1

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am indebted to my Team Leader Sri. P.Seshagiri Rao, Superintendent,

CDC Section, Andhra University, for his excellent planning of Tour
Programme and consistent guidance throughout the Tour.
I express my sincere thanks to Sri. N.Sivaram Naidu, Superintendent,
AP Tourism Development Corporation, Visakhapatnam for his valuable
guidance and help in planning the Tour by providing necessary
information and brochures relating to historical importance of various
places.
I am grateful to my colleagues Sri T.Veeraswamy and Bhupal Raju, who
extended their help in the review of this information guide / reference
guide and useful suggestions and comments.
Finally, I wish to place on record my heartiest regards to all my Family
Members who extended their cooperation and blessings for joining me in
the Tour Team.

(Indukuri Ramachandra Raju)

M.Com;DMM;DCMP
 2

PREFACE

This report has been written with a view to give complete coverage of
information to the tourist persons wish to visit the important historical
places, temple cities and other cities/towns situated in and around Tamil
Nadu State. All these places mentioned have been visited by me, with
great enthusiasm, with my colleagues of Andhra University during
February 1997. With complete anxiety and curiosity I have maintained a
dairy to note the importance of the places which helped me now tooling it
into a reference guide.
The report is carries historical information joining with some photos
relating to the beautiful places and architectures of the Hindu Sculpture
and their importance. A fare list of train schedule to various places and
cost incurred in tour is given in the Annexure for the benefit of the
tourists. These carefully framed information will, no doubt, be found
most useful to the people. Unfortunately, since there was no time, we
could make possible to visit very few places in Karnataka State when
compared to Tamilnadu.
I have tried to include as many places as possible to give a clear-cut idea
of the places of interest. Some of my friends in and around my
department have taken pains to bring out this report into light.
It is not my endeavor to provide information only but to kindle curiosity
in the minds of our great “INDIAN CIVILISED PEOPLE” to make their
Programme into a planned one.
 3

8.2.97 SATURDAY (DAY-1)

Started to Madras by train from Visakhapatnam in the after noon at 1.30 p.m.
with a team of 11 members.
9.2.97 SUNDAY (DAY-2)
Reached Madras at 5.30 a.m. After refreshments, we took a Mini Van (12 Seated)
to visit Kanchi and Mahabalipuram. On the way we stopped for a while at
Sreperumbadur and saw the assassinated spot of Late Rajiv Gandhi the former
Prime Minister of India. A construction in memory of “Him” is now in progress
at the assassination spot.
At Kanchi We could not get the darshan of the God/Goddess in some temples
since we reached the temples between 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. In Tamil Nadu All
the Temples are used to close during the above timings. It was also one of the
reasons to miss the darshan since our trip was scheduled only for one day to visit
these two places.

KANCHIPURAM (10.00 a.m.)

Kanchipuram, the Golden city of
Thousand Temples and one of the Seven
sacred cities of India, is 71 Km from
Madras. It was successively the capital of
the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of
Vijayanagar. Under the Pallavas it
became the capital of their far-flung
empire. During the 6th and 7th Centuries,
successive dynasties built temples and
monuments at Kanchipuram. The city
was also the seat of learning. Sri
Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthender and the great Buddhist Bhikku Bodhidharma
lived and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its
hand-woven silk fabrics.

Sri Kamakshi Amma Temple (10.30 a.m.)

Dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati), it has an imposing structure. The
temple’s annual car festival which falls on the ninth lunar day in February-March
draws large crowd.
Saikkiswara Temple
This was also built by the Cholas, successors to the Pallavas, who continued the
Pallava traditions and even enriched it. The Sakkiswara temple is near the
Kamakshi Amma Temple.
Sri Chandra Sekhara Saraswathi Viswa Maha Vidyalayam.(11.15 a.m.)
 4

Ekambareswara Temple (12.10 p.m.)

A Shiva Temple built originally by the Pallavas and later improved upon by the
Cholas and the Kings of Vijayanagar. It is a large temple with five Prakarams
(enclosures) and a thousand-pillared hall. The massive outer walls and the
gateway towers (gopurams) were built by Krishna Deva Raya in 1509 AD.
Here, Shiva is worshipped in the form one of the elements-Earth (Prithvi).
The mango tree behind the sanctum is said to be 1000 years old and still bear
fruits.
Kailasanatha Temple (1.10 p.m.)
Built by Rajasimha Pallavan in the early decades of the 8th Century, its
architecture is an improvement on that of the shore Temple at Mamallapuram.
Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (2.00 p.m.)
Built a few years after the Kailasanatha temple. This temple dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, marks the next stage in the development of Dravidian architecture. The
cloisters inside the outer walls, consisting of a colonnade of lion pillars, represent
the first phase in the evolution of the grand thousand-pillared hall of later
years.
The Devarajawsamy Temple (2.30 p.m.)
Also known as Vardaraja temple, it is a massive and impressive edifice. The
shrine of Devarajaswamy is on an elephant - shaped rock called Hastagiri.
There are two lofty towers one in the East and the other in the West. The
hundred-pillar-hall erected during the Vijayanagar period in this temple is
noted for its exquisite sculptures. The ornamental rings carved out of a single
stone in a chain at the four corners is a special feature of the hall.
After the visit of Kanchi, then we proceeded to Mahabalipuram and reached there
at 4.00 p.m.
MAMALLAPURAM (MAHABALIPURAM) (4.00 p.m.)
Mamallapuram, also known as
Mahabalipuram, was a seaport
built by the emperor Mahendra
Varma of the Pallava Dynasty
during the 7th Century. It is well
known for its monuments, hewn
out of solid rock. The temple,
ravaged by the elements, still

bear testimony to the ancient culture of South

India.
The Pallava art here emphasises robust
earthly magnificence imbibed with life. An
unusual blend of mythological episodes, epic
 5

battle, demons, men and animals creates a captivating, pleasing harmony.

Caves
There are nine rock-cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave
depicting the Goddess fighting the buffalo sleep (Anantha Sayanam) on the
other is a remarkable study in contrast. The final battle scene of the war
between the God and the Evil in the former is as striking as the profound peace
and calmness depicted in the latter.
Arjuna’s Penance (Descent of Ganges)
The face of a huge whale-shaped rock has been carved into a vast panel of relief
sculptures depicting the mythological story of the river Ganges issuing from its
source high in the Himalayas. Another version is that it depicts Arjuna’s
penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva. This has relief, which is the largest
and finest of its kind (27 meters long and 9 meters high), has animals, gods
and celestial being besides fables from the well known Panchatantra sculpture
on it with remarkable realism and in life size, including the elephants.
Krishna Mantapa
Depicts a pastoral scene with Lord Krishna in the act of lifting the Govardhana
Mountain in order to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra, the God of
Rain.
Mandapams
Situate within a radius of 1 km of the rock cut examples at Mamallpuram, the
Mandapams (shallow halls resembling porticoes) are known for their design
and execution. There are eight of them found at various points on the main hill
besides two which have been left unfinished.
From Mahabalipuram we left to Madras to visit VGP Gardens and later we
caught train at EGMORE Station (Meter Gauge Section) to go to Chidambaram
and reached there in midnight.

10.2.97 MONDAY (DAY-3)

In the early hours (6.15 a.m.) we started to visit Velankanni, Nagore and Local
important places in Chidambaram.

