tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16247449589631342732024-03-17T00:20:25.329+05:30Be On The Road | Live your Travel Dream!Travel blog of an Indian traveler living his dream of experiencing the world and inspiring others to live their travel dream. Focus areas are travel and visa tips, destination guides, experiential travel stories and traveling as a vegetarian.Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.comBlogger2428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-514584939629590962024-03-12T15:51:00.001+05:302024-03-12T15:51:30.956+05:30Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu<p><img title="Entering the hill station of Oothu in KMTR" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Entering the hill station of Oothu in KMTR" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsRtAasPjlLfwCjQCvtUTseJg73ztjKTuRYXLkQx5wDA69NNCiGqHh9nNcEMJhsQdMaN6oRdH8UadK4-4aniAfQQ8pN8uYtNfWpa79yAkNthQTL4J0vTTV8QlGpaMy1TTCK2sRkAl85NnmMUr5P-5wx9ErpLCBBnoy8TVPwO80pJc7_DkT0EvYwK15rQs=s16000" width="630" height="474" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="602" />
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<br />There is this tiny hamlet in Southern Tamil Nadu where the mist and sometimes even the clouds descends every evening and stays in till the early hours of the morning. The weather here is a far cry from the hot plains, just 30 kms below. It happens to be one of the wettest places in India during the North East Monsoon and it happens to be an integral catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its many tributaries. This quaint little hill station is located at an altitude of 4,500 feet above MSL in the Western Ghats of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. This place is called Oothu and this hill station is home to less than 100 people.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="The road that connects Oothu to Kudrevetty" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The road that connects Oothu to Kudrevetty" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507118931-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />Access to Oothu is tough, but the natural beauty of this place and its surroundings will make it worth the trouble many a time. The people of Oothu either work in the tea estates surrounding their village, the Tamil Nadu forest department or any of the other jobs that are needed to run this village like shops, schools, buses, etc. The tea estates in this region were created by the British by leasing land from the Singampatty Zamin. In another five years or so, the lease gets over and the place will fall completely under the control of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the Tamil Nadu forest department. Hopefully then, more native trees will take over the tea estates and ensure that this pristine ecosystem stays as untouched as ever for years to come.
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<br /><img title="Tea estates, tropical forests and dense mist - All on the forest road between Oothu and Kudrevetty" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Tea estates, tropical forests and dense mist - All on the forest road between Oothu and Kudrevetty" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507118963-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /> A visit to Oothu will give you a peek into the tea culture of this region, a laid back culture of a mountain hamlet and last, but not the least, it will show the rich diversity of a pristine forest ecosystem called Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. There are only 10 outside vehicles allowed here every day, which leads to extremely low levels of pollution and given the extreme remote location, Oothu and its surroundings are an example of how Western Ghats should be and not what it has turned into the rest of our country. Do visit this place only if you are a nature or wildlife lover and not if you are looking for a hill station to play loud music and enjoy your alcohol parties. Let’s preserve this place for our future generations. <br />
<br /><img title="Tea estate workers take a break at Oothu estate" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Tea estate workers take a break at Oothu estate" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507120436-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u></u></strong><u><strong>Best season to visit:</strong></u>
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<br />Oothu is open all year round and can be visited in all seasons. Summers are incredibly pleasant here and are a far cry from the hot plains below. The rainy season between October and December is magical here and this is when close to 3000 to 5000 mm of rain precipitates in three months and dresses up the surroundings in fresh green and full water bodies and waterfalls. January and February offer clearer weather with low humidity and this allows for clear views of the spectacular landscape that includes the tea estates, forests, mountains and the many dams.
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<br /><img title="The tea estates of Oothu in KMTR" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The tea estates of Oothu in KMTR" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507118933-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u></u></strong><u><strong>How to reach there:</strong></u>
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<br />If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head towards Cheranmadevi and Kallidaikurichi. Just before Kallidaikurichi railway station, turn left and take the road leading towards Manimuthar. You will cross Golden nagar, Thekku Pappankulam, Tamil Nadu Special Police IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road and you will reach the forest check post at Manimuthar Dam. You will have to get your permits checked here, pay the necessary fees and then drive onwards towards <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/manimuthar-falls-herbal-waterfall-tirunelveli-tamil-nadu-india.html">Manimuthar Falls</a>, Manjolai, <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/02/kakkachi-highest-point-inside-kalakad.html">Kakkachi</a>, Nalumukku and then onto Oothu.
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<br /><strong><u>How to get permits for this place:</u></strong>
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<br />To travel to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the forest department office at Ambasamudram. The permit costs INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay the vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar check post. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 PM.
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<br />If you book a room at the forest guest house at Kudrevetty, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.
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<br /><img title="Tea estate workers in action at Oothu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Tea estate workers in action at Oothu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507119124-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />If you wish to stay within the tiger reserve, you can book the forest rest house at Kudrevetty through the <a href="https://kmtr.co.in/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kalakad Mundanthurai tiger reserve website</a>.
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<br />If you wish to stay in traditional agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi village</a>.
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<br />If simple, yet modern hotels are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.
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<br />If you wish for a wider variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at Tirunelveli.
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />There are a few family run home restaurants at Oothu where you can get local meals along with some tea and coffee. However, you need to order your meals at least a day in advance so that the people can arrange the rations and vegetables.
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<br />There are a few tea shops at Manjolai where you can find basic snacks along with tea/coffee, but if you order in advance, you can get some food.
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<br />There are a few small shack-like restaurants at Manimuthar before the forest check post. Here, you can get basic meals and a decent array of tiffin items.
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<br /><img title="The picturesque hamlet of Oothu in Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The picturesque hamlet of Oothu in Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507119105-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other tourist attractions inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/manimuthar-falls-herbal-waterfall-tirunelveli-tamil-nadu-india.html">Manimuthar Falls</a>: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
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<br />2) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/09/kalakkad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-and.html">Agastyar Falls</a>: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
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<br />3) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />4) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/02/kakkachi-highest-point-inside-kalakad.html">Kakkachi</a>: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
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<br />5) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />6) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/scenic-iron-bridge-kmtr-tamil-nadu-india.html">Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>: Pristine nature overloaded
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Oothu, Singampatti Zamindar Forest, Tamil Nadu 627425, India8.5769971 77.3417748-19.733236736178846 42.185524799999996 36.887230936178845 112.4980248tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-51346632757196893532024-03-07T12:46:00.003+05:302024-03-07T12:46:27.448+05:30Hidden Pristine Forest Waterfall in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve<p><img title="Totally untouched and pristine forest waterfall between Oothu and Kudrevetty" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Totally untouched and pristine forest waterfall between Oothu and Kudrevetty" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw9nFVnwVHNufLCx04hH6oWg8-Ro5tyTPIfL6TG-m3VjACNuzXguKE8alPSsx3S0UuaZT8vJCJfzC-EihevJTd6zF6XCp7386vX_1ytkjdFUkvgq7VnsYCHPbR6PbE19bGqxfTf5Qc3CyUAi4dDHvJHmy4U1qT7BlFzfeKnYt-TpjgDWG0C7Y5V0fzAp0=s16000" width="630" height="474" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="602" />
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<br /> This place is as untouched, hidden and pristine as it can be. It is because of such water bodies across our Western Ghats that peninsular India quenches its thirst. This beautiful forest waterfall is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river. The water flows through medicinal herbs and plants and it was deliciously sweet and cold when I took a sip of it. Just sitting here in this environment and listening to the gurgle of the waterfall will melt your stress away. Such places allow our bodies to rejuvenate and recharge in rapid time.
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<br />Located between the rustic hill station of Oothu and the windy view point of Kudrevetty, this place is hidden amidst pristine forest. The access is from the main road that connects Oothu with Kudrevetty. There is no path or signboard here. All you have to do is follow the sound of the water and prepare to climb up through the dense bushes and ferns to the waterfall. Such water bodies are galore in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve during the wet season. However, even during the dry summer season, some of these waterfalls contain ample water. And that is what makes this environment so special. This abundant water source gives rise to a whole lot of flora and fauna and thus makes this forest a thriving ecosystem.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sPvUszeJ9UE?si=nXdz4qMsto07cM0a" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe><br />
<br /> If you wish that your holiday be at such a place where the nature is untouched and raw, the Manjolai range of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is one such amazing option. Access is a bit tough and you have to get the permits from the forest department in advance, but all the hard work and patience is definitely worth it. I can’t rave about this place enough. Luckily for me, my home is just 10 kilometers away from the forest check post and about 45 kilometers from this waterfall, so I can visit this forest waterfall often. Sometimes, I wish that the forest department allowed me to take my cycle up here, but then, I do understand that is not safe to be on a bicycle in this elephant corridor.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Oothu, Singampatti Zamindar Forest, Tamil Nadu 627425, India8.5769971 77.3417748-19.733236736178846 42.185524799999996 36.887230936178845 112.4980248tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-86356435725107205362024-02-23T12:20:00.000+05:302024-02-23T12:20:04.299+05:30Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve<p><img title="Kakkachi - the highest point in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kakkachi - the highest point in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl9i48pT4ness2eDq6hNptqOfPgpaup-rcukbmR7sogXNrPGMMZii3YqjmqHYE6-tXCgLDHDfv-dkgxgFX-os6SXwmDeS8rhhxldLHmW_NPCxPef7uLlUKRCJ-zl_NR9XysAw8YtLdNzNuLfv_L8x9fXwoKURVStjiDq8hQKAGGINNFWDxOETB6164YoA=s16000" width="630" height="474" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="602" />
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<br />It is home to a colonial era golf course. It is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries. It is a gorgeous mix of grasslands, tropical forests and tropical evergreen forests. It is one of the wettest places in Tamil Nadu and definitely part of the wettest region during the North East Monsoon in India. This remote hill station, located at an altitude of close to 5000 feet above MSL is the highest point in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. I am talking about Kakkachi that is located above the hill station of Manjolai in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="The gorgeous hill station of Kakkachi in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The gorgeous hill station of Kakkachi in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3503663510-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />Everything about Kakkachi screams remoteness and beauty. Should I talk about the narrow and bumpy forest road that leads to Kakkachi from Manjolai or should I mention that you hardly see any people here. May be, a few tea estate workers who commute between Oothu and Manjolai. But, apart from that, all you have for company is the gorgeous nature and the rich wildlife here.
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<br /><img title="Kakkachi Lake view" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kakkachi Lake view" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3503663978-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />If you happen to arrive here before 8 AM, you will most likely see this place enveloped in dense mist and only when the mist clears, will you get to see the rolling greens of the colonial era golf course and the beautiful man-made lake next to it. This golf course is not in use anymore as this place falls under the purview of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, but you will certainly find lots of leeches here especially during the wet season or close to the lake shore.
<br />  <br /><img title="The British era Kakkachi golf course" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The British era Kakkachi golf course" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3503663739-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />This highest point inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is your remote hill station in the Western Ghats that is full of natural beauty and charm. Thankfully, the forest department requires prior permission to visit Kakkachi. Else, lots of visitors will change the sanctity of this place. If you like this offbeat hill station inside a tiger reserve, do plan in advance and prepare yourself to be bowled over by its rich nature and gorgeous landscapes.
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<br /><img title="Kakkachi bathed in gorgeous sunshine" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kakkachi bathed in gorgeous sunshine" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3503663864-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other tourist attractions inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/manimuthar-falls-herbal-waterfall-tirunelveli-tamil-nadu-india.html">Manimuthar Falls</a>: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
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<br />2) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/09/kalakkad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-and.html">Agastyar Falls</a>: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
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<br />3) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />4) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />5) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon
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<br />6) Oothu: A quiet hilly village inside a tiger reserve and surrounded by tea estates
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/scenic-iron-bridge-kmtr-tamil-nadu-india.html">Scenic Iron bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>: Pristine nature overloaded
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Manjolai, Tamil Nadu 627420, India8.5692037 77.4113845-19.741030136178846 42.2551345 36.879437536178841 112.5676345tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-24841775644435750832024-01-22T16:25:00.003+05:302024-01-22T16:25:40.638+05:30Festival of Thiruvathirai from a Traditional Tamil Nadu Village: A Photo Series<p><img title="Lord Natarajar on Goratham takes to the streets of Kallidaikurichi on Thiruvatharai Festival" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Natarajar on Goratham takes to the streets of Kallidaikurichi on Thiruvatharai Festival" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrX9iqUhMWrCBvVahgimSQrcS5z4K6O2QMyUdMANZpKU_cplEdlXkInwH3sEDLbQtLrcvG2mJf-JyzJeSvjKYJhKXF7fehYAzrf69nzXP3cW0LoHjV9Z0S0Dw9qRKSR30BfV6PGbZgSTpMKas_rotu7dDW3KnZpPT5-zZDhlcd6P-zVs0VPk-H_HuB0KQ=s16000" width="630" height="474" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="602" />
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<br />The festival of Thiruvathirai celebrates the birthday of Lord Natarajar (the dancing form of Lord Shiva). The festival is celebrated in the Margazhi Tamil month (December 15 to January 14) every year. It is a 10 day celebration that culminates on the full moon day (pournamasya) in the Margazhi month and that also happens to be the day when the moon is transiting through the Ardra nakshatra, the favourite nakshatra of Lord Shiva. During the first 9 days, rudra homam and other yagnam are done at the temple and each day the god and his consorts are decorated and taken to the streets on different vehicles (vahanam). On the final day of Thiruvathirai, festivities begin at 4 AM. All the temple gods are bathed in different spices, aromatic herbs and milk. Then, they are decorated. Then, the action shifts to a separate room in the temple, where Lord Natarajar and his consorts are given abhishekham, alangaram and maha mangalarti. The, they are taken to the streets in a large rath and they stop in front of each house so that the people of that house can give their offerings to the lord (fruits, coconut, vastram (clothes), betel leaves, etc.) and in return receive prasadam and the lord’s blessings. Somewhere during this rath yatra, the lord enacts a tandav (cosmic dance). The whole 10 days of this festival is full of intricate rituals, pomp, colour and glamour.
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<br />The cosmic dance of Shiva represents five activities – creation, protection, destruction, embodiment and release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy. Thiruvathirai festival celebrates this ecstatic dance of Lord Shiva.
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<br />Kali and Thalagam is the main food offered to the lord on the festival day and it is later enjoyed by the devotees. Kali is prepared using rice, jaggery, moong dal, coconut and ghee. Thalagam is a vegetable broth that is prepared with the following vegetables – pumpkin, ash gourd, broad beans, sweet potato, potato, brinjal, colacasia, yam and plantain.
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<br />I got to experience all of this for the entire duration of the 10 day festival at the Chidambareswarar temple in the village of Kallidaikurichi in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This village nestled at the foot of the Western Ghats offers you a traditional experience of this fairly lesser known festival. I hope you can enjoy some flavour of these 10 festive days through this photo series. Detailed articles will follow soon.
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Lord Natarajar is taken on a goratham through the agraharam streets of Kallidaikurichi village. This is the only time during the festival that the lord graces his presence during the day. During this rath yatra, Lord Natarajar also enacts his tandav nach or cosmic dance by doing three fast rounds at the junction of two streets.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="Lord Shiva on Vrishabha vahanam - Thiruvatharai festival, Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Shiva on Vrishabha vahanam - Thiruvatharai festival, Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510755482-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Lord Natarajar takes to the streets of Kallidaikurichi on his favourite vrishabha vahanam (vehicle of the bull). Every evening at around 6 PM, the lord takes to the streets of the Kallidaikurichi village on the first 9 days of the festival.
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<br /><img title="Lord Shiva as Ganganadharanathar - Thiruvatharai Festival, Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Shiva as Ganganadharanathar - Thiruvatharai Festival, Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510753626-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> This is the final evening ratham where Lord Natarajar poses as Ganganadhanathar where he carries all the tools required for carrying out daily work and he comes along with a small vessel seeking alms from his devotees. This also happens to be the biggest evening ratham.
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<br /><img title="Beautiful Lord Natarajar Statue at Chidambareswarar Temple, Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Beautiful Lord Natarajar Statue at Chidambareswarar Temple, Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510756570-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Lord Natarajar at Chidambareswarar temple is all beautifully decked on the day of Thiruvathirai. As Lord Natarajar was born on this day, he is also known as Athiraiyan after the star on which he was born.
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<br /><img title="Lord Natarajar and his consorts all decked up on Thiruvatharai Festival Day" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Natarajar and his consorts all decked up on Thiruvatharai Festival Day" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510751629-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Lord Natarajar and his consorts after the abhishekham and alangaram on Thiruvathirai festival day. Literary and historical evidence in the form of stone inscriptions state that the festival has been celebrated on this day for more than 1500 years.
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<br /><img title="Getting the Maha Mangalarti ready on Thiruvatharai festival day at Chidambareswarar Temple, Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Getting the Maha Mangalarti ready on Thiruvatharai festival day at Chidambareswarar Temple, Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510760014-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Lighting the lamps for the Mahamangalarti. Attending this festival in a small village temple allows you to see and understand all the things that go behind the scenes. Such things get missed when you are a bigger temple due to larger crowds and more noise.
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<br /><img title="All the powders kept reading for the abhishekham and bathing the gods" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="All the powders kept reading for the abhishekham and bathing the gods" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510756046-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Different spices, aromatic herbs and cooling powders are added to the water prior to bathing the gods. Each of these powders make the bathing process a sight o behold as these rich colours perfectly contrast the pancha loha utsava moorthy or the black statues in the temple.
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<br /><img title="Lord Natarajar in Goratham takes to the streets of Kallidaikurichi on Thiruvatharai Festival" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Natarajar in Goratham takes to the streets of Kallidaikurichi on Thiruvatharai Festival" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510751646-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> On Thiruvathirai day, Lord Natarajar has left the temple premises on his goratham. This big rath needs a lot of people power and coordination as it makes its way through the streets of Kallidaikurichi agraharam.
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<br /><img title="Goddess Sivagami decked up in dry fruits on Thiruvatharai Festival evening" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Goddess Sivagami decked up in dry fruits on Thiruvatharai Festival evening" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510751429-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Goddess Sivagami is decked up beautifully with dry fruits, raisins, turmeric and flowers. Her face and is annointed with turmeric.Her body is made up of almonds and cashews. Her bindi, eyes, and crown (kreedam) is made of black raisins. Her ear rings and other decorative jewellery are made up of dry figs. This was all done by a skilled artisan from a nearby village.
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<br /><img title="Beautifully decked Lord Natarajar in Goratham on Thiruvatharai Festival" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Beautifully decked Lord Natarajar in Goratham on Thiruvatharai Festival" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3510759537-5.jpg" width="630" height="837" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> The beautifully decked up ratham of Lord Shiva. Once upon a time, it was pulled by bulls and hence its name ‘gau ratham’. Today, there are no bulls, but the ratham is pulled by humans. It is still called gau-ratham or goratham and the sight of Lord Natarajar on the goratham is a highly anticipated event of the year for the people of Kallidaikurichi village.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416, India8.682952199999999 77.4650754-19.627281636178846 42.3088254 36.993186036178841 112.6213254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-76883110027014734692024-01-20T16:42:00.004+05:302024-01-20T16:42:46.586+05:30Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine Nature Overloaded<p><img alt="Beautiful nature at Irumbu Palam enroute to Nalmukku, Tamil Nadu" border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtxJyREIIUYQORgmHFHEDMJjUTwfSDBY9Ja1WVGr0hGW9FQ4_PL4jnh8nnuhgiP6azkDAgq9bl6_QiHASnKGzfeosOH0L7G4IZ9zm4OgmwP_LwP6NHJt2Q3jZmvJZiRst_6ycUY-JG_XXvxFe3SItaIupnwUv9SzatwqjxRTFI4Gb7keBjItLD3Fp4H24=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Beautiful nature at Irumbu Palam enroute to Nalmukku, Tamil Nadu" width="630" />
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<br /> Imagine this! Mist plays hide and seek in this dense jungle. The sun shines bright at times basking all of nature’s beauty in its glory. The constant gurgle of water bodies and the calls of the wild give it a sense of tranquillity. There are many signs of it being a thriving ecosystem. The water is crystal clear. The air is as pure as it can get. The flora that grows here is found only in the most pristine of environments. And everything about it seems to calm your senses. Overall, it is a biodiversity hotspot.
