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Tirupati
It is Situated in the amidst of the exotic Seven Hills in South Andhra Pradesh, India, the temple town of Tirupati and Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara is a great place to worship.Tirupati’ means the “Lord of Lakshmi,” and should have been applied to the village on the Venkat hill, the dwelling of Lord Venkateswara. However, Tirupati is the town and transport hub at the bottom of the hill. The hill near the temple is called ‘Tirumala’ or the “sacred hill.” Tirumala is in the extreme southeast of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in the Chittoor district of the state. The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. It is best known as a major religious site. Famous ancient shrines occupy the sacred hill of Tirumala just northwest of the city. The Tirumala temple, which occupies the hill’s summit, reputedly draws more than a million visitors annually and is said to be the richest temple in India. There is a small airport at Tirupati which receives flights from Hyderabad, Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are train connections from many places in the region and even twice weekly connections to Mumbai. The temple here is said to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing even Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca with the number of pilgrims visiting it. Tirupati is bounded by Tirumala hills on the north, Sri Venkateswara University forms its Western boundary. It is bounded on the south by open fields of Avilala and Tiruchanoor revenue villages and on the east by Akkarampalle village to old Renigunta road and Alipiri - Kapila Theertham road line towards northern boundary.
The Crocodile Bank
It is Located 42-km from Chennai. It is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This crocodile bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools. The wildlife reserve offers a green bed of lush tropical vegetation, which provides ample shade to the thousands of crocodilians. The main attraction at the Chennai Crocodile Bank is the crocodile conservation center, which is the largest croc-breeding site in India. The Crocodile Bank, which disseminates scientific information collected from its on-going research projects on the biology of crocodiles, also conducts research on turtles and monitor lizards, which are the crocodile’s environmental partners, found in common habitats. India has about 26 species of turtles many of which are endangered. The Indian species include the 3.6 metre long Marsh/Mugger variety which is the most widely distributed species once found in all lowland water systems including the arid State of Rajasthan; the four to five metre long Gharials, the crocodile with the longest jaw which has a pot like snout; and the largest of reptiles, the Saltwater crocodiles, eight metres long and 900 kilogram’s in weight, found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sunderbans in West Bengal and in coastal Orissa.
Vivekananda Illam
Vivekananda Illam is originally called Ice House, this landmark was re-christened Vivekananda Illam in 1963. This was in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda’s brief sojourn here. It has been renovated recently, with a statue of Swami Vivekananda installed. r. Frederic Tudor, the ‘Ice King’, built three houses in Kolkata , Mumbai and Chennai to keep ice under proper insulation so that it could be stored for months together. Amongst the three buildings the one at Chennai alone stands today. It was built in the year 1842. Tudor maintained his business in Chennai from 1842 up to around 1880. After the invention of making ice by ’steam process’ in India, his business collapsed. Then the Ice House was sold to Mr.Biligiri Iyengar, a prosperous advocate of the Madras High Court. He remodeled the house adding circular verandahs and provided it with many windows to make it fit as residential quarters.
Parthasarthy Temple
Parthasarathy Temple is One of the oldest surviving temples in the city, the Sri Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was first built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century.The temple covers an area of about 1.5 acrees. The gold image of Tirumaal Nachiyaar, adorning the chest of Venkatakrishnar is a rare work of art. It is believed that Venkateswara of Tirupati manifested himself as Parthasarathy here, and hence the name Venkatakrishnan. He is seen with His consort Rukmani on His right and His brother Sri Balaraman on His left. Sri Parthasarathy is installed as a processional deity with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi on either side. There is a shrine to Rama in a standing posture, flanked by Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrugna and Hanuman facing east. There is also a shrine to Varadarajan in a seated posture on the Garuda mount facing east. There is also a shrine to Narasimhar in a seated posture facing west. Apart from these, there is a separate shrine for Andal. This is the only shrine among the 108 Divya Desams, where Krishna is seen enshrined with images of his family.As in Tirupati, Tirumanjanam is performed on Fridays to Venkatakrishnan. Moolam asterism in the month of Aippasi is considered sacred. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai.
ELLIOT’S BEACH
At one end of the beach is the Church of Our Lady of Health, Madonna, which
Greets people of all faiths. There is also the Ashtalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the eight manifestations of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Schmidt Memorial is an immediately recognisable landmark on this picturesque beach. The beach is lined with fast food joints, small stores, and a few shrines. It is a popular hangout for the younger generation these days. Four decades ago, Elliot’s beach was the favourite haunt of foreigners seeking a secluded beach to sun bathe at. Special attractions of the evening included an attractive recycled paper bag stall run by Gopal, a gypsy; a film by the Doordarshan on the noble work of the life guards and the eatables stand. The entertainment programs which included classical dances, devotional bhajans, and folk dances were a major hit with the audience. Though the church is much smaller than the original one at Velankanni it attracts its own share of pilgrims. The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to goddess Lakshmi looks quite different from the usual South Indian temples as it is a modern granite tier construction, not even 20 years old.
KAPALEESWARAR TEMPLE
The magnificent 37 m tall gopuram is profusely carved. The crowded cosmogeny of stucco gods, goddesses and saints depict important Puranic legends.The place named “Thirumayilai” or otherwise called “Mylapore” which forms the part of ancient “Thondainadu". The temple ‘Gopuram’ (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. This temple is located at southern part of Katcheri Road in south Mylapore. The place where the temple is located is otherwise called as “Kabaleesaram". The original temple was submerged under the sea & the current temple structure was a later construction. The Moolavar is Kapaleeswarar & Amman is Karpagambal. There are separate sannadhis for several deities such as Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Murugar, Saneeswara. A well known landmark in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai this temple is visited by thousands, especially during the famed ‘Arupattu Moovar’ festival in the month of Pisces. The Teppam or float festival in the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds here.
Marina Beach
The Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world, Elliot’s beach; the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society; Kalakshetra, an internationally renowned institution for the Indian Classical dance and music; Kapaleeswarar Temple, a 7th century wonder, with its tall temple tower and splendid sculpture; St.Thomas Mount where St.Thomas was martyred and the Santhome Cathedral Basilica built over the tomb of St.ThomasIt’s 12 km-long stretch is the second longest in the world. It is located on the eastern side of the city adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here. In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach. With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens, the Marina beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai. One can even shop around the beach, with local vendors hawking wares ranging from shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. The Marina, however, is large enough to accommodate all visitors as well as the hawkers and is often the venue for important state functions. The Senate House of the University of Madras and the old buildings now housing government offices, such as Ezhilagam and the Director General of Police office. They wear a mystical look in the morning when the Sun rises. There are several statues of the Tamil scholars and the sculpture of the Victory of Labour and Mahatma Gandhi. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Chennai, Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, and Ice House are located on this beach drive. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America, is south to the Aquarium and of course the Anna And MGR Samadhis are worth watching. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis, that are the memorials of the most popular, former Chief ministers of the state, attract good crowd everyday.
Covelong
This lies 55 km enroute to Mamallapuram which is 60 km from Madras and is a breathtaking seaside haven ideal for a relaxing holiday. he environs, ambience, peace, tranquillity and the infrastructure at the Covelong beach come together to make it one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. In the yester years Covelong was the renowned port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic. On digging the past it is revealed that Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic, built the ancient port of Covelong. Women still wear flowers in their hair and young girl pratice the age-old Bharatanatayam Dance everyday. In this charming city modernization has not dampened the rich heritage handed down from generation to generation. Covelong is renowned for its fishing activities. The swaying palms, environs, ambience, peace, tranquility and the infrastructure have made Covelong one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. An ancient Catholic Church, a Mosque and the Fort make an interesting view from the resort. The sea and the surf here are gentle. Snuggle in for a cosy sunbath. But it is brisk with fishing activities. The sea and the surf here are gentle.
The National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery was established in 1857. It has the sections on geology, archaeology anthropology, numismatics, botany, zoology and sculpture, besides a collection of armoury. The National Art Gallery is based on an Henry Irwin design and was built in 1907, by T. Namberumal Chetty. The building itself is one of the finest pieces of period architecture in the city. It isInspired by Mughal architectural motifs, the design work is most impressively showcased on the facade. The eminent historian Tillotson described it as one of “the proudest expressions of the Indo-Sarcenic movement". There is a good collection of old paintings and sculptures including Tanjore paintings on glass; Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings; Deccan paintings from 17th century; and handcrafts, metalware, and ivory carvings from 11th and 12th century. The Amaravathy Gallery contains rare second century marble sculptures which depict important events in the life of Gautama Buddha. The sculptures were unearthed from the Buddhist ruins at Amaravathi. The National Art Gallery exhibits serveral beautiful paintings, which include 16th and 18th century ones from Rajasthan, the Mughal period and 17th Century Deccani art.
Madurai
Madurai or the city of nectar is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar (madhu) fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named Madhurapuri.The city is said to have got its name from the drops of nectar (Madhu) that fell from Shiva’s locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Originally named Madhurapuri or the ‘Land of Nectar’, the name later got modified as Madurai. From such legendary beginnings, the actual history of Madurai emerges sometime during 3rd century BC when it was the capital of the Pandyas who had trade contacts with Greece and Rome. The next major rulers of Madurai were the Vijayanagar kings who won over the territory in 1371. They appointed the Nayaks as governors who, in time, became powerful in their own right. adurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Madurai is closely associated with the literary wealth of Classical and Modern Tamil. The crowning glory of this historic city is the sprawling Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple.
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