VELANKANNI (10.15 a.m.)

Velankanni is known for the Church of our Lady of
Velankanni. It is said that on a hot day, a lame boy saw
a dazzling light descending before him which revealed
the vision of a lady of peerless beauty holding a
beautiful child in her arms. The Lady asked the boy to
go to Nagapattinam and request a particular Catholic
gentleman to build a church for her. The boy ran to
Nagapattinam and to his great amazement found that
the gentleman also had similar vision in the previous
 6

night. He escorted the gentleman to Velankanni, who put up a thatched shed

and placed the statue of Mary in it. The statue still adorns the shrine of the
Basilica and attracts Christians from all over the country.

NAGORE (11.30 a.m. )This is a famous pilgrimage center for Muslims. There
is a Dargah here for Hazarat
Meeras Sultan Syed Shahabdul
Hameed, a great Muslim
saint. The Dargah has five
spires, one of which is 31.5
meters high. The tomb of the
saint is a monument of high
artistic skill and
workmanship. The interior is
of marble and the doors are covered with embroidered silver sheets. Behind
the Dargah is a large tank. The annual Kanduri festival here attracts people of
all faiths. Apart from the Dargah, Nagore has two ancient Hindu temples-one
dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu. Nagore is well known for toys made
out of coconut and rethaki leaves.

CHIDAMBARAM
The word Chidambaram is derived from “Chit Ambaram” which literally means
the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. Lord
Nataraja is said to have merged from the sacred space and performed his Cosmic
Dance before his two devotes-Vyaghrapada and Patanjali. The presiding deity is
Siva Nateswara in his aspect as the Cosmic Dancer. The magnificent temple of
Chidambaram is one of the most venerated among the ancient temples of
South India. The nucleus of the temple was built in the 9th Century AD. Many
inscriptions record the numerous mandapas and temples as endowments of
devotion of the Pallavas. Cholas and Pandyan kings. Raja Krishnadeva Raya of
Vijayanagar, reconstructed the temple in 1520 AD. The Arudra Darshanam in
December/January is colorful festival.
Tillai Kaliamma Temple: (4.30 p.m.)
The Tillai Kaliamma Temple is situating at the northern end of the town. It was
built by Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278 AD. The legend
goes that subsequent to the defeat of Kali in a dance competition with Shiva,
Kali was banished from the Nataraja Temple to the outskirts of the town, where
a temple was later constructed for her.
Nataraja Temple: (5.00 p.m.)
The temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja is spread over an area of 400 acres. This
is where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed his Cosmic Dance. The main
sanctum houses, the Akasha linga where the Lord is worshipped as a formless
presence and hence the sanctum is empty. A unique feature of this temple is
shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Govindaraja, adjacent to the Nataraja shrine.
Parvati is known as Sivakami Sundari here. There are other shrines to
 7

Subramanya and Vinayaka in the complex comprising of 5 Prakarams. The

sacred tank is called Sivaganga to the east of which has a Mantapa with 100
pillars. The eastern and the western gopurams are carved with 108 images of
different dance poses illustrating the art of Bharata Natyam.
On 10.2.97 night we left to Tanjavur by Janatha Express.
11.2.97. TUESDAY (DAY-4)
Visited all the places in and around Tanjavur in the TKS Tours & Travels Van,
which we booked in Advance from Visakhapatnam.
THANJAVUR (Tanjore 6.30 a.m.)
Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola period between the 10th and 14th
centuries AD and became the Centre of learning and culture. Overrun by green
fertile plains, Tanjavur, the Headquarters of the district of the same name, is
known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. The destination has a large share of
the ancient temple wonders of South India. Brihadeeswara temple rising to
64.8 meters high is the most striking example of the Cholas in the temple
architecture.
The district is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronze statue castings,
pith temple models and south Indian musical instruments like the Veena and
Mridanagam.
Brihadeeswara Temple: (8.45 a.m.)
Brihadeeswara or the Big Temple of God, built by the great Chola King Raja Raja
(985-1012 AD), is an example of the magnificent achievements of the Cholas in
the field of temple architecture. The tower over the inner sanctum rises
perpendicularly to a height of 15
meters from a square of 28.8
meters and then tapers to make
a total height of 64.8 meters. The
tower is capped by 81.3 tone
monolithic stone slab adorned
with winged niches on four
sides. This enormous piece of
stone was moved into position
along an inclined plane of 6 Km.,
long. A spherical dome tops this
block of stone. A massive,
monolithic Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, chiseled out of a single rock, guards
the portals of the inner shrine. There are excellent sculptural representations of
the various forms of Shiva and other associated gods and goddesses. Traces of
Chola paintings also can be seen in some 15 chambers of this temple.
The Palace (9.35 a.m.)
The palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry, built partly by the
Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. It is a grand pile of
buildings with huge corridors and spacious halls. Two of the palace towers, the
armoury and the observation towers, are visible from all parts of the city.
 8

Lord Shiva Temple in Kumbakonam (11.55 a.m.),

Iravateswara Temple in Kumbakonam (12.35 p.m.)

Thiruvaiyaru (2.55 p.m.)

There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
known as Panchanatheeswar. It is also the place
where one of the trinity of Carnatic music, Saint
Thyagaraja, lived and attained Samadhi. Every
year in January a music festival is held to
commemorate the birth anniversary of the saint.
Buses run from Thanjavur for every half an hour.
From Tiruvaiyaru we went to Tiruchy on 11th
Night and took rest in the Railway Dormitory.

12.2.97 WEDNESDAY (DAY-5)

In the early hours we first left to Srirangam to
visit the famous Temple of Lord Vishnu. Back to
Tiruchy from Srirangam, we proceeded to
Rameswaram by Bus, instead of the train which
we already booked to save time to reach
Rameswaram. It is infact to say that the Bus fares
in Tamil Nadu are cheap when compared to other
States in India.

TIRUCHIRAPALLI (TRICHY)
Tiruchirapalli or Trichy, situated on the banks of
river Cauvery, has been a Chola citadel since the Sangam Age. Though the
Pandyas and the Pallavas
held sway in this region
for short periods; the
greater part of the town
and the historical rock
Fort, rising abruptly from
the plains to an altitude of
83 meters as they exist
today were built by the
Nayaks of Madurai.
Tiruchirapalli is also
famous for the
Ranganatha Temple at
Srirangam.
 9