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<br />The Irumbu palam or the Iron bridge between Kakkachi and Nalumukku in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is one such location where pristine nature seems to exist and thrive in an overload mode. Located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, this bridge is located deep inside the tiger reserve and is accessible only via a single lane forest road after getting necessary permits from the forest department for yourself and your vehicle.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="354" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DWcYkoG8-4?si=Lw8tIsmf7JxJ547R" title="YouTube video player" width="630"></iframe>
<br /> <br /> Wild elephants frequent this place as they seem to absolutely love the bamboo that grows near this bridge. Apparently, the elephants find this bamboo plant to be like the sweetest dessert. Medicinal plants and herbs grow all over this place and that is what makes the herbal waters of this place a prized commodity. Wild ferns adorn the sides of the bridges and the water bodies. And just so you know, ferns grow wild only in the cleanest of ecosystems and they seem to be thriving here.
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<br />The mountain stream below this iron bridge is actually two streams, one that comes in from Kakkachi (the highest point of <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>) and the other seems to come from Nalumukku (the wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon). Both of them join just a little bit upstream and together they empty themselves into the Manimuthar dam, which later becomes the Manimuthar river, which joins the Thamirabharani river just before the village of <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>.
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<br /><img alt="The Gorgeous Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507094111-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="The Gorgeous Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" width="630" />
<br /> <br />This iron bridge or irumbu palam of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a treat for the eyes and just being here for 30 to 60 minutes is enough to charge your batteries. Such is the concentration of nature at this place. It is also the perfect pit stop while exploring the hill stations of Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and Kudrevetty. This destination is totally offbeat and remote and makes for a special experience in the wild western ghats of Tamil Nadu.
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<br /><img alt="Spectacular panorama at Iron Bridge, KMTR" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507093052-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Spectacular panorama at Iron Bridge, KMTR" width="630" />
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<br /><strong><u>Best season to visit:</u></strong>
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<br />Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is open all year round unless the roads are closed due to heavy rains or landslides. Monsoon and post monsoon months are best to enjoy the best views.
<br /> <br /><strong><u>How to reach there:</u></strong>
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<br />There are three options.
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<br />1) Take a local bus, but only if you happen to be a local resident
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<br />2) Opt for a forest van. The rates are fixed and they move only when the van is full or if you book the full van. They follow a specific route and don’t deviate from it.
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<br />3) The best option is to take a private vehicle with you so that you can stop and explore the area that interests you. It is also the only option to reach Kudrevetty. No 2 or 3 wheelers are allowed inside the tiger reserve.
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<br /><strong><u>How to get permits:</u></strong>
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<br />If you wish to travel to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the Forest department office at Ambasamudram. The permits cost INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay the vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. If you book a room at the Kudrevetty forest rest house, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.
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<br /><img alt="The iconic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507094475-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="The iconic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />There are only two stay options at Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
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<br />1) The forest rest houses at Kudrevetty, Mundanthurai and Kalakad. You need to book them in advance either at the forest office in Ambasamudram or online on <a href="https://kmtr.co.in/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KMTR website</a>.
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<br />2) The EB guest house at Kodayar dam. You will need to know someone in the electricity department to get a booking here.
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<br /><img alt="Pristine nature at the Iron bridge enroute to Nalmukku from Oothu" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507091941-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Pristine nature at the Iron bridge enroute to Nalmukku from Oothu" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />There are only a few places to eat inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. You can can find some basic tea, vada and biscuits at Manjolai during the day time. But, if you want a meal, you have to call and order in advance. The places where you can find such meals are at Manjolai, Oothu and/or the forest rest house at Kudrevetty. The forest rest house at Kudrevetty will serve you food only if you are staying with them. If you want non vegetarian food, you need to ask for it explicitly in advance.
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<br /><img alt="Elephant bamboo zone near Iron bridge, KMTR" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507086235-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Elephant bamboo zone near Iron bridge, KMTR" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Other tourist attractions inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/manimuthar-falls-herbal-waterfall-tirunelveli-tamil-nadu-india.html">Manimuthar Falls</a>: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
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<br />2) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/09/kalakkad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-and.html">Agastyar Falls</a>: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
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<br />3) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />4) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />5) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon
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<br />6) Oothu: A quiet hilly village inside a tiger reserve and surrounded by tea estates
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<br />7) Kakkachi: The highest point of KMTR and home to a colonial era golf course
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep South
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Manjolai, Tamil Nadu 627420, India8.5692037 77.4113845-19.741030136178846 42.2551345 36.879437536178841 112.5676345tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-59710307986996768032024-01-17T12:34:00.001+05:302024-01-17T12:34:13.042+05:30Manimuthar Falls: The Herbal Waterfall inside a Tiger Reserve<p><img alt="Photographing the gorgeous Manimuthar Falls, Tamil Nadu" border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="800" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8ilHT4JWZrh_TbSGSNojlVdZrkuS8EUFKnJAcXz9WwsEnkGgwMBiiweXJzzl52ncrU2FGbs18KjtS5cYgRjh-DMdmnB2ISm-Zu5hCr4Cpsp1h137ErnZl9ugBbF_NqaPcPlH1-tWC3DirfWfMNv5vhMua41M1L5p0BlN9tK4ikhPPD4kwO9mNDTdVuQ4=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Photographing the gorgeous Manimuthar Falls, Tamil Nadu" width="630" />
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<br /> <span id="fullpost">This gorgeous waterfall starts in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and flows through medicinal plants and herbs. It is located inside a tiger reserve and it empties itself into a massive dam. It’s herbal waters are considered therapeutic and those who bathe under it find immense relaxation. I am talking about the Manimuthar waterfall that is located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
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<br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="354" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3EyxtCABLYU?si=5Vod_2po5qFxexWZ" title="YouTube video player" width="630"></iframe>
<br /> <br /> The Manimuthar falls is not a tall waterfall, but it is more like a wide forest waterfall. It is surrounded by dense tropical forests on its three sides and on one side is the Manimuthar dam. The Manimuthar falls carries the water of the Manimuthar river that starts somewhere in the Manjolai range of the Western Ghats. This part of the Western Ghats is pristine and totally untouched. Beyond the Manimuthar dam, the Manimuthar river joins the Thamirabharani river a little downstream at <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>. A little bit away from the Manimuthar Falls is the Vanapechi Amman temple.
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<br /><img alt="Manimuthar Falls during the monsoons" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3500855439-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Manimuthar Falls during the monsoons" width="630" />
<br /> <br /> As the waterfall is located inside a tiger reserve, the location is clean and the only sounds that you usually hear are the gurgling of the water, the sound of the birds and may be a few calls of monkeys and other wild animals. This tropical waterfall offers a perfect location for a waterfall holiday inside a forest. Its rural access with canals, coconut plantations and paddy fields adds additional charm to its location. I recommend this herbal Manimuthar falls with multiple thumbs up! <br />
<br /><img alt="Manimuthar Falls, the lush green forest and the cloudy monsoon weather" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3500855076-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Manimuthar Falls, the lush green forest and the cloudy monsoon weather" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Best season to visit:</u></strong>
<br /><br />Manimuthar falls has water all year round, making it a perfect place to bathe almost all days of the year. The waterfall and its surroundings look the best during the monsoons, but this is also the time when there is copious amounts of water in the waterfall and hence bathing is banned. Bathing is only allowed when water is below a certain level.
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<br /><strong><u>How to reach there:</u></strong>
<br /> <br /> If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head words Cheranmahadevi and Kallidaikurichi. Just before Kallidaikurichi railway station turn left and take the road leading towards Manimuthar. You will cross Golden Nagar, Thekku Pappankulam, Tamil Nadu Special Police IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road, you will reach the forest check post and the Manimuthar Dam. You will have to pay the entrance fees at the check post and then you can drive straight to the waterfall.
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<br /><strong><u>How to get permits for this place:</u></strong>
<br /> <br /> If you plan on visiting just the waterfall, you can get necessary permits after paying the required fees. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 PM.
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<br />If you wish to travel further to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the Forest department office at Ambasamudram. The permits cost INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay the vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. If you book a room at the Kudrevetty forest rest house, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.
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<br /><img alt="Manimuthar Falls - the stunning forest waterfall of Tamil Nadu" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3500855168-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Manimuthar Falls - the stunning forest waterfall of Tamil Nadu" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
<br /><br /> If you wish to stay within the tiger reserve, you can book the forest rest house at Kudrevetty through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve website.
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<br />If you wish to stay in traditional agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at Kallidaikurichi village.
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<br />If simple, yet modern hotel rooms are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.
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<br />If you wish for a wider variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at Tirunelveli.
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<br /><img alt="A scenic walk near Manimuthar Falls, Tamil Nadu" border="0" height="837" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3500855420-5.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="A scenic walk near Manimuthar Falls, Tamil Nadu" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
<br /><br /> There are a few shacks in Manimuthar village that offer you basic tiffin items like idli, dosa, puri, eggs, vada, etc. along with tea/coffee. If you want slightly more elaborate meals, you would need to go to Hotel Ramanas or Hotel Gowri Shankar at Ambasamudram. For much richer variety, you would need to go to Tirunelveli.
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<br /><img alt="Manimuthar Falls inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3500859218-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Manimuthar Falls inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve" width="630" />
<br /><br /><u><strong>Other nearby tourist attractions:</strong></u>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/09/kalakkad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-and.html">Agastyar Falls:</a> A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
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<br />2) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />3) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />4) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon
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<br />5) Oothu: A quiet hilly village inside a tiger reserve and surrounded by tea estates
<br />
<br />6) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam:</a> Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">Courtrallam</a>: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/1000-year-old-papanasanathar-temple-papanasam.html">Papanasanathar Temple</a>: 1000 year old temple by the river Thamirabharani where you can wash all your sins away
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/08/sivasailam-temple-1000-year-old-Pandya-era.html">Sivasailam Temple</a>: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats</span></p>
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<br />10) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/mannarkoil-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html">Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple:</a> Magnificent 10th century temple with an Ashtanga Vimana
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<br />11) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi:</a> The village of the saaral season
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<br />12) The hidden gem called <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />13) 10th century Kailasanathar Temple at Brahmadesam
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<br />14) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvalisvaram
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<br />15) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/02/kallidaikurichi-manimuthar-dam-top-cycling-route.html">Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam:</a> A top scenic and rustic cycling route
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<br />16) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />17) Kakkachi: The highest point in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Manimutharu, Tamil Nadu, India8.6674490999999989 77.409949700000013-19.642784736178847 42.253699700000013 36.977682936178844 112.56619970000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-38898069925626370822024-01-13T15:27:00.002+05:302024-01-13T15:27:35.549+05:30Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial Charm of the Indian Railways<p><img alt="The beautiful railway bridges near Punalur, Kerala" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8t8Hl8jKigtv8x83t_DzeEOMVt0wpWLHdx131KCjn73PXXe-lyHk2yXtlPfO2mE0IRlWD4kZokg34UGzZPBKrTTWRTbGGc3oFPEp4h9i0156xBgiFxh2VNyvyq-PdtK9E4GoObHxf6Y5tPkHwIFh-1F6AjHm90L_FNN1713UC8fSrHocEEFSAHQ_CFj0=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="The beautiful railway bridges near Punalur, Kerala" width="630" />
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<br /> It is a colonial era bridge that was the first of its kind in South India and connected the then Travancore kingdom with the Pandya land of Tamil Nadu. This 13 arch stone and concrete bridge is a 120 year old architectural marvel. It was made out of stone, wood and limestone mortar when this bridge used to support a meter gauge. Today, it has been strengthened with stone and concrete to support a broad gauge line. This bridge that is a part of the <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/lesser-known-kerala-mountain-railways.html">lesser known mountain railways of Kerala</a> is a treat for nature lovers. Many movies have been shot here. Katradhu Tamil, Jayam, Vettam and Megham to name a few. I am talking about the Pathimoonu Kannara bridge or the the 13 arch bridge at Kazhathurithi that is a part of one of India’s oldest mountain rail lines.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img alt="13 Arch Aryankavu Railway Viaduct - one of the oldest mountain railway bridges of India" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3496191990-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="13 Arch Aryankavu Railway Viaduct - one of the oldest mountain railway bridges of India" width="630" />
<br /> <br /> Running parallel to the Kallada river and the Kollam – Sengottai road highway, the vintage pathimoonu kannara bridge (13 arch bridge) is a sight to behold. Standing on 13 granite pillars that is almost a hundred feet tall, this bridge is 337 meters long and is surrounded by tall mountains and lush greenery. On either side of the bridge are dark tunnels that have been cut through the Western Ghat mountains. In fact, most of the Kollam – Sengottai rail line is famous for its tunnels. The longest one on this route is the 892 meter long Aryankavu tunnel, one of the longest railway tunnels in Kerala. It connects the Aryankavu railway station in Kerala with Bhagavathipuram railway station in Tamil Nadu.
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<img alt="Photographing the scenic mountain railways of Kerala near Punalur" border="0" height="472" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2175434562-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Photographing the scenic mountain railways of Kerala near Punalur" width="630" />
<br /><br /> This railway line and the 13 arch bridge was conceived by the Maharaja Uthram Thirunal of Travancore and constructed by the British in the foothills of the Western Ghats to transport forest products, spices and cashew from Kollam to Chennai. This route was once the lifeline for the people of South Kerala and South Tamil Nadu. It supported the plantation economy in this region. Today, this 13 arch bridge, the umpteen tunnels and this mountain railway line is a treat for nature lovers. On one end is the <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">herbal waterfalls of Courtrallam</a>, the forest waterfall of Palaruvi, Thenmala forest and on the other end is the backwaters and beaches of Kollam. In total, it makes for a fabulous weekend trip in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
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<br /><img alt="Aryankavu 13 arch railway viaduct and the Kallada River, Kerala" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3496191989-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Aryankavu 13 arch railway viaduct and the Kallada River, Kerala" width="630" />
<br /><br /> There is a flight of steps that allow you to climb to the top of the bridge. These steps are primarily kept for maintenance purposes, but tourists are generally allowed to climb up during the dry season. During the rains, the steps get slippery with moss and water and hence it is closed. If you climb up to the bridge, you can enjoy the spectacular vista of the Kallada river and the Western Ghat forests and mountains and you can also take a sneak peek into the tunnels. Do remember to keep an eye out for the trains plying on this route.
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<br />So, if you happen to be in India’s deep south in either Kerala or Tamil Nadu, do remember to drop by this vintage 13 arch bridge and soak in the colonial charm of the Indian Railways.
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<br /><img alt="One of the many tunnels in the scenic mountain railway route of India's deep south" border="0" height="839" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2175434568-5.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="One of the many tunnels in the scenic mountain railway route of India's deep south" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Best season to visit:</u></strong>
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<br />The pathimoonu kannara bridge is open all year round, but it looks the prettiest during the rains and right after the rains (June to December). If you wish to climb to the top of the bridge, opt for the dry months between January and May.
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<br /><strong><u>How to reach there:</u></strong>
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<br />The best way to explore this bridge and this route is to take the Kollam – Sengottai passenger trains that ply every day. You can stop at any of the stops enroute, do your exploration and then take the next train to your other destination.
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<br />There are also regular buses that ply between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most of these buses stop at all the stops, though frequency of buses might vary during the day or night.
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<br />The most flexible way to explore this route is to have your own vehicle. It will allow you the comfort of spending more time at the location of your choice. Cars, motorcycles and cycles are all equally good choices on this mountain route. Each offer different benefits.
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<br /><img alt="The scenic railway ride in India's deep south - Thenmala to Punalur, Kerala" border="0" height="472" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2175434563-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="The scenic railway ride in India's deep south - Thenmala to Punalur, Kerala" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />If you like to stay within forests, opt for the forest guest houses located inside Thenmala forest.
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<br />If you like properties surrounded by paddyfields and mountains, you should look at the resorts in and around Courtrallam.
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<br />If you wish to stay within traditional Tamil Brahmin agraharams, opt for the home stays and guest houses in the villages of Kallidaikurichi and Sengottai.
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<br />If you wish for luxury properties, do look at the ones in Thiruvanathapuram and Kollam.
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<br /><img alt="The tunnels of Kerala mountain railways, India" border="0" height="472" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2175434567-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="The tunnels of Kerala mountain railways, India" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />There are some places to eat near Thenmala forest eco tourism center, but the food options would be basic. If you wish to find better quality restaurants, you might need to go to Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu, Punalur, Kollam or Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala depending on the direction you are heading.
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<br /><img alt="13 arch Aryankavu Railway Viaduct Bridge, Kerala" border="0" height="474" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3496192015-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="13 arch Aryankavu Railway Viaduct Bridge, Kerala" width="630" />
<br /> <br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">Courtrallam</a>: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
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<br />2) Kasi Visvanathar Temple: 13th century temple located at Tenkasi that is famous for its large gopurams
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<br />3) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa
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<br />4) Thenmala Forest and Palaruvi Falls: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
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<br />5) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/11/punalur-suspension-bridge-historical-gem-of-kerala.html">Punalur suspension bridge</a>: Historical gem of Kerala
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<br />6) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/02/ponmudi-that-offbeat-hill-station-of-kerala.html">Ponmudi</a>: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a a 360 degree panorama
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/11/kappil-beach-backwaters-sea-offbeat-kerala.html">Kappil beach</a>: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/03/varkala-stunning-cliff-beach-kerala-wash-sins-away.html">Varkala beach</a>: Stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/1000-year-old-papanasanathar-temple-papanasam.html">Papanasanathar Temple</a>: 1000 year old temple by the river Thamirabharani where you can wash away all your sins
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<br />10) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/08/sivasailam-temple-1000-year-old-Pandya-era.html">Sivasailam Temple</a>: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
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<br />11) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/mannarkoil-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html">Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple</a>: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
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<br />12) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>: The village of the Saaral season
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<br />13) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/05/iruttu-kadai-halwa-icon-of-tirunelveli.html">Iruttu Kadai Halwa</a>: Icon of Tirunelveli
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<br />14) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/06/nellaiappar-temple-7th-century-cosmic-dance-wonder.html">Nellaiappar Temple</a>: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
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<br />15) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/07/Pattamadai-Pai-GI-Tagged-beautiful-handwoven-silk-mats.html">Pattamadai Pai</a>: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
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<br />16) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2021/01/Thamirabarani-river-delta-offbeat-motorcycling-route.html">Thamirabharani river delta</a>: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness
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<br />17) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />18) The hidden gem called <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />19) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2015/09/tiruchendur-murugan-temple-sea-shore.html">Tiruchendur Murugan Temple</a>: Sea shore magic
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<br />20) 10th century Kailsanathar temple at Brahmadesam
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<br />21) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvalisvaram
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<br />22) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/02/kallidaikurichi-manimuthar-dam-top-cycling-route.html">Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam</a>: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
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<br />23) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/05/garuda-sevai-from-kallidaikurichi-agraharam.html">Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi</a>
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<br />24) The <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/04/karthigai-deepam-festival-kallidaikurichi-village-india.html">festival of Karthigai Deepam</a> from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
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<br />25) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />26) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />27) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />28) Manimuthar Falls: A great forest waterfall
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<br />29) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/09/kalakkad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-and.html">Agastyar Falls</a>: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
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<br />30) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/exotic-tropical-fruit-shops-of-puliyarai.html">The exotic fruit shops of Puliyarai</a>
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<br />31) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2024/01/thenmala-dam-monsoon-pit-stop-view.html">Thenmala Dam</a>: A monsoon pit stop view</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0X38R+W75 13 Arch Bridge, Kollam - Thirumangalam Rd, Thenmala, Kerala 691308, India8.9672688 77.0907443-19.342965036178846 41.9344943 37.277502636178845 112.2469943tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-71209275673895633082024-01-11T12:33:00.000+05:302024-01-11T12:33:06.320+05:30Thenmala Dam: A Monsoon Pit Stop View<p><img title="Thenmala Dam and the Kallada River, Kerala" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Thenmala Dam and the Kallada River, Kerala" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMNnKk_9stcnyaDNr4WOE0WEScsBtWJIqmvKHchcbXSBcPGSjXs1usqwYDnvlTqnr8nwWf43WflLRznv0DK7ZqxHMNN2nybDH4kb87r_tDxn9YW0aV9pza08ZtkK724O-q52t9vETls_yIAMPjmwlcAJigrLJdNBmWNq2cqPR9J0SZAlWcc6rwlYHMSFA=s16000" width="630" height="440" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="559" />
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<br />Almost everyone knows the charm of Kerala in the South West monsoon. The consistent pitter-patter, the lush greenery, the vibrant environment and the freshness in the air. Such an atmosphere is created again during the North East monsoon, but it mainly happens in the Southern region of the state. One such gorgeous location is the Thenmala forest area in South Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu. This forest is home to many waterfalls, Kerala’s longest reservoir and so much more. This region is perfect for a lazy weekend drive as you explore all its beautiful attractions. This is one such monsoon pit stop on the bridge overlooking the Thenmala Dam and with the flooded Kallada river in the foreground. I stopped at this place while returning from Thiruvananthapuram and going towards Palaruvi Falls, a tall forest waterfall.
