Batasia Loop, Darjeeling

With loftly mountains on either side

We seat ourselves to take a ride

In the toy train and it tug its way,

Through tall trees on a sunny day...

It chugs along the lush tea grounds,

Up, then down, over the meadows and mounds,

Very slowly it winds it's way, through the wood,

And to places the cabins once stood..

And then it makes a grand wide loop...

Around the tribute of Gorkha troupes.

An ascend to sight a splendid view 

Of snowy mountains and skies so blue. 

As we awe at this nature's scene

the little train makes a joyous scream.. 

This a routine it takes each day 

But for us, it's an experience in every way...

3D Click Art Museum, ECR, Chennai

India's first 3D Click Art Museum on East Coast Road, Chennai in the Snow World complex at VGP is one of the to go places when at Chennai. It's about 25 km from the city area and can be approached by road.

It is an unique art work by a talented artist, Ap Sreethar. The art form is known as Tompe-l’oeil  meaning to ‘deceive the eye' in French.

There are 24 master pieces painted on walls. The viewer stands on the mark on the floor in front of the painting to interact with these art work. 

These art pieces are 3D trick art forms – the kind of painting that has two dimensions but tricks you into believing there is a third.

One can spend an hour at this museum, and is best enjoyed as a group. 

My sister and self visited this place a couple of years back, on an one odd day when we quested for a long drive. Never did we expect to enjoy ourselves so thoroughly, that we spent a few hours clicking pictures at each and every art work... It definitely is a place to go, have a fun and enjoy with family and friends.

Auroville, Tamilnadu

"The City of Dawn"

Located around 15 km from Pondicherry, Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for those in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents about their experience of living in the city. There are plenty of choice for accomodation, from budget stay to luxury at Auroville, but one must note that Tuesdays are their weekly off.

                    Our stay at Auroville

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries including Indians from different states came together with soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township. The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother.

                              Matrimandir

Matrimandir, is the Sanskrit word for 'Temple of The Mother', and is the most important edifice of the Auroville township. Located just in the middle of Auroville in a large open area known as 'Peace'. Matrimandir is fondly known as the 'soul of the city' and holds crucial spiritual significance for those who practice Integral Yoga.

                        Model of Matrimandir

Popular as the golden globe of Pondicherry, it is a place for individual silent concentration. Matrimandir is no tourist place, and the entry inside the central premises of the building is allowed only to those who have a brief understanding of the idea of Auroville township or through booking.

However, the beautiful gold dome structure of the Matrimandir, which is surrounded by twelve lush green gardens, attracts the tourists visiting Pondicherry. 

             View of Matrimandir from viewpoint

A viewpoint has been constructed to the south of the Park of Unity. This elevated garden area which offers a panoramic birds eye view of the beautiful Matrimandir and its serene surroundings. The viewpoint is a 10 minutes' walk from the Visitor's Centre.

                      Enroute to viewpoint

One can either walk or take a shuttle bus which operates within the campus upto the view point. 

                        The visitors' Centre 

The passes to visit the Matrimandir Viewing Point can be obtained free of cost form the Auroville's Visitors' Centre from

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

and it's as per registeration, which maybe 2-3 days for booking a slot. 

The timings for bookings are between 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on all days except Tuesdays.

.        Breakfast at Auroville bakery

Auroville Bakery and Boulangerie is the most famous bakery in town and definitely a place to check out. All products served here are made from the local farms. Besides the delicious food, the cafe also has a cozy outdoors seating amidst a gorgeous garden. 

Warangal Fort, Telengana

We stumbled upon this place as it's just 4km away from Warangal city on the Warangal-Hyderbad highway. Since the ETA was comfortable, we stepped in here and were stunned at its architectural beauty. It is famous for its pillars and gateways and is spread over a radius of 19km.

Located in south eastern side of Warangal city, it is a prominent landmark of the Telangana State, presenting a perfect example of architectural excellence and historical richness. Built with three layers of fortification ensuring absolute safety, Warangal Fort impresses every visitor with its imposing structure. Although now in ruins, the remains of the fort still offer a glimpse of the mesmerizing craftsmanship and breathtaking artistry that can be seen in the motifs, sculptures, stone work, etc. Warangal fort has witnessed many battles; a few of its parts have been destroyed by various invaders as well.