Today, Tiruchirapalli is a blend of history and tradition, a pilgrim centre as

well as a thriving commercial city.
SRIRANGAM (7.45 a.m.)
Srirangam is situated 10 km away from Tiruchirapalli, a picturesque island
between the Cauvery River and its tributary Kolidam, north of Tiruchirapalli. Sri
Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the largest Vaishnavite Temple in South
India built around the 13th and 14th Centuries. With its 21 magnificent towers
and stone pillars covered with a profusion of carvings, the temple is surrounded
by seven walls within which the town itself is located. It has been prolonged
renovations by the Vijayanagar and Nayak rulers.
Then we reached Rameswaram (9.30 p.m.) by bus on Indiragandhi Bridge, which
gave us very thrilling experience to travel. In the night, we stayed at TNTDC
Guest house is situated opposite the sea. It is an ideal locality.
13.2.97 THURSDAY (DAY-6)
RAMESWARAM
The sacred island town of Rameswaram, located at the extreme south-eastern
limit of the Indian peninsula, has one of India’s most venerated temples. A fin
example of south Indian architecture, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is renowned
for its many pillared corridors, about
1,220 meters in length. According to
legend that Rama sanctified this place
by worshipping Lord Shiva here. This
is the major pilgrimage centre for both
Saivaites and Vaisnavaites.
Here is India’s latest Engineering
wonder, the Indira Gandhi Bridge
(Road Bridge) which took 14 years to
complete and was finally opened by
Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988. The other
important Bridge is Pamban Bridge (Rail
Bridge).
Beach Bath (6.00 a.m.)
The Second wonder in the
Ramanathaswamy Temple premises is
the 22 wells. All of them give different
tastes of Water, thrills the tourists very
much.
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
(7.15 a.m.)
Built during the 17th Century, this
temple has a gopuram (tower) which is
38.4 meters high. The most impressive
feature is the many pillared corridor
 10

covering a length of 1220 meters. Spadikalinga

Puja, installed by Adi Shankara, is performed daily
at 5.00 A.M.
Gandhamadhan Parvatham
(10.10 a.m.)
A hillock to the north of the temple, it is the highest
point on the island and gives an excellent view of
the surrounding areas. There is a two-stored
Mandapam and Rama’s padham (foot) placed on a Chakra for worship, that
attract many pilgrims.

Kodhandaramaswamy Temple (11.05 a.m.)

The Southernmost tip of the Dhanuskoti Island
was completely washed away in the 1964
cyclone. But the Kothandaramaswamy Temple
here is still remained intact. It is believed that
Vibishana, brother of Ravana, surrendered before
Rama at this spot. There are idols of Sri Rama,
Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana .

Dhanush Koti (11.30 a.m.)

The importance of the holy Island town
Rameswaram is the Varadhi in the sea upto
Danush Koti (situated 18 Kms. away from
Rameswaram) which was said to be constructed
by Vanaras to reach Lanka, described by Valmiki
in the chapter Yuddakanda, in Ramayanam. The
other remaining Varadhi from Dhanus Koti to
Lanka (now called as Srilanka) was not found
and it is said to had been drowned. From
Dhanush Koti to Srilanka it is just around 30
Kms., away.

RAMA'S BRIDGE
NASA satellite photo of Rama's Bridge—oblique, Sri
Lanka to the left

Rama's Bridge or Adam's Bridge is a chain of limestone

shoals, between the islands of Mannar, near northwestern
Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, off the southeastern coast of
India. The bridge is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates
the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait
(northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry, and nowhere
are the shoals deeper than 4 feet (1 m); thus, they seriously
hinder navigation.
 11

The name Rama's Bridge has to do with the Hindu mythology. According to the Hindu
epic Ramayana (Chapter 66, The Great Causeway the bridge was constructed at Rama's
request by his subjects. The alternate name Adam's Bridge derives from the Christian
mythological notion that the biblical Garden of Eden was Sri Lanka.

Rama's Bridge is clearly visible in satellite photos, such as the one taken by NASA shown
here. This has resulted in claims by some Hindu groups that the bridge is evidence that
events narrated in the Ramayana epic actually took place, and are not just myths. NASA
spokesman Mark Hess released a cautious statement, distancing the Agency from such
claims:

"The images may be ours, but their interpretation is certainly not ours. Remote sensing
images or photographs from orbit cannot provide direct information about the origin or age
of a chain of islands, and certainly cannot determine whether humans were involved in
producing any of the patterns seen."

Archeological studies of the bridge are ongoing, and some archeologists claim to have
found additional evidence suggesting that the bridge is man-made. For instance, some
researchers from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, announced that the "bridge" is
only 3,500 years old. However, their article linking the bridge to Ramayana has attracted
rebuke from the mainstream scientific community.

We started to Madurai from Rameswaram at 3.45 p.m. by train which crossed

the Sea through Pamban Rail Bridge took us into a different world.
Reached Madurai (9.30. p.m.) and stayed
at Hotel Visakham.
14.2.97 FRIDAY (DAY-7)In the morning
we went to Kodaikkanal, one of the
important hill stations of South India,
situated 120 Kms., away from Madurai.
KODAIKKANAL (11.00 a.m.)
Kodaikkanal or Kodai is a serene hill
station, set high in the Palani Hills at an
altitude of over 2133 meters high above
the sea level. Wooded hills pleasant
 12

walks, Picture square waterfalls and magnificent lake, make Kodai one of the
most beautiful hill stations in India. Kodai is rich in flora and fauna. It has a
unique plant - the Kurinji,
which blossoms once in 12
years, making the hill slopes a
blaze of purple. The Kurinji
last blossomed in 1992.

Places Visited
Dum Dum Water
Falls (11.00 a.m.),
Silver Cascade Water
Falls (11.10 a.m.) ,
Coaker’s Walk (12.00
noon), Pillar Rocks
(12.35 p.m.), Green
Valley view (12.50
p.m.) Kodai Lake
(Kodai boat lake 1.20
p.m.), Arulmigu
Kurinji Andavar
Temple (3.30 p.m.), Chetiar Park (3.40 p.m.).
15.2.97 SATURDAY (DAY-8)
Early in the morning, we again cam back to visit Madurai City.
MADURAI
The city of Madurai was planned and laid out on the pattern of a lotus flower,
with the famous Meenakshi temple in the centre. The foundation of this temple
and the town is attributed to the Pandyan King Kulasekhara. Legend goes that
a drop of nectar (Mathuram) from Lord Shiva’s lock fell here. So the city is
become known as Madurai - the city of nectar.
Madurai is second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Few cities in India can claim a
civilization as old as Madurai. Dating back to the 60th Century BC, it is like
Varanasi a city with an ancient cultural heritage. The emperors of Greece and
Rome are believed to have conducted trade with Madurai. Even today it is a
thriving centre of Tamil culture.
 13

The Pandyan Kings, patrons of Tamil learning, art and architecture, ruled from
here until the 14th Century AD. This period was renowned for the genius of its
writers, poets and academicians. The Pandyas were succeeded by the Nayak
Kings, who not only preserved erstwhile traditions but also enriched them.

Vandlyur Mariamma Tank (8.35 a.m.)

This is a huge temple tank measuring 304.8m on each side, with a Mandapam at
its centre. During the float Festival, pilgrims gather here in large number. The
temple deities are taken out in the tank on decorated barges.
Tirumalai Nayak Palace (9.10 a.m.)
The Palace building, constructed in the Indo-
Saracenic style, is considered to be an
architectural feat. Built in the 17th century, the
palace has a number of pillars, their heights
varying from 4m to 12m, and 15 domes, three of
them huge. The beautiful arches are unique in
their ornamental workmanship. There is
a museum in the palace building which has
sections dealing with the history of Madurai and
the art and architecture of Tamil Nadu. The
Sound and Light Show organised by the
Department of Tourism, Government of
Tamilnadu, in the palace, depicts the story of
Silippathikaram and the life of Tirumali Nayak.
Government Museum (9.55 a.m.) :
Having a superb collection of
sculptures and fine arts.

Thiruparakundem Temple (11.00 a.m.)

Madanagopala Temple (11.35 a.m.)

