Sittanavasal Cave/ Arivar Koil/ Jain cave temple and Eladipattam

Next stop was Sittanavasal there are two roadthat can be taken,but I followed the Musiri-Kulithalai-Manapparai-Pudukottai--Alangudi-Peravoorani-Sethubavacam Rd which was quite familiar to me.

I did not stop at Eladipattam as I wanted to start with Sittanavasal. I first read about Sittanavasal in  The Hindu back in my school days.Sittanavasal is not a popular destination among usual visitors definitely  underrated. Sittanavasal or Arivar koil is a rock cut temple.The first sight one get to see is that of pillared enclosure and steps upon the slopy hill that will lead take you to the cave temple.I was told that this pillared construction is relatively new dating to 20th century by Pandiya kings .But all  these were put together as a result of restoration carried out by ASI. .There are tamil inscriptions on the forepart of the temple.

Like I mentioned maintained by ASI the place is ticketed and there is a guide cum care taker who explains  about the place.Being Sunday there were few tourist otherwise it carries a deserted look. The guide is a short tempered man so be careful with his mood swing..The temple is relatively small with a hall and a main sanctum sanctorum.
There are beautiful fresco that  have withstood the test of time.He explained that few of them were lost as a result of vandalism.He didn't let us take picture and this was the one I managed before he stopped.

If these painting were so wonderful I was wondering how amazing the paintings of Ajanta caves Maharastra would be.The painting depicts a lotus pond and the flowers being collected by monks , animals from the pond depicting Jaina Samavasarana. He informed us that all these paintings are regarded as the greatest of the old century.

The sanctum sanctorum is a small room like enclosure were the guide demonstrated an interesting thing.He explained to us that the monks mediated here striking a balance of the mind with that of nature and when that comes in line a reverberating OM a mesmerizing chant could be heard.These definitely got me goose bumps , there were other tourists who all tried their turn to get it right but in vain.

This place is a must visit for archaeology enthusiasts.Very underrated

Eladipattam

Eladipattam is a natural rock shelter on top of a hill.One can walk through the steps that could be slight tricky but there are iron support to help you out.

There are low roofed rock beds with inscriptions.They are behind iron bars to protect them from vandalism, which has already destroyed the beauty of it.It really breaks my heart to see such things upon such heritage important sites, destroying the very essence of the soul.There are seventeen beds in number.

One can and enjoy the view of the village from top .Its a best place to be around 5:00 pm evening .They close down at 5:30.Like Sittanavasal there is an entry fee of Rs 5.
Jain monks living a life so well in the old days choosing all these caves for their way of life and builting it the way they chose is still an enigma to me.

How to reach
This place is well connected to Trichy and Pudukottai by road though there are government operating,I would recommend for a personal vehicle.Get your GPS on toe or do not shy away to ask for direction.The locals are quiet helpful and don't get carried away with their walkable distance.For them even five to eight mile (one mile is equal to 1.6 km) is a walkable distance.It would be good if you browse through the history before you get to the place ,so that it is easy to understand when the guide explains to you about the fresco or to search for the number of beds in the cavern. 3 to 4pm would be an ideal time to visit the place for having a breezy evening.
The nearest railway station is Pudukottai though Trichy would be ideal for people from most places.

Thirumayam fort, Pudukottai

Thirumayam that falls on the Pudukottai-Karaikudi highway is easily.As I was on my way home Trichy I thought of stopping by the fort.For me it was around 45 min drive.I stopped in Pudukottai for lunch and then headed to this fort.

Taken care by Archeological survey of India, there is entrance fee to the premises.Built by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi in 1867 was handed over to Raghunatha Raya Thondaiman. Recently renevoated it hasn't fallen victim of vandalism yet.Originally with seven concentric walls now only three ramain. There are three entrances from north, south and east.

On top of the fortress there is a an elevated structure built of stones that holds a canon that is believed to be of  British Origin

Adjacent to the bastion there a water source that is caged and protected.

There is nothing much to do on top of the fortress and since the the fort doesn't enjoy a great elevation, you can see the highway and dry thorned plants around the fort.As you get out of the fort to the left of he main fort there is a cave temple of Lord Shiva.Climbing up the iron steps was fun .There is one more rock cut structure just opposite to this temple. 

How to reach

Thirumayam is about 20km from Pudukottai and is well connected by road as it is on NH 210 which Trichy-Rameshwaram highway.