Yet another tourist attraction and a worth visit in the Telengana state. It is built on a hillock Ekashila in 13th century and is an architectural masterpiece of Kakatiya Dynasty. Constructed by King Ganapatideva and later by his daughter Rani Rudrama, Warangal Fort is symbolic of the historical opulence of the region during the reign of Kakatiya Kingdom. 

 A lot of restoration has been done here and they have a sound and light show during the evenings. 

Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu

Mahabalipuram is about 56kms south of Chennai, Tamilnadu on the Coromandal coasts of Bay of Bengal. This is the most visited tourist spot with monuments and sparkling beaches having vast shores of sand. 

Another name for this place is,  Mamallapuram named after the great Pallava king, Narasimha Varman who was a great wrestler (mamallan). The architectural monuments were built here dates back to the seventh century.

The main attraction around here are 

Shore Temple

It is said that there were, seven pagodas built during the era and only one is seen standing on the shores now. It is a 60ft tall vimana made of basatic rock. This temple is constructed with block rocks and Lord Vishu in his lying pose is seen at the rear end. There is a Nandi and is said a shrine for Shiva existed. The seawater corrosion has damaged the surface to a large exten and recently measures are being taken to preserve it. 

The shore Temple has been included in the list of world heritage sites of UNESCO. 

Five Rathas 

These are huge rock like structures that are named after the five Pandava kings and their wife Draupadi of the epic Mahabharata. It is carved out off a single rock and is shaped as a rathas (chariot). 

Arjuna's Penance

This tourist spot is a huge relief carved out of two adjacent rock portrays an extract of how Arjuna (one of the Pandava kings) performed severe austerities to seek the blessings of lord Shiva. It measures approximately 100ft wide and 45ft high. The magnitude of this carving is something which cannot be described but to be experienced by awing it.

Krishna's Butter Ball 

A precarious balancing huge boulder on a steep cliff is the Krishna's Butter Ball. Mythology says that lord Krishna liked butter and this could be a Butter Ball dropped by Gods, hence named as Krishna's Butter Ball. The tourists enjoy this place by climbing the slippery steep rock and try pushing the boulder. 

Mahabalipuram is a must see tourist place with numerous beaches and resorts surrounding it. One can spend either a day to a few days sightseeing the different places at ones pace. Government has taken a lot of effort towards resoration and maintenance to keep this attractions clean and tourist friendly. 

Mahabalipuram is well connected by a scenic coastal road, ECR, from Chennai. East Coast Road (ECR) also sports  other interesting attractions like, crocodile bank, a 3D museum and amusement parks. 

Kuttralam (Courtallam), Tenkasi, Tamilnadu

வானரங்கள் கனிகொடுத்து மந்தியொடு கொஞ்சும்

மந்திசிந்து கனிகளுக்கு வான்கவிகள் கெஞ்சும்

கானவர்கள் விழியெறிந்து வானவரை அழைப்பார்

கமனசித்தர் வந்துவந்து காயசித்தி விளைப்பார்

தேனருவித் திரையெழும்பி வானின்வழிஒழுகும்

செங்கதிரோன் பரிக்காலும் தேர்க்காலும் வழுகும்

கூனலிளம் பிறைமுடித்த வேணியலங் காரர்

குற்றாலத் திரிகூட மலையெங்கள் மலையே.

- a verse from Kuttralam Kuravanji 

This verse will be the first thing which comes to mind of anyone who has studied tamizh as a vernacular subject. The poem Kuttralam Kuravanji, written by Thirigudarasapa Kaviyar is about Lord Shiva who resides in the temple on these hills. The verse is from the section "Kurathi" (tamil native women) narrating the richness of flora and fauna at Kuttralam. 

Kuttralam is situated in an altitude of 160m in Tenkasi, Tamilnadu. It has nine falls and they are known for the medicinal properties, as they flow through a variety of herbs peculiar to this fertile lands. It has been said that bathing in these falls cure many diseases and is rightly named as 'The Spa of South India'.