Meenakshi Temple: (12.00 noon)

A superb example of Dravidian
architecture and sculpture, it is the
focal point around which the city is
developed. The temple has two
sanctums, one dedicated to Shiva as
Sundareswara and the other to his
consort Meenakshi. This is one of the
largest temples in the country. Of the
five Gopurams (gateways) which
surround the temple, the southern
gopuram is the tallest (48.8m).
Painted in vivid (different) colours on
 14

these gopurams are sculptured the stories from Indian mythology. Of the many
pieces of sculpture in the temple, the most striking is that of the divine
marriage of goddess Meenakshi with Sundareswara. The highlight of the
Meenakshi Temple is the Hall of Thousand Pillars which has a number of
remarkable sculptures. The museum of icons, photographs and illustrations in
this hall is of great interest.
Kodal Alagar Temple
To the West of the Madurai City is this ancient Vaishnavite Temple with
beautiful sculptures. Here Vishnu is depicted in three poses, one above the
other—sitting, standing and reclining.
We left the historical city of Madurai at 10.30 p.m. to go to Nagarkoyal by Quilon
Passenger. Since it was night time, we passed Nagarkoyal and reached to
Trivandrum by mistake.
16.2.97 SUNDAY (DAY-9)
Finally, from Trivandrum we reached Nagarkoyal by another passenger train
and picked up a Jeep to reach Kanniyakumari.
KANNIYAKUMARI (Cape Comorin 11.00 a.m.)
Cape Comorin now called as Kanniyakumari is the ending part of India where
Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea meet. Kanniyakumari is also a
popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The town is dedicated to the goddess
Kanniyakumari.
Vivekananda Memorial (2.10 p.m.)
There are two rocks projecting out of the ocean, south-east of Kanniyakumari
Temple. These rocks provided an
ideal vantage point for visitors,
desirous of viewing the tip of India.
It was on one of these rocks that
Swami Vivekananda sat in long and
deep mediation (Three day and
nights). With the blessing of the
Virgin Goddess, the simple monk
was transformed into a powerful
crusader. The rock is now called as
the Vivekananda Rock. On this rock
stands the Vivekananda Rock
 15

Memorial, built in 1970 with a blend of all architectural styles of India. A statue
of Swami Vivekananda is installed in the Memorial Mandapam. There is also an
exciting place is Dhyanamandir in the ground floor of memorial. Every pilgrim
who enter into the Dhyanamandir, feel pleasant atmosphere and fell
automatically in to deep meditation.
One can also see Sri Pada Parai, (the footprints of the Virgin Goddess) on this
rock. Boat Services are operate to this Memorial.
Kanniyakumari Temple (2.50 p.m.)
The temple is dedicated to virgin Goddess Kanniyakumari who eternally
protects the country. Legend says that Goddess Parvati in one of her
incarnations as Devi Kanya performed penance to obtain the hand of Lord
Shiva. The place is symbol of unity and sanctity. The diamond nose-ring of
this deity is famous for its sparkling splendor, which is supposed to be visible
even from the sea.
Gandhi Memorial (3.10 p.m.)
The memory of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is enshrined in this
Mandapam erected at the place where his ashes were kept for public view
before immersion into the sea. The architecture of the building allows the rays
of the sun to fall on the spot where the ashes are kept, on 2nd October, his
birthday.
Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise (6.35 p.m.)
The glory of Kanniyakumari are its sunrise, sunset and moonrise. To watch the
sun setting and to see the moon rising out of the ocean on a full-moon day is to
savor an
experience of
a lifetime. It
is the only
place in India
where one
can enjoy
the unique
spectacle of
sunset and
moonrise

simultaneously on full-moon days. It is said that on Chitra Pournami (full-

moondays in Tamil Month Chitra), in April, one can see both the sun and the
moon facing each other on the same horizon, a rare sight indeed. Another
interesting feature of Kanniyakumari is the beach sands of myriad colours. We
reached Kanniyakumari on an ordinary day and we could see only sunset.
After Sunset we went to T.N.Youth Hostels where we lodged. The Hostel
management maintaining very beautiful garden, where we spent happily for
couple of hours.
 16

17.2.97 MONDAY (DAY-10)

From Kanniyakumari we traveled to Coimbatore by Bangalore Express at 7.20
a.m. after seeing sunrise at Kanniyakumari. It was a very interesting journey
from Kanniyakumari to Coimbatore crossing almost the Kerala State by train.
The famous rivers, greenlands, hills and fertilized lands of the state took us into a
new World. We reached Coimbatore at 9.30 p.m. and stayed in Railway
Retiring Rooms.

18.2.97 TUESDAY (DAY-11)

Started to Ooty by Bus at 5.00 a.m. from Coimbatore Railway Mail Services near
the Railway Station. From Coimbatore, Ooty is nearly 105 Kms. The entire
Ghat Route is worth seeing.
UDHAGAMANDALAM (OOTY 8.50 a.m.)
Distance turns the hills blue, but the Nilgiri ranges seem to deserve this epithet
even from closer quarters. (Neel-blue, giri- mountain). The colour is due to
the blue gray of the eucalyptus trees shrouded
in mist. Snuggled in the thickly wooded Nilgiris
is Udhagamandalam, anglicized to Ootaccamund
which has been abbreviated to Ooty. The British
developed this town into a most favoured hill
resort of the South mainly for its salubrious
climate to
escape from the
searing heat of
summer. Many
more
attractions have
been developed
in recent years
and the ‘Queen of the blue mountains’ now
attracts tourists from all over the country.
The beautifully landscaped Botanical Gardens, established in 1847 by the
Marquis of Tweepdale, are full of rare and ornamental plants. The pond is a
popular feature of the gardens. It has a fossilized tree dated at 20 million years
 17

Another popular haunt is the artificial lake complex set amidst groves of
eucalyptus trees offering facilities for boating, pony rides and video games. A
mini-train ride is a great attraction for the children.
The annual summer Festival at Ooty is held in the month of May, of which the
flower show at the Government Botanical Garden is one of the highlights and
draws the attention of large number of tourists. The children’s lake garden is
famous for its musical lights which illuminate during night.
The highest peak of the Nilgiris, Doddabetta (2633 mts. or 8475 feet), 10 kms. from
Ooty, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas. One can drive right
upto its summit where a micro telescope adds to the viewing pleasure. Ooty is
also famous for its tea plantations and fresh vegetables gardens and games like
golf, tennis, snooker, roller skating, trekking in and around .

COONOOR
Eighteen kilometers South of Ooty
lies Coonoor - the beautiful
plantation town, set against the
backdrop of the Nilgiris. The
fascinating Sim’s Park is famous for
its annual fruit show. Lamb’s
Rock is the single most famous rock
in the area known both for its mass
as well as the beautiful patterns
carved by the elements.
The Law’s Falls make a gorgeous
sight while providing a popular
picnic spot frequented by a large number of Tourists. Other places of tourist
interest include Dolphin’s Nose . For visitors, the Nilgiris provide an opportunity
to learn about the lifestyles of some of the friendly primitive tribes like the
Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Panias and the Kurumbas, from close quarters.
After sight seeing we spent some time at Ooty local Market and back to lodge.
we felt very chill in the night even in the middle of February.