Karpaga vinayagar temple, Pillayarpatti and Sri Shanmughanathar temple Kundrakudi

Tamilnadu is known majorly for its beautiful temple that carries a richness of architectural splendor matched by tradition and culture.I feel lucky to have lived most of life here in the Trichy Tanjore region which is the prime expanse of  beautiful temples.

Karpaka Vinayakar Temple at Pillayarpatti is quiet famous among devotees for its age old rituals and few specialities attached to the presiding diety of Lord Ganesha. I planned to set out to the place as it is just 2hr drive away.On a Sunday I set out to Pillayarpatti which  is a small town untouched by the modernity yet there are facilities enough to keep one going.There are sign boards all around the place that will lead you to the temple.My first site of the temple was with its large pond that offered a dash of cool breeze in the summer especially when the drive itself were quite dry, dusty and hot.

There is no specific area marked for parking and check the space before you part or there is every chance that your vehicle being wheel being punctured.Quite different to the place the temple is elaborate with the old world charm that only a rock cut temple can  offer.

I was quite excited to click all the speciality and that's when I saw the board that read that photography inside temple premises were not allowed, somehow I have a problem clicking when I get to see something like that, sorry about that but I'll try to explain as much as possible without pictures.

Karpaga Vinayaga temple derived its named from the main deity vinayaka aka lord Ganesh. Just like the Karpagavruksham or tree that satisfies every wish.Lord Ganesha the main deity is believed to fulfill every devotee's wish thus being known by this name.The central idol is a huge one just like that of shiva's lingam at Tanjavore Big temple.Unlike the usual idol this Lord Ganesha has only two hands in seen seated with his legs folded without the help of a stool.More interestingly smaller shrines of godess Laxmi, Saraswathi and Durga also found.The place offers too much to peace, the crowd was scanty dark and calm.You can find inscriptions .It is believd that Pallavas built this beautiful rock cut temple.It is also said that the shape of Lord Ganesha's idol itself such that when joined from heard to hand then to trunk to feet it resembles that of Tamil letter "O".There lord shiva lingam also in the same temple making it even interesting place to be in.Another specialty of this temple is that Lord Ganesha is seated facing north hence devotees worshiping would be blessed with all wealth.

How to reach Pillayarpatti

Like I said Pillayarpatti is a small town.The nearest railway station is Karaikudi which is 13 km away or Madurai or Trichy around 70 and 100km respectively.Buses are frequently available.I found few hotels around but I'm not sure on how good they are.

Unlike other temples shopping options near the temple is not there except for one or two stalls that sell flowers and coconut.

Sri Shanmughanathar Temple, Kundrakudi

On my way from Pillayarpatti I stopped at sri Shanmughanathar temple at Kundrakudi which is just few km from Pillayarpatti.

This temple is on top of a small hill.There is a small shrine dedicated for Lord Ganesh at the foothill.There are flightsof stair one has to climb in order to get a glimpse of Lord Sanmugam or Murugan who happens to be Lord Ganesha's younger brother.Here is refered to as Sri Shanmughanathar as the idol is six faced.On my way to Lird Murugan I also happend to see two more lord Ganesha's temple.I don't knowas on the story behind them though.

The time I got there was just when the Srikovil opened up after the noon pooja. It was a beautiful feeling when themain door opens up with the sacred bell ringing paired with the aarathi (sacred flame) by the poojari.Lord murugan is seen with goddess Valli and Deivanai. Another special feature of the temple is that the navagraha face lord Muruga's statue.after Parikrama and enjoying cool breeze in the mid day with not much view to look around, I started my descend.But unlike Pillayarpatti, this temple had a fair share of shops selling colourful things.My next stop would be Pudukottai for lunch.

Kashmir dairy: Gulmarg, meadow of flowers

Gulmarg famous skiing paradise is at an elevation of 8,825 ft making a great place during winter.They say there is a rush of foreign crowd in the winter when there are skiing competitions organised attracting participants far and wide.Gulmarg is around a drive of 1:30 hr.

We stopped at Tanmarg to hire winter gear.We then resumed our journey to Gulmarg with all those heavy coats and boots.The drive till Tanmarg was quiet smooth but from from then on there are numerous hairpin bends through the mountain with pines making green scenary.

