park that is a sanctuary for a variety of snakes, crocodiles and turtles. Other than animals, the park also houses over 100 bird species such as honey buzzard, pariah kite and black winged kite. Adjacent to the Snake Park is the Children’s Park that entertains and educates kids about the natural environment, animals, and creates awareness on conservation.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, better known as Kamakshi Amman Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Kamakshi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti) who performed tough penance at the site to please Lord Shiva. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also famed for its architectural brilliance that boasts of exquisite sculptures and adornments. The main idol has Goddess Kamakshi sitting in a yogic posture called Padmasana with four arms holding sugarcane bowl, lotus flowers, a lasso and a goad. The deity is worshipped in three forms, Sri Kamakshi, Sri Bilahasam and Sri Chakra inside the sanctum sanctorum (called Gayatri Mandapam) which has a spellbinding golden vimana (tower) at the top. Surrounding the main shrine are the idols of other deities like Ayyappan, Saraswati, Roopalakshmi, Arupalakshmi and others. It is a firm belief that presenting red kumkum to Arupalakshmi can fulfil one’s wish. The temple has four entrances, halls with ornamented pillars and a holy temple tank. Indescribable pace and mysticism reside inside the temple which is also a popular venue for numerous festivals round the year.
Meghamalai, the range of mist-laden green mountains located in the Western Ghats, is situated in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Popularly called the High Wavy Mountains, it is no less than a paradise for the holidaymakers. Overlooking the distant Varusanadu Hills, the range attracts tourists from all over the world to its multiple scenic attractions including Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghamalai Falls, vast tea and coffee estates, cardamom plantations and lush green forests. There are places in Meghamalai where virgin evergreen forests are still found bordering the cardamom plantations. The wildlife found in the area includes elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and various other rare species like Grizzled Giant Squirrel and Great Indian Hornbill. Vellimalai or Silver Mountain in Meghamalai is renowned for the view of clouds rolling over the green hills. There are various dams located in Meghamalai that are very popular with the tourists since some of them overlook the villages of Theni and Cumbum Valley and provide a spectacular view. Popular activities at Meghamalai include bird-watching, trekking, cycling, forest jeep safaris and plantation tours.
Located about 65 km. away from Thanjavur, Manora Fort is an 8 storied hexagonal tower that is visited by many tourists each year. Constructed by the Maratha ruler, the magnificent fort has a height of about 23 meters. Believed to be storing the hidden treasure inside the maze, Manora Fort was once the trading spot for Sri Lankan and Indian traders. Famous for its ancient architecture and unadulterated beauty, the fort has an underground way that goes to the main temple of Thanjavur. Describing the beautiful history of India, this fort gets its name from the word “minaret.” Overlooking the beauty of Bay of Bengal, Manora Fort presents a spectacular view of shoreline even from the second floor of the fort. The fort appears like a pagoda, with curved windows and roundstairway. Other nearby famous places includesKumbakonam, Velankani, Manora and Thirubuvanam etc.
Unfolded in 321 sq.km. Mudumalai National Park is situated on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills. Also declared Tiger Reserve, the national park houses gray langur and the bonnet macaque. The park is very popular amongbird and animal lovers. Mudumalai National Park is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to designate this park as a ‘World Heritage Site.’ Home to numerous endangered species like Indian Leopard, Indian Elephant, Striped Hyenas, Gaur and Bengal Tiger, a visit to the national park also introduces visitors to a number of colourful and migratory birds. Malabar Trojan, the serpent eagle and the Malabar grey hornbill are often spotted here. Some of the nearby attractions include Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Kallatty Falls, Moyar River, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Pykara Lake etc.
A fascinating place to be at, Bear’s Cave is engulfed in mystery and has religious and historic significance. Located close to the Norton Bungalow in a privately owned coffee estate, the cave is accessible only after permission from the estate’s owner. It is believed that the cave served as dwelling place for the bears and hence the name. According to popular legends, the cave is considered to be one of the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The existence of a temple dedicated to the lord nearby offers evidence for this belief. Another tale illustrates how Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan used the cave to escape from his enemies during a war. It is also believed that the other end of the cave opens up at Shevaroy Temple. The main area of the cave is located 7 ft. from the ground and one must crawl to explore it. The natural beauty in the surroundings adds to the fun of being at this place. Warnings You may have to crawl on all fours to explore the cave.