19.2.97 WEDNESDAY (DAY-12)

From Ooty we again came back to Coimbatore by bus.
COIMBATORE
Coimbatore forms a fitting finale to this southern odyssey. It is a fabric of
myriad attractions-both contemporary and traditional.
Situated at the opening to the Palghat gap in the Western ghats, Coimbatore enjoys
an agreeable climate all the year round. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that
makes it the hub of many commercial and creative enterprises. Its flourishing
textile mills once earned for Coimbatore the name ‘the Manchester of the south’.
The city and its suburbs abound in the textile mills as well as agricultural and
 18

textile research centres. It also leads in the manufacture of engineering products,

motor pump sets and textile machinery. Its handlooms have earned their way to
distant markets. A large number of technical institutions in Coimbatore cater to
the growing technical needs of the region. Equally remarkable are the ‘living
stones’ in the temples devoted to different deities. Marvelous three-dimensional
sculptures in these shrines testify to the creativity and fervent faith of the
master craftsmen who had made Coimbatore their home. An architectural
masterpiece, the Perur Temple, near the River Noyyal, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Marudhamalai temple on a hill range, 12 kms from Coimbatore is dedicated to
Lord Murugan. (Subrhamanyeswara ).
From Coimbatore we started to Bangalore at 6.55 p.m. by Bangalore Express and
arrived Bangalore City Station at 6.30 a.m. on the next day.

20.2.97 THURSDAY (DAY-13)

Since we could not get Government Tourism Vehicle, we booked a private mini
Van and visited Bangalore city.
BANGALORE (6.30 a.m.)
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka State situated at 3.250 feet above sea
level. It has a very pleasant
climate throughout the year.
Normally the 240 acre Lal bagh
Gardens, laid out by Hyder Ali
in 1760 AD with rare trees
from Persia, Afghanistan and
France, should be enough for
Bangalore, India’s first
largest-as well as the fastest
growing city-to retain its title
as the ‘Garden City’ of India.
But to further strengthen the
ambiance Nangore’s wide
avenues and boulevards are lined with Laburnum, tabebuyia Argentia and
gulmohar, planted by the British
in the early 19th Century when
they chose to make it a garrison
town. Today, the population is
close to 4 million people.
Although urbanization and
industrialization are visible, these
give Bangalore an exciting pace
with over 150 cinema halls and
streets which are bustling and
always alive. Two grand flower
shows organised to mark the
Republic Day (26th January) and the Independence Day (15th August) bring the
 19

city back to the subject of flowers, as does a Swiss style floral clock or a stroll in
the well laid Cubbon Park. Within the Lal bagh Gardens stands a watch tower
built in 1537 AD by Kempegowda, a feudatory of the Vijayanagar Kings, who was
credited with the choice of this site. But historically Bangalore returned to
prominence only in the mid 18th century with Hyder Ali, a junior military officer
with the Vadeyars of Mysore, who setup himself as a de-facto ruler. His son
Tipu Sultan, became a heroic symbol of opposition to the British might. One of
the oldest shrines of Bangalore is the Bull-temple at Basavanagudi. Here, Lord
Shiva’s vehicle, sits in solitary splendour Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple
dating back to the 17th Century also attracts many tourists.
A Visit to the State Library is recommended both for its wealth of books as well
as its Gothic architecture. Nearby, lies the Government Museum, the
Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and the Venkatappa Art
Gallery. Vidhan Soudha, the legislature of Karnataka, is a most interesting
building in a style labeled Neo-Dravidian. It harmoniously combines
impressive temple architecture with the needs of an administrative building. The
High Court building in gothic style which was saved from demolition by a
group of conservationists, echoes the beauty and scale of another era. Bangalore
is rich in its cultural traditions and has number of auditoria and halls to stage
important festivals of dance, drama and music. Outstanding and the most
frequented among these are the T.Chowdiah Hall (shaped like a violin in tribute
to the great Violinist, after who it is named), Ravindra Kalakshetra and the Town
Hall.
After the completion of sight seeing we started to Mysore by Chamundi Express
at 6.15 p.m. and reached Mysore at 9.30 p.m. and took rest at Mourya Lodge
maintained by Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation. Lodging facilities
are good but too expensive.

21.2.97 FRIDAY (DAY-14)

At 8.30 a.m. We
started to visit to
Sravanabelagola,
Belur and
Halebid on
Package Tour
conducted by
KTDC in a
Luxury Bus.
That day we
traveled around
300 kms. It was memorable day
because a team of foreign tourists
joined with us to visit these places.
 20

SRAVANABELAGOLA (10.45 A.M.)

Sravanabelagola is 93 Kms from Mysore. It is a
popular Jain
pilgrim centre. It
is wedged
between two
rocky hills -
Indragiri or
Vindhyagiri and
Chandragiri.
Literally
translated,
Sravanabelagola means “white pond of the
ascetic”. The white pond probably refers to a
pond that stood in place of the present temple
tank, located at the foot of Indragiri Hill. The
ascetic, of course refers to Bhagwan Bahubali, also
famous as Tirthankar (saint) Gomateswara.

Historically, Sravan belagola dates to 3rd Century

BC when Chandragupta Mourya, after renouncing his kingdom, came here along
with Saint Bhadrabahu. The serene 1000-year-old colossal 57.8 feet high
monolithic statue of the Jain saint Bahubali stands majestically atop the Indragiri
Hill and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in
the World. The image was created around 983 AD by Chamundarya, a general
and minister of the Ganga King, Rachamalla. The mahamastakabhisheka festival is
held here once every 12 years. It takes half-an-hour to climb around 600 rock-
cut steps to the top of this hill. The town, once a flourishing centre of Jainisam
abounds in monuments and sculpted records which recall the deeds of sacrifice
and religious fervour and achievements of bygone era.

The story of Bahubali is vividly described in the Jain scriptures Son of Vrishadeva,
the Aditirthankara, i.e, the propounder of Jainisam, prince Bahubali renounced
the kingdom to perform penance, achieved ‘Kevala Jnana’, i.e., absolute
knowledge, and attained salvation.
 21

BELUR (3.20. P.M.)

86 Kms from Sravanabelagola. Belur is Situated on the
banks of
river Yagachi.
Belur was the
capital of the
Hoysala
Empire 800
years ago,
before it was
shifted to

Dwarasamudram (Halebid). Today, Belur is a small town

in the warmth of its luxurious greenery and in the glory of one of the greatest
monuments of medieval art in India-the Chennakesava Temple.
Started in 1116 AD, in an age when the great cathedrals of Lincoin, Wells,
Amiens, Rheims and Charters were built in Europe, the Chennakesava Temple at

Belur commemorates the victory

of the Hoysalas over the Cholas
in the great battle of Talakad. It
took 103 years to complete this
temple by King Vishnuvardhana.
The exterior of the temple is
covered with a variety of
intricately carved sculptures
and friezes. The interior of the
temple, considered even better
than the outside, contains many
exquisite panels and richly
carved pillars. A tall stone pillar in the temple courtyard is balanced amazingly
only by its centre of gravity.
 22

HALEBID (3.50 P.M.)