<br /> <br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="Kallada River during the monsoon season near Thenmala Dam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kallada River during the monsoon season near Thenmala Dam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3496231477-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" /> <br /> <br />While I did not enter the dam premises, there is a whole lot of stuff that one can do inside the Thenmala Ecotourism zone. There is boating available on the reservoir, winding pathways through beautiful forests where you can walk, a suspension bridge over the Kallada river, a butterfly park, traditional tribal houses and many adventure options like trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing. In addition to all this, the entire place is super scenic, which means that you can certainly take home a lot of pretty photographs. So, what is stopping you from planning your next weekend trip to Thenmala dam in South Kerala?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Thenmala Dam, Thenmala, Kerala 6913088.95 77.072222-19.360233836178846 41.915972 37.260233836178841 112.228472tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-340002736749557732024-01-08T13:11:00.001+05:302024-01-08T13:11:08.802+05:30The Exotic Tropical Fruit Shops of Puliyarai<p><img title="The exotic fruit and vegetable shops of Puliyarai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The exotic fruit and vegetable shops of Puliyarai" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgIZ3drPFVS6ET46T0Z3waTe6ODEo2NP5HjFIEhdgJXgJWeomf6KT0Ands5en4B6cvXvqbIzSWVMjD7TSm_n29GqB_luQ2lwRJuFrmb7ni5Hh-NZEPOfEgARWqdtWOCgWez1Sb6agNOl6j4_UU3J5zcf_OHv5D6cRNHMu5vpubx_GiVwNeoz7DwtWRSDo=s16000" width="630" height="474" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="602" />
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<br />The climb to the top of the Western Ghat mountains begins at this village. It receives copious rainfall during both the monsoons and hence is full of lush greenery and rich agriculture. I am talking about the village of Puliyarai that connects the village of Shencottai in Tamil Nadu with Thenmala in Kerala. It basically connects Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu with Thenmala, Punalur and Kollam of Kerala. It is a very popular pit stop for people traveling on this route. The reason being the exotic tropical fruits that are sold here.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="At the foot of the Western Ghats at Puliyarai on the Shencottai - Aryankavu (Tamil Nadu - Kerala) border ghat roads" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="At the foot of the Western Ghats at Puliyarai on the Shencottai - Aryankavu (Tamil Nadu - Kerala) border ghat roads" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507585456-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />This whole region in the Western Ghats is known for its locally grown exotic tropical fruits. Plantation owners in the region both in Kerala and Tamil Nadu grow exotic fruits like dragon fruit, mangosteen, pomelo (locally known as bumblimass), star fruit, passion fruit, plums, custard apple, cherries, berries, soursop, rambutan, longan, java plum, malay apple, rose apple, jelly fruit, strawberry, durian, jack fruit, beach fruit and many more. In addition, there are many fruits that grow wild in the mountains nearby. They are wild guavas, wild mangosteen and wild bananas.
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<br /><img title="The colourful fruit shops of Puliyarai with all the exotic locally grown fruits" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The colourful fruit shops of Puliyarai with all the exotic locally grown fruits" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3507585457-4.jpg" width="630" height="474" />
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<br />The best fruit season is between May and November, but you can be rest ensured to get exotic fruits all round the year. In addition to these exotic tropical fruits, you will find many varieties of fresh locally grown vegetables too. So, if you are a sucker for tropical fruits like me, do not miss the opportunity to drop by these exotic fruit shops at Puliyarai if you happen to be in the vicinity. Some of these fruits are the best gifts you can give to your body and to your family’s health.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Puliyarai, Tamil Nadu 627813, India9.0040509 77.1873371-31.622059071632425 6.8748370999999935 49.630160871632427 147.49983709999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-28268714081427588912023-12-19T12:22:00.003+05:302023-12-19T12:22:20.733+05:30Ride in style: Essential mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist<p><img title="A cycle break over Papanasam;s Thamirabharani river iron bridge" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="A cycle break over Papanasam;s Thamirabharani river iron bridge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7CiPhLCPLp-V9RYV-exzZHIRpJ2Fabbed99uKAJcCLz2_ch3tz37TEJOx2dU4IqmRdAWRHnBCowg9hAHKNUeU1rNjIgI7yr0pIzXrvzq4Ppgqy25zo-tRMCoXTYoFoXl1asZ7OI9rCFQJUONYe4fQDQXfzLDigjkJarBWH0agfzHz2fMf8-M71oJ4Cz8=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" />
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<br />Mountain biking is a thrilling and physically demanding sport, requiring skills, stamina, and the right gear. In this post-modern age, mountain bike accessories have emerged, enhancing riding experience and safety.
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<br />Modern cycling accessories have become sophisticated and designed to improve safety, performance, and convenience. These devices range from GPS units to specialized clothing and protective gear. Whether a novice or a veteran, contemporary mountain bikers must appropriately equip themselves to maximize their mountain biking experience. Here, we will delve into the must-have mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist.
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">Essential accessories</font>
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<br />Here are some must-have mountain bike accessories for the modern cyclist:
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<br /><b>Helmets</b>
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="Cycling Pit Stop at Manimuthar Dam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cycling Pit Stop at Manimuthar Dam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1498687111-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />When it comes to engaging in any sporting activity, safety should always be the top priority, and this holds for mountain biking as well. Wearing helmets designed explicitly for this purpose is crucial to ensure maximum protection. These helmets provide the necessary safety measures and come equipped with additional features. For instance, modern helmets often include integrated lights, allowing bikers to have enhanced visibility during low-light conditions.
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<br />Some helmets are designed with action camera mounts, enabling riders to capture their thrilling biking adventures. Additionally, certain helmets incorporate MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, which offers an extra layer of safety by reducing rotational forces in the event of an impact. By investing in a high-quality helmet, mountain bikers can enjoy their rides with peace of mind, knowing they have taken the necessary precautions for their safety.
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<br /><b>Hydration packs</b>
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<br />Proper hydration is crucial for any physical activity, especially when it comes to demanding sports like mountain biking. Hydration packs are the perfect solution to stay hydrated throughout those long rides. These packs are designed with a bladder that can hold a substantial amount of water, allowing you to quench your thirst without having to stop and search for a water source.
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<br />With a convenient tube attached, you can easily sip on water while on the move, ensuring you maintain optimal hydration levels and perform at your best. Whether tackling rugged trails or embarking on a marathon ride, a hydration pack is essential to keep you fuelled and ready to conquer the mountains.
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<br /><b>GPS bike computers</b>
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<br /><img title="Under a banyan tree at Vairavikulam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Under a banyan tree at Vairavikulam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1697218043-4.jpg" width="630" height="369" />
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<br />A GPS bike computer is an essential and invaluable device for the modern cyclist. It provides necessary navigation assistance and many advanced features that enhance the riding experience. With its precise satellite tracking system, this device helps riders effortlessly navigate through trails, ensuring they never lose their way. Moreover, the GPS bike computer enables cyclists to monitor their speed, distance, and elevation in real time, fine-tuning their performance and pushing their limits.
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<br />This innovative device goes beyond just tracking and monitoring. After every ride, it provides riders with a comprehensive performance analysis, delivering valuable insights and data-driven recommendations for improvement. From analysing cadence and heart rate to evaluating power output and pedal efficiency, the GPS bike computer offers a detailed breakdown of every ride aspect, empowering cyclists to optimize their training and achieve their goals.
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<br />In addition to its performance-enhancing features, modern GPS computers offer seamless smartphone connectivity. Wirelessly connecting to your phone lets you receive notifications and messages and even take calls directly on your device, ensuring you stay connected while on the go. Whether receiving important updates or staying in touch with loved ones, the GPS bike computer keeps you connected without compromising your ride.
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<br /><b>Bike lights</b>
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<br /><img title="Pit stop near lotus farm at Vairavikulam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Pit stop near lotus farm at Vairavikulam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1697475538-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Mountain bikers frequently riding in low light conditions need reliable bike lights to ensure safety. Fortunately, modern bike lights have evolved to be lightweight, compact, and rechargeable, making them an essential accessory for any night rider.
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<br />These advanced lights offer varying brightness levels, allowing bikers to adjust the intensity to suit different riding conditions, whether navigating dimly lit trails or cruising on well-lit roads. With these innovative features, riders can confidently explore the thrilling world of night biking while staying visible and in control.
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<br /><b>Protective clothing</b>
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<br /><img title="Pit stop amidst mango orchards of Manimuthar" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Pit stop amidst mango orchards of Manimuthar" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1612476901-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Modern protective clothing is designed to provide the utmost comfort, enhance performance, and ensure the rider's safety. This comprehensive gear encompasses various elements, such as strategically padded shorts to minimize discomfort during long rides, moisture-wicking jerseys that keep the rider cool and dry, specialized <a href="https://www.bramverweij.com/top-11-best-mountainbike-winter-gloves/" target="_blank">bike gloves for winter</a> conditions, and high-quality glasses to shield against dust particles and harmful UV rays.
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<br />In addition to a helmet and protective clothing, additional body protection gear is highly recommended for mountain biking, especially when tackling challenging trails. This gear includes knee pads, elbow pads, and even chest protectors. The modern versions of these accessories are designed to be lightweight and breathable, ensuring safety without compromising comfort or mobility. Investing in high-quality body protection gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries while allowing you to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking confidently.
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<br /><b>Bike repair tools</b>
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<br />Every biker should equate themselves with a comprehensive and reliable bike repair kit to embark on a thrilling trail adventure. This essential kit must include a versatile multi-tool with hex keys, allowing for precise adjustments and repairs. Additionally, having tire levers, a patch kit, and a portable bike pump are indispensable tools for tackling unexpected situations like a pesky punctured tire or a loose screw.
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">Final thoughts</font>
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<br /><img title="Over the Manimuthar bridge at Keela Earmarpuram" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Over the Manimuthar bridge at Keela Earmarpuram" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1877400540-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Mountain biking in the modern age requires more than just a bike and a trail. It demands the right accessories to ensure safety, enhance performance, and maximize the riding experience. While the market offers many products, the modern cyclist's basic kit should comprise a helmet, hydration pack, GPS bike computer, bike lights, and protective clothing. Investing in these essential accessories will help you enjoy the thrill of outdoor mountain biking while staying safe and competitive.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0India20.593684 78.96288-7.7165498361788458 43.80663 48.903917836178849 114.11913tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-44291773298123905422023-11-30T16:18:00.005+05:302023-11-30T16:18:32.894+05:30Rustic Nature Views from my Village Home<p><img title="Evening scenes from my village home terrace" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Evening scenes from my village home terrace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA80bFfVUi_etUDS2rdUN5HWlMDFnd7q-D3Z1iR5GSC8Ypn8_idc7KLkZMmkgnvexkAaZNE7NSiA0PRsV_w7TZbQKAA7E_2cOgHlBqt_oAIk5cM-OOs31XXL5ycoPbtbgfzZIWkIjMBEXFecGkrscvbAwcWPk3FnIOE9gdg4GWxnk42WKZyiCaeEq7WoU=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" />
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<br />It is that time of the year when the North East monsoon is in full effect at my village. The village and its surroundings are dressed up in lush green. The dams are getting full. The waterfalls are gushing with water and the rivers and canals have swollen in size. And you almost always wake up to the blissful cacophony of birds and that includes a few peacocks that have made my terrace and my neighbour’s terraces as its home.
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<br />When we get our North East monsoon rains, it almost always pours and getting out in the rains is tough, though the views are surreal. Sometimes, I did get drenched in the rains and ended up catching a cold. Unlike the South West monsoon, the rains of the North East monsoon are a bit cooler and it is best to avoid getting wet in the rains.
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<br />I thought why not share these village scenes with you during the monsoon season. So here goes the rustic nature views from my village home as promised in <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/10/my-village-home-in-kallidaikurichi.html">my earlier article about me moving my base</a> to the village of <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi in South Tamil Nadu</a>. More pictures and stories in my subsequent articles.
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> This view from my terrace shows you the Chidambareswar Shiva temple, the Kannadigan canal (we call it vaykaal in the local parlance), the paddy fields and the cloud covered Western Ghats in the background along with the golden colours of sunset.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="Golden Paddyfields of Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Golden Paddyfields of Kallidaikurichi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht1k1Y0jflrDCrYCvar8nciwwGqL7PqLTEq8t_5IJO2RxxJ3NxzfgOZQN9Sr7BrlsMC5ArPly4gxM-_tLYrFHDj-FDhWxQpgiODprvkC0Y0zc32cHa541hlztOqYVmxxz2TpX2D-HxMv9cH5eNibciLqYhJDbKe9Ids5BvcIPVWdb2tyAG3NRtzbVsVxs=s16000" width="630" height="473" data-original-width="3861" data-original-height="2896" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Paddy turns golden. The main crop grown here, these paddy fields are getting ready for harvest. You can see the Western Ghat mountain ranges in the background.
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<br /><img title="Lush fields seen from my terrace at Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lush fields seen from my terrace at Kallidaikurichi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgozmOBrR25TZ9q0YCmPqq2rzDQktOm2EtDhpjCAOdGl9VoiDc44qhtcNsOGXdvlL7NhnY_1CE9DksNdvzsEoCd2y5A3i-z6qPvaPyHkQ7nxFdATa4OFtd4OX-dm4u2hN2ohjKa2LkrtX0PGoitwmqNh8W4LXW2ZO2LM-I7EJYmANkS1P_pjI_0LIU3wF4=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> Gorgeous green view of paddy fields, coconut trees, Western Ghat mountains and the town of Ambasamudram in the yonder.
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<br /><img title="Peacock at my village home garden" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Peacock at my village home garden" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhszG8BVO0itkfYQecfjCOwnrT2ttP84NM1XskDmB_gl7NL4zIHyHtvCs7EPM5kIoThQXxyHT9NYqSG7eqvCheKtZ3YqjLHl62GsqO14bp0e2nRsIMFsf2lhcReMlNIbzB4xVaZA0mKzwHA_dcYNeOrWFFqbkO-9HeXnPAjf4m41aWeToXi3v6kbMp74k=s16000" width="630" height="321" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="2056" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> A peacock struts its stuff at my home garden. He is a daily visitor and I almost always wake up to his calls.
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<br /><img title="Lush paddyfields seen from my village home terrace" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lush paddyfields seen from my village home terrace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj3hCDpGQUdvT8UuJ3WBAIprIK5x2ljRLmpiAv9R9d8kIvJWC6Jq9uTsuHZ6mzrB8qhNz1N2iqrqXc-ex0uiUqI8-fYKDl7MZ3gqrZEU3YOUx9FFp9LqVMDdsYIJlN8xjLeJDNATA64UmTp3nO9CquYN1yrf5B2x9RICP0N8r6NMYED823UljHv7iZ7B0=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> My terrace offers a 230 degree view of the mountains, views of the Kannadigan canal, the paddy fields, trees in the gardens of my neighbours, the agraharam streets, the local temples and more.
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<br /><img title="Sunset at Kallidaikurichi - Western Ghats in the background and peacock in the foreground" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sunset at Kallidaikurichi - Western Ghats in the background and peacock in the foreground" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcNmHynzTqgG8t6iIz0eau4o4429-eR40thRRUdrWXiFW2Zg-v6g-Gi5cQ4g3JoFdxh3I3Wv1OwwA1rZQghR51Hq8GtxXxOE_kWU7-jXipi2i9aSBIGNYxB6lEdS-8i_8tMeR150epSdiYH_860N682MnIbTXlhC0UxqfPh5H6BRfo0ZXlNLWovKHA4FI=s16000" width="630" height="335" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="2147" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> This is a sunset view from my top terrace. The Western Ghats of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve are in the West, the terraces of my neighbours are in the foreground and somewhere between the two is this peacock that climbs to a high point every evening
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<br /><img title="The evening golden hour view of the canal and the paddyfields at my village" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The evening golden hour view of the canal and the paddyfields at my village" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg48zjpOSnRYu1gi2VKNknseqg5Kvdl1PVN5tNvEEaNGSCosc9V_xvzLhRatEA4P7ofXeQVoOSWbf79s1zUbrXeiGR2GvIP0Zs5JOppkMmQ3-wKttGXLyVqtRRSKm838rvMLRrcjvN03Z8S5R4Q1MFuYdBMyskZqq5qttTrDBu0C0p5uDvleObF4DXSwNE=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> This view is from the back of my village home. My home back door opens into the canal and behind that is the paddy field that is bathed in the golden rays of the evening sun. Further beyond that is the Thamirabharani river, which is not visible in this photo. And further beyond that is the village of Ambasamudram, which is visible through some tiny buildings.
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<br /><img title="The road connecting Kallidaikurichi with the Thamirabharani river" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The road connecting Kallidaikurichi with the Thamirabharani river" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKHb49tQuoxbIoWU7xrBiKm-7QGOPuNqbxVSTAhEOkhbkgLuuSIhGxbv58hcvfGuRlidsjgdPG8pN0ETbvOFm4wlMOU9ZkcMLSjUjaikWAD2xsuLeal_3D7oq3mj6MfN7osxpIEOwQQQ-ur4Sx_T-MJ4mkJ86z7-eyNmPTFYoSqjp90SdT5uMknL1OXiQ=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" />
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<br /><strong><u>Above photo:</u></strong> This is the concrete road that connects my village home with the Thamirabharani river. To your left and right are swaying golden paddy fields and surrounding you on three sides are the tall mountains of the Western Ghats, especially the ones in the Manimuthar and Papanasam range.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416, India8.682952199999999 77.4650754-19.627281636178846 42.3088254 36.993186036178841 112.6213254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-64264049579172115952023-11-17T11:40:00.007+05:302023-11-17T11:40:35.351+05:30Anchorage Foodie Adventures: Discovering Local Cuisine and Dining Hotspots<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Grilled_Salmon_Nicoise_Salad.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Grilled Salmon Salad at Anchorage, Alaska" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Grilled Salmon Salad at Anchorage, Alaska" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFyYkM2OTBsxMBgmYOESSpqK4D_c2xTSiLYpbJnmInU_kfvhgNjGFsalHArAqy1mT275KraGADOIUNxgsEbjpWxDbhSQ0O6S7OwwyKv5pDsP-i42hwIVXcK57gVv4ufD-2XXL7OIxg3vryUoM87J31WRA7b7eM3Cb6x5c7DI2pXqtU55enuguvWoynU84=s16000" width="630" height="420" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="427" /></a>
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<br />Anchorage, Alaska is <a href="https://apopsiclestand.com/alaska-bucket-list-ideas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a stunning bucket list destination</a>. Known as the gateway to the 49th state, this charming metropolis is perfectly situated on the edge of a vast, majestic, untamed wilderness, and the ideal base camp for exploring the wild tundra, frozen glaciers, and dramatic mountain ranges of the Last Frontier.
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<br />While celebrated for its access to breath taking landscapes and extreme outdoor adventures, Anchorage is also emerging as a centre of food culture. The Alaskan foodie scene is an increasingly energetic and dynamic one, taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, wild produce and amazing local flavours to showcase the ingenuity and creativity of this fascinating region.
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<br />So if you are <a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/alaska-cruises" target="_blank">living the adventure with an Alaskan cruise</a> and want to explore the remarkable flavours that the state has to offer, Anchorage is a fantastic place to start. Here are some of the best dining hotspots and regional culinary highlights to explore on a foodie adventure in Anchorage.