We visited this beautiful place, when we attended a wedding at Tirunelveli. It is a 2hrs drive of around 74km. 

One among these falls, which attracts a large number of tourists is the Aintharuvi (Five Falls). It is about 4km away from the Kuttralam town and is comparatively less crowded than the main falls (Peraruvi). As the name suggests it is a cascade of five sections that flow as one stream downhill from here. One must stand in these falls to experience the refreshing feel of cool waters pounding from great heights on us. There are a series of stalls and shop selling hot tea and bajjis (fried fitters) which we can relish. 

Tirunelveli is well connected by road and train. The nearest airport isTuticorin and Madurai. 

Adhiyogi -Isha Center, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

The Adiyogi statue is a 112 ft tall, 147 ft long and 82 ft wide steel statue of Shiva at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world. It is designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha founder and weighs around 500 tonnes. There is a Nandi in front of the statue. 

The height depicts the 112 ways to attain moksha mentioned in yogic culture and also the 112 chakras in our human body. 

The face of the statue is neither of a temple nor a deity but an inspiration in pursuit of the divine. One doesn't have to look for divine elsewhere but it is within us to experience in 112 dimensions of life- says Sadhguru on the purpose of erecting this massive statue. He adds that the idea was not to build a monument but to galvanize the force for transformation.

Dyanalinga and Isha Center is about 2-3km from this towering statue. Though there are trees on both sides they do not give much shade to walk during the day. However, one can use the battery cars or take a ride on a bullock cart which is ticketed. There are rows of kiosks selling organic health drinks, eats, puja materials and souvenirs on the way. 

During weekends and on auspicious days a 3D laser light show, Adhiyogi Divya Dharshan is held, narrating the story of Adhiyogi (the first yogi). It is a 14 min light and sound show that tells about how the science of yoga was passed on to humans. 

Adhiyogi statue is worth a visit and is entry free with ample car park. It can be reached by road from the nearest city Coimbatore, Tamilnadu (30km). The Indian ministry of Tourism has included the statue in its Incredible India Campaign. Photography is allowed here and till the entrance of Isha Center. 

Thiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu

Aiyarappar temple at Thiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu is devoted to lord Shiva and is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thiruvaiyaru gets its name (Thiru - sacred, Aai - five, Aaru - river)  five river from, Arusallaru, Vennaaru, Vettaru, Kadamuttayaru and Kaveriaaru that run around this temple town. 

This Shivasthalam is one of the six most sacred places on river Kaveri (Cauvery) and is considered equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. 

It is also one among the saptha sthalams associated with the marriage of Nandi the foremost attenadant of Lord Shiva. It is said that every year during April/May, the lord's idol sits on a glass palanquin and goes around the six temples at the villages around starting from Thiruvaiyaru. 

The most renowned aspect apart from the mythological importance of Thiruvaiyaru is the Thyagaraja Aradhana festival. Saint Thyagaraja (the trinity of Carnatic music) composed most of his greatest Keerthana sitting in a one room house near this temple. The Country's greatest Carnatic music festival is performed annually here near his samadhi which is on the banks of river Kaveri. 

Thyagaraja Aradhana is held during the month of January, when most of the eminent musicians come together to perform the Keerthans and thousands of ardent Carnatic fans assemble to watch the fest. 

Thiruvayairu is about 16km from Thanjavur and is well connected by road. 

The temple is open between 6.00am to 11.00am and 4.00pm to 8.30pm. 

Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Charminar the cultural and historical  landmark and the city symbol of Hyderabad, Telangana was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD. This imposing structure was erected to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of the epidemic -  Cholera, which ravaged the city during the 16th century due to the water shortage.

The gargantuan four-column, is 56m-high and has four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets atop each column (hence the name Charminar, 'four minarets'). It is also known as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, and comes under the Archeological Survey of India

The Charminar is the heartbeat of old Hyderabad and is the main bazaar area, also known as Charminar. For a first timer the tour to Nizam land is not complete without a visit to this place. 

The labyrinth of lanes crowded with shops, stalls, markets and shoppers make this place buzzing with traffic and life. 

The  Laad Bazaar, which surround this elegant architectural structure brims with mouth-watering delicacies, authentic street food, colorful lacquer bangles, shining pearls, excellent jewelry and many more things to take home. 