16 Kms from Belur lies the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. Then known as
Dwarasamudra, the capital was founded in the early 11th Century AD and sacked
by the armies of the Delhi
Sultanate in 1311 and 1327.
Deserted afterwards,
Dwarasamudra came to be
called Halebid or the old
capital. Of the many
buildings of the ancient city,
only a few have survived by
Muslim invasions. Notable
among them is the imposing
Hoysaleswara Temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva. The
building of the temple was
started in 1121 AD by Ketamalla, a general of
King Vishnuvardhan of the Hoysala dynasty.
There are two shrines dedicated to Lord
Shiva, at Hoysaleswara and Santhaleswara. A
stellar base with the emblem of the stylized
lion, and elephants, seemingly supporting
the temple, signify stability. The Hoysalas
were influenced by the northern
architectural style and all available space of
this sister-temple to the one at Belur, are
covered with detailed friezes and sculptures
depicting scenes narrated in Hindu epics.
The Archaeological Museum located on the temple premises, a must for the
visitors of Halebid, displays many interesting stone sculptures.
 23

22.2.97 SATURDAY (DAY-15)

As usual, The team started to visit Mysore Local at 8.00 a.m. in a hired Mini Van.
MYSORE
Lush green Mysore is located at a picturesque spot, 750 meters above sea level.
The city was laid out on a grand scale by the erstwhile rulers of Mysore.
Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery: (9.15 a.m.)
Housed in the Jagmohan Palace is the Jaya Chamarajendra Art Gallery with
paints by early 20th century masters like Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore and the
Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich whole made his home in Naggar, Himachal
Pradesh. Exquisite objects d’art in ivory, sandalwood, stone, ceramic as well as
ornately carved furniture are also on display.
Chamundi Hills: (10.20 a.m.)
A 1065-meter high hill over looks the city of Mysore. The hill takes its name from
the Chamundeswari Temple
situated here. Upon the Chamundi
Hill stands the 12 the century
temple of Sri Chamundeswari.
Legend has it that when the
ferocious demon Mahisasura
began terrorising and devouring
people, Chamundeswari killed the
‘asura’ on these hills and brought
peace to the world. Although the
way to the shrine is motorable, it
can also be climbed by foot. Halfway, stands a 7.6 meter wide and 4.8 meter tall
monolithic statue of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, similar to the one at
Basavanagudi in Bangalore.
Maharaja’s Palace: (12.40 p.m.)
 24

Its board, tree-lined avenues lead to the

Maharaja’s Palace which is nucleus of the city
renowned for its enlightened scholar kings,
the Vadeyars who ruled from the 14th century

except for a forty year

interruption from 1759 to 1799
when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan
took over. This palace was
originally constructed with
wood and unfortunately it was
destroyed in a fire accident in
1897. The new one, erected at the same site in 1912, is profusely decorative and
gilded; perhaps the most ornate
example of Indo-Saracenic
architecture. Frescoes on the
corridors of the Kalyana Mantapa
where the coronations take place,
depict the grand Dasara procession-
considered the grandest festival
procession in India. A solid gold
throne studded with jewels remains
the single most resplendent object
that visitors throng to see. During
Dasara festival , Mysore looks very beautifully
decorative. A spirit of abandon fills the air and
the streets and alleys resound with the beating
of drums. These celebrations, lasting ten days,
mark the victory of goddess Durga representing
good, over the demon Mahishasura, symbol of
the evil. The weather too is just right since the
dates for Dasara fall in October and are based on
the lunar calendar. These vary from year to year
and can be confirmed from Indian tourist offices of travel agents.
St. Philomena’s church, (2.10 p.m.) built in an imposing Gothic style with its
stained glass windows is a truly majestic sight. The Mysore Zoo makes an
interesting trip particularly for children.
SRIRANGAPATNAM (3.15 p.m.)
16 Kms from Mysore lies Srirangapatnam, the capital of Hyder Ali and his son
Tipu Sultan. Tipu’s ruined fort can still be seen, and at a short distance lie the
delicately painted summer palace of Tipu amidst well-maintained gardens. In
Tipu’s Palace-now a museum lies with historic memorabilia including his tiger
striped emblem.
 25

Brindavan Gardens & Krishnarajasagar Dam: (4.30 p.m.)

The dam was designed and constructed
by the renowned architect
M.Vishveswaraya in 1932 during the reign
of Krishnaraja Vadeyar IV. It was built
close to the confluence of three rivers -
Cauvery, Hemavathi and
Lakshmanathirtha. The length of the dam

is about 2621 meters and height 39

meters. The reservoir itself is spread
over an area of 130 sq. km. The lush
Brindavan Gardens built on the
terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam are
amongst the most meticulously
planned gardens. Its fountains,
flowers, the Cauvery river and the
lush environs are reason enough for
people to plan a trip to Mysore from
far-flung places.

With the advent of night the

Gardens are transformed into a
virtual dreamland. The dancing
fountains lit with colourful lights rise
and fall to the rhythm of music
making it a truly splendid sight.
 26

23.2.97 SUNDAY (DAY-16)

From Mysore we started to Dharmavaram to visit Putaparthi. From
Dharmavaram to Putaparthi we traveled by Andhra Pradesh State Road
Transport Corporation Bus. It is nearly 32 kms Journey. We reached
Putaparthi 6.00 p.m. and stayed at Prasanthi
Nilayam.

24.2.97 MONDAY (DAY-17)

PUTTAPARTHI
We woke up early in the morning at 5.00 a.m. and
followed in the queue to darshan Sri Satya Sai. We
were happy to see him at close. This is the one of
the luckiest things to get darshan in one day’s stay.
We are very much impressed on seeing Satya Sai’s
Prasanthi Nilayam, Institute of Advance Medical
Sciences Buildings and Museum. Infact we came
to know that 70 % of Pilgrims are Foreigners, from all over the World. They
were came to Prasanthi Nilayam to serve voluntarily in the premises . One must
admire discipline and silence in Prasanthi Nilayam.
At evening we went to Dharmavaram and caught Hampi Express to Visit Hampi.
25.2.97 TUESDAY (DAY-18) Arrived Hospet at 10.30 a.m. After refreshments we
started to Hampi by bus and reached Kamalapuram. We walked around 5 kms.
from Kamalapuram to Hampi for viewing ruins of Hampi. Even in vast ruins we
also felt happy to recollect the golden days of Sri Krishna Devaraya.
 27

HAMPI
It was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar empire (1336-1565),
which extended from Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan
plateau to the tip of the Indian peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th
century by two local princes, Hukka and
Bukka, the Vijayanagar empire came to be
celebrated for its might and wealth and as a
showpiece of imperial magnificence. The
city was sacked, pillaged and burnt in 1565
AD after the combined armies of the Muslim
sultanates of the Deccan defeated the
Vijayanagar military commander and the
King fled the capital.
The Vijayanagar Kings were great patrons of
art and architecture as evident by the vast
ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned restoration, excavation
and protection of the ruins, which spread over an area of 26 sq. k. The terrain
is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows
through this rugged landscape.
Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple is one of the few oldest temples amidst ruins, still in
worship. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Virupaksha or
Pampapati. His consort Pampa is often associated with the Tungabhadra river.
There is evidence of additions to the temple made in the late Chalukyan and
Hoysala period but most of the building is attributed to the Vijayanagar period.
The main festivals of this temple are the Car Festival in February and the
marriage festival of Virupaksha and Pampa in December which are attended by
thousands of people in every year.
Monolithic Ganesha
South of the Virupaksha Temple, there are two Ganesha images carved on
boulder. One of them is enclosed in a temple and the other stands within the
open hall.
Krishna Temple
In a badly ruined state now, the temple was patronised by the great
Vijayanagar King Krishnadevaraya himself. It was built in 1513 AD when an image
of Balakrishna was installed here.
Monolithic Narasimha
Beyond the Krishna Temple complex is the celebrated but badly damaged
sculpture of Narasimha, carved out of a single boulder. The recent discovery of a
detached figure of Lakshmi identified this massive sculpture as Yoga Lakshmi
Narasimha.
 28

