Latest news with #Pallava
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Mahabalipuram: The Coastal Gem That's Stealing Every Traveler's Heart
Travel is not always about ticking off landmarks. Sometimes it's about letting a place tell you who it has been for hundreds of years. When you first arrive in Mahabalipuram, the air feels different. The sea is close — you can hear it before you see it. The breeze carries salt, stories, and the sound of chisels echoing from a time when kings ruled and stone spoke. This is not just another coastal town in Tamil Nadu. It's a living museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a place where history is not locked away in books but etched in rock for everyone to see. Most people know Mahabalipuram for the Shore Temple. But what if we told you there's more? Much more. This is a place where every carving, cave, and cliffside tells a story. Where mythology and history are intertwined, and where time feels both infinite and frozen. So, what makes Mahabalipuram different from anywhere else in India? It's not just the monuments. It's the combination of history, artistry, and nature. Mahabalipuram was once a busy seaport during the reign of the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries. Ships came from far-off lands. Traders exchanged goods, stories, and ideas. But beyond trade, it was a center of culture and creativity. The Pallavas didn't just build temples. They created stone poetry. Here, you find rock-cut caves, bas-reliefs, and monolithic temples — all carved out of granite using tools far simpler than you can imagine. The artistry is so precise that even centuries later, the details remain sharp. Unlike most historical towns, Mahabalipuram's monuments are not isolated. They are woven into the landscape. The boulders, the coast, and the architecture exist together — as if nature itself was a co-artist. The must-see icons of Mahabalipuram 1. Shore Temple – A guardian of the sea Standing on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Its twin shrines face the rising sun, welcoming dawn each day for over a thousand years. The sound of waves here is not just background noise — it's part of the experience. 2. Arjuna's Penance – The world's largest bas-relief Stretching almost 100 feet long, this massive rock carving is a masterpiece of storytelling. Depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and everyday life, it feels like a snapshot of an ancient world. The elephants here are so lifelike you almost expect them to move. 3. Pancha Rathas – The five chariots of stone These monolithic temples, each carved from a single granite boulder, are shaped like chariots. Named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, they showcase a variety of architectural styles. Each ratha is unique, almost like five chapters of a design manual left behind by the Pallavas. 4. Krishna's Butter Ball – A defiance of gravity This massive granite boulder sits on a slope, seemingly ready to roll — but it never does. Locals call it Krishna's Butter Ball, and it has been balancing there for centuries. It's both a wonder and a mystery. 5. Cave Temples – Stories inside stone Scattered across the town, these rock-cut temples hold intricate sculptures of deities and mythical scenes. Each cave feels like stepping into a frozen moment of devotion and creativity. Why Mahabalipuram is more than just monuments History here is alive. You don't just visit Mahabalipuram — you walk through it. Children play cricket near thousand-year-old carvings. Fishermen dry their nets beside ancient temples. Tourists and locals share coconut water under the same banyan tree. It's also a place of contrasts. The stillness of a stone carving meets the movement of ocean waves. The weight of history meets the lightness of a beach holiday. Experiences you should not miss Watch the sunrise at Shore Temple – The first light of day hitting the temple towers is unforgettable. Walk the sculpture trail – The town is dotted with workshops where artisans still chisel granite just like their ancestors did. Taste the local seafood – From fresh prawns to spicy fish curry, the coastal flavors here are as memorable as the monuments. Cycle around town – The flat terrain and open spaces make cycling the best way to explore hidden corners. Practical tips for exploring Mahabalipuram like a local Start early – The light is best in the morning, and you'll avoid the midday heat. Wear comfortable shoes – You'll be walking on stone pathways and sandy stretches. Hydrate often – The coastal climate can be humid, so keep water handy. Respect the heritage – Avoid touching carvings or climbing where it's not allowed. Engage with locals – Many have stories that aren't written in guidebooks. The hidden economy of heritage tourism When you visit Mahabalipuram, you're not just seeing history — you're sustaining it. Your entry tickets support the upkeep of monuments. Buying handicrafts supports artisans who carry forward centuries-old skills. Eating at local eateries helps small businesses thrive. Choosing homestays over large hotels spreads tourism benefits across the community. Every rupee you spend here becomes part of the preservation story. So, what's stopping you? Is it the idea that you've 'seen one temple, you've seen them all'? Mahabalipuram will prove you wrong. Each carving, each structure, each rock face has something different to say. And the best part? The town isn't rushing you. It's okay if you linger. It's okay if you sit under a tree and simply watch the sea. Mahabalipuram doesn't demand your attention — it earns it. Final thought Don't just visit Mahabalipuram. Listen to it. Walk slowly. Touch the texture of stone shaped centuries ago. Stand by the shore and imagine ships sailing in from distant lands. Watch the light change over granite as the day unfolds. Because history here isn't locked away. It's out in the open, waiting for you to notice. Mahabalipuram is famous not just because it is old, but because it is alive. And if you let it, it will tell you a story you won't forget.
