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.