Sri Ramanasramam, also called Sri Ramana Ashram, was the abode of the sage and philosopher Ramana Maharshi who lived here from 1922 to 1950 before attaining nirvana. Since decades, the followers of Sri Ramana and many eminent personalities visit the ashram to seek his blessings and stay here to achieve spiritual peace. Located at the foothills of the sacred hill called Arunachala, the ashram was established as a small hut by Sri Ramana and it grew into a huge ashram over all these years. Writers like Paul Brunton, Alfred Sorensen, Arthur Osborne and W. Somerset Maugham and spiritual teachers like David Godman and Sivananda are among the people who stayed at the ashram for many years. Accommodations at the ashram can be booked in advance. Every visitor is allowed to stay here for the maximum of 3 days. Top attractions include The New Hall, the Old Hall, Matrubhuteswara Temple, Maharshi’s Samadhi, the cattle farm, the nirvana room, Sri Ramana Library and Virupaksha Cave. Activities at the ashram include morning and evening prayers, group reading and religious festival participation.
Honoured with National Heritage Award, Chola Temples are the spectacular creation of Chola Kings. Completed in six-years, Chola Temples are known for its huge superstructures graced with miniature graving and luxuriantdecorations. The Chola Reign is marked with a series of striking temples like Brihadeeshwara Temple, the Subramanya Temple, Chandeeswera and Ragavendra Temple etc. The design of each of these temples is renowned for its size, delicate carving and enthralling detailing. Among these temples, Brihadeeshwara Temple is very impressive and known as the ‘Emperor of Temples.’ Positioned within the Sivaganga Fort, it finds place among the finest temples of Thanjavur. Visitors to Chola Temples can explore some nearby attractions as well like Thiruvaiyur(famous as the residence of Saint Thyagaraja), Kumbakonam (known for Mahamaham Fair), Manora (popular for its quirky souvenir) and Thirubuvanam (famous for Shiva temple and silk weaving) etc.
One of the Great Living Chola Temples that are collectively designated as the World Heritage Site, Brihadishwara (or Brihadeeswarar) Temple is the epitome of classical Indian temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple recently turned 1,000 years old and has maintained its glory over all these years. Towering vimana (about 216 ft, high) mounted by an 80 ton Kumbam and the spectacular carvings offer spellbinding beauty to this marvellous structure. The whole temple is made of granite and is popularly known as the Big Temple. It is designated as India’s largest temple and has other attractions like gigantic statue of Nandi, the bull, at the entrance and beautiful murals and frescos inside. Apart from glorifying the Dravidian art, the temple is also a popular pilgrimage destination. The city has many other equally charming temples in and around. Warnings: Wear decent clothes and follow the rituals strictly. Non-vegetarian food, smoking items and alcohols are prohibited.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. Dedicated to Parvathi and her consort, Shiva, this temple was built in 1655. The 14 gateway towers and two ornate golden sculptured Vimanas of this spectacular temple complex add up to its grandeur. No Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakuamari tour package is complete without a visit to the world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. On an average 15,000 pilgrims visit this temple everyday, which goes up to over 25,000 on Fridays. The temple was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Over 1 lakh people visit this temple during the annual festival of Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, which extends over 10 days in the month of May. The temple houses a black-stone idol of Meenakshi Amman with a parrot in her right hand in its main shrine and a swayambhu (self-formed) lingam in a temple close by. The temple hall, named Kilikoondu Mandapam was previously used to train parrots to recite Goddess Meenakshi's name. The hall of 1000 pillars is another attraction of this temple. Some of the pillars are called musical pillars as they produce Carnatic music notes when struck.
