It wasn’t my first visit to the Queen of Hills – Mussoorie. However, it did feel like my maiden visit. Thanks to the Hilldaari movement, one of the initiatives by Nestle India which I was invited to witness, this time I was looking at Mussoorie through a different lens. The Nestle India Hilldaari showcased how … Read more
The stunning architecture of the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur ignited a new thirst in me. Its surreal carvings and the advanced construction techniques made me wonder what the other Great Living Chola Temples would be like. My trip to Karaikudi gave me the perfect opportunity to quench this thirst – partially. Though the plan … Read more
It is no surprise that you equate the Chettinad region to its food. Honestly speaking, these flavors of Chettinad Cuisine are the reason this region on a traveler’s map. So far my posts have been largely on travel to the offbeat Chettinad area of Tamil Nadu. However, once you are there, you will find that … Read more
When it comes to visiting the best places in Tamil Nadu, I have to put this region on the top. For no other reason but the fact that Chettinad tourism is a sensory delight. The bright Chettinad architecture, tasty Chettinad food and intriguing heritage of its mansions and Chettinad temples are bound to delight any … Read more
I have always said this – “If you want to understand the local culture of a place, you must visit the local markets”. I absolutely insist on this for Karaikudi and the Chettinad region. In fact, let me rephrase this – “If you want to find the treasures that were a part of the opulent … Read more
You have experienced the colorful Chettinad culture through the various mansions of Karaikudi. How about, a quick trip to the various Karaikudi temples while in the region. Trust me when I say that these are a must-visit even for the atheists for they present a different facet of the culture of Chettinad. The temples of … Read more
The wealthy zamindar pointed his fingers towards the hero saying – “You, a mere farmer – cannot marry my beautiful daughter. His suitor – Sir James, can provide 10 times more comfort than your simple hut.” . Totally filmy, right? Well, this was the scene that ran through my head as I stepped into the … Read more
Ever heard of a Terracotta Horse Temple? Maybe you know them as the Ayyanar Temples? No? Well, I hadn’t either till I stumbled upon one near Karaikudi. After visiting this one (the local name being Andavar Solai Temple), I am looking forward to visiting more of the Ayyanar Temples of Tamil Nadu. If you are … Read more
Enthralled by my last post on the mansions of Chettinad? Well – it is now time to get blown by the exquisite Kanadukathan Palace of Chettinad. This one is a blog exclusive for it is not every day that you get special permission to this Maharaja’s palace of Chettinad. In fact, it took me a … Read more
They enticed me from the first time I heard of them. Tales of their exquisite exteriors and intricate interiors beseeched me to see these abodes for myself. Plans were made but kept falling through. However, each failed attempt got my resolve to get there stronger till finally! It happened. I managed to get to Karaikudi … Read more
“I stood there like a Liliput while the Giants hovered over me. There was nothing scary about them. In fact, they were just beautiful.” These giants that I am talking about exist. They are tall and magnificent. Except that they are not human. They are the towering pillars of the monumental Thirumalai Nayakar Palace in … Read more
What are the names that come to your mind when I say places to visit in Thanjavur? Is it is just the Thanjavur Temple? Well, that is the first and the most important Tanjore attraction but the 2nd one on this list is likely to be the Thanjavur Palace. My first brush with the Thanjavur … Read more