The visitors are allowed to climb upto the 1st floor of Charminar for a view of the district. The 2nd floor, is Hyderabad’s oldest mosque, and the upper columns, are not open to the public. It is said that there is a tunnel leading to Golconda fort from here, but it's yet to be traced. This structure is illuminated every evening from 7pm to 9pm and is worth a sight. 

Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm on all days of the week

Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian Tourists; INR 100 for foreign tourists

City of Hyderabad is well connected by road, rail and air. 

The Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal, Telangana

At a distance of 6 Kms from Warangal Railway Station (in Hanmakonda), Telangana, stands the Thousand Pillar Temple which is one of an exemplary architecture of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Rudra Deva built this temple in 1163 AD in the style of a star shape, and named the temple after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has separate shrines for Lord Surya & Lord Vishnu in the temple. A giant Nandi (bull) is seen on the platform connecting the shrines. The exterior wall of the temple, the ceiling slabs and the four central pillars of the mandap are decorated with carved sculptures. Poojas are still performed here.

The actual thousand pillar hall situated behind Nandi in the temple complex is currently being renovated by the archelogical department and is closed for visitors.

The temple is located between Warangal and Hanmakonda Chowrasta, very close to the main road and is a must see when visiting Warangal. 

Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Located about 23 km away from the Kodai bus stand, Berijam Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal.

This is a hidden gem in the otherwise busy Kodaikanal hill station of Tamilnadu.

This lake is created by a dam with sluice outlets and is part of the watershed development project. It is the main source of water to the nearby Periakullam town. 

With its refreshing setting and lush greenery around, the lake makes an amazing picnic spot. The winding hill roads that make the journey to the lake interestingly has some amazing view of the hills.

Reaching the lake is not difficult as it is connected by a well-tarred road.  However, one requires a forest pass for entering the area which can be got from the District Forest Office. Or if traveling by car one can reach the entry early and register, as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed per day.

Those interested in fishing can indulge after seeking permission from the Fisheries Department. There is also a 100 year old -story brick building in Berijam which makes an interesting sightseeing point.

The lake is rich in flora and fauna. One can just sit on the shores of the lake and drench in the calmness of the lapping waters and the chirping sounds of the birds.

Kodaikanal is well connected by road and the nearest railway station is Kodai road and Madurai the nearest airport. 

Brihadeeshwarar Temple, Tamilnadu

The Brihadeeshwarar temple celebrated its 1000th year in 2010 and is one of the greatest temple built during the Chola period. Raja Raja Chozhan constructed this grandeur in Thanjavur on the basin of river Kaveri, Tamilnadu. The temple is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”.

It is said that the Brihadeeshwarar Temple was erected in only seven years and is an architectural marvel. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added during the 16th century. The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.

The Nandi (sacred bull) stands tall, and is carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite. This temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu. 

Recently we happened to meet the 13th desendant of the Thanjavur Maratha family, the senior Prince of Thanjavur, Marathas, Mr Babaji Rajah Bhonsle. The Marathas were the last of the empire which ruled Thanjavur over throwing the Nayaks who had succeeded the Pandavas and Cholas. Later like the rest of the country, the British took over this land. But the family continued and still lives in the palace. A large part of the Aranmanai, has now been taken over by the government for restoration and as tourist attractions.

During a short conversation with Mr. Bhonsle, he explained that as a Senior Prince of the Thanjavur Royal family, he is glad that he is able to continue the traditions of his forefathers, the Thanjavur Marathas who were well known for their architecture, temples, art and culture. He now acts as a connect between the people and the government in solving the issues of the land. 

He is also a trustee of 88 temples and continues what his forefathers did, just in a different way. Though they still maintain relations with the other royal families in the country and meet during weddings and other social occasions (which is the only time they wear the royal attire), they mainly work together on social causes. This is especially of programs that protect the art and culture of the country, like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH). Apart from that, he is also involved in the upkeep and functioning of many art galleries and libraries.

A very interesting chat we had and his passion towards conserving the rich heritage of the south indian temples and it's artifacts is overwhelming.. may his tribe live long for many more generations to come...