India.com
01-07-2025
- India.com
5 Beaches Near Kotagiri So Beautiful, They'll Make You Forget Goa Exists!
Kotagiri is a lovely hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, situated among the green Nilgiri Mountains and known for its cool climate, calm landscapes and luxuriant tea gardens. Though it is not a coastal town itself, due to its central location within the state of Tamil Nadu it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring some of the finest beaches in this part of India. If you are looking for sandy beaches with clear blue water these are top 5 options for you: 1. Marina Beach, Chennai Marina beach located in Chennai might be far from kotagiri but worth taking time off your busy schedule to see. On the other hand, Marina Beach is the world's second longest urban beach which stretches along 13 kilometers on Bay of Bengal. This sandy stretch comes alive during early morning or late evening hours when joggers hit it hard while families enjoy the mild sea breeze around them. 2. Elliot's Beach, Chennai Also known as Besant Nagar Beach, Elliot's Beach is a quieter alternative to Marina Beach. It is a peaceful place that suits people who like quietness more than crowds found at Marina beach. The Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Church are notable landmarks nearby, adding a cultural dimension to your beach visit. Its peaceful atmosphere and white sand make Elliot's Beach ideal for a day out. 3. Mahabalipuram Beach Mahabalipuram is famous worldwide because of its rock-cut temples and sculptures which are ancient buildings made from rocks along her coastline; this has made her become one of UNESCO WHS lists countries worldwide among others historical sites featured there as well so far (at least at present). The Shore Temple overlooks Bay-of Bengal thus providing beautiful views especially during dawn/dusk times whereas the beach is less crowded, making it perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. While here don't miss out to check out the ancient rock formations and caves nearby which were built during the Pallava dynasty. Beaches Going further south from Kotagiri, Pondicherry beaches have a blend of French colonial influences and Indian customs like nowhere else in India; Promenade Beach being one of them stretches for over a kilometer along the coastline facing Bay-of Bengal offers beautiful views war memorial statue Mahatma Gandhi old lighthouse. If you wish to have sand under your feet while sunbathing then Paradise Beach and Auroville Beach are great options. Paradise beach which can be reached by boat only is an exclusive place where sandy strands lay next to crystal-clear waters. On other hand, Auroville beach near Auroville community serves well for swimming or just lying on sands soaking up sunlight in lazy coolness around it. You should definitely visit these stunning beaches whenever you are in Pondicherry because they have relaxed environments which are picture worthy as well. Beach At the southernmost point of India, where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea merge, there is Kanyakumari Beach. This beach is known for having beautiful sunrises and sunsets apart from being special in terms of 'natural' and 'culture'. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue are prominent landmarks here. Its unique location on the beach together with panoramic views of these three bodies makes it enchanting. Final Thoughts In addition though Kotagiri itself is primarily a hill station destination but its proximity with these stunning beaches make a good start for exploring coastal Tamil Nadu and neighboring of people flock to Chennai's busy urban beaches while others find peace along Pondicherry's tranquil shores or higher cliffs seen at Varkala. So, pack your bags and set out to explore the beautiful beaches around Kotagiri where mountains meet the sea.
New Indian Express
28-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Five years on, Tiruchy museum renovation still in limbo
TIRUCHY: The State Archaeology Department started renovation of Rani Mangammal's Darbar Hall, which acts as the government museum, started five years ago, but very little progress has been made so far. The museum was relocated from Cantonment to the Darbar Hall in 1998. Historians expressed concerns that hundreds of invaluable artefacts – ranging from stone sculptures and coins to palm-leaf manuscripts – that are cramped up in a single room to facilitate the renovation work could get irrevocably damaged without adequate protective measures. The State Archaeology Department approached the Union government with a proposal to restore the building, built in the 16th century by King Chokkanatha Nayak, after frescoes and decorative elements began to fade and in some places disappeared entirely. In response, the union government sanctioned Rs 3.75 crore under the Museum Grants Scheme in 2019 to renovate the hall. The first phase included cementing and interior painting, which were completed. However, due to the COVID-19 lock downs, the work came to a halt, and has not resumed. Open-air exhibits are particularly at risk. Several rare sculptures and historical objects, including a four-foot-tall Buddha statue, a 10th-century Mahaveer sculpture, 14th-century Pallava artefacts, an East India Company cannon, and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, are exposed to the elements. Dr R Kalaikovan, director of the Dr Rajamanickanar Historical Research Centre, said his team had handed over 16 granite sculptures, including those of Buddha, Mahaveer, and Chola-period artefacts, to the museum. 'All the sculptures and artefacts must be preserved properly so this historical legacy can be passed on to future generations. If timely action is not taken, we risk losing our history,' he warned. Kalaikovan stressed that there is ample space around the hall for expansion and urged the district administration to allocate land within the premises for protective storage and display. He also opposed the proposal to shift the museum to Panjapur. 'The current location is ideal, surrounded by schools and colleges. Since the land is already government-owned, there's no need to relocate. Even the Madras Museum was expanded at its original site,' he added. Speaking to P Manimuthu, Curator of the Government Museum, told TNIE, 'We are waiting for funds to be released by the government. Once the funds are sanctioned, the work will be completed. We have already submitted the request.'
India.com
09-06-2025
- India.com
10 Essential Facts About Chennai City That Everyone Should Know
Located in southern India as the capital of Tamil Nadu state Chennai maintains its status as a metropolitan city which harmoniously unites cultural heritage with contemporary development. The Tamil Nadu capital presents an authentic cultural environment and dynamic economic activity as well as waterfront attractions which appeal to every visitor. This city provides endless discoveries to people who have interests ranging from historical exploration to food exploration to urban development studies. Discover these ten intriguing details about Chennai that everybody needs to understand. 1. Chennai Was Originally Called Madras Chennai officially gained its new name in 1996 after centuries of history shown through the beginnings of 'Madras' as a city. Madras became a colonial settlement after the British East India Company built Fort St. George in 1644. The settlement transformed into a substantial British imperial harbor throughout the ages. Many institutions and landmarks were unwilling to change their colonial-era names like Madras High Court and Madras University following the efforts to shed colonial associations during the name change process. 2. It's One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in India The historical records of Chennai date back even before Europe established a presence in the region. Many researchers have shown that humans began living in this area approximately 2,000 years ago. Cultural remnants from the Pallava and Chola dynasties persist in different parts of modern Chennai through temples and historical inscriptions and artifacts. Mylapore in Chennai stands as one of the city's most established residential areas because it contains the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple which the Pallava dynasty built in the 7th century CE. 3. Home to India's Second-Largest Film Industry: Kollywood Kollywood—the popular Tamil film industry also known as Tamil cinema—operates from Chennai studios located in Kodambakkam which has given rise to this dual naming tradition. The Tamil film industry operates at an annual speed of hundreds of movie productions while retaining famous actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Movies from this area play an essential role in building and promoting Tamil culture to domestic and global Tamil communities. 4. Gateway to South India Chennai occupies prime position on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal which earns it recognition as the 'Gateway to South India.' Due to its natural harbor Chennai generates vital maritime activity and its complex road and rail systems link it with the rest of India. The urban area contains two vital maritime facilities including Chennai Port and Ennore Port that process large-scale and bulk shipping operations. Business activities together with travel industry developments and industrial developments have benefited from this connectivity network. 5. A Hub for Classical Arts and Music The people of Chennai actively maintain and develop classical arts because they value their significance. During the month of December Chennai organizes Margazhi Music Season which stands as the largest music festival on Earth committed to Carnatic music. The city welcomes renowned musicians from various parts of the world who stage concerts at numerous locations attracting many thousands of concert-goers. Chennai serves as an essential center for Bharatanatyam classical dance because it maintains numerous performance spaces and educational institutions alongside dance workshops throughout the city. 6. Rich Biodiversity and Green Spaces The metropolitan city of Chennai contains various natural environments alongside its active urban core. The Guindy National Park stands as a singular national park worldwide because it occupies only 2.7 square kilometers of land. Spotted deer share their habitat with blackbucks along with many different bird species at this location. The Pallikaranai Marshland stands out as a protected wetland that shelters various bird species as well as aquatic creatures. Chennai demonstrates steady dedication to environmental preservation through its conservation strategies for these important areas. 7. Culinary Paradise The gourmet food in Chennai reveals the cultural diversity of the city. Traditional South Indian dishes idli and dosa and sambar share the culinary table with spicy Chettinad cuisine in the city. People can enjoy steaming-hot bajjis (fritters) and bondas at both street food stalls and elegant dining establishments. Residents along with visitors in Chennai consistently choose stainless steel tumblers filled with freshly ground filtered coffee as their daily beverage. 8. Educational Excellence The educational institutions of Chennai gain worldwide recognition because they enroll students from across India together with international students. The country-ranked top educational institutions include Anna University with Madras University and SRM Institute of Science and Technology. The city gains stronger recognition as a professional excellence center due to educational institutions such as Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore and Sri Ramachandra Medical College. 9. IT and Automotive Powerhouse During the last few decades Chennai established its position as a powerful center for both Indian IT sector operations and automotive manufacturing activities. The automotive manufacturing center known as 'Detroit of Asia' welcomes Hyundai cars, BMW vehicles, Ford and Renault-Nissan production facilities. Major information technology organizations TCS and Infosys along with Cognizant established big campuses in Chennai for their operations. A perfect mix of experienced workers alongside government assistance with infrastructure development made Chennai dominate major industries. 10. Resilience Amid Challenges The increasing metropolitan expansion of Chennai creates new difficulties including traffic problems alongside limited water resources and rainy season floods. The city shows outstanding capabilities to bounce back from difficulties. The disastrous flooding from 2015 triggered residents and organizations to collaborate for disaster management system reconstruction and enhancement. The city advances sustainability by requiring citizens to collect rainwater and plant trees while implementing these projects as standard practices. Final Thoughts As an Indian city Chennai stands far above its counterparts because it embodies the indestructible essence which South India perpetually embodies. Living traditions along with its expanding economy and friendly culture make Chennai maintain its fundamental nature as the city transforms forward. The city of Chennai presents visitors with unending opportunities to appreciate different facets from its cultural heritage through its delicious cuisine and groundbreaking artistic pursuits and industrial activities. The ten facts mentioned here cover only some of the vast offerings Chennai currently displays to its visitors and residents because the city holds continuous discoveries to make.
India.com
06-06-2025
- India.com
Top 6 Weekend Getaways in Tamil Nadu You Can't Miss
Tamil Nadu is an Indian state full of ancient heritage, vibrant culture, and beautiful nature that offers numerous options for a weekend break from city life, at least. The place has pristine beaches, green hill stations, and temples from ancient times to fascinate any traveler. Just join me on this virtual tour of some of the best places to spend your weekends. Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a hill station located amidst the Nilgiri Hills, known for its breathtaking views and refreshing weather conditions. Some of the must-visit places include Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Picturesque Botanical Gardens, or maybe you can enjoy peaceful moments at Ooty Lake on a boat ride. Colonial charm with tea gardens and winding paths is what makes this town a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway. One cannot help but feel enchanted by the beauty and tranquility that Kodaikanal offers, being situated in the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. There is always something interesting to do here, like walking along shimmering Kodaikanal lake shorelines, hiking through the lush forests leading to Pillar Rocks, which are quite huge rocks standing tall against each other, or simply sitting quietly amidst mist-covered mountains. A cool climate with lush landscapes makes it an ideal place, especially during the summer when one wants to escape from heat, hence attracting lots of nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. For those who adore history and architecture, Mahabalipuram stands as a rich source of antiquities. You can find intricate carvings in temples, rock-cut sculptures, etc., all belonging to the Pallava dynasty period under the UNESCO World Heritage Site label. While here, one can see the famous Shore Temple, explore famous rock-cut caves, or even enjoy beautiful beaches along the seashore. Mahabalipuram is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts looking for a short break. Pondicherry, earlier a French establishment, combines European grace and Indian colors. One can walk through the lovely French Quarter with its colonial buildings and tree-lined avenues or visit Auroville Ashram and Aurobindo Ashram to feel the spiritual atmosphere of this town. With peaceful beaches, tasty cuisine, and lively cultural traditions, Pondicherry offers a memorable weekend experience of relaxation and exploration. Yercaud is known for its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints, as well as being located on the Shevaroy Hills. Walking around picturesque landscapes of virgin woods is possible here; boating in Yercaud Lake is also available; otherwise, one may just bask in this serenity at this quiet hill station. Because it has a cooler climate as well as unspoiled natural scenes, Yercuad makes itself ideal for weekends away from the bustle. Coonoor is another tea plantation paradise hiding within the Nilgiri Hills, which are covered with mist all year round while slopes provide amazing views over valleys filled with emerald green tea plants. This place can be reached by a tourist train called Nilgiri Mountain Railway that takes you across sprawling plantations, or if you prefer hiking, take Dolphin's nose or Lamb's Rock, where lovely panoramas unfold before your eyes. So, if you want to skip crowded places during your weekend holidays, then come to Coonoor, an oasis of tranquility set amidst scenic beauty. Conclusion For nature lovers, those who admire past events, and others that are looking for a relaxed atmosphere in Tamil Nadu's natural beauty, you will find many memorable experiences in beautifully captivating locations. There is no doubt that it has a variety of destinations to choose from that offer visitors exposure to diverse cultures where there is relaxation, thrill-seeking, or simply getting lost in the midst of a beautiful environment. You can go on a small journey, pack your things, and enjoy yourself at the most fantastic weekend getaways in Tamil Nadu.
