Chengee

Snow clad mountains or sunny beaches or green valleys and similiar places attract sight seeing tourists who seek visual delight and relaxation.But historical monuments and archiological tresures are of different genere. When you visit these places you are visiting time. You are transported back to time. If you visit Acropolis you travelled back to 4th centuary. If you stand on the ruins of Humbi you stepped back in the vijayanagara kingdom. Visions of Krishnadevaraya and his successors and their pitched battle with Bijapur sultan came to you.Similarly when I visited Brahadeswarar temple in Tanjavur King Raja Raja chola and his Royal court came to my mind. Such is the power of visiting historical monuments. I had similiar experience when I visited Chengee recently.

Chengee is near Thiruvannamalai which is in Tamilnadu. It is 25 k.m from Tindivanam which is again situated on N.H 47 and 65 k.m. from Chennai state capitol. The place is barren without much vegetation and full of granite rocks. The fort is nestled among three hills- Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chakkildrug.It is built by chola king during 13th centuary.Then the fort changed hands between Nayak. Muslim rulars, marathas, French and finally British. But when you mention Chengee the name came to your mind is Raja Desingu. The brave Rajput warrior who when surrounded by trecherous moghul army committed harakari instead of surrendered to enemy. His beautiful and young wife commited sathi along with him. There are number of moving ballads about his brave deeds and valour.The desolate and lonly place was photographed once again my cousion Rajesh and given below.

Trichy-III Kallanai The oldest Dam in the world

Kallanai is the concluding part of my journey of Trichy visit. It is a greatest engineering marvel of India built by King Karikalan chola in the 2nd centuary A.D to harness the waters of River Caveri. It is still in its oldest form. The British rulars have made only additions to it in 1929. I don't think there is any another older dam built as old as Kallanai in the world. Hats of to Karikal chola.

Enterance to the Dam

A crocodile in the waters



An overall view of the Dam




A view of the Dam



Another view of the Dam

Trichy-II Rock Fort temple

The Rock Fort temple is one of the important place in Trichy.The Rock is 83m high out crop.The temple built at the top is the main attraction.At the top of the rock is the Uchipilliyar koil. It is dedicated to Lord Vinayakar. It is a great thrill to reach the top.But you have to over come 344 steps to reach there.Once you reach there,you have an enchanting birds eye view of the Trichy town.Below the Vinayakar temple you come across another temple dedicated to Lord Siva known as Mathrubutheswarar temple where Lingam is projected from the rock itself. The Rock Fort temple is a must see spot to visit while in Trichy. Here are some breath taking photos taken by my cousion Natesan from the top.

View of bridge across River Caveri

View of River Caveri



Another view of River Caveri



View of Srirangam temple



The path leading to Rock Fort temple

Trichy-I

I went to trichy for two days trip of sight seeing. Trichy is the fourth biggest town in Tamilnadu.During my stay I visited Srirangam, Rockfort temple and Kallanai. I wanted to share some of my thoughts of Trichy visit.

Srirangam:

Srirangam is surrounded by river Caveri and river Kollidam.It is one among the 108 vaishnava divyadesas. It is a gigantic temple dedicated to Lord Sriranganathaswamy.The temple dated back to 14th century. Many rulers like Cheras,Pandyas,Cholas,Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar have contibuted for the constrution of the temple For brief history of the temple visit www.ramanuja.org.

The photos were taken by my cousin Natesen

Salem Trip-II

On our second day we have arranged a van and proceeded to Hogenakkal which is about 120 k.m from Salem. But unfortunately we selected a wrong time to visit Hogenakkal. The water was released from Kabini reservoir in excess of 70,000 cubic feet/sec. We have no chance of bathing in the falls which is the main attraction. We were not allowed to enter the bridge that stood across the falls. Hence we could not have the glimpses of the magnificent sight of the falls that drops as smoke in the rocky hills. The name Hogenakkal is derived from kannada. In kannada Hoge means smoke.Here are some wonderful pictures taken by Rajesh.

A view on the way to Hogenakkal



A view of the of the concrete path that leads to bathing ghat in the falls overflown by water



From Hogenakkal we returned to Salem with disappontment via Mettur Dam. It is one of the major dam of the state across the river cavery. It caters to the irrigation needs of the Trichy,Thanjavur,and Thiruvarur.



Water level is in full capacity 120 feet


Sunset in Mettur Dam

Salem Trip

Lake View




A View from Ladies seat

Recently I had a chance to visit Salem. Salem is surrounded by many interesting places.Yarkadu, Hogenakkal and Mettur dam were among them.
Yarkadu is just 33k.m. from Salem.It takes an hour travel from Salem.It is situated at 1515 meters from sea-level.



A panoramic view from the bus on our way to Yarkadu

Photos were taken by my cousin Rajesh Rajendran