MaruthamalaiMurugan Temple is located on the outskirts of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is about fifteen kilometres away from the city and is located near the Western Ghats. The temple is dated back to 12th century and contains stone inscriptions of Lord Murugan. There are hill ranges surrounding three sides of the temple that have many medicinal herbs and the hill has many small resting places for devotees to relax during the climb up the hill. Maruthamalai has many deities that are worshipped including the Vinayakar temple at the foothills dedicated to Idumban deity who sits on a huge rock. The temple attracts thousands of devotees who consider that climbing this hill to pray Lord Murugan is equivalent to climbing the hills of Sabarimala. The temple also has a home for poor children who are raised and educated by the temple, a hospital that cares for the poor by distributing free medicines and a high school. Several buses plying up the hill is a boon for devotees, who are unable to climb the hill.
Built more than 600 years ago by a local group leader Covan (who also gave the city of Coimbatore its original name Covanputhur), Konaiamman Temple honours Goddess Koniamman. The present day temple, which was shifted from its original place following the fear of invasions from enemy forces, depicts the goddess as Mahishasurmardini and attracts a lot of devotees with faith in Shakti. Visitors to the temple strongly believe that the presiding deity has great power to heal. Apart from the routine prayers and rituals, it is the grand Car Festival which registers attendance of uncountable pilgrims. An interesting aspect of the temple is that there is fee for every activity, from coconut tickets to ghee lamp tickets. Coimbatore is also famous for many other temples and a series of spectacular waterfalls in its close vicinity.
Located in the heart of the temple town, Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva famous as Nataraja. This Hindu temple is one of the five most revered Shiva temples that represent Akasha (aether). Unfolded in about 50 acres area, the temple is popular as being the only temple where Shiva is canonised as Nataraja. Renowned as the exclusive place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu share the same space, this temple is open to people of all faiths. Breath-taking architecture of the temple is one of the biggest tourism highlights of this structure. The temple has five beautifully designed mandapams (courts) like Chit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, and Raja Sabha. The Nritta Sabha (dancing hall) presents a dramatic beauty of quaint designs and carvings. The Sabha is designed like a horse drawn chariot. The pillar of this hall portrays 108 poses of Bharatnatyam - the renowned classical dance form of India. Tourists can enjoy the five day long and enthusiastically celebrated festival, the Natyanjali Dance Festival on the temple ground. The festival is celebrated mostly during Mahashivratri in February. A short walk from the temple introduces visitors to a majestic Kali temple, Thillai Kaliamman temple.
Revered as the foremost temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India, Chidambaram Natarajar (or Nataraja) temple is a world-famous pilgrimage site. Originally built by the Cholas in the 10th century, the temple underwent renovations by rulers from dynasties of Pallavas, Cheras, Pandyas and Vijayanagara Empire. It is counted among the 5 Pancha Bootha Sthalams (dedicated to five different elements of life), representing the element akasha (sky). Unlike other Shiva Temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Lingam, a beautiful idol of the lord in his Nataraja (the Lord of Dance) incarnation is worshipped at this temple. In fact, Shiva is worshipped in three different forms at the temple - anthropomorphic, semi-anthropomorphic and formless. The sacred sanctum, where only Hindus may enter, is called kanaksabha and features gold-plated ceilings. Among the most striking features of the temple are the 4 soaring Gopurams (temple towers) featuring 108 postures of dancing Shiva, nine gateways, 5 massive halls, temple tanks and shrines dedicated to other deities. The Nataraja temple car used during festive processions is another highlight.
Srivilliputhur is easily accessible from the popular places like Madurai by National Highway 208. The town can be reached in state transport buses or using private cars and taxis. For local travel, one can rely on cabs and auto-rickshaws.
One of the holiest South India temples, Ekambaranathar Temple is also among the most frequented religious sites in Kanchipuram. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have existed since 600 AD. Originally built by the Pallavas, the temple was further improved by the rulers from various powerful dynasties. A popular feature of the temple is its 3,500 year old divine mango tree whose branches bear 4 different varieties of the fruit. According to the mythological legend associated with the temple, it was sunder this tree that Goddess Parvati performed tough penance for Lord Shiva, who was pleased enough to marry her. The rajagopuram (main temple tower) is about 57 m. tall and is one of the highest in the South India. Intricately carved 1,008 lingams of Shiva on the inner walls of the temple is a sight to savour. Another remarkable attraction of the temple is its hallway of thousand pillars called Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. Ekambaranathar Temple is one of the five Panch Booths Temples (each depicting a different element among air, ether, earth, water and fire), representing Earth and is therefore of great repute among pilgrims. There are 5 courtyards and numerous shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities. Those dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha are quite popular as well. Be sure to dress up traditionally and follow the religious rules strictly.
Wildlife sanctuaries of Kalakad and Mundanthurai were merged together to form Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the year 1988. It is the second largest protected forest area in Tamil Nadu and is home to commendable population of the royal Bengal tigers. Other exciting wild species at the reserve include leopards, jungle cats, gaur, elephants, sambar, sloth bear, bonnet macaque, giant squirrel, crocodile and many more. The reserve is also home to several endemic bird species like hornbills, bulbuls and warblers. Butterflies in many varieties can also be spotted here. It is also a treasure trove of many types of forests including evergreen, tropical evergreen, semi evergreen, most mixed deciduous, dry teak, thorn forests, reed forests and many more. Grasslands along with these forests add beautiful hues to the overall area of about 895 sq. km. The reserve’s splendour is further enhanced by 14 rivers and streams and some truly magnificent waterfalls like Agasthiyar, Banatheertham and Manimuthar. South India’s third highest peak called Agasthiarmalai is also located within the reserve. Thrilling boat rides and invigorating trekking trails let the visitors explore the place in the most entertaining manner.
Unfolded in over 358 sq km. Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary demos an ideal mix of rich and diverse flora and fauna in the country. A haven for nature lovers, the sanctuary presents a cluster of a wide range of flowers like Reetha, Shikakai, Amla, Sandalwood and Mahagony. The only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh that has a huge elephant reserve, this place is covered with tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests. Home to about 78 Indian Elephant, the sanctuary is a habitat for Yellow-throated Bulbul, Cheetal, Jungle Wild Boar, Jungle fowl, Tortoise, Slender Lions and Chowsingha etc. A most sought after place among photographers and bird lovers, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary has a huge collection of birds like Love Birds, Budgerigars, Grey Pelicans, Painted Strokes and Rosy Pelicans. It is one of the best tourist attractions in the state. Tirupati and Bangalore are two of the best nearby locations you can visit.
Among the fabulous Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, designated as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are the Panch Rathas or Five Chariots, astoundingly carved over monolithic pink granite stones. Dating way back to the 7th century, these masterpieces are dedicated to the Pandavas (five heroic brothers from Mahabharata) and their wife Draupadi. The most attractive one is Dharmaraja Ratha, dedicated to the eldest of the five brothers, admired for its pyramidal structure and many splendid carvings. Other four are Bheema Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula and Sehdeva Ratha and Draupadi Ratha, each having a different layout but a compelling design. Interestingly, none of the five stone chariots are complete in design. The group also consists of impressive monolithic structures of a lion, a bull and an elephant. Located close to the coast, these monuments are surrounded by many other equally charming heritage gems like Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance.
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, also called Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple and Thiruchendur Murugan Thirukovil and originally as Jayanthipuram, is one of the most renowned Hindu temples of South India. Dedicated to Lord Murugan (or Kartikeya, the some of Lord Shiva), it is one of the six prominent abodes of the lord. What distinguishes the temple from other five is that it is the only one located near the sea shore. Facing the Bay of Bengal and washed by the sea waves from the Gulf of Mannar, the temple attracts pilgrims and visitors not only from India but also from Sri Lanka, UK, Canada, America and many other countries. Apart from the Raja Gopuram, the grand gateway tower about 133 ft. high, the temple boasts of many other stunning architectural features like huge mandapams (halls), long streets, majestically carved pillars and a number of small shrines. Sandstone cliffs and natural water springs are the additional highlights. It is auspicious to bathe in the sea water and also at the sacred water bodies inside the temple. The idol of Murugan in the standing position is extremely beautiful. According to the legend, Murugan performed tough penance at this place to please Lord Shiva and get rid of the sin of killing Tarkasura, who tough a demon was a great devotee of Shiva. The temple hosts many grand festivals round the year and is one of the wealthiest Hindu Temple in the whole world. The temple garnered limelight when it stayed unharmed by the destructive tsunami of 2004.
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