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Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Five monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
55 km south of Chennai (Madras) lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its gigantic rock-cut caves, massive monolithic structures, intricate bass relief panels and structural temples, including the famous Shore Temple.
The Pancha Rathas also known as Pandava Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples named after the five Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi (Nakula and Sahadeva share a single temple). Although the temples are named after Pandavas but they are not dedicated to them, so it is widely believed that the names probably emerged at a later date.
Memorial of the Siamese Expeditionary Force in World War I, Bangkok
World War I Memorial, Bangkok
A Spanish Flu Connect
Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022
I always have a passion for World War I (WWI) Memorials. Starting from my own city Kolkata to other Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai or Pune I have visited and documented several WWI memorials (Also see: World War I (WWI) Memorials)
Thailand, then Siam, is the most likely place for a WWI Memorial as Thailand was never been colonized and it has remained neutral for the majority of contemporary international events.
Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, Topslip, Annamalai Tiger Reserve
Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp
Topslip, Annamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu 2022
News of wild elephants going on rampage in agricultural fields and attacking humans are quiet common in different parts of India.
No wonder with the increasing human population the wild elephants are losing their ground. They often make inroads into human settlements resulting into man-animal conflict.
Tuticorin Macaroon, an Indian twist to a European Confectionary
Tuticorin Macaroon
An Indian twist to a European Confectionary
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
A macaroon is a small cake or biscuit-like confectionary item made with egg white, sugar and ground almond. It has an Italian and French origin and over the years it has made its way to different parts of the world.
Each country and region that has adopted the macaroon has modified it by using easily available local raw materials. The ground almond has often been replaced with ground cashew nuts or even coconut powder. Some have also added a dash of honey to provide an extra dose of sweetness.
World War Memorials and Cemeteries, Pune
World War Memorials and Cemeteries of Pune
A compilation of World War Memorials and Cemeteries in Pune
Also see: World War I (WWI) Posts
Over a million Indian soldiers served the British Army during the First World War (WWI), which was initially known as the Great War of 1914 – 18. Over 70,000 died fighting in different war theatres spread across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Memorial of APJ Abdul Kalam, Rameswaran
Memorial of APJ Abdul Kalam
Rameswaran
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or simply APJ Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was the 11 th President of India (25 July 2002 – 25 July 2007). Known as the “People’s President” and the “Missile man of India” Kalam came from a humble background.
He was born in Rameswaram, an important Hindu pilgrimage in Pamban Island (also known as Rameswaran Island). Kalam came from a very humble background but excelled in academics. He went on to study aerospace engineering in Madras Institute of Technology (IIT).
Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Great Living Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeshwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the largest Shiva temple of South India and is a classic example of Dravidian Temple Architecture.
It is part of the UNESCO Heritage site of Great Living Chola Temples. Which includes:
- Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Tanjore) constructed by Raja Raja I (Raja Taja Chola) in 1010
- Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram constructed by Rajendra (Rajendra Chola) in 1035
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram constructed by Raja Raja II in 1166
The temple at Tanjavur was included in the UNESCO list in 1984. In 2004 the other two were included in the list under the common heading of Great Living Chola Temples.
Mantra Koodam CGH Earth Resort, Kumbakonam
Mantra Koodam CGH Earth Resort
Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam or Kudanthai is a town in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. There are about 180 temples located within the town and apart from that there several thousand temples around the town and hence it is popularly referred to as the temple town.
The Mantra Koodam Resort in Kumