City Palace – Jaipur

City Palace – Jaipur

City Palace is the most predominant landmark of Jaipur city. It is very popular among tourists from all over the world. You too should not miss to visit this palace complex during Jaipur tours. Situated in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex provides you and idea about vision of the founder of Jaipur city Sawai Jai Singh II. The palace presents an excellent example of imposing and magnificent architecture, art and craft structure. The palace is blend of Rajasthani and Mughal Architecture.

While exploring the City Palace Complex you will have opportunity to visit some palatial palaces within this palace complex. Some of the worth visiting attractions inside the city palace complex are:

Mubark Mahal: Also known as the Palace of Welcome or Reception, this palace was built by Sawai Madho Singh in the 19th century. This palace was used as a reception centre for the visiting persons. Now the palace is converted into Museum displaying a wide array of royal costumes like Pashmina Shawls, Benarasi Silk Saris, Sanganeri Prints, and folk embroidery etc.

Maharani Palace: Maharani Palace, the palace of queens, is also converted as a museum displaying Rajput weapons, like scissor-action dagger, chain armors, pistols, jeweled and ivory jeweled swords, a belt sword, guns, poison tipped blades and gun powder pouches, etc. You will also marvel at well preserved and amazing frescos on the ceiling of this palace.

Diwan-I-Aam: While exploring the city palace complex, one of the worth visiting attractions is Diwan-I-Aam, the Hall of Audience where you will see the Art Gallery. rajasthan tours operators will help you to see ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures, miniature paintings, elephant saddles, etc. You will also marvel at well preserved painted ceilings.

Diwan-I-Khas: Meaning hall of private or selective audience, this marble structure is also worth visiting. It displays world largest sterling silver object two gigantic silver vessels made by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II.

Chandra Mahal: Also known as Moon Palace is still occupied by the royal family. But the ground floor of this palace can be visited by visitors.

You can too enjoy the attractions of city palace complex among several attractions of Jaipur City on your Jaipur tour. You should not miss to visit Jaipur City Palace Complex on your tours to Jaipur.

Jaipur is well connected by road, rail and air.

Telescope House

Telescope House A telescope has been installed on the Ghat road for the benefit of tourists to glimpse the slopes and terrains of the hills. There are also the temples dedicated to Tamil Annai, Vinayagar and Hanuman.

Government Herbal Farm

Government Herbal Farm The forest department maintains a herbal farm adjacent of the Punganur lake. Here herbs and shrubs are cultivated to produce the main ingredients in the manufacture of Ayurvedic and Siddha forms of treatment.

Government Fruit Farm

Government Fruit Farm The botanical gardens at Athanavur and Nilavur have varieties of fruit bearing trees and plants that bear flowers of various hues, fragrances and shapes.

Velavan Temple

Velavan Temple A temple for lord Murugan is located atop of a hillock. The location of this temple also serves as a viewing point. From here one can have the pleasure of viewing the green woods of the Yelagiri Hills. The yearly festival of this temple is conducted during the Tamil month of Adi (July – August). A gigantic sculpture of Godothgajan in a free standing posture is in front of this temple.

Punganur Lake & Children’s Park

Punganur Lake It is an artificial lake dug in an area of 56.706 sq. mtrs. Boating on the waters of this lake can be an enchanting experience. An artificial fountain can be seen at the centre of the lake.


Children’s Park A well laid out park on a 6-acre stretch of land, adjacent to the lake, is established for children visiting Yelagiri. Play equipment are installed within the park.

The Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society runs the Boathouse at the park.

Yelagiri Hill

Introduction

Yelagiri Hill is one of the popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst four mountains well known for its salubrious climate prevail throughout the year. Tribal people live in villages in these hills.

If you travel the winding Ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends you can reach the Yelagiri hilltop. The hairpin bends offer panoramic, breath taking views of the hills and its surroundings. The seventh bend is significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green forests that carpet the hill.

Yelagiri comprises 14 small villages. The tribal people who live here are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. Their customs, habits, and the structure if their houses are very unique and attract tourists.