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<br /><b>Wild Salmon Delights</b>
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<br />Wild salmon is one of Alaska’s finest delicacies, and Anchorage is probably the best place to try it. Everywhere you turn in the city you will discover local restaurants serving up delectable dishes with freshly-caught salmon, in all sorts of styles from cured and hot-smoked to grilled and baked. The richness and unique flavour of the various species of wild-caught Alaskan salmon is incomparable, and a must-try for any foodie visitors.
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<br /><b>Local Breweries and Alehouses</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Anchorage_in_Anchorage,_Alaska.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Skyline of Anchorage, Alaska" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Skyline of Anchorage, Alaska" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBqEYryHrtXKLpA9eFNe7IYqtpUvtOuiQLcveXq_jTCFM9WN1OiuWZtqKLBFC6cnZsBlQRyTQG8EjEdfJIs79hYjc7dn1R6Z7smrXOtYCGtOJWeBPExye0oCb9P_XTBsuvOaT2PygOWe1mFSTsZ6b_rHWMFJMOiZ9UMZTHs3gjAnZgTwvdnmC8_Fv0qcs=s16000" width="630" height="165" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="168" /></a>
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<br />Alaska has long been a huge player in <a href="https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/04/us-craft-beer-scene-grows-as-new-figures-and-top-50-breweries-revealed/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the US craft beer scene</a> and Anchorage’s breweries and alehouses are thriving. With a diverse range of interesting, inventive, and eclectic brews in pubs, bars, and taprooms across the city, there’s no excuse not to quench your thirst when in town. Highlights of the brewing scene include local favourite The Midnight Sun Brewing Company, whose taproom is a cosy haven of warmth and good times, and 49th State Brewing, a lively brewpub with a rooftop patio doling out creative bar bites & house made ales.
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<br /><b>Indigenous Alaskan Cuisine</b>
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<br /><a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/alaska/articles/10-unique-alaskan-dishes-everyone-needs-to-try" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Traditional indigenous Alaskan cuisine</a> is an acquired taste, but one well worth trying. Places like the Alaska Native Heritage Centre offer the opportunity to try dishes that have sustained native communities for generations and provide a unique insight into the way of life of the indigenous Alaskan peoples. From salmon stew and smoked fish to fry bread, <i>muktuk</i>, and Eskimo ice cream (<i>akutaq</i>), trying the traditional food is a great way to connect with the cultural roots of Alaska.
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<br /><b>Seafood Shacks and Oyster Bars</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pacific_Halibut_Fileting.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Fresh Halibut catch from the waters of Alaska" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Fresh Halibut catch from the waters of Alaska" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4wIM6S-_HjrGw_qLIXrke5Q3568YrFS44mYXNoJiCp3Zc4HnMorH4G0Hmq6JriTvBjbgLF8m4xQxZFo3PWkA2kk8V9ODtH4w6Afz6ujxn1O1ZUujkJ9L8PmqBKjcd_DwOkwBXnhcBdRWRbGmzkM6j3Y44mkD0REXqB03hq4i_Sulw9csT8vclZIKVne0=s16000" width="630" height="840" data-original-width="768" data-original-height="1024" /></a>
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<br />Anchorage is, as the name suggests, set right on the ocean. As a result, seafood is a huge part of its culinary offering. From fresh halibut to oysters, the harvest of the sea is a must-try in this glorious port city. Head to Sourdough Mining Company to try their seafood platter or check out the Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar, a cosy spot famous for its fresh oysters.
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<br /><b>Sweet Treats and Bakeries</b>
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<br />When the weather is cold and wet, nothing hits the spot like a little freshly baked goodness. Anchorage is full of charming bakeries where you can satisfy your sweet tooth, like Fire Island Rustic Bakehouse or the Flying Dutchman European Pastry Shop.
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<br />The culinary scene in Anchorage is a fascinating and eclectic blend of tradition, innovation, and the freshest produce the wild landscape of Alaska has to offer. From succulent salmon and amazing seafood to indigenous curiosities and amazing craft brews, there is something to satisfy every palate, with interesting, exciting, and unexpected flavours in every dish. Anchorage is the perfect showcase for the creativity of Alaska and its food scene is one to be savoured.
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<br /><em><font size="1"><strong><u>Note:</u></strong> The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.</font></em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Anchorage, AK, USA61.2175758 -149.899678532.907341963821153 174.9440715 89.527809636178844 -114.7434285tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-41364800202451993072023-11-14T13:07:00.001+05:302023-11-14T13:07:44.882+05:30Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous Monsoon Spectacle near Kanyakumari<p><img title="Beautiful 50 feet high Thiruparappu Falls" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Beautiful 50 feet high Thiruparappu Falls" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibNWa0t4OeRFf5oYL1gk6zTt--J22Kggsk45U64s50zPrSO4EzhUC2LN9OmbspjeBDVkeMQqOyVvX2PgKpJGtdIN-qU6iNHq16UpOhCdthKxuTIhGeCPaxkjblzgDYcQ2jSyETb5L-kCAoZANKck7o9Z1akm7nimrjDzEuRkuuiIRNDPJgG1AFudaEazY=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" />
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<br />It is a stunning 50 feet high and 300 feet wide waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a fabulous place for both adults and kids to enjoy a refreshing waterfall bath and a swimming picnic location downstream. It is also home to a 10th century Chola era Mahadeva temple. I am talking about the Thiruparappu falls on the Kodayar river about 15 kilometers downstream of the Pechiparai Dam.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/roWxXywQ59k?si=FF0VgZevKfgGNfrX" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
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<br /> Located near the town of Kulsekharam, this waterfall is a popular tourist attraction near Kanyakumari, especially among the locals and offers a gorgeous spectacle during the monsoons when the waterfall gushes with copious amounts of water. It is the kind of place where you can get a nice massage under the waterfall, laze around with your kids in the natural swimming pools, enjoy a hot cup of chukku coffee to get your body heat going and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch on the banks of the Kodayar river.
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<br />The herbal waters flowing from the medicinal forests in the Western Ghats, the green environment, the ancient Shiva temple and a rustic atmosphere are all icing on the cake.
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<br /><img title="Kodayar river tumbles at Kulasekharam to form Thiruparappu Falls" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kodayar river tumbles at Kulasekharam to form Thiruparappu Falls" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026584797-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /> If you are visiting Kanyakumari or Thiruvananthapuram, don’t miss to visit this gorgeous monsoon spectacle in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is an ideal waterfall location to go with family and friends. It is safe, has decent access to food and there is hardly any walking to reach the waterfall from the parking lot. I can’t stop recommending this offbeat waterfall destination of Tamil Nadu.
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<br /><img title="Thiruparappu Falls with lots of water" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Thiruparappu Falls with lots of water" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026583879-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />The stalls near the waterfall entrance serve some basic food like bajji, biscuits, tea and coffee that is available at all times. There are a few restaurants that serve simple meals, but one needs to inform in advance.
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<br />For better food options, head to Nagercoil city or any good restaurants on the Nagercoil – Kanyakumari – Thiruvananthapuram highway.
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<br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />There are a few guest houses and hotels where one can stay near the waterfall. Slightly more luxurious places can be found near Chittar Dam, about 8 kms away.
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<br />For better food and accommodation, head to the cities of Nagercoil, Kanyakumari or Thiruvananthapuram where you can find properties catering to all kinds of budgets.
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<br /><img title="Gorgeous Thiruparuppu Falls, Kanyakumari District" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Gorgeous Thiruparuppu Falls, Kanyakumari District" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026584362-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Distance to Kanyakumari:</u></strong> 62 kms
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<br /><strong><u>Nearest airport:</u></strong> Thiruvananthapuram (56 kms away)
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<br /><strong><u>Nearest railway and bus station:</u></strong> Nagercoil (38 kms away)
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<br /><img title="The stunning Thiruparappu Waterfall on the Kodayar River" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The stunning Thiruparappu Waterfall on the Kodayar River" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026584887-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Thiruparappu falls entrance fees:</u></strong>
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<br />INR 5 per person
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<br />INR 30 per camera
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<br />INR 30 per vehicle parking
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<br /><img title="Thiruparappu Falls and the Kodayar river seen from the highway" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Thiruparappu Falls and the Kodayar river seen from the highway" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026583862-4.jpg" width="630" height="290" />
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<br /><strong><u>Best time to visit:</u></strong>
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<br />The best months to visit would be the rainy months from June to January as that is when there would be good amount of water to enjoy a refreshing bath and a swim. However, the waterfall can be closed during heavy rains to protect the people. Do check with local authorities or online about waterfall status.
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<br /><img title="Thiruparappu Waterfalls on the Kodayar River" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Thiruparappu Waterfalls on the Kodayar River" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026583898-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Timings:</u></strong>
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<br />Thiruparappu Falls is open all year round from 7 AM to 6 PM
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<br /><img title="Thiruparappu Waterfalls seen in the yonder while traveling on this local village road" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Thiruparappu Waterfalls seen in the yonder while traveling on this local village road" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026583887-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/11/mathoor-aqueduct-and-hanging-bridge.html">Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge</a>: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari
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<br />2) Padmanabhapuram Palace: 17th century Travancore era palace
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<br />3) Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram: Also known as Sthanumalayan temple, it is one of the 108 Shiva temples revered by the Kerala Hindu culture
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<br />4) Kanyakumari: The land’s end that is home to beautiful temples, gorgeous beaches, stunning rock cut memorials and many forts
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<br />5) Poovar Island: A beautiful mix of serene backwaters (emerald), pristine beach (golden), majestic Western Ghats (green), swaying palms (green) and blue waters of the Arabian Sea
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<br />6) Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala home to the richest temple of India – Padmanabha Swamy Temple, gorgeous beaches and a lovely green metropolis</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Tiruparapu, Tamil Nadu, India8.3923233 77.26206719999999-19.917910536178844 42.10581719999999 36.702557136178847 112.41831719999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-79446128185622882822023-11-06T15:55:00.002+05:302023-11-06T15:55:21.624+05:30Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari<p><img title="Lush green view from Mathoor Aqueduct, Kanyakumari district" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lush green view from Mathoor Aqueduct, Kanyakumari district" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW39VpzmmQkSIn3O4txfT1S3B30_HSsk5QqmfYzRI7khWmQnUBsQr02_JUHm6CAH6u5zwjd3sQ3FOuehB1SgbaSqt6kvNCUKHc27yie-SoEur51LhkZDuf-a3h_vebBjWWKwrMdL3871DdJ5iTuLp1GQ7KPspWqiMmeAZAR92vgpV_Y2GIq-kt7WJfFuc=s16000" width="630" height="359" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="456" />
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<br />It is one of the largest aqueducts in Asia. It is also the tallest and longest trough bridge in Asia. It is an engineering marvel and a tourist’s delight. It offers a spellbinding vista from the top and a great river side picnic location at its bottom. I am talking about the Mathoor Aqueduct and hanging bridge (locally known as Mathoor Thottipalam) that is located in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLKgCG8fopk?si=pcd31zbVUeDaitKi" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
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<br />The Mathoor aqueduct and hanging bridge was built in 1966 under the leadership of the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj, as a drought relief measure over the river Pahrali to carry water for irrigation from an elevated level of one hill to another. This 115 feet high and 390 metre long hanging trough is not only an engineering beauty, but it is also a popular tourist destination for the locals due to its scenic location and calm surroundings.
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<br /><img title="Mathoor Aqueduct - an engineering marvel that is a tourist's delight" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Mathoor Aqueduct - an engineering marvel that is a tourist's delight" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026453912-4.jpg" width="630" height="377" />
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<br /> In spite of its popularity amongst the local people, it is fairly unknown to the outside world and that is what makes this place an offbeat wonder. Nestled in the hills near Kanyakumari, the entire area is lush green and is surrounded by the Western Ghats. Armed with a 5 rupee ticket and some freshly salted and spiced locally grown mango, cucumber, pineapple or pomelo that is sold at the shops near the ticket counter, your journey begins next to the water body that seems to be flowing to the other side of the hill. There are 2 routes that you can take here. One is a flight of steps that lead you all the way down to the Pahrali river where you can swim in the water and relax doing some fin in the water. The other route is straight over the hanging bridge. On one side of the pathway is your walking path and on the other side is the water in the aqueduct going slowly down to the other side of the hill. As you keep walking towards the centre of the aqueduct, you cannot stop staring at the vast expanse of greenery, the rolling hills in the background and the meandering Pahrali river flowing below. You can go further all the way till the other hill and walk down the flight of steps to the other bank of the Pahrali river.
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<br />The entire walk can feel adventurous at times owing to the narrow walkway, the extreme height and the strong gusts of wind that blow through here quite regularly.
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<br />Unfortunately for me, I arrived very close to the closing time and hence the surroundings were fairly dark and I literally had to run through the entire bridge before I was engulfed in darkness. Of what I got to see, this place is fantastic for a motorcycling holiday, an offbeat nature location and a riverside day out with family and/or friends. I would love to return here hopefully in the near future and this time preferably in the morning hours so that I can explore the area at leisure. I definitely recommend this place with multiple thumbs up!
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<br /><img title="Pahrali river seen from the top of Mathoor hanging bridge" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Pahrali river seen from the top of Mathoor hanging bridge" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026453940-4.jpg" width="630" height="359" />
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<br /><strong><u>Best time to visit:</u></strong> October to March as this is when the weather is pleasant, there is water in the river and the surroundings are lush.
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<br /><strong><u>Distance to Kanyakumari:</u></strong> 52 kms
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<br /><strong><u>Distance to Trivandrum:</u></strong> 61 kms
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<br /><strong><u>Nearest railway station:</u></strong> Nagercoil Junction, 30 kms away
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<br /><strong><u>Nearest airport:</u></strong> Thiruvananthapuram Airport, 65 kms away
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<br /><strong><u>Timings:</u></strong> Mathoor Aqueduct is open all year round from 6 AM to 6 PM.
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<br /><img title="Mathoor Aqueduct - an irrigation idea implemented during the term of the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Mathoor Aqueduct - an irrigation idea implemented during the term of the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3026453945-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
<br />
<br />1) Padmanabhapuram palace: 17th century Travancore era palace
<br />
<br />2) Thiruparappu Falls: A gorgeous waterfall perfect for bathing and a relaxed day out
<br />
<br />3) Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram: Also known as Sthanumalayan temple, it is one of the 108 Shiva temples revered by the Kerala Hindu culture
<br />
<br />4) Kanyakumari: The land’s end that is home to beautiful temples, gorgeous beaches, stunning rock cut memorials and many forts.
<br />
<br />5) Poovar Island: A beautiful mix of serene backwaters (emerald), pristine beach (golden), majestic Western Ghats (green), swaying palms (green) and blue waters of the Arabian Sea.
<br />
<br />6) Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala home to the richest temple of India - Padmanabha Swamy Temple, gorgeous beaches and a lovely green metropolis</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com087PV+9VW Mathoor Aqueduct, Mathoor Hanging Trough, Aruvikkarai, Tamil Nadu 629164, India8.3359872 77.2947082-19.974246636178847 42.1384582 36.646221036178844 112.4509582tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-86661305664783894962023-10-20T17:21:00.005+05:302023-10-20T17:21:38.005+05:30Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand Cultural Spectacle in Rural Tamil Nadu<p><img title="The Great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi makes its way through the agraharam streets" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The Great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi makes its way through the agraharam streets" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifRaM7pWU12tq09tLFLmL-vxDQ7aSCbjACsHAsp0UeeUPy0QbGN4a00JGG9O-vbYoq-tpzztzX_3h_yUJGiDrEUw6yQPbqJG24LPYT1G-6FqNHYqR_qWr0ruq2HZ5BqUY2zZTr2CBljAC5-Um-Nsma_Koze6F0D0-N7bmiWzrSh0q5Bn4U_QgC5Z57KCQ=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" />
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<br /> The Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival is one of the best temple traditions to see in India. The Rath Yatra is actually the main event of this festival and there are key events that precede and succeed this temple chariot festival. I got to see one grand cultural spectacle in entirety at a traditional village in rural Tamil Nadu. This is the temple chariot festival of Kallidaikurichi’s Adi Varaha Perumal temple that spans 9 days and is locally called as Brahmotsavam.
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<br /><sapn id="fullpost"><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/15TwkSJIQjY?si=0I8BAgPjz1yiHlyQ" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
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<br /> Held in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April 14 to May 15), the annual festival of Brahmotsavam is the grandest festival of the temple and the entire temple and the agraharam streets surrounding the temple wear a festive look for 9 days. This Brahmotsavam is a great program of festivals extending over nine days. During this period, every morning and evening, Lord Adi Varaha perumal is taken out seated on a huge vehicle and carried through the different agraharam streets of Kallidaikurichi.
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<br /><img title="Big Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi seen from the top of my home's terrace" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Big Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi seen from the top of my home's terrace" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1638710697-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /> The commencement of the utsavam is marked by a ceremony called the Dhwajarohanam, or the hoisting of the flag. Prior to every start, holy water from the nearby Thamirabharani river is brought to the temple for all ablution rituals. This is followed by Sankalpam (holy declaration) , abhishekham (holy bathing), alangaram (holy decoration) and vahana seva. In this vahana seva, the lord is taken in a procession around the streets of Kallidaikurichi on different vahanas (vehicles). Each vahana has its own significance and conveys the lord’s message in its own way.
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<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nd_wRYnWBwM?si=mJhW8iEkApZ-9DW3" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
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<br /> From the first day of the Brahmotsavam to the ninth day, the lord takes to the different streets of Kallidaikurichi every morning and evening in his different vahanams. Below is a day by day breakdown of the different vahanams and their true meaning. As the lord visits each street in his different vahanams, the devotees adorn the fronts of their homes with colourful homams and offer coconuts, fruits and betel leaves to the lord while admiring his new look and seeking his blessings.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 1: Sesha vahanam </u></strong>
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<br />The meaning of Sesha is ‘to serve’. Adi Sesha is a thousand-headed serpent, on whom Lord Maha Vishnu rests in his abode, Vaikuntam.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 2: Hamsa vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Hamsa or Swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability, and can distinguish the good from bad. It is for this very reason that Lord Brahma uses Hamsa not only as his vehicle, but also to chant the vedas (The Vedas are believed to have emanated from the soul of Vishnu).
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<br /><strong><u>Night 2: Aswa vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Horses form one of the four wings (ratha, gaja, turanga and pada) of the military forces in the ancient times. Aswam, a symbol of energy, means ‘one who runs fast). Lord Vishnu travels on a horse when he goes for paruveta. According to Hindu mythology, the horse was born along with Sri Mahalakshmi, Airavatham and Amritham during Sheerasagaramadhanam.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 3: Simha vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Simha (lion) is a symbol of regality and power. According to the Bhagavad Gita, the lord is the Simha among animals (mriganamcha mrigandroham). The Lord is also called Hari (which in turn means Simha) and Hari sits on Simha. In other words, we have the phenomenon of the Lord sitting on himself.
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<br /><strong><u>Night 3: Mutayalapandiri vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />In the night Oonjal seva is conducted. The deities then ride under a pearl canopy. Mutyam (pearl) is a symbol of purity and royalty.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 4: Kalpavriksha vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Kalpavriksham is a tree that is believed to grant boons and fulfil wishes. The vehicle shaped like the Kalpavriksham signifies that the Lord grants boons and fulfils the wishes of his devotees.
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<br /><strong><u>Night 4: Sarvabhoopala vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Sarvabhoopala means ‘all the kings of mother earth’. According to the Hindu religion, kings, like Lord Vishnu, should always protect their people (na vishnuhu prithivi patihi).
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<br /><img title="The beautifully decorated rath during Kallidaikurichi Brahmotsavam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The beautifully decorated rath during Kallidaikurichi Brahmotsavam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1632061083-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br /><strong><u>Day 5: Mohini Avatarotsavam on palaku (palanquin)</u></strong>
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<br />According to legend, the devatas and asuras performed Ksheerasagaramandhanam that resulted in amrit (nectar which when consumed grants immortality) and other sacred qualities. The devatas and the asuras fought for the possession of the Amrit. Lord Vishnu then assumed the form of Mohini (a beautiful woman) and procured the Amrit for the devatas.