Hazara Rama Temple

The Temple built within a rectangular complex lies at the heart of the royal
centre. Dating from the early 15th century, the hall of the Hazara Rama Temple
has finely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Around the
exterior walls of the hall are three rows of sculptures illustrating the main
events from the Ramayana.
Elephant Stables
These are a row of ten
chambers with variously
shaped vaulted roofs, built
symmetrically on two sides of a
central two-stored pavilion.
Royal performance Zone
In this area are the remains of
civic buildings linked with the
ritualistic and administrative
functions of the royal court.
There is a basement of
hundred-columned hall,
possibly serving as a place of
justice and a stepped stone
platform from which as a place
of justice and stepped stone platform from which as a place of justice which the
King observed the rites of the Mahanavami Festival.
Royal Residences
Recent excavations have unearthed remains of the palaces to the west of the
Hazara Rama Temple. Though only the stone basements, plaster floors and
fragments of rubble walls can be seen today the typical Vijayanagar Palace was
symmetrically designed with a sequence of rising levels in a ‘U’ formation, with
the private chambers on the top.
Queen’s Bath
This water pavilion, better known as the Queen’s Bath, was built in an Islamic
style consisting of a square water basin surrounded by a vaulted corridor
balconies project over the water.
Vittala Temple
In spite of its ruined condition, the Vittala Temple represents the highest
achievements of Vijayanagar art. Built in the 16th century, the complex is set
within a rectangular courtyard. The building housing the main sanctum is built
on a lower level and its tower is made of brick and plaster. The Purandaradasa
Festival, celebrating the birth anniversary of the poet-composer, is held in this
temple in January-February.
 29

Achyuta Raya Temple

The Trivengalanatha Temple which was built during the reign of Achyutadeva
Raya is better known by the name of the ruler. The temples within are in ruins,
but some erotic sculpture can be seen in the columns inside the open hall near
the main gateway.
Kodandarama Temple
Located below the Mantanga hill on the south bank of the Tungabhadra river is the
Kodandarama Temple, commemorating the sport where Lord Rama Crowned
Sugriva after killing Vali. There is an image of Lord Rama in the temple which
attracts pilgrims.
We started to Guntakal by evening at 6.00 p.m. by bus and caught Kachiguda
Express at 11.40 p.m. to visit Hyderabad.
26.2.97 WEDNESDAY (DAY-19)
Reached Hyderabad at 9.30 a.m. and visit Hyderabad by bus. Of course one
day is not sufficient to visit Hyderabad, we visit only few places in a hurry and
some places were left over.
HYDERABAD
400 Years ago the fourth king of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, Mohammad Quli
Qutub Shah, founded the city
of Hyderabad on the banks of
the river Musi. During the
reign of the famed Nizams,
Hyderabad achieved further
renown and after
independence on November
1st 1956 it became the capital
of Andhra Pradesh.
Over the past four centuries,
the city has been endowed
with a rich legacy born of the
pursuit of excellence which
found expression in
beautifully planned
architecture, aesthetically
temples and shrines and a
rich natural endowment
enhanced by a love for good
living.
Hyderabad today is a
cosmopolitan city, linked by
daily air services to all the major cities of India and a weekly air service to
West Asia. It is well connected by rail and road with the rest of the country.
Five Universities - the famous Osmania University, the University of Hyderabad,
the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, the Agricultural University and
 30

the Andhra Pradesh Open University, make Hyderabad an important centre of

education. It is also called the training capital of India, like the Administrative
Staff College of India, Defense Management and Research Development, State
Bank Staff College, the Police Academy etc.
Charminar
The Charminar with its four imposing minarets, each 53m tall was built in 1591
by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of the city of Hyderabad. It stands
in majestic splendor, dominating a colourful scene of mosques, bazaars, and
busy streets, the hub of the old city. It is here that pearls and precious stones are
sold in the Laad Bazaar and brilliantly coloured bangles and other accessories
of bridal finery provide a feast for the eyes. It is here that the sound of the past
lives on.

Golconda Fort
The Golconda Fort stands on an isolated hill about 128m high, surrounded by
three tiers of battlemented ramparts.
Built over a period of 62 years by the
first three Qutub Shahi Kings it grew
into an impregnable fort. The
impressive Fateh Darwaza, the
bastions, the intricately carved walls
of the zanana and the fascinating
acoustic system by which a handclap
sounded at the entrance portal is
heard at the top of the hill, bear
testimony to the architectural skill of
that age. Golconda was also a famous market place
for diamonds.
Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung Museum houses what is perhaps the
world’s largest one man collection of priceless
antiques. Salar Jung III, together with his ancestors
of two generations had traveled the world over to
collect rare treasures which are now carefully
preserved in this famous museum. Persian carpets,
Mughal miniatures, Rajput paintings, work of
modern Indian artists, South Indian bronzes, wood
carvings, Bidri, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer
ware and a priceless collection of jade together with
an array of historical weapons like Queen Nur
Jehan’s ruby and emerald dagger and Aurangazeb’s
steel dagger which he used when he conquered the Golconda Fort, are some of
the articles on display. The two most famous pieces in the museum are the
statues of ‘Veiled Rebecca’ and ‘Margaretta and Mephistopheles’.
 31

Birla Mandir
The Venkateswara temple when viewed against the horizontal night, is a glow
composed of a
myriad lights. As
daylight approaches
the glow fades and a
huge marble edifice
come into view.
This temple, perched
on a hill overlooking
the Hussain Sagar
lake, was built over a
span of 10 years with
70 tones of Rajasthani
marble. The idol in
the sanctum is a
replica of the idol in the temple at Tirumala.
Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium - a world of stars, planets and constellations... This
structure was built in 1985 on the Naubat Pahad, close to the Venkateswara temple.
Regular Programmes give the viewers a better knowledge of the Universe.
The scenic Hussain
Sagar lake links the twin
cities of Hyderabad and
Secunderabad. The
memory of 33 historical
personages is
immortalised in the
form of bronze statues
place along the Tank
bund of the lake by Dr.
N.T.Rama Rao, the
former hon’ble Chief Minister of our State. In the middle of Hussain Sagar lake the
statue of Buddha was erected. Boating and Water sports facilities are an added
attractions.
Returned to Visakhapatnam by Visakha Express after completion of 19 days tour
successfully. All we felt very much happy and proposed to plan another tour
Programme in next year.
 32

ANNEXURE-I

TOUR SCHEDULE

Departure Train Number & Name Arrival Places of Visit

Date Time Place Train Date Time Place Train No. Date
No.
08.02.97 13.20 Visakhapatnam 6003 Mail 09.02.97 05.30 Madras Kanchi, Mahabalipuram