Pillaiyarpatti

Pillaiyarpatti: The best known of the Nagarathar clan temples, Pillaiyarpatti, about 12 kms from Karaikudi on the road to Madurai. It attracts visitors in large numbers from all parts of India and abroad. The Karpaga Vinayagar here is a huge bas-relief in a cave hewn out of a hillock and is a splendid example of the art of the South India sculptor. The tall sculpture is more than 6 feet tall and dates back to the 5th Century A.D. The Rajagopuram is on the eastern entrance and rises in five storeys. The temple is rich in stone and terracotta sculptures. There are 30 bronzes in the temple that date from the 10th century. The main deities here are Karpaga Vinayagar, Lord Thiruveswarar and his consort Sivagami.

Iraniyur

Iraniyur: About 25 kms from Karaikudi on the Pillaiyarapatti road, near Keelasivalpatti, is the Iraniyur temple. There are 50 bronzes here, a splendid Nataraja dating to the 12th -13th century period. One of the bronzes belong to the 16th century, another in a 5-metal alloy of the 17th century, a dozen from the 19th century and the rest from the 20th century. Two groups of beautiful paintings grace the Lakshmi mandapam. Opposite the Rajagopuram is one set of paintings done in the Vijayanagar style during the first renovation and another in the 1940s during the second renovation. The latter displays the Ravi Varma influence.

Velankudi

Velankudi: The last clan temple is the Velankudi temple that is located on the Karaikudi-Thiruchirapalli road, about 10 kms from Karaikudi, in an area abounding in vela trees. With just 46 pullis and a membership of less than 200 in its four villages, this is smallest temple clan among the Nagarathars. A curious feature is that their numbers have not changed for over a hundred years. The result is a temple to which scant attention has been paid towards renovation. The last kumbhabhishekam for the temple was performed in 1937. The temple was granted to the Nagarathars in 718 A.D.

Soorakudi:

Soorakudi: The Soorakudi temple is about 10 kms from Karaikudi on the road to Kanadukathaan and the Chettinad railway station. The soorai shrub also abounds here and is given as an explanation for the name of the village. The temple has ten vimanams and two gopurams. Its rajagopuram to the east, comprises five storeys and is richly embellished. Another striking feature of the temple is the sculptured pillars on the corridor around the shrines of the main deities. This is one of the temples of the Nagarathar clan that is held in high regard for its sculptures.

Chengalpattu

Around Chennai

Chengalpattu The TTDC provides boating facilities to the tourists in the beautiful lake at Chengalpattu. Pulicat It is India’s second largest brackish water lagoon, and is located 60 km north of Chennai. The Pulicat Lake is a breeding ground for rare birds. It consists of about 16 island villages and 30 adjoining the lake. The lake offers a good potential for eco- tourism. The principal birds that visit Pulicat lake are the flamingo and heron. About 15,000 of these birds visit Pulicat every year. Mamallapuram It is about 60 kms from Chennai.The monuments of Mamallapuram date back to the Pallava period of the 7th-8thcenturies. It is also a beach resort offering wide range of hotels to stay. Tourists are charged a one-time Entry fee for all monuments:

Vedanthangal (85 kms) This is a bird sanctuary for migratory water birds. It is about 85 kms from Chennai. Season: November- March. Entry Fee: Adult Re 1.00, Child 0.50 paise.

Gudiyam Caves (75 kms) Situated 10 kms from the Poondi Reservoir at Alikuzhi Ghats, it is believed to be a pre- historic hominid habitation. There are about 16 rock shelters that are naturally formed like canopy-like structures in the reserved forests. It is the right kind of expedition for trekkers and nature-lovers.
Around Chennai

Amusement Parks Around Chennai There are many Amusement Parks around Chennai. They are Kishkinta, nearear Tambaram Little Folks, Mayajal, MGM DizzyWorld and V.G.P. Golden Beach on the way to Mamallapuram. Dash and Splash, and Queens Land near Poonamallee.