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<br /><strong><u>Night 5: Garuda vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king of birds, is a replica of the Vedas (vedatma vihamgeswara), while Lord Vishnu is the God of the Vedas. Therefore, the lord sees himself in Garuda. In the Vaishnava Puranas, Garuda is called periyatiruvadi, meaning the first devotee. Therefore, Lord Vishnu selected Garuda as his vehicle for the most important day of the Brahmotsavam. Garuda vahanam is the greatest of all the vahanams.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 6: Hanumad vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Hanuman is one of the greatest devotees of Sri Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman served the lord so faithfully that even the lord could not thank Hanuman enough. Devotees believe that they are indeed blessed if they catch a glimpse of the Lord on Hanumad vahanam.
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<br /><strong><u>Night 6: Gaja vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Gajam (elephant) is also called the samajam (born from Sama Veda). It symbolizes wealth (gajamtam aishvaryam). It also symbolizes the Airavatam – the vehicle of Indra, the head of the heavens in Hindu mythology). It can also be attributed to the elephant in Gajendramoksham (story from Mahabhaghavatam), which is saved from a crocodile by Lord Vishnu.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 7: Suryaprabha vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Surya (the Sun), the son of Aditi, is another form of Lord Vishnu (Surya Narayana). Hindu mythology supports the heliocentric theory and believes that Lord Vishnu is the centre of the universe (dhyassada savitrumandala madhyavarthi).
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<br /><strong><u>Night 7: Chandraprabha vahanam</u></strong>
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<br />Chandra, means the Moon, which is considered cool and pleasant. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra is the commander of the mind (chandrama manaso jataha). He is also the king of aushadham (medicine). It is believed that riding in the Chandraprabha vahanam is a soothing experience for the lord. The Lord’s contentment will bring peace to devotees’ minds and result in a good crop.
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<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="354" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q7aZtgZrAEs?si=iuJDUDjDaGYIz40l" frameborder="0" width="630" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
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<br /><strong><u>Day 8: Big Rath Yatra</u></strong>
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<br />On the penultimate day, Rathotsavam is celebrated, in which the Lord is seated in a ratham (chariot) and taken in a procession in the morning. The route taken by the Lord is called the Rathaveedhi and it does a circumambulation of the Adi Varaha Perumal temple. Tens of thousands of devotees come early in the morning to offer their prayers to the lord and then hold on to the chains of the chariot to pull it through the Rathaveedhi. It is believed that those who witness Rathotsavam will not be reborn (rathotsavam kesavam dristva punarjanma na vidyate).
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<br />The idols of Daruka (the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna) and the four horses (Saibhyam, Sugreevam, Meghapushpam and Valahakam) are placed before the decorated idols of the Lord and his consorts. This symbolizes that the lord’s charioteer is driving the chariot.
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<br />As the Ratham goes around the Rathaveedhi, one can hear chants of ‘Govinda! Govinda! and Adi Varaha! Adia Varaha!. The energy is high and devotees offer food and drinks to the people pulling the chariot. Ambulances and police are on standby in case of any emergencies. It takes close to three hours for the Rathotsavam from start of its journey to end. People from nearby villages, nearby cities and even families of people hailing from Kallidaikurichi, but living all over the world, arrive to see this Rathotsavam from close quarters. The Ratha is colourful, the energy is infectious and the festival a grand cultural spectacle.
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<br />In the evening, the lord and his consorts are taken back into the temple amidst full fanfare.
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<br /><strong><u>Day 9: Last Day</u></strong>
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<br />On the last day, Pallaki seva and Chakrasnanam mahotsavam is performed in the morning. Water from the Thamirabharani river is brought to the temple and the processional idols are bathed with it. Abhisekham, alangaram and mahamangalarti is done. Then the garuda flag is lowered. This signifies the end of the Brahmotsavam festival.
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<br /><img title="The Kallidaikurichi periya ratham pulled by the devotees" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The Kallidaikurichi periya ratham pulled by the devotees" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1736817662-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br />It will be a dream come true if you can experience all the nine days of the Brahmotsavam up close. The rich heritage, the amazing culture, the colourful vehicles, the powerful hymns and the infectious energy can all be experienced at once. And to top it all, you get to seek the lord’s blessings on all the days. If you cannot attend all days, then you should definitely make time for the Big Rath Yatra or the Rathotsavam, the grand annual festival of the Adi Varaha Perumal temple.
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<br /><strong><u>How to reach there:</u></strong>
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<br />The nearest airport would be Tuticorin airport, located 75 kilometres away. Tuticorin has daily flights connecting it with Bangalore and Chennai. The other nearest airports are Madurai (180 kms away) and Thiruvananthapuram (140 kms away).
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<br />The nearest large railway station is Tirunelveli junction, which is well connected with the rest of the country. The nearest railway station is Kallidaikurichi itself, but only local passenger trains stop here.
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<br />The nearest large bus station is Tirunelveli. Regular buses ply between Tirunelveli and Kallidaikurichi throughout the day and night. Kallidaikurichi is 35 kms from Tirunelveli and a typical bus ride takes about 60 to 70 minutes.
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<br /><img title="Lord Vishnu on elephant vahanam - Adi Varaha Perumal Koil Brahmotsavam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Lord Vishnu on elephant vahanam - Adi Varaha Perumal Koil Brahmotsavam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1655652703-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>When does this festival happen:</u></strong>
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<br />The Adi Varaha temple chariot festival takes place in the Chithirai month (between April 14 and May 15). The festivities span 10-12 days, with each day marked for a different activity. The big rath yatra takes place on the final day of all the festivities.
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<br /><img title="Adi Varaha Perumal Koil Brahmotsavam Rath Yatra, Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Adi Varaha Perumal Koil Brahmotsavam Rath Yatra, Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1670078709-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br /><strong><u>Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />Kallidaikurichi is the kind of place where you should stay at one of the agraharam homes. It will allow you to experience the true culture of this village. You could either stay with any of your local friends in their homes, at any local guest houses or at airbnbs.
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<br />If you prefer hotels, you can try the modest Bhaskar Lodge at Kallidaikurichi and the slightly better Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram. For higher quality hotels, you will have to head to Tirunelveli, about 35 kms away.
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<br />If you prefer staying in nature, try any of the forest bungalows located inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve or the farm stays or resorts near Courtallam (50 kms away).
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<br /><img title="Perumal returning to the temple after the Great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Perumal returning to the temple after the Great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1855807350-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />Kallidaikurichi has a few places to eat like Kannan mess where you can find tiffin items like idli, vada and dosa. For something more elaborate, try Hotel Ramanas or Hotel Gauri Shankar at Ambasamudram, two kilometers away.
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<br />If you are staying at a guest house with an in-house kitchen, then you are all set for food.
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<br />If you are staying at a house or in an Airbnb, you can try the meals and tiffin items of Varaha mess or Delhi mama. They offer a wide variety of choices and food is usually delivered to your door step.
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<br /><img title="The great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi culminates the 10 day Brahmotsavam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The great Rath Yatra of Kallidaikurichi culminates the 10 day Brahmotsavam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1719635443-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other famous festivals to see at Kallidaikurichi:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/05/garuda-sevai-from-kallidaikurichi-agraharam.html">Garuda Sevai</a> from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
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<br />2) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2022/03/maha-shivaratri-festival-traditional-village-kallidaikurichi.html">Maha Shivaratri</a>
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<br />3) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/04/karthigai-deepam-festival-kallidaikurichi-village-india.html">Karthigai Deepam</a>
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<br />4) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2018/03/festival-of-pongal-from-traditional-Tamilnadu-village.html">Pongal</a>
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<br />5) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/02/when-god-came-home-video-story-rural-india-tradition.html">Thiruvatharai</a>
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<br /><img title="Kallidaikurichi Rath Yatra nearing the end of its journey" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kallidaikurichi Rath Yatra nearing the end of its journey" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1626261297-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/02/kallidaikurichi-manimuthar-dam-top-cycling-route.html">Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam</a>: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
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<br />2) Thamirabharani river at Kallidaikurichi: A great Western Ghat river to take a refreshing bath
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<br />3) The hidden gem called <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />4) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>: The village of the Saaral season
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<br />5) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/09/kallidaikurichi-anaicut-gorgeous-picnic-spot-in-western-ghats.html">Kallidaikurichi Anaicut</a>: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
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<br />6) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/1000-year-old-papanasanathar-temple-papanasam.html">1000 year old Papanasathar Temple at Papanasam</a>: Where you can wash all your sins away
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<br />7) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/mannarkoil-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html">Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple</a>: Magnificent 10th century temple with a Ashtanga vimana
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<br /><img title="10 days of Brahmotsavam culminates with this Big Rath yatra taking to the streets of Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="10 days of Brahmotsavam culminates with this Big Rath yatra taking to the streets of Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1640368288-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/08/sivasailam-temple-1000-year-old-Pandya-era.html">Sivasailam temple</a>: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
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<br />10) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/sivasailam-wettest-place-north-east-monsoon-india.html">Sivasailam</a>: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
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<br />11) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s Deep South
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<br />12) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">Courtallam</a>: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
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<br />13) 10th century Kailasanathar temple at Brahmadesam
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<br />14) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvaleeswaram
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<br />15) Manimuthar Falls: A great forest waterfall
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<br />16) Agastyar Falls: A great waterfall to bathe in the Western Ghats
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<br />17) Paana Theertham Falls: A hidden waterfall gem of Tamil Nadu</sapn></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416, India8.682952199999999 77.4650754-19.627281636178846 42.3088254 36.993186036178841 112.6213254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-77963660063608071072023-10-14T12:27:00.003+05:302023-10-14T12:27:39.073+05:30My Village Home in Kallidaikurichi, Tamil Nadu<p><img title="Kallidaikurichi - my village home" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kallidaikurichi - my village home" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyqC7ZRbKq587qnwfFL6RVVH73VFxcjFxeH_uNbnpZwbTjXjz5ZPe32x0o1Nrlodml-JIPEwDM4ESBJL1xckwzumJ1c4GdZ0UvnR8BzOlHgWg21M6LXsWz_x2GGHMwcgRXsXvUUUZ0EXmBvM2VqU0eT7TfhQYzVCZzWAu6suRC8SXNa1U0ITnhzXU2DHs=s16000" width="630" height="353" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="2257" />
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<br />It has been a little over a year since I moved my base from Bangalore to my ancestral village of <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a> in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. I still have my house in Bangalore, but I spend more time in my village home than in my city home.
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<br />Kallidaikurichi is the village of my paternal grandmother and it holds a special place in my heart right from my childhood days. I have always been visiting often, especially after my dad’s passing, but it was last year when I started spending a significant amount of time here. The plan was to take care of my grandmother and renovate our ancestral home. I got the opportunity to spend time with my grandmother and take care of her before she moved on at the rich age of 98. Thankfully, my grandmother got to see most of the completed renovation work and I was very thrilled to see the genuine happiness in her eyes. The home is named ‘Akhilandeswari’ in remembrance of my grandmother.
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<br />This village home of mine in Kallidaikurichi in <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/motorcycling-holiday--india-deep-south.html">India’s deep south</a> is surrounded by the Western Ghat mountains on three sides. There is a Kannadigan canal behind my home and further north is the Thamirabharani river. It is located in the beautiful agraharams that are surrounded by temples on all sides. To my south is the Adi Varaha Perumal temple. To my west is the Ramachandra, Sringeri Sharadamba and Chidambareswarar temples. To my east is the Murugan and Ayyappa temples and to my north is the big Shiva temple on the opposite bank of the Thamirabharani river in Ambasamudram. Royal Enfield, India Cements, Oriental Bank of Commerce and many other notable brands were born in this village. In its hey days, it was a thriving Brahmin settlement and even till date, it is one of the more well maintained agraharams of Tamil Nadu. Such is its popularity that a lot of movies are shot here.
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<br />Just 10 kilometers from my village home is the forest check post of the <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>, one of the more pristine and lesser known tiger reserves of India. And because of this proximity to the Western Ghats, you are never too far away from waterfalls, dams, mountain vistas and wildlife. In fact, monkeys, langurs, peacocks, more than 50 species of birds, many species of reptiles and oodles of butterflies can be spotted right from the terrace of my village home.
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<br />Agriculture is the main source of income for the people living here. Paddy and banana are the main crops here, though a lot of people grow tuber vegetables and brinjal too.
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<br />The above picture is in essence the view that I see every day, the culture that I embrace every day and the bright and warm sunshine that bathes the village every day. Yes, this tropical village can get seriously warm at times, but its lush nature, peaceful surroundings, rich culture and friendly people more than compensate for the high temperatures.
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<br />Do drop by home for a cup of coffee if you happen to be in the vicinity! And do stay tuned for more photos and more village experiences.
<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416, India8.682952199999999 77.4650754-19.627281636178846 42.3088254 36.993186036178841 112.6213254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-48057179672035530872023-10-13T12:45:00.002+05:302023-10-13T12:45:22.877+05:30Dubai After Dark: Unforgettable Experiences Await<p><img title="Burj Khalifa, Dubai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Burj Khalifa, Dubai" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEe3uAb2CHVAd1aC0m9bYGCgpe1tHtjunfIDCurxYuDrbmCr3ptDSTeVdNSA5XvKW3QvZseNvNUmlLo2yWxdOqskq_f5prsWQIfb4JXH2MFAnL9lw-z7g7QEgOjsHPpG_Ek7cS0k-loRxoGYJc9HaG7Hx8JUDsQh2hFmkIo8O6tz-mVAnj8DaHULqiZMs=s16000" width="630" height="840" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" />
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<br />The modern skyscrapers of Dubai make it the perfect destination for the rich and famous. However, people from all over the world come here to enjoy its many shopping malls, souks, parks, beaches, and much more on a budget too!
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<br />There are so many features unique to Dubai alone, such as being the city with the largest suspended aquarium. In the Emirates Mall, you can find a massive indoor skiing arena, and its IMG World of Adventure is the largest theme park in the world!
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<br />Complete your <a href="https://www.cleartrip.ae/flight-booking/emirates-airlines.html" target="_blank">Emirates booking</a> to reach Dubai from your country's capital city or any key metro city close to you and enjoy a fun-filled vacation time with your family. It is not just wonderful to explore during the daytime but also at night when it comes alive with glowing lights. Here is a look at some exciting ways to spend your time at night in this bustling city:
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<br /> 1) The best way to enjoy fantastic light effects at night in Dubai is by visiting the Dubai Garden Glow. It has some very interesting optical illusions, which make exploring it so exciting. There are many illuminated, brightly coloured scenes here that are striking, enchanting, and lovely.
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<br /> 2) Make a trip to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, right after 6 p.m. Make a trip to its highest floors, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city at night, with surrounding skyscrapers and the city lit up. As you leave the place, you can see the fountain, which glows exotically in many lights and is also the stage for numerous performances.
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<br /> 3) If you love sports, then visiting Dubai’s Dark Padel courts is just what you need. Padel is a new and fast-catching sport that you can best enjoy at night under illuminating neon lights in the play area. Everything gets transformed into such colours, and the sport played in such lighting is exciting and fantastic.
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<br /> 4) In the Dubai Festival City Mall stands a fountain that is the centre stage for fantastic laser light shows every night, which are free to watch. It’s a scene that has impressed many enough to get an entrance into the Guinness World Record twice.
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<br /> 5) Make a trip to the Dubai Fishing Harbour and find the Crystal Clear Watersports Centre to enjoy kayaking at night. You will be kayaking in a glass-bottomed kayak that is lit by beautiful fairy lights. You can also view the impressive skyline at night with all its lights lit up, making a grand scene.
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<br /><img title="Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPIt3fy3z_HyUZC9U7aFKqE0Q9UOZwzObq23MvqTuMXCOpUAq7GgR6irRhwoXWiNl-WfbuQDlWj1bfpaAhtshpQj1MafwLrNkhVT0s0uOX-smvu3ucpbBV7y6y0eRtb1RvXfUDYwCNzvI6RCZ267CGv9as7SK96X38GYqm_YRQnDGvOsqImWVtniNOiiA=s16000" width="630" height="840" data-original-width="2838" data-original-height="3785" />
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<br />6) Cool at the ice rink in the Dubai Mall, where you can spend hours with friends on skates. It’s open on Friday and Saturday, and it's always filled with people sitting and enjoying themselves with their friends and family.
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<br /><img title="Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwltMj5YU4HUz4kV_A4HdaVOy-aCF0b6_yT8ewwyPkwzl9EnUPBlVmW_nhWPbNPuKFhXaYq4LzoMpYrHkcT-oGIf2HApv5RZChb18GlPKYYgGE0IXBuHaTn4YFaWqYN8dBseieZ9aWuBlrqqk28doyYPqJNbsA2zUcuu9_WbGiqlkeEeq4ZTb9Sc5RBuo=s16000" width="630" height="630" data-original-width="2448" data-original-height="2448" />
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<br />7) Make a visit to The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, where you can take a ride on an electric catamaran. Their cruise is indeed exciting as you get to see the Dubai skyline from the waters and also enjoy the Palm Fountain when it is all lit up and impressively shooting water to about 105 metres high.
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<br /> 8) If you are into photography, then you certainly would want to indulge in night photography across the beautiful Dubai skyline. Gulf Photo Plus offers the opportunity to do this through its night photography workshop. You will be taken to various attractions that can be photographed under dazzling lights in different ways.
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<br /><img title="Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKDV_B_qgzE2LfXUF-FBMWEpdTUmEB2GulCAs5W83VBskI8ZM-HWeO1N5j2ltbmPnUrAZ4x2MbGdVoG8HOQ_BMvlJc7bU-7UiFAWQVJa7ble_zQlrha75oIlq-uDl676hzICBH7icTZBDl303OewXQRcJlPDhfwDXmcglrBpBUQgwdX6u-OFlXNkR47sY=s16000" width="630" height="416" data-original-width="6830" data-original-height="4511" />
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<br />9) Book an Abra ride across Dubai Creek and enjoy viewing the lovely Dubai skyline. As the night progresses, you can see so many places lit up with different coloured lights, and the entire scene is a must to photograph.
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<br />10) How about indulging in a desert safari that gives many experiences such as quad biking, camel riding, barbeque dinners, and sand skiing? The companies that offer such experiences will pick you up at your location in the afternoon and then drop you off the next morning.
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<br />You can enjoy exploring such locations at night by opting to fly with Emirates Airlines from your country. Once you have arrived, book into a hotel and pick up those places that you must visit at night to have an exciting time here. These places can be easily reached by cab, and when you get there, you will have a fabulous experience that leaves behind lasting memories.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.2707828-3.1053845361788461 20.1145328 53.515083136178845 90.4270328tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-58800328791805399782023-10-03T11:11:00.004+05:302023-10-03T11:11:42.800+05:30A Journey Through the Most Basketball-Obsessed Countries<p><img title="A Journey through the most basketball obsessed countries" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="A Journey through the most basketball obsessed countries" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3PzVD8_o5fGmlqP5uR4CtOQzg1RS_vjVAbH7Z8fc1TfszgmV9L8i85Vp5sqeQY_Z5Eh17yl13BF2tcHEoQyFQckSpp7-k_I1HXLn3owaUWZzw0DyQ_8141YQPoDs7umdOInEs9VfhGTEb-NWKP_bhOWlMZji6J6Rbz76NnB9jLGqDDB6eRdpsS3uC_KY=s16000" width="630" height="630" data-original-width="1400" data-original-height="1400" />
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<br />Are you a big fan of basketball? If you are, this is your chance to find out about the countries that love basketball just as much as you do! Let's use <a href="https://india-1xbet.com/line/basketball" target="_blank">this</a> 1xbet site as a guide and go on an amazing journey together to explore some of the world's most basketball-obsessed countries. Get ready to learn about their unique cultures, all united by a shared love for this fantastic game. <strong>
<br /></strong><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">1) Lithuania: A Country Full of Basketball Love</font><strong> </strong>
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<br />In Lithuania, everyone loves basketball. It's more than just a game. It’s a way of bringing people together. Young or old, the excitement for basketball is in everyone's heart.
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<br /><u><strong>What to Do in Lithuania:</strong></u>
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<br />a) Visit the Rytas Vilnius Arena: Experience the energy of a local basketball game and feel the strong spirit of Lithuanian fans.
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<br />b) Lithuanian Basketball Hall of Fame: Take a journey through history and honor the legends who have made Lithuania's basketball so special.
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<br /><strong><u>Explore Lithuania:</u></strong>
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<br />Discover hidden basketball treasures in Lithuania. Talk with local fans and learn about the famous games and great players that have made the country's basketball history so rich.