09.02.97 20.05 Madras 6175 Nagapore Exp. 10.02.97 01.52 Chidambaram Night Halt Chidambaram
Nagore, Velankini
10.02.97 22.23 Chidambaram 6779 Janatha Exp. 11.02.97 01.35 Tanjavur Night Halt at Tanjavur
11.02.97 18.00 Tanjavur 6153 Chola Exp. 11.02.97 19.20 Trichy Night Halt at Trichy,
12.02.97 - Srirangam
from Srirangam to Rameswaram
by Bus
Night Halt
13.02.97 02.50 Trichy 6713 Sethu Exp. 13.02.97 08.55 Rameswaram Rameswaram, Dhanush Koti
13.02.97 16.00 Rameswaram 6116 Ram Cochin Exp. 13.02.97 20.35 Madurai Night Halt
14.02.97 by van to Kodikkanal
15.02.97 - Madurai local

15.02.97 20.45 Madurai 727 Quilon Pass. 16.02.97 03.45 Nagarkoyal Kannya Kumari
Night halt
17.02.97 10.20 Kannya Kumari 6525 Bangalore Exp. 17.02.97 20.50 Coimbatore Night Halt at Coimbatore
18.02.97 by bus to Ooty, Coonor,
Night Halt
19.02.97 Coimbatore City &
Marudamali Temple

Contd..
 33

Departure Train Number & Name Arrival Places of Visit

Date Time Place Train Name of the Date Time Place
No. Train
19.02.97 20.55 Coimbatore 6525 Bangalore Exp. 20.02.97 05.45 Bangalore Bangalore Local
20.02.97 18.15 Bangalore 6216 Chamundi Exp. 20.02.97 21.05 Mysore Night Halt at Mysore
21.02.97- By bus Beluru,
Halibidu & Sravanbelogola
Night Halt at Mysore
22.02.97 Mysore Local
Night Halt
23.02.97 06.45 Mysore 6215 Chamundi Exp. 23.02.97 09.40 Bangalore
23.02.97 12.10 Bangalore 1014 Kurla Exp. 23.02.97 15.50 Dharmavaram Puttaparthi
Night halt
24.02.97 21.55 Dharmavaram 6592 Hampi Exp. 25.02.97 07.30 Hospet Hampi
25.02.97 20.30 Hospet 6591 Vijayanagar Exp. 25.02.97 23.00 Guntakal From Hospet to Guntakal we
traveled by Bus
25.02.97 23.40 Guntakal 7686 Kachiguda Exp. 26.02.97 09.20 Secunderabad Secunderabad, Hyderabad
26.02.97 17.00 Secunderabad 7067 Visakha Exp. 27.02.97 08.30 Visakhapatnam End of the Tour
 34

ANNEXURE-II

Expenditure incurred for one Tourist during the Tour

S.No. Date Description Amount

1. 15.01.97 Circular Ticket (Annexure-I) 700.00
Van Fare, (Kanchi, Mahabalipuram) 125.00
2. 09.02.97 Refreshments 50.00
Entrance Ticket for VGP Gardens in Madras 25.00
Van Fare, (Chidambaram, Nagore, Velankkini) 110.00
3. 10.02.97
Refreshments 45.00
Van Fare (Tanjavur, Tiruvayur, Kumbakonam) 65.00
4. 11.02.97 Refreshments 60.00
Railway Dormitory 50.00
Bus Fare (Trichy to Srirangam 4.00
Refreshments 45.00
5. 12.02.97
Bus Fare (Trichy to Rameswaram 34.50
Lodging at Rameswaram 45.00
Auto Fare for local trip of Rameswaram 65.00
6. 13.02.97
Refreshments 45.00
Van Fare (Madurai to Kodikkanal and back) 140.00
7. 14.02.97 Refreshments 25.00
Entrance Tickets for Gardens 30.00
Van Fare (Madurai Local) 60.00
8. 15.02.97 Refreshments 65.00
Lodging (Two Days) 100.00
Zeep Fare (Nagarkoyal to Kannya Kumari) 10.00
Ferry Ticket for Vivekananda Rock 6.00
9. 16.02.97 Entrance Ticket for Vivekananda Rock 6.00
Lodging 60.00
Refreshments 35.00
10. 17.02.97 Refreshments 40.00
Bus Fare (Coimbatore to Ooty) 15.00
Van Fare (Local Trip in Ooty) 65.00
11. 18.02.97 Entrance Tickets for Gardens 25.00
Refreshments 75.00
Lodging 35.00
Bus Fare (Ooty to Coimbatore) 15.00
12. 19.02.97 Bus Fare (Coimbatore to Marudamali) 16.00
Refreshment 55.00
Van Fare (Bangalore Local) 75.00
13. 20.02.97 Refreshments 60.00
Entrance Tickets 15.00
Bus Fare (Beluru, Halibidu & Sravanbelogola) 165.00
14. 21.02.97
Refreshments 75.00
Contd..
 35

S.No. Date Description Amount

Van Fare (Mysore local) 75.00
Entrance Ticket for Brindavan etc. 25.00
15. 22.02.97
Refreshments 60.00
Lodging for three days 220.00
Van Fare (Dharmavaram to Puttaparthi) 15.00
16. 23.02.97 Refreshments 25.00
Lodging 40.00
Bus Fare(Puttaparthi to Dharmavaram) 12.00
17. 24.02.97
Refreshments 35.00
Bus Fare(Hospet to Hampi and back) 15.00
18. 25.02.97 Refreshments 35.00
Bus Fare (Hospet to Guntakal) 25.00
Bus Fare (Hyderabad Local) 30.00
19. 26.02.97
Refreshments 35.00
20. Miscellaneous Entrance Tickets for Temples 35.00
Auto Fare for Different Railway/Bus Stations to 70.00
21.
Lodgings and Lodging to Railway /Bus Stations
Auto Fare (Visakhapatnam Railway Station to 25.00
22. 27.02.97
Residence)
Total 3513.50

Note: Refreshments (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Accommodation ( Only Dormitory Accommodation)
 36

From Date: ___________

I.Ramachandra Raju
H.NO. 3-463,
Adarsh Nagar Main Road
Near Dairy Farm Post
Visakhapatnam – 530 040
Andhra Pradesh

To

The Tourism Office

Government of Tamil Nadu
Place:_____________________
District:_____________________
State: _____________________

Sir,

Sub: Andhra University Employees – Visit of Tamil Nadu State as Tourists –

Information – Requested.
***
I wish to inform you that 10 to 12 employees of our University are planning to visit the
state of Tamil Nadu during the first week of February 97 by “Non-standard Circular
Ticket” by train.
In this connection, I enclosed a self addressed cover, I request you to kindly furnish the
following information.
We want to visit the _______________place in the same route by train / bus.
From Place: ________________________ To Place _______________________
™ Is the Route proposed by us is correct and economical Yes / No
If No, What is the correct Route? _________________________________
™ Duration of the time required to see the place _______________________
™ Mode of the Transport for Local Site Seeing: a) Bus b) Van c) Any other
Tariff of the local Site seeing (per person) : Rs. _____
™ Mode of the Accommodation: a) Dormitory b) Single Rooms c) Double Rooms
Tariff of the Accommodation: Rs._______
Thanking You

Yours sincerely

( I. RAMACHANDRA RAJU )