Mathur

Mathur: The Mathur temple is a little over 5 kms from Karaikudi, that can be reached not long after passing Iluppakudi. Burial urns found in the vicinity indicate that there were settlements here more than 1500 years ago. The temple is rich with sculptures, and there is a unique piece at the entrance to the mahamandapam, where the steps, the two flanking elephants and the pedestals for the two doorkeepers have all been hewn from one stone. The nearly 70-foot tall rajagopuram here has been constructed in five storeys. The vizha mandapam or the festival hall in front of the rajagopuram or the main tower, at the entrance was built in 1949 and can seat 500 persons within the hall and another 500 around it. The main deity here is Lord Ainootheswarar and his consort Periyanayaki.

Vairavanpatti

Vairavanpatti: The Vairavanpatti temple is on the Karaikudi-Madurai road, about 15 kms from Karaikudi. A splendid 19th century temple tank is testimony to Dravidian architectural skills. Behind the Nagarathar choultry Vairava Theertham, a sacred spring said to have miraculous powers. The temple has 23 bronzes, all dating to the first renovation, and 12 vahanams. The temple also has several striking wall paintings, 37 on the Vairava Puranam and 43 on the Ramayana. There are also painting of scenes from the Mahabharata. The main deities here are Lord Aatkondanathar and Sivapurandevi.

Nagara Koil:

Nagara Koil: The people of Chettinad moved on from their settlement to other villages not far from their first settlement and, there were nine main clusters of villages. To each of them the Pandya King granted a temple in perpetuity. The nine temples thus became the family temple for each group and each cluster evolved as a subdivision of the Chettiars or what might describe as a fraternal clan. The clan temple tradition is that a wedding is recognized only if the bride and bridegroom receive wedding garlands from their respective clan temples. The moment the wedding is registered, the bridegroom becomes a pulli.

Ilayathangudi: The first of the clan temples was in Ilayathangudi and it is 25 kms from Karaikudi on the road to Kunrakudi, passing Nemam, Keelasivalpatti and Avinipatti on the way. It is said to have been granted to the Nagarathars in 707 A.D. The temple is known for its great sculptural value and it has the biggest tank, "oorani" of all other temples. Legend has it, that this was the resting place of the gods and it explains the village's name with a syllable break-up that is as follows: ilaippu meaning tiredness, attru meaning to remove and gudi meaning place.

The Main Places of Interest in Chettinadu

The Main Places of Interest in Chettinadu

The Chettinad palace located at Kanadukathaan, built in 1912 opten to visitors Burma teak, granite pillars, stained glass and imported Italian tiles used. - similarly towns like Karaikudi, Pallathur, Athangudi, and Kothamangalam, have the most lavish houses in Chettinad. Karaikudi: Karaikudi is located in Sivagangai district between Thiruchirapalli - Rameswaram High road. It got its name because of the famous plant called "karai" which is widely spread over this area. The famous temple Pillaiyar Patti is 12 kms away from Karaikudi. The city is known for Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, also known as Shiva temple which has 108 statues of Ganapathi. Sekkalai is located at the northeast of Karaikudi, and was known as Jain Kunda Puram. In the North-east of Karaikudi is Muthu Pattinam which is known for Muthu Mariamman Temple. At the centre is Kallukatti where the famous temple Koppudaiamman is located. The river Thennar flows through south Karaikudi. "Tamil Thai Kovil," "Kamban Manimandapam," the "Vallal Allagappar Statue," "Kaviaraser Kannadhasan Manimandapam and Statue" brings honour to Karaikudi. Athangudi Tiles: A Superb hand made product made in the nearby village of Atangudi. It was sand, local water cement and Pigments. Its patterns are simple unique and tiles floor very cool to walk on.

Arts & Crafts

Deliciously Chettinad Among the various South Indian food varieties, the Chettinad style holds a special place for food lovers. Chettinad's food culture provides varieties for both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Apart from usual and familiar food items they have a list of peculiar snacks items that are delicious and colourful enough to be a temptation to eat. Some of the food items that are made by Nagarathars are the following: Ukkarai, Kandarappam, Karupatti Paniyaram, Kavanarisi, Pal Paniyaram, Thenkuzhal and Seepu seedai and many more.