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">2) Philippines: Where Basketball Brings Everyone Together</font>
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<br />In the Philippines, you'll find basketball everywhere, from the busy streets to the peaceful islands. The country’s basketball association, PBA, is a source of pride and unity for the community.
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<br /><strong><u>What to Do in the Philippines:</u></strong>
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<br />a) Play Pickup Basketball: Enjoy friendly games of basketball and experience the warm Filipino hospitality.
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<br />b) Attend a PBA Game: Feel the thrill of a PBA game and join in the contagious excitement of the passionate crowds.
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<br /><strong><u>Discover the Philippines:</u></strong>
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<br />Explore the world of Filipino basketball culture. See how basketball brings joy and unity to every part of Philippine life.
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">3) Spain: Enjoy the Thrill of Basketball</font>
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<br />In Spain, basketball is celebrated with a lot of excitement. The Spanish league, Liga ACB, shows off the best of Spanish basketball talent.
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<br /><strong><u>Traveling in Spain:</u></strong>
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<br />a) Explore the exciting world of Spanish basketball
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<br />b) Enjoy the lively games of Liga ACB and visit famous places like the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona
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<br />c) Talk with local fans and learn about Spain’s love for basketball
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">4) Australia: Where Basketball is Growing Fast</font>
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<br />In Australia, more and more people are falling in love with basketball. The growing National Basketball League (NBL) is a sign of the nation’s increasing passion and talent for the game.
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<br /><strong><u>What to Do in Australia:</u></strong>
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<br />a) Watch an NBL Game:  Dive into the world of Australian basketball and enjoy exciting NBL games.   <br />
<br />b) Visit the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame:  Walk through the history of basketball in Australia and celebrate the people who have helped basketball grow in the country.
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<br /><strong><u>Discover Australia:</u></strong>
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<br />Explore different parts of Australia’s basketball world. Find out about local programs and communities that are helping basketball grow in the country.
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<br /><font size="6" face="Segoe UI">Conclusion: A Fun Worldwide Basketball Adventure</font>
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<br />In this <a href="https://www.travelfoxx.com/adventure/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">exciting journey</a>, each country has its unique basketball story to tell. Your exploration is more than just watching games. It’s about making new friends and sharing the joy of basketball with them. The world of basketball is a big, welcoming place full of different cultures and histories.
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<br />So, let's go on this grand adventure through the world’s most basketball-obsessed countries. Enjoy the mix of experiences, stories, and friendships that the global basketball community happily shares. Let this worldwide basketball journey fill your travels with exciting adventures, fun stories, and the warm embrace of the global basketball family.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0India20.593684 78.962880.14507953743850877 43.80663 41.042288462561487 114.11913tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-33497924158680292022023-09-14T18:04:00.004+05:302023-09-15T12:51:45.278+05:30Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature<p><img title="Confluence of Manimuthar and Thamarabhrani rivers" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Confluence of Manimuthar and Thamarabhrani rivers" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3HM9-fYC9ivlzTUqj2GNMD1gPMRKO6n44nUxsQq0fdfd-HKpVYJvBpL9KhkuBxfUGl4z2xScVRKSLCELeiDCwBwOSS-v-n98dZNHnez_g4MRJayNaywP5N9u4RdaJUfxQkm6NcRxfkSIgR5uYFmXq8O5l3YdVTgsVpiMiqypm63gwKYsYhdODAryD_dE=s16000" width="630" height="349" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="800" />
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<br />This stunning location is the confluence of the Manimuthar and Thamirabharani rivers. It is the birthplace of the Kannadigan canal that irrigates Kallidaikurichi and other downstream villages all the way till Gopalasamudram. It offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats in the background and is surrounded by lotus farms, paddy fields and trees. I am talking about the Kallidaikurichi Anaicut, a gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature.
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<br /><img title="The temple at the start of the Kannadigan canal at Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The temple at the start of the Kannadigan canal at Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1741987779-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /> Located between the villages of Kattumannarkoil and Vairavikulam, the Kallidaikurichi Anaicut is a manmade barrage at the confluence of the Manimuthar and the Thamirabharani rivers. It offers sluice gates at two ends. One that lets water go into the Thamirabharani river and the other that lets the water into the Kannadigan canal that flows east towards Kallidaikurichi. This Kallidaikurichi anaicut is an essential cog in irrigating this region and also acts as a basic flood control mechanism.
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<br /><img title="The start of the Kannadigan canal at Kallidaikurichi" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The start of the Kannadigan canal at Kallidaikurichi" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1857172070-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /> You have to cross lines and lines of paddy fields, lotus farms and picture perfect villages to reach the Kallidaikurichi Anaicut and the place where you park your vehicles is the bridge with the sluice gates to the Kannadigan canal. And if this was gorgeous, wait till you cross the tree cover, climb down the steps to the canal level, walk over the narrow concrete ridge to reach the small Murugan temple located at the confluence of the Manimuthar and the Thamirabharani rivers. On one side of the temple is the hip deep water with sandy bottom while on the other side is the water gushing at high speed towards the Thamirabharani river. Both of them form great avenues for some serious fun in the water.
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<br /><img title="Kallidaikurichi Anaicut where Manimuthar waters join the Thamarabharani river" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Kallidaikurichi Anaicut where Manimuthar waters join the Thamarabharani river" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1820161871-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /> This location is perfect for a beautiful picnic with your family and friends. There is lush nature, year round fresh water that starts in the mountains a few kilometres upstream, a small temple, a great water based holiday destination, a serene rustic atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. I would recommend this place with many thumbs up. Only request is to carry back all your trash with you and refrain from using soap, shampoo and/or oil when you take a bath in the river as many downstream villages use this water for drinking purposes.
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<br /><img title="Murugan temple at Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Murugan temple at Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1820934530-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Best time to visit:</u></strong>
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<br />As most of the Anaicut area near the water is devoid of any tree cover, it is best to visit either during the early hours of the morning (6 AM to 10 AM) and late hours of the evening (4 PM to 7 PM). In case you are cooking a little bit away from the water, there are a few large trees that can give you enough shade.
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<br />It is best to avoid the rainy months between October and December as the water levels can increase significantly within a very short time duration.
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<br /><img title="Golden yellow paddy fields near Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Golden yellow paddy fields near Kallidaikurichi Anaicut" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1637158080-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>How to reach there:</u></strong>
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<br />If you are coming from Kallidaikurichi, head west from the Adi Varaha temple, cross the vaykaal bridge, cross Thimmarajapuram, the railway gate and a few kilometres of paddy field before you reach the Anaicut.
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<br />If you are coming from Ambasamudram, you will have to cross the concrete barrage on foot from the Thamirabharani river bank and reach the Anaicut.
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<br />If you are coming from Singampetty, Manimuthar, Keela Earmarpuram or Ambasamudram, you will have to cross the Manimuthar bridge at Vairavikulam and then head east towards the lotus farms of Vairavikulam and then reach the Anaicut.
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<br /><img title="Manimuthar river and the Western Ghats in the background" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Manimuthar river and the Western Ghats in the background" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1795505662-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/02/kallidaikurichi-manimuthar-dam-top-cycling-route.html">Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam</a>: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
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<br />2) Thamirabharani river at Kallidaikurichi: A great Western Ghat river to take a refreshing bath
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<br />3) The hidden gem called <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />4) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>: The village of the saaral season
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<br />5) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/1000-year-old-papanasanathar-temple-papanasam.html">1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple at Papanasam</a>: Where you can wash all your sins away
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<br />6) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/mannarkoil-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html">Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple</a>: Magnificent 10th century temple with a Ashtanga Vimana
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/08/sivasailam-temple-1000-year-old-Pandya-era.html">Sivasailam Temple:</a> 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/sivasailam-wettest-place-north-east-monsoon-india.html">Sivasailam</a>: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
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<br />10) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />11) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">Courtallam</a>: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
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<br />12) 10th century Kailasanathar Temple at Brahmadesam
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<br />13) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvaleeswaram
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<br />14) Manimuthar Falls: A great forest waterfall
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<br />15) Agastyar Falls: A great waterfall to bathe in the Western Ghats
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<br />16) Paana Theertham Falls: A hidden waterfall gem of Tamil Nadu</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416, India8.682952199999999 77.4650754-19.627281636178846 42.3088254 36.993186036178841 112.6213254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-28676902933548426922023-08-31T18:44:00.005+05:302023-08-31T18:46:23.787+05:30Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats<p><img title="The colourful assembly hall in front of Paramakalyani's sanctum sanctorum at Sivasailam Temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The colourful assembly hall in front of Paramakalyani's sanctum sanctorum at Sivasailam Temple" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJNeu9OuGJh2E2hKr3P-J6REKAkzvzq-F917bHVxKchqZbEg61arjYp5gpUYa7EBc1lEQkxTvV7PcVJAA7HpUkGPSLGB6nAnMurTmj0XnYC6DEtsbGLGihYESYmi0hn8Q7oigZxs9fTLWEGq1qUgpwsQ5dphjYOre9beWqi-hPbnID-I-yWXi_z9OZOzA=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" />
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<br />This ancient temple, a Vaippu Sthalam, has been mentioned in the Thevaram hymns of Thirunavukkarasar (7th century CE). The Gadananathi river is located to the north and east of this temple. It is surrounded by the Velli Malai, Mulli Malai and Podhigai Malai hills of the Western Ghats. It was originally built by the Pandiya kings and then later additions were made by the Cholas, the Cheras and the later Pandiya kings. I am talking about the 1000 plus year old Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Amman temple at Sivasailam and that is surrounded by the lush forests and mountains of the Western Ghats.
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<br />The Sivasailam temple is all about its legendary stories, pristine location, beautiful sculptures and carvings. The journey begins when you leave the Ambasamudram – Tenkasi highway at Alwarkurichi and head southwest towards the mountains. Paddy fields surround you on three sides and the mountains tower in front of you. The wind starts picking up as you get closer to <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/sivasailam-wettest-place-north-east-monsoon-india.html">Sivasailam</a>. As you stand over the Gadananathi river bridge, the colourful gopuram and the temple complex come into view. As you get out of your car in the parking lot, you cannot stop admiring the lush forest views of the Western Ghats in the background and the Gadananathi river in the foreground. If this view is to your right, the view to the left is of the beautifully carved temple doors and its many mandapams.
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<br /><img title="Sivasailam temple located at the base of the Western Ghats in South Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Sivasailam temple located at the base of the Western Ghats in South Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1890693561-4.jpg" width="630" height="352" />
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<br />It is a west facing temple with both the shrines of Sivasailanathar and Paramakalyani facing west. The main deity is a swayambhu lingam with snake armour and other ornaments. At the back of the lingam, there are lines that appear like hair and this gives the lord another name “Sadaiappar”. This can be seen through a hole while circumambulating the garbha griha and when the priest shows Arathi at the back of the lingam. The Nandi in front of the shrine of Lord Shiva is yet another highlight of this temple. This beautifully carved Nandi (bull) is a East facing beautifully carved monolith that is in a seated position with its tail tucked under it. This statue is uncommon in Tamil temples and highlights the imaginative work of the craftsman. Legend has it the Nandi sculpture was so beautiful and lifelike that it actually came to life. In order to make the Nandi seated, the sculptor had to stroke the back of the Nandi as per the guidance of Lord Shiva. These strokes can be seen on the back of this gorgeous stone Nandi. Goddess Paramakalyani Amman’s shrine is located next to that of Lord Shiva and her unique feature is her emerald green cheeks. The other shrines are dedicated to Ganesha, Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, Natarajar, Surya, Chandran, 63 Nyanmars and others.
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<br /><img title="The colourful gopuram of the Sivasailam temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The colourful gopuram of the Sivasailam temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2062077499-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />The temple, like many old Hindu temples has a number of mandapams – Nartha, Maa, Artha and Mani. A mani mandapam is situated on the banks of the Gadananathi river. In the mainstays of the mandapam, a lion peak or model is seen. On the inward side of the pandal mandapam, colourful blossoms are delineated. The Sivasailam temple has a five storied main gopuram that carries countless statues of gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. The vimana is fabulously overlaid. The temple has two chariots, one is extensive and the other is little. The expansive chariot is for Sivasailanathar and the smaller one is for his spouse, Paramakalyani Amman.
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<br /><img title="Beautifully sculpted Nandi made out of a single granite rock at Sivasailam Temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Beautifully sculpted Nandi made out of a single granite rock at Sivasailam Temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2054147636-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />This temple in <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2014/10/a-trip-to-indias-deep-south.html">India’s deep south</a> offers you many things: an offbeat location, a rural holiday experience, a gorgeous green surrounding, a 1000 plus year old temple and a river nearby to play around. Everything else that I mention about the temple above is an icing on the cake. I highly recommend this temple and village if you happen to be visiting this fabulous part of India.
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<br /><img title="Entering the Sivasailanathar temple at Sivasailam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Entering the Sivasailanathar temple at Sivasailam" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1940989292-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br /><strong><u>Things not to miss at this temple:</u></strong>
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<br />1) A dip in the Gadananathi river next to the mani mandapam
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<br />2) Asking the priest to show you the tresses at the back of the Shiva lingam (Sivasailanathar)
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<br />3) Asking the priest or some locals to tell you stories related to the temple, especially how the lingam was formed, the story behind Sadaiappar and the story behind the life-like Nandi
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<br />4) Seeing the beautifully carved Nandi in front of the main sanctum, its tail tucked below it and noticing the strokes/punch at its back that was made to keep it seated permanently
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<br /><strong><u><img title="Entering the main sanctum sanctorum at Sivasailam temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Entering the main sanctum sanctorum at Sivasailam temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1956846167-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Famous festivals of this temple:</u></strong>
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<br />1) Poosam Theppotsavam in the month of Thai (Jan 15 to Feb 15)
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<br />2) Rathotsavam in the month of Panguni (March 15 to April 14)
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<br /><strong><u><img title="Beautiful Nandi vahanam for the Utsava murthy of Sivasailam temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Beautiful Nandi vahanam for the Utsava murthy of Sivasailam temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2131216747-4.jpg" width="630" height="457" />
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<br />How to reach there:</u></strong>
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<br />The Sivasailam temple is about 6.5 kilometers from Alwarkurichi, 19 kilometres from Ambasamudram and 26 kilometres from Tenkasi. The nearest bus stop and railway station would be Alwarkurichi, which is well connected with the cities of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Madurai. The nearest airport would be Tuticorin, which is about 97 kilometres away. Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 136 kilometres away.
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<br /><img title="Gorgeous Utsava murthy of Sivasailam Temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Gorgeous Utsava murthy of Sivasailam Temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2120786472-5.jpg" width="630" height="651" />
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<br />Best season to visit:</strong></u>
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<br />One can visit the temple all year round if you plan on visiting in the early hours of the morning. The Saaral season of cool winds, drizzles and lush weather between June and September is a great time to explore this temple. If you are looking for cool weather, opt for the months from October through February.
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<br /><strong><u><img title="Entering the colourful Amman sannadhi at Sivasailam temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Entering the colourful Amman sannadhi at Sivasailam temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1923683632-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Temple timings:</u></strong>
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<br />The temple is open from 6 AM to 12 noon and from 5 PM to 8 PM.
<br /><img title="The colourful sanctum sanctorum of Paramakalyani at Sivasailam temple" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The colourful sanctum sanctorum of Paramakalyani at Sivasailam temple" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2103444816-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Where to stay:</u></strong>
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<br />The nearest place with decent hotels would be Ambasamudram. Hotel Ambai Grand is the best option here.
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<br />If you wish for luxury, I would recommend trying the hotels at Tirunelveli – GRT Regency, Janakiram and/or Aryas.
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<br />If you wish to stay in slightly cooler weather, you should try the resorts in and around Courtallam.
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<br />If you wish to stay in pristine nature, I would recommend that you stay at the forest rest houses in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
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<br />If you care for a true rustic experience, I would recommend that you stay at any of the homestays or guest houses in Kallidaikurichi village agraharam.
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<br /><img title="Big statue of Nandi at Sivasailam Temple, Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Big statue of Nandi at Sivasailam Temple, Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2110138107-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Where to eat:</u></strong>
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<br />You can find some basic snacks with tea/coffee in the village of Sivasailam, but if you want something more, you will have to try the hotels at Alwarkurichi. For elaborate food options, I would recommend that you head either to Hotel Ramanas or Hotel Gowri Shankar at Ambasamudram. Both of them serve delicious vegetarian tiffin items and meals at reasonable prices.
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<br /><img title="Intricate carvings on the Sivasailam temple main door" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Intricate carvings on the Sivasailam temple main door" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2013595529-5.jpg" width="630" height="839" />
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<br /><strong><u>Other nearby tourist attractions:</u></strong>
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<br />1) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/mannarkoil-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html">Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple</a>: Magnificent 10th century temple with a asthanga vimana
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<br />2) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/1000-year-old-papanasanathar-temple-papanasam.html">1000 year old Papanasathar Temple at Papanasam</a>: Where you can wash all your sins away
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<br />3) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/sivasailam-wettest-place-north-east-monsoon-india.html">Sivasailam</a>: One of the wettest places during the North East Monsoon in India
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<br />4) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2017/05/kallidaikurichi-village-of-saaral-season.html">Kallidaikurichi</a>: The village of the Saaral season
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<br />5) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/05/iruttu-kadai-halwa-icon-of-tirunelveli.html">Iruttu Kadai Halwa</a>: Icon of Tirunelveli
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<br />6) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/06/nellaiappar-temple-7th-century-cosmic-dance-wonder.html">Nellaiappar Temple</a>: A 7th century Cosmic Dance Wonder
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<br /><img title="People enjoying a dip at Gadananathi River, Sivasailam, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="People enjoying a dip at Gadananathi River, Sivasailam, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1859691249-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />7) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/07/Pattamadai-Pai-GI-Tagged-beautiful-handwoven-silk-mats.html">Pattamadai Pai</a>: GI Tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
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<br />8) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2021/01/Thamirabarani-river-delta-offbeat-motorcycling-route.html">Thamirabharani River Delta</a>: A Motorcycle Route full of rustic gorgeousness
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<br />9) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/04/karaiyar-dam-offbeat-wildlife-nature-holiday-destination.html">Karaiyar Dam</a>: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
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<br />10) The hidden gem called <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/hidden-gem-called-kalakad-mundanthurai-tiger-reserve-kmtr.html">Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />11) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/12/courtrallam-herbal-waterfall-holiday-tamil-nadu.html">Courtallam</a>: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
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<br />12) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2015/09/tiruchendur-murugan-temple-sea-shore.html">Tiruchendur Murugan Temple</a>: Sea Shore Magic
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<br />13) 10th century Kailasanathar Temple at Brahmadesam
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<br />14) 10th century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaleeswaram
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<br />15) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/02/kallidaikurichi-manimuthar-dam-top-cycling-route.html">Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam</a>: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
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<br />16) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/05/garuda-sevai-from-kallidaikurichi-agraharam.html">Garudai Sevai from the Agraharams of Kallidaikurichi</a>
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<br />17) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/04/karthigai-deepam-festival-kallidaikurichi-village-india.html">The Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a Traditional Tamil Nadu Village</a>
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<br />18) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2023/06/cycling-through-kmtr-backyards-tamil-nadu.html">Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve</a>
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<br />19) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar temple at Tenkasi
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<br />20) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2020/11/punalur-suspension-bridge-historical-gem-of-kerala.html">Punalur Suspension Bridge</a>: Hidden gem of Kerala
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<br />21) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/01/lesser-known-kerala-mountain-railways.html">Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways</a>: Treat for nature lovers
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<br />22) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
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<br />23) Manimuthar Falls: A great forest waterfall
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<br />24) Thenmala Forest and Palaruvi Falls: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Sivasaailam, Tamil Nadu 627412, India8.782578599999999 77.3453639-19.527655236178845 42.189113899999995 37.092812436178846 112.5016139tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-31510109192146855672023-08-17T12:53:00.003+05:302023-08-17T13:26:45.224+05:305 Charming Towns in Spain<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_of_Ronda.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Cliffs and gorges of Ronda, Spain" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cliffs and gorges of Ronda, Spain" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiftJ5Wz0YgXT9Bkd-zHAjzhsI-NGzu8eydWhA6iNFXqm4t2_2l7nOrzRn_J2ZjeziSqp1uz3PlB1WwfS9UrObNopULsKDmqWUI8yM02VByjnMNYaPcEPAWAcqL1f0llK0CJplGWWlikW630EBjYd8Lw4AZDgJAIL6cs1xvEistv-NyJz2Ir4oREuD-QEU=s16000" width="630" height="374" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="380" /></a>
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<br />Spain, a land of enchantment and cultural richness, is held in high regard by those considering a move or traveling abroad. Recognized as one of Europe's most sought-after destinations, Spain offers a harmonious blend of historical legacy, captivating landscapes, and a vibrant way of life.
