They said that this temple has no shadow – even at noon! A myth or reality, don’t judge that so soon! Uncover the mystery of the Brihadeeswarar Temple shadow and learn some really interesting facts about this 11th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have you heard of the Living Chola Temples? Temples that have no … 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
Sea Shells & Temples on the shore Carved caverns without a door Surfing & swimming in the sea Enjoy the best things to do in Mahabalipuram with a glee. Discover the top tourist places in Mahabalipuram and get tips on how to plan a visit in this guide. 60 odd kilometers from Chennai, along the … Read more
The eldest of the rathas was the grandest The second one resembled its namesake and was the mightiest The third reflected his nimble nature & the fourth was all about twins’ animal care The fifth was symbolic of their wife’s nurture of their lair. Such is the representation of the famed monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram … Read more
The Mahabalipuram shore temple was the only one of the seven left to glean While the rest of the six pagodas drowned and remained unseen. Until the tsunami caused the sea to swell And when it ebbed, it uncovered a small part of that lost architectural shell. Discover the mystery of the shore temple and … Read more
Jaw dropping gigantic mansions Ornate and rich living temples Lip-smacking traditional Chettinad cuisine Mindblowing antiques and handicrafts! And this is just the gist of what Chettinad tourism has to offer. Get ready for this complete guide to Karaikudi sightseeing. When it comes to visiting the best places in Tamil Nadu, I have to put this … 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
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
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
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
Presenting my new book – When Places Come Alive. This is a collection of short fiction stories from across the globe with tales that bring alive culture, traditions, history, art and even landscapes. Do check it out here
[btn text=”Click to know more” tcolor=#FFF bcolor=#0000FF thovercolor=#FFF link=”https://thrillingtravel.in/book-when-places-come-alive” target=”_blank”]