Arts & Crafts The arts of Chettinad occupy a distinct position in South Indian folklore. Wood carving, silver embellishment, woven saris, palm-leaf baskets, gold jewellery, hand-made tiles, architectural styles, refined cuisine and egg plastering are among their more visible contributions to the wide-ranging repertoire of Indian arts and crafts. Chettinad baskets has a special attraction as they have intricate patterns made with date-palm leaves. These patterns are as fine as the embroidery and are the specialty of the Chettiar community. As the house they live emphasise the lifestyle that is larger than life, so does the Chettinad weddings. Earlier it was a week in duration which in course time has now shrunk to three days. The hospitality, the jewels for bride and bridegroom, the food varieties, are all special to the occasion. Generally they conduct the weddings in their own houses. The Nagarathars have the custom of tying the kalzutheeru as the mangalasutra or the thali, which is made of gold and covered with diamonds. The pedant in the thali represents the house and the red spot the holy KumKum.

Chettinad Houses

Introduction

Chettinad- The Land of Heritage & Devotion It is a place that enchants and enhances the soul. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars called the Nagarathars, are a prosperous banking and business community. It is a tourist's paradise with a difference, and one which certainly cannot be missed by the discerning tourist. A stray thundershower adds to the charm of the place, churning up the red soil, and filling up the temple tanks. The palatial mansions, makes Chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must visit destination. Chettinad Houses Chettinad, rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, is well known for its houses, that are embellished with marble and Burma teak. The houses have wide inner courtyards and spacious rooms. The grandly and wonderfully embellished houses were created reflect the prosperity of the Nagarathar community. The basic design comprises of a "thinnai" which is an enclosed courtyard and this is surrounded by family rooms. The walls are smooth and are made of special plaster. The plaster involves the application of the finely ground mixture of powdered shell, lime, jaggery and spices, including gallnut (myrobalan), to walls. This technique keeps the interior of the house cool during the hot and humid Indian summers and lasts a lifetime. The architectural structure of a typical Chettiar home is a study in how a human dwelling can be constructed in harmony with nature. High ceilings, airy and well ventilated, the house has one courtyard near the entrance leads to the imposing main door, usually made of wood with extraordinarily intricate carvings of mythological figures. The thinnai is a long narrow raised platform that serves as a meeting place and also as a kind of accomodation for travellers and visitors. The inner courtyard has special significance. It is lined with classically beautiful pillars made out of granite or teakwood. The courtyard serves as the venue for the many ceremonies that the community performs from births to weddings to death.

Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamils

Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamils and it has a history that dates back to several thousand years. It is a land where traditions and culture blend and continue to live in harmony. The state abounds in monuments and temples that are ancient and each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty waiting to be heard.

Are there answers to be found on its beaches and hill stations as they welcome the traveler? We are sure you will form your own opinions and have your own perceptions as we welcome you to this enchanting and ancient Dravidian land, in the extreme south of peninsular India.

Tamil Nadu has a long coastline that stretches nearly a 1000 kms. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palm and casuarina groves. The sea washes ashore pebbles and shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea and the waters form small dunes on the shore. Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one burrow, and taking refuge in another. Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest on the sails of the fishing boats. There are many more breathtaking sights that will please you and hold you spell bound in Tamil Nadu.

Welcome to Tamil Nadu and may you enjoy your stay!

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamils and it has a history that dates back to several thousand years. It is a land where traditions and culture blend and continue to live in harmony. The state abounds in monuments and temples that are ancient and each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty waiting to be heard.

Are there answers to be found on its beaches and hill stations as they welcome the traveler? We are sure you will form your own opinions and have your own perceptions as we welcome you to this enchanting and ancient Dravidian land, in the extreme south of peninsular India.

Tamil Nadu has a long coastline that stretches nearly a 1000 kms. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palm and casuarina groves. The sea washes ashore pebbles and shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea and the waters form small dunes on the shore. Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one burrow, and taking refuge in another. Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest on the sails of the fishing boats. There are many more breathtaking sights that will please you and hold you spell bound in Tamil Nadu.

Welcome to Tamil Nadu and may you enjoy your stay!