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<br />As a colourful land of culture and diversity, Spain offers a plethora of captivating towns that have captured the hearts of travellers and even inspired some to make the move.
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<br />These enchanting places boast a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty that beckons adventurers and aspiring expats alike. Let's delve into five such charming towns that hold the promise of unforgettable experiences and a potential new home.
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<br />1) Ronda: Where Time Stands Still Amidst Towering Cliffs and Gorges</b>
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<br />Nestled atop towering cliffs and split by the dramatic El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is a town that instantly transports you to a bygone era. With its Moorish influences evident in the architecture and layout, Ronda's old-world charm is truly a sight to behold.
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<br />Visitors can marvel at the Puente Nuevo, an iconic stone bridge that spans the gorge, providing breath taking vistas of the surrounding countryside.
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<br />Explore the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings, and step back in time as you walk through the historic streets.
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<br />Ronda's enchantment also lies in its serene setting, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, making it a haven for wine lovers and tranquillity seekers.
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<br />2) Cadaqués: Surreal Beauty and Coastal Tranquillity on the Costa Brava</b>
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cadaques_Pueblo_Marinero.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Coastal town of Cadaques, Spain" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Coastal town of Cadaques, Spain" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdU2SMa93io-R78DvhHpIedS3ZMLt2BA9m-MFDiSCKjVHXc65vw3ZXYDU4mTWnLMoLi64WK2VTKddeHlxw1MJk9WmumWZxRmqb5t3b0AIH3RWd-Fou9xzbb6i6cAsNfEbVOwLmMmwh0DJyiIyDQY1mXB6K73ZswZ9WUD8xjjiueBwV4mGSMcngFNpV9pU=s16000" width="630" height="346" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="351" /></a>
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<br />Tucked away on the Costa Brava, Cadaqués is a seaside gem that has captured the hearts of artists and wanderers for generations.
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<br />This charming fishing village is renowned for its pristine white buildings and narrow, winding streets that lead to hidden coves and beaches. One cannot miss a visit to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, where the surrealist artist once resided.
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<br />The town's unique aura is further enhanced by the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters that invite travellers to bask in the sun and enjoy various water activities. Cadaqués' artistic heritage, combined with its coastal allure, make it a haven for those seeking inspiration and a peaceful retreat.
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<br />3) Úbeda: Stepping into Renaissance Elegance in the Heart of Andalusia</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ubeda_001.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="El Salvador Chapel and Dean Ortega's Palace, Ubeda, Spain" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="El Salvador Chapel and Dean Ortega's Palace, Ubeda, Spain" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmpPp4JKZvdSbjtBjBRxJHqmNVRKddLaoBqn_YxGZS2c3o7s95ynXBlYfuv9FRB5Vxj9mf1pJSKQ-KEAPGhJPu5ZR8Qyz3STCRubukOvI7Vg0ad2hTtk4MINuwSIsjk1_nCGNmIOUbc41or35CJ5Dj1i-1YB2U9zfvG4vd_q-tNU_wVXpjriFlAjUFbV4=s16000" width="630" height="421" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="428" /></a>
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<br />Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, the town of Úbeda exudes an aura of grandeur and history. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Úbeda's Renaissance architecture is a testament to its rich past.
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<br />The Plaza Vázquez de Molina stands as a grand example of this architectural style, surrounded by splendid buildings that harken back to the town's golden age. Visitors can lose themselves in the labyrinthine streets while discovering quaint plazas and charming churches.
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<br />Úbeda's cultural tapestry, characterized by its festivals, gastronomy, and artistic legacy, makes it an alluring destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in Spanish heritage.
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<br />4) Cudillero: A Colourful Maritime Escape Along Asturias' Rugged Coastline</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cudillero_Asturias.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Cudillero, Spain" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Cudillero, Spain" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDs_wYtCf_WnwHdJin7fgwT3jiYEDfFmvYdcl_qmgYfGpzpVSEH9FwVQ5St0yJxCmtXSEzzwGYLazLwFfmuTLreaKoTxkUOD10Baas-sLnKhXQpMtR0-ctqn7VQNKMtB-EqlHeMZR-L_vPSAZFS3v25UO-h2T_qJMVhZW4A7p0_MhaExKz4tuPs6dZu4I=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="480" /></a>
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<br />Nestled along the rugged coastline of Asturias, Cudillero is a picturesque fishing village that evokes a sense of tranquillity and authenticity.
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<br />The town's multi-coloured houses cascade down the hillside to the harbour, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Stroll through the winding streets, where the sea breeze carries the scent of saltwater and freshly caught seafood.
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<br />With a lively fishing port and a selection of charming seafood restaurants, Cudillero offers an immersive experience into the traditional maritime life of the region. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby cliffs and beaches, ensuring a harmonious blend of relaxation and exploration.
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<br />5) Ribeira Sacra: Where Nature and History Converge Along Galicia's Sil River</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Uva_Mencia.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Mencia grape growing in Ribeira Sacra, Spain" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Mencia grape growing in Ribeira Sacra, Spain" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd-Ze3k3lPNgZfn8zV3cddwvcLQDRf-WJp4Kv5nmJEgSwtefnZ6wk7EFpv0ld83ROLkBwC9sg2e8_mwItRHVKr0fyrK_336H1-MH7mjNXfhnu9v-Reu-UfkJkXVt-wuBlcPHS_mSpiqFkaIUUkJhMi8S1BpZQ_jexXmBw7CTnLhvpW05bDRF8F037oMEI=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="480" /></a>
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<br />For those seeking a blend of nature's splendour and cultural richness, the Ribeira Sacra region is a hidden gem. Nestled along the banks of the Sil River in Galicia, this area is known for its lush landscapes, terraced vineyards, and historic monasteries.
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<br />The town of Santo Estevo is home to a stunning monastery that has been converted into a luxury hotel, offering a unique opportunity to stay within a piece of living history.
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<br />Meander through the vineyards, sampling the region's acclaimed wines, and embark on boat trips along the Sil River to marvel at the breath taking canyons.
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<br />Ribeira Sacra's combination of natural beauty and architectural marvels provides a holistic escape for travellers seeking serenity and cultural enrichment.
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<br />Traveling to Spain </b>
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<br />The allure of these five charming towns in Spain lies in their unique blend of history, architecture, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
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<br />Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Úbeda's Renaissance architecture, the artistic spirit of Cadaqués, or the coastal charm of Cudillero, each town offers a distinct experience that resonates with the heart and soul of Spain. Ronda's dramatic landscapes and Ribeira Sacra's fusion of nature and culture further enhance the enchantment.
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<br />For those yearning to travel or even relocate to Spain, these towns hold the promise of unforgettable memories and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Spanish life.
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<br />However, given the complexities of Spanish immigration laws and legal processes, a lot of help can be given by <a href="https://balcellsgroup.com/services/immigration-in-spain/" target="_blank">hiring an immigration lawyer, such as Balcells Group Lawyers</a>, when considering a move or extended travel to Spain.
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<br />Well, no time to lose! Spain and your future adventures await you.
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<br /><font size="1"><em><strong><u>Note:</u></strong> The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.</em></font></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Spain40.463667000000008 -3.7492212.153433163821163 -38.90547 68.773900836178854 31.40703tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-70543425845922631822023-08-10T11:47:00.002+05:302023-08-10T13:40:26.144+05:3010 Top Motorcycling Routes in the World<p><img alt="Top 10 Motorcycle Trips in the world" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqHcOC1fvYvc0H3T1Odr9jHVlz_aoLhLJH5gHkPU3LCADszAn5kSU4ogRnFDWPI_delJDdf-4ARN_t-OxjR9-v--vSxmVP2S-EwzozUq93-ZqgtMY5wHvL9S6EHrhPsuXDA7zKSgpcmzNfRjXkxl80hzeOn8aljV6pMBnblfU7A8zcBa6mVlYz3M4pG38=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Top 10 Motorcycle Trips in the world" width="630" />
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<br />The joy of feeling the wind on your face, smelling the air, watching mother nature’s scenery go by while feeling your motorcycle engine roar below you is something that can be related by every single motorcycling afficionado around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenager riding his first motorcycle, someone going through their mid-life crisis or if you are an elderly pro who loves being on two wheels, each one will connect with this motorcycling love.
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<br />Such love can be felt while exploring these 10 top motorcycling routes across the world. Not only are some of these the most adventurous routes in the world, some of them happen to be the most scenic too. All you need to do is get your motorcycle in top condition, <a href="https://internationaldriversassociation.com/" target="_blank">obtain an international driving permit</a>, pack all your motorcycling travel gear and be ready to hit the road.
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">1) Ladakh, India</font>
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img alt="Scenic pit stop near Tanglang La pass, Ladakh" border="0" height="354" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p500394790-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Scenic pit stop near Tanglang La pass, Ladakh" width="630" />
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<br />Home to some of the world’s highest motorable roads, the <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/05/12-top-motorcycling-routes-in-western-himalayas.html">mountain roads of Ladakh</a> in India’s Western Himalayas is for the die hard adventure enthusiast. Rarefied mountain air, stunning mountain panoramas, tough weather, gorgeous culture and lush valleys, the Himalayan roads of Ladakh has everything that a cold high altitude desert can offer and more. These roads are the mecca for all motorcyclists from across the world as they are home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Serene looking high altitude mountain lakes, 2nd highest astronomical observatory in the world, rich Buddhist culture are the icing on the cake. Below are some of the high mountain passes that you can visit in this region:
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<br />a) <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2009/11/motorcycle-ride-to-top-of-world.html">Khardung La</a> – 18,380 feet – one of the most popular motorcycling routes in India
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<br />b) Marsimik La – 18,314 feet
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<br />c) Photi La – 18,124 feet
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<br />d) Kaksang La – 17,842 feet
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<br />e) Chang La – 17,586 feet
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<br />f) Tanglang La - 17,481 feet
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<br />g) Wari La – 17,216 feet
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<br />h) Umling La – 19,302 feet – getting a permit to ride on this road is tough due to its strategic location and proximity to the line of actual control between India and China.
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">2) Pacific Coast Highway, USA</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Big_Sur_Coast_California.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Pacific coast highway, California, USA" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5C_55R-xd0yHwGG3V8S6jiZYyyRbjsQ_w0sN4rbdtaZysx5NBSvi-4ZEm9MbgxlzFzHszFXA2vwLZq0vLfvEJKint0VlS-ojQ3L1syyqCeUik2ONdybaEL5idlHqiEI4Y5ueJbQL0klQ9iXNd-hjk6IbDqDdJeMVGMeTeBBEexTg-SE8vv-LngBpBFvk=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Pacific coast highway, California, USA" width="630" /></a>
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<br />The legendary Pacific coast highway covering over 900 kilometres of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines takes you all the way from San Francisco to San Diego near the Mexico border. It is one of the world’s most astoundingly scenic roads and is meant to be explored slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, surfing villages, expansive beaches, local wine, Hollywood glitz and endless sky. Starting in San Francisco, the Pacific Coast highway takes you through:
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<br />a) Felton – a drowsy mountain town nestled among Redwood trees
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<br />b) Santa Cruz – a friendly beach town with a university, gorgeous redwood trees and waves that surfers from all over flock to ride
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<br />c) Big Sur – rugged mountains blanketed with dreamy redwood forests that drop into dramatic coastline
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<br />d) Cambria – a charming seaside village home to rocky shorelines, bluffs and tide pools teeming with sea life
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<br />e) Morro Bay – a small city by a large bay and estuary that is home to a diverse range of fauna including blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and sea otters
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<br />f) San Luis Obispo – a mellow college town that is famous for its nearby wineries and lighthouse
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<br />g) Solvang – mini Denmark that is home to many Danish bakeries
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<br />h) Los Olivos – rustic charming town that is surrounded by expansive wineries
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<br />i) Santa Barbara – a city where beachy casual meets glitz
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<br />j) Los Angeles – home to Hollywood glamour, hipster cool, Disneyland and old fashioned food markets
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<br />k) San Diego – a border city famous for its Mexican food, surfing spots, a military outpost and a world famous zoo
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">3) Amalfi Coast, Italy</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amalfi_Coast_(Italy,_October_2020)_-_75_(50558355441).jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Amalfi coast, Italy" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiABjMk9iSz4ibCil_dCM_LNCDLGT0QWpsA2-pShrpHkT9R5h52d41zCWYc66McSIsUq9j_jSz79XN1fJclrqGJ3sc3r4ODYQdn8rNQUD16vaOW_1Qsurt5UXLxFHm0AKowvndLiSHcTXTxIFrK3Z84Oz4LgHb0XcxQTJdodrSVsiyEATGndaGBHwwhI2w=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Amalfi coast, Italy" width="630" /></a>
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<br />Originally built by the Romans, the intense 70 kilometre Amalfi coast road is cut into sheer rock face. On one side is the beautiful blue sea crashing beneath and on the other side is the massive rock face that you find yourself clinging to. Connecting the towns of Sorrento and Salerno, the Amalfi coast highway snakes and winds through endless hairpins and up and over steep hills. The famed Amalfi coast is exactly as you have always pictured: rugged coastline dotted with seaside towns whose classic, balconied buildings overlook the turquoise Tyrrhenian sea. The highlights of this route include:
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<br />a) Riding past vineyards that dot the countryside
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<br />b) Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere – a protected area with several waterfalls and lush plant life
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<br />c) Church of Santa Maria Assunta – offers views of opulent villas along the coast that hug the steep mountainside above a petite, sandy beach
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<br />d) Duomo Ravello – historic cathedral in Ravello with shops, lodging and dining nearby
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<br />e) Impossibly photogenic coast between Minori and Vietri Sul Mare
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<br />f) Lattari Mountain National Park – a great ecotourism site that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Italy
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<br />g) Fjord of Furore – special place fo artisans
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<br />h) Amalfi Cathedral – gorgeous 9th century building bearing the crypt of St Andrew
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<br />i) Sirenuse – a cluster of small islands off the coast, fulfilling all your idyllic beach dreams
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<br />j) Cetara – small fishing village located between the sea and lush green hills and that is home to affordable stay options and great dining avenues
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">4) Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop, Morocco</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Atlas_Mountain_range.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Motorcycle Trip - Atlas Mountains, Morocco" border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="640" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgoGUDvOIWTjrCu_Ql4DMTx2uJ0UB_QIqapvtWKTDLSYHmQdJ_XkRX15vL1htMm5cilj9CsLhT9didRewI6_8LvyjwIv4HpyAy0kAF3ah8nJA13QZpG5tEhJqPzos_yafqhLq5LMurNbYAxMxEN-plG1YcEXkcUm8-O__mkk2BoRYuCa6TjB__-f1ZcPc=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Motorcycle Trip - Atlas Mountains, Morocco" width="630" /></a>
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<br />This 2,570 kilometre long exotic route offers an adventure of a lifetime. It takes you through a series of ancient citadels, souks, tall mountains and oodles of vibrant desert culture. The route starts in Ceuta (a Spanish island city on the north coast of Africa), passes through the Rif Mountains through Fez and then through the Atlas mountains to Erfoud and the mighty Sahara desert. From here, you pass through the Todra gorge to the palm groves of Ouarzazate and finally the city of Marrakesh where you get to experience the real flavour of old Morocco. From here, it is a short ride through the Tizi n’Test pass down to the Atlantic coast at Agadir, from where you can visit Casablanca and then Tangiers before returning to Ceuta.
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<br />Overall, it is a stunning desert ride where you can enjoy oodles of off roading, twisties and wide open roads, while experiencing the rich desert cultures of Morocco.
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">5) The Great Ocean Road, Australia</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Great_Ocean_Road,_Lorne,_Australia_-_Feb_2012.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Great Ocean Road, Australia" border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="640" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFeXKLVd47B4TPhGTJXbkj3BxpdXbOeQykzrzgCBvEgCatqVwlGua43OowOkKI0SquRcvTAa1lwYv2UIBwKWmlfHfNlfrUsZ07Qnbnd6Tl-FLpHzlgFU9n_Wpz2tqcBebi-0oRWDVAGcLkwk04XFKdPPmpAK-Q8mR7brANhq3zoDjVh_5HGZjzXT3Ibhs=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Great Ocean Road, Australia" width="630" /></a>
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<br />This is an Australian National Heritage listed 240 kilometre stretch of road along the South Eastern coast of Australia. The Great Ocean Road traverses rainforests, beaches, cliffs, natural limestone and sandstone rock formations to give you an experience of one of nature’s best spectacles. This motorcycle route starts at Torquay and travels westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool. Following are the highlights of the Great Ocean Road:
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<br />a) Surf coast – gorgeous coastline between Torquay and Cape Otway
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<br />b) Shipwreck coast – stunning coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy that is home to the famous limestone formations called the Twelve Apostles and that provides views of the Bass strait and the Southern ocean.
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<br />c) Anglesea – surfing town renowned for its eastern grey kangaroos, Coogoorah Park and the Angair wildflower festival
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<br />d) Lorne – seaside town on the Great Ocean Road popular for family bathing, surfing and fishing. It is known for its Falls Festival, 1.2 km Pier to Pub swim, the Great Otway National park, Otway Ranges National park and the Lorne Pier.
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<br />e) Apollo Bay – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that plays host to the annual Apollo Bay seafood festival, Winter Wild and the Great Ocean Road Running festival. Southern right whales and humpback whales are spotted off the coast from winter through spring.