Predictably we were surrounded by the pony men and were told that Ponies are the best option to reach the top but we somehow managed to make them understand that we needed a cable ride than on pony.But our relief was momentary as we were surprised to see the crowd .

We booked for boarding passes online. There are two options phase one Kungdoor and phase two which is called Aparwath.It is in phase two one can play with snow just like Sonamarg. As phase two is closed time and again as per snow fall we could get tickets only to phase one which could be extended on arrival from the counter in Gulmarg.It is best to get online tickets as the queue is quite long otherwise.We walked through beautiful golf fields.

There were announcements of phase two being closed then being resumed after sometime.

After a long queue we got to the Gondola station.Gondola can accommodate 6 people in one car.

Pir Panjal and Nanga Parbat ccould be seen from here.The journey till Kangdoor was quite smooth and exciting.We could see a chair car that was not operational anymore.

View from Gondola stop phase one was real beautiful, there is a restaurant and many people selling clothes and other fancy stuffs throughout.After few clicks we set for the next phase very eagerly.we could also see the tourist who had opted for ponies also having a good time.

I must admit we had the best time in Phase two with loads of snow around and no sign of rain unlike our experience in Sonamarg.Its here that our heavy winter gear came handy, People who are not interested in exploring phase two need not go for the winter gear.We could only stay there for twenty minutes and I had difficulty in breathing and so started our descend through the Gondola back to the station.

 To touch and get the feel of snow and play around was such an experience the changing scene from green to white and to move through the soft flakes was like a wow moment.There were tourist making snow balls and throwing at each other.There were people who skiing too.Many kids were trying to make snow man too..All in all the day was something to remember and cherish.

And that's what I wore for the day, you can check it out here.

Kashmir diary-House boat stay @ Dal lake

Dal lake is famous for its house boats but.Nagin lake and Jhelum river also offers the wonder called house boat for me it was a dream come true.
I was too eager t step onto Shikara(small boat) that would take us to our houseboat

As soon as the shikara starts its way into the heart of Dal lake, you can see shikara selling various stuffs coming towards you, we were told to keep away from them as the prices would be sky high.

One can get to see different kind of life on Dal Lake ,you get everything on water even a cup steaming cup of tea and snack.

The horizon started to fade away its glow slowly and watching the horizon from shikara was a beautiful site

Our first destination was the floating market that sells handicrafts since it was getting dark I couldn't get good pictures yet I savoured everything I got to see 

I found the price really high after sailing through the market for a while and having tuzzi this time it were of chicken but I must say the one outside Chashm-e-shahi was tastier and cheaper than this

Finally we moved onto our house boat.Our boatman told us that hell pick us up early for the vegetable market ride.Our house boat attendant was waiting for us with a smile.His name was Ali and he looked quite young for this kind of job.He told us that this boat housed four suites 2 of them being 3 bedded and 2 bedded one with single bed, he also told us that only one was occupied.He took us through the narrow path

 to our room that was by the end of the passage

And wow I felt as though I stepped back into time.The interior was such that with elaborate wood work that could be found in the victorian era. Our bathroom had a tub too all very classy.

Ali served us coffee and we got started chatting.He told us that he is involved in the embroidery and explained about different types of stitches and work.He also told us that on season he works here and would go back to his family in off season and get back to work as he prefers that over his work in house boat.

We were all too tired after a long day that we all slept quite early skipping our dinner. At

5:45am we started for the vegetable market, it is a energy packed site with lot of huzzle and buzzle .I forgot to take my cam  but you check here to get a hang of the site.

We got back around 7:30 and hot Kehwa's aroma invited us .We had specially requested for it.Later on we 

 had English breakfast and relaxed on the balco of our houseboat .

We had neighbors too

Through my window I saw this small kid coming to this boat taking control of it and move with absolute elegance and brillance

Around 9:00 am out shikara greeted us again and slowly and steadily our house boat began to fade from the view and bank started to show off clearly.That was a brilliant experience, a must have in every tourist's itenary.

And that's what I wore for the day, you can check it out here.

Note:

Have a word or two with your fellow tourist for the shikara ride fare.Look least interested to them when asked for a ride to floating market and vegetable market in the morning so that you get to bargain for the best prize.Do not shy away from bargain let the best spirit spring from.

Vegetable market sparks into action before dawn so get ready to get to feel the real spirit.

The prize for the goods they sell on Shikara are real high, so think twice before buying and bargain profusely.