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<br />f) Port Campbell – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that is famous for the following natural limestone and sandstone rock formations located in the Port Campbell National Park and around: Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">6) Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Everest_North_Face.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Mount Everest North Face seen from Tibet" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPP1e45_2v_oQaBuLCBwoxgGGY1-C3F8ZV1FSpy_oeotRg-SGlB0kYVDCmFszbOLEPh_kE1bz8Rjv83emVF67KZamPfrghIqyunpA7KIhYbQo86-bBCAJfngh9j4NwljsDR1QTjaRqOAGocq5YKcM0CkibX4wK773EeUl3wAXC_283mBLBzVL_RlDcMoE=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Mount Everest North Face seen from Tibet" width="630" /></a>
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<br />This 1,250 kilometre ride will take you to the rooftop of the world while offering some surreal views of the Eastern Himalayas. The ride begins in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu and goes to Lhasa in Tibet while crossing scenic Tibetan landscapes, nomadic villages, snow capped mountains, pristine blue lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, historical cities and some of the highest mountain passes in the world. The motorcycling route would be:
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<br />a) Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi (125 kms and Elevation of 1,140 m) – Long journey through the remote areas of Langtang National Park
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<br />b) Shyabrubesi to Kerung (42 kms and elevation of 2,750 m) – Border crossing into Tibet and acclimatization day
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<br />c) Kerung to Tingri (244 kms and elevation of 4,300 m) – Ride to the highest plateau in the world and enjoy breath taking panoramas of Himalayan ranges: Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m), My Xishapagma (8012 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m)
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<br />d) Tingri to Xegar (185 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Ride through the beautiful Tibetan countryside, explore Ronbuk monastery – the highest Buddhist monastery in the world and enjoy the day at Everest Base Camp
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<br />e) Xegar to Shigatse (244 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Cross high altitude snow covered mountain passes and beautiful panoramas to arrive at Shigatse, the second largest Tibetan city
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<br />f) Shigatse to Gyantse (95 kms and elevation of 3950 m) – Head to Gyantse while visiting Tashilumpu monastery, Kumbum stupa and Phalkor monastery
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<br />g) Gyantse to Lhasa (261 km and elevation of 3650 m) – Full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola (5010 m), Kambala (4749 m) , colourful Yamdrok Tso lake and the Tibetan lifeline Brahmaputra or Yarlung Tsangpo river
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">7) Namibia, Southern Africa</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Namib_Desert_Namibia(2).jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Sand Dunes of Namib Desert, Nambia, Africa" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJWVAtGMs-3zJlTxDRuHjzolEH9KRFHoX7s7ME4NaNJd6sGb_W9RX3LYgYQuQUkioDKaVQjc5hml6VKn-wLG6wZ4cHHdoNZ1xpB6c8mika-c37LKzqoZyozCtI3SeZMRVQ31K64bMQK_4_-lBzQzwkh1PlNT5G79rEKu-VAcymxmyTiEcqmp1qFFG7H1g=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Sand Dunes of Namib Desert, Nambia, Africa" width="630" /></a>
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<br />Namibia is a jewel of Southern Africa. The vast expanses of Namib and Kalahari deserts offer remote solitude that is perfect for off-road adventure travel that includes national parks, impossibly tall dunes, rugged canyons, lush rivers, spectacular coastline, savannah, desert and much more. With the highest dunes in the world located in the legendary Namib desert, the infamous Skeleton coast and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, there’s something for everyone in Namibia. Following are the best motorcycle routes in Namibia:
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<br />a) Kaokoveld to Skeleton coast: Opuwo –> Palmwag –> Bergsig –> Cape Cross –> Swakopmund: 674 kms, good gravel roads
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<br />b) Around the Brandberg: About 220 km, all unpaved, very sandy in the Ugab river
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<br />c) Bosua Pass: Windhoek –> C28 –> Swakopmund: 322 km, all unpaved, but good gravel roads
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<br />d) The D707: Betta – Junction C 27/D707 – D707 to end/junction with C13: ~150 km, all unpaved, initially gravel, then sand
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<br />e) C13 along the Orange river: Rosh Pinah –> Sendering Drif –> C13 to Aubenkehr: 105 km, all unpaved, but good gravel road
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">8) Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%9B%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA_%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%85_%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D1%8E%D0%B6%D0%BD._-_panoramio_(3).jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan" border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGQiF3SAvoYZZ1jyyxkwbGmcyZh-GT3emvPHK5a2FDs65RB25S_UqST1z4r7E8oX6I-oxPbLCuqiLIpASxVInfaQMxZuNenJ79Z_FyUIZAMpU-_Kof9z5eyHegGpg-e3UhZQdh4nro-OgXYizt7a8FwpRG_1gu0oZPQRYNOeBoTpYBgpDxXGbidMiWAzw=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan" width="630" /></a>
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<br />The legendary Pamir mountains sit amidst the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayas and the Tian Shan mountain ranges, all whispering to and luring adventurers for thousands of years. The ancient Pamir highway runs between Termez in Uzbekistan and Kara Balta in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of the road however runs through the highlands of Tajikistan, cutting through the Pamir mountains. This gorgeous ride clocks in over 2000 km and climbs to a height of above 15000 feet at Ak-Baital pass. The entire route is one of the higher motorable routes in the world and hence altitude sickness is quite common. It is part of the ancient silk road and is rich in history, adventure and danger. 80% of the roads are paved and about 20% are gravel. The people of Tajikistan are very hospitable and will always help the tourist (musafir) even in the remotest or corners in Tajikistan.
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<br />The Pamir highway route is as follows: Dushanbe –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Khorog –> Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (Yamchun) –> Murgab –> Ak Baital Pass (4655 m) –> Khorog –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Dushanbe
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">9) North East India to Vietnam</font><br />
<br /><img alt="Bell shaped pagodas of Bagan, Burma" border="0" height="347" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1796842466-4.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Bell shaped pagodas of Bagan, Burma" width="630" />
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<br />A few years back, the Indian government opened the India-Myanmar border for overland travel. This opened the possibility of a lush forest motorcycling route spanning 5,200 kms and 5 countries. Starting in Siliguri in the Northern part of West Bengal, this route meanders through the dense jungles and tropical forests of North East India before entering Myanmar at Moreh. In Myanmar, the roads are mostly dirt tracks or gravel roads with wooden and metal bridges till you reach Mandalay. From Mandalay, you cut across Inle lake and into the mountainous province of Myanmar and Mae Hong Son in Thailand before you reach Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. From here, you follow the Mekong river and head towards Luang Prabang in Laos. Then, you head further north into the mountainous region of Laos before you enter the Sapa region of Vietnam. From Sapa, you travel east to Hanoi and then kiss the coast to travel south all the way to the capital city of Ho Chi Minh city. This entire route is a lush tropical paradise. Except for parts of the India-Myanmar border, most roads are paved or in the worst case are good quality gravel roads. You criss cross mountains, rivers, forests and cities to explore this gorgeous part of the world.
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<br /><strong><u>Route map:</u></strong> Siliguri, India –> Moreh, India –> Mandalay, Myanmar –> Chiang Rai, Thailand –> Luang Prabang, Laos –> Hanoi, Vietnam –> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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<br /><font face="Segoe UI" size="6">10) El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia</font>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yungas_road_2017.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Death Road, Bolivia" border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitM7EcprGNroRs7Rj_7q4ndbO4boJlTGtKpD-ItXDJosGSe6gg2evBoibgdbj2zlzmjggTnv9BMJVAwEsoM3q0ePx904TRE63nBKrCZsOyWr6VjgyEhuwduJ7bkL1cW4oIbqSfgQP7feXYwyQ9Xmk8hj1GmhbdvkB4KZPdBWiTbb7w9S26zQKx08YjUHI=s16000" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor;" title="Death Road, Bolivia" width="630" /></a>
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<br />Last, but not the least in this list is the world’s most dangerous road. Known as the ‘Death Road’, this 69 km winding road stretch connects the world’s highest administrative capital of La Paz in Bolivia to the small Amazonian rainforest town of Coroico. The journey begins at 12,000 feet high Laz Paz with its mix of indigenous and modern cultures. The winding route with a single lane ascends to La Cumbre pass (about 15,000 feet high) in the Andean mountain only to dip back down into the Amazon rainforest over the course of 65 kilometres. The road weaves back and forth as it descends, and the thick forest below tends to obscure the steep drop below. The road is a mix of paved, dusty to loosened rock. Extreme weather is the think to stay aware of. At the top, you might face blinding fog and bone chilling weather, while in the rainforest, you can face high humidity and/or pouring rain. The sheer diversity and extreme route makes it a special motorcycling route of the world.
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<br /><em><font size="1"><u>Photo Courtesy:</u> Some of the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.</font></em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0India20.593684 78.96288-7.7165498361788458 43.80663 48.903917836178849 114.11913tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-9359675410651296872023-08-04T12:18:00.000+05:302023-08-04T12:18:08.800+05:30Top Tips for a Memorable Motorbike Road Trip Across India<p><img title="The gorgeous mountain roads of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The gorgeous mountain roads of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPf2JsJkao42InIzdi-aDqxCwJexEJmDf-LzXQLNGluyiBp-y1NA8MjWwP2ZqMqTPqvrITt2GN7nvV5FOOIui6TKziG3MG5Rvn4ESbfnrQdykeHbVRu-decC8TzkyZpNbM1lovP37_TJe98sPsHWxQQ6dVHOJG3ynFv3yCEVHlznmnxYydJOgEpn4c5w=s16000" width="630" height="355" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="451" />
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<br />India, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history, is a <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2012/09/top-11-motorcycling-holidays-in-india.html">motorcyclist's dream destination</a>. Embarking on a motorbike road trip across this vast and enchanting country is an experience like no other. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, and the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavours waiting to be explored. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey, we've compiled a list of top tips for your motorbike road trip across India.
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<br /><b>Plan Your Route Carefully</b>
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<br /><span id="fullpost"><img title="Riding through the sand dunes enroute to Desert National Park, Rajasthan" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Riding through the sand dunes enroute to Desert National Park, Rajasthan" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p544336336-4.jpg" width="630" height="355" />
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<br />With countless destinations to choose from, planning your route is essential. Research the places you wish to visit and create a flexible itinerary that allows you to savour the diversity of each region. Take into account the distance between destinations, road conditions, and available accommodations.
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<br /><b>Choose the Right Time to Travel</b>
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<br /><img title="Winding mountain roads of Arunachal Pradesh" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Winding mountain roads of Arunachal Pradesh" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p604338475-4.jpg" width="630" height="355" />
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<br />India's climate can vary greatly depending on the region and the time of year. Avoid extreme weather conditions and monsoon season, as heavy rains can make roads treacherous. The ideal time for a motorbike road trip in most parts of India is during the winter and early spring months (October to March).
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<br /><b>Pack Light and Wisely</b>
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<br /><img title="Motorcycling through the high mountain passes of Ladakh" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Motorcycling through the high mountain passes of Ladakh" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p182623936-4.jpg" width="630" height="354" />
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<br />On a motorbike, storage space is limited, so pack only the essentials. Prioritise comfortable riding gear, weather-appropriate clothing, a first aid kit, basic tools, and any required documentation. Roll-up storage bags are a great option to maximise space on your bike.
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<br /><b>Be Prepared for Diverse Road Conditions</b>
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<br /><img title="So called National Highways of India which offer a great roller coaster ride....enroute to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="So called National Highways of India which offer a great roller coaster ride....enroute to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p643507034-4.jpg" width="630" height="354" />
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<br />India's roads range from smooth highways to challenging mountain passes and rugged terrains. Be prepared for varying road conditions, unexpected potholes, and chaotic traffic in urban areas. Ride at a moderate speed, especially on unfamiliar roads.
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<br /><b>Ensure Your Motorcycle is Roadworthy</b>
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<br /><img title="A countryside pit stop - Courtrallam, Tamil Nadu" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="A countryside pit stop - Courtrallam, Tamil Nadu" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2169510779-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Before embarking on your journey, give your motorcycle a thorough check-up. Ensure all mechanical components are in good working condition, including brakes, tires, lights, and engine. A well-maintained bike will ensure a smoother and safer trip.
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<br /><b>Observe Traffic Rules and Local Customs</b>
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<br /><img title="Scenic mountain highway from Munnar to Vattavada" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Scenic mountain highway from Munnar to Vattavada" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3095685603-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Indian traffic can be chaotic, with a unique set of unwritten rules. Be patient, stay alert, and adapt to the local driving style. Respect local customs and traditions, and always seek permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
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<br /><b>Stay Hydrated and Mindful of Food Choices</b>
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<br /><img title="At a vineyard in rural Chikkaballapur" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="At a vineyard in rural Chikkaballapur" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p2985681250-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />India's cuisine is diverse and enticing, but it's essential to be cautious about what you eat and drink. Stick to bottled water and avoid consuming street food from unhygienic stalls. Staying hydrated is crucial, so carry water with you at all times.
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<br /><b>Embrace the Beauty of the Journey</b>
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<br /><img title="Chugging along with the World Heritage “Toy Train” to Darjeeling, West Bengal, India" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Chugging along with the World Heritage “Toy Train” to Darjeeling, West Bengal, India" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p439060004-4.jpg" width="630" height="354" />
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<br />India is a land of stunning landscapes and captivating sights. Take frequent breaks to soak in the beauty of your surroundings and interact with the locals. Engaging with people from different backgrounds will enrich your journey and offer unforgettable experiences.
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<br /><b>Get the Right Insurance Cover</b>
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<br /><img title="Monsoon Motorcycle Ride to Malnad, Karnataka" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Monsoon Motorcycle Ride to Malnad, Karnataka" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3031575555-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Before hitting the road, ensure you have the appropriate motorcycle insurance coverage. <a href="https://www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/" target="_blank">Compare motorcycle insurance</a> options online for a simple and convenient way to find the best policy that suits your needs and provides the necessary protection during your road trip.
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<br /><b>Document Your Adventure</b>
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<br /><img title="Crossing the Shivapura hanging bridge on motorcycle" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Crossing the Shivapura hanging bridge on motorcycle" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3746830801-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Capture the memories of your motorbike road trip across India through photographs and journaling. Documenting your journey will not only help preserve the experiences but also provide a way to share your adventures with friends and family back home.
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<br /><b>Safety First</b>
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<br /><img title="Maravanthe beach - An iconic highway pit stop of Karnataka" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Maravanthe beach - An iconic highway pit stop of Karnataka" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3985099978-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />Above all, prioritise safety throughout your trip. Always wear proper riding gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. Avoid riding at night in remote areas, and be cautious of wildlife on the roads, especially in national parks and reserves.
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<br /><b>Embrace Spontaneity</b>
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<br /><img title="A bright monsoon day at Bisle Forest, Karnataka" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="A bright monsoon day at Bisle Forest, Karnataka" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p3986095646-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
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<br />While planning is essential, leave room for spontaneity. Some of the most remarkable experiences often come from unplanned detours and unexpected encounters along the way. Be open to new adventures and go with the flow.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0India20.593684 78.96288-7.7165498361788458 43.80663 48.903917836178849 114.11913tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-70142153346820534402023-07-21T15:19:00.004+05:302023-07-21T15:19:49.325+05:30Rolling Injipara Tea Estates of Valparai: Stunning Location for a Morning Walk<p><img title="Injipara Tea Estate and the factory in the yonder, Valparai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Injipara Tea Estate and the factory in the yonder, Valparai" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDgD7yVop_S6bIh_bVvdWj7saOzwxhnJahzTzVAZjFdSXc_ebzUuIS40GTAUvXG_Jfq3SZIsv0vTdA6d0fu0ORkil74BkMcfJpXW7pfXM3GvHxrmIUlvXsFoOAv2l6XLVYupvCkH04RXdPn5VHnITFsAbc4Jm3wmNKDm6JqHuj1Ek_MZQi1igG0zjbQU8=s16000" width="630" height="472" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" />
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<br />Do you love plantation holidays? Well, if you do, you will certainly like the rolling Injipara tea estates of Valparai. Owned by the Woodbriar group and home to two of the Briar Tea Bungalow properties, this private tea garden landscape is a treat for the eyes. As Injipara tea estate is privately owned land, only the people staying in any of the Briar Tea Bungalows can visit this place. This means that you hardly have more than a few tens of people at any time here.
<br /><span id="fullpost"> <br /><img title="The rolling hills of tea as seen from the cottages of Stanmore Garden Bungalows, Valparai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The rolling hills of tea as seen from the cottages of Stanmore Garden Bungalows, Valparai" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p490500710-4.jpg" width="630" height="336" />
<br /><br /> While the private roads of Injipara tea estate make for a beautiful winding drive, I think it makes for a stunning location for a morning walk. You can either embark on your walk after your morning tea/coffee or you can carry hot piping coffee and cookies with you and enjoy them at a scenic pit stop.
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<br /><img title="The scenic private road through Injipara Estate, Valparai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="The scenic private road through Injipara Estate, Valparai" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p1806640-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
<br /><br /> Tea factories, rivers, birdlife, wildlife, butterflies, lush nature and more can be experienced on this walk through Injipara tea estate. While you enjoy the heady smell of tea wafting through the air, keep an eye out for peacocks that usually can be found amidst the tea bushes during the morning hours. There are old bus stops that make for great picnic spots and where you can enjoy your tea/coffee and cookies. The fresh air, the disappearing morning mist, the golden rays of the morning sun and the heady panoramic view of rolling tea gardens makes this an absolutely special morning plantation walk.
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<br /><img title="Injipara Tea Estate, Valparai" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Injipara Tea Estate, Valparai" src="https://photos.beontheroad.com/img/s/v-10/p469902283-4.jpg" width="630" height="472" />
<br /><br />If you happen to be visiting Valparai, do check out this place. If you aren’t staying at the Briar Tea Bungalows, you can drop by Stanmore garden bungalow for some tea and snacks and request the office for permission to go on this walk. If you are staying at any of the Briar Tea Bungalows, you should definitely not miss either the Injipara tea garden morning walk or the <a href="https://www.beontheroad.com/2022/06/nadumalai-river-hike-through-tea-gardens-valparai.html">hike to Nadumalai river</a>. I recommend this place with double thumbs up!</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Valparai, Tamil Nadu 642127, India10.3269734 76.9553967-17.983260436178846 41.799146699999994 38.637207236178845 112.1116467tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1624744958963134273.post-21273124802480324882023-07-20T17:17:00.001+05:302023-07-20T17:17:11.120+05:30Top Tips for a Canada Road Trip<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wildlife_Crossing_in_Banff_National_Park.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Wildlife Crossing in Banff National Park, Canada" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Wildlife Crossing in Banff National Park, Canada" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg605AMFsAVTqGofrlLPcohWwsNIcPYoUowsiV6ObP6vLbW_XWmMyBBM4HHEjcY7tVFcMc1PNyTP_j1JEuOblMQHMpiJCt2hFBJjlpEUvh_S0Q8kdCYLImxJiiwmuxVJyziBtllwMh1YKqbcZV_ECcEkHJJtl_Rzal0iLrM6rplwylEVJZq82VvxNhFDOc=s16000" width="630" height="400" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="406" /></a>
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<br />Driving across Canada is a great way to explore the best places and get an authentic experience. There are lots of perks to opting for an adventure with a car or RV, the most important of all being how much you will actually see along the way. However, choosing this option does require some strategic planning that is simply inescapable. Here are the top tips for a Canada road trip that will enhance your adventure and create some great memories. <b>
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<br />Plan Your Route from Start to Finish</b>
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<br /><span id="fullpost">The best way to plan your <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-road-trips-scenic-drives-canada" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">road trip route</a> is to divide destinations into non-negotiable and optional. The optional column is things you can fit in along the way if time allows, and the non-negotiable is self-explanatory. With this list of places, sights, and experiences you can begin to build the most efficient driving route that will tick every place off along the way.
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<br /><b>Make Sure You Know the Rules of the Road</b>
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<br />Canada has its <a href="https://travellemming.com/driving-in-canada/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">own driving laws</a> that you need to learn if you are going to be spending a significant amount of time behind the wheel. Don’t get caught out by poor preparation, because it is important to feel confident before you start driving so your trip is as enjoyable as possible.
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<br /><b>Take Care of Essential Admin in Advance</b>
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<br />There are a few things you will need for your Canadian road trip, including, most importantly, your passport. Canada requires people from a lot of other countries to hold a valid visa too, and you can <a href="https://www.ivisa.com/canada/visitor-visa" target="_blank">click here</a> to figure out what you need to do in this area. Sorting out the details means taking care of the tasks like this well in advance of your departure date. You don’t need anything delaying the big moment, and admin is just a small steppingstone to cross in order to have the best adventure.
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<br /><b>Plan for the Weather</b>
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<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yukon_Highway.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Yukon Highway, Canada" style="border: 0px currentcolor; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Yukon Highway, Canada" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhByK0-DnCQKJ00qPatSR3lqRmV7PWm6cIwIxiR0_YzonrNW9nPostZk4sBOpir1ttKb5eu3uRY5GIpk82jaLS3LcMUFG4s5S7FDanT5rX8W3ClOBvrnjHW6G0Orig6ckRXr0kI-xT3Z2WwLQufNHPSU20myU9oCNU3OGnC-stLTaiz7DfpaCW06lL7pm0=s16000" width="630" height="421" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="428" /></a>
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<br />Canada has some extreme weather depending on where you are going and what time of year it is. Certain parts have freezing cold temperatures and lots of snow, and even storms which you won’t want to get caught up in. Research your route properly and make sure you are not at risk of being swept up by any adverse conditions from the skies because this will put your safety at risk and reduce the enjoyment factor too. The best time to drive about is definitely the spring or summer (as long as you have air conditioning).
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<br /><b>Pack Smart</b>
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<br />Canada is a vast country, especially when traveling by road. There could be hours between petrol stations and amenities in certain areas so you <a href="https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/road-trip-packing-list-essentials/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">have to pack smart.</a> If you see a big gap on the route, make sure you are covered provisions wise and fuel wise so that you don’t end up in the middle of nowhere with limited phone reception and options for being rescued.
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<br />Whether you’re going to see the mountains or hitting the big cities, Canada has hundreds of things to offer travellers. Stay safe by planning ahead and making sure you are aware of potential dangers along the way.
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<br /><em><font size="1"><strong><u>Note:</u></strong> The pictures used in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.</font></em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post is the copyright of www.beontheroad.com. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
If you are seeing this post on a site other than beontheroad.com, please bring it to the notice of Sankara, the owner of beontheroad.com at sankaracs at beontheroad dot com. </div>Sankara Subramanianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774568520785842987noreply@blogger.com0Canada56.130366 -106.34677127.820132163821157 -141.503021 84.440599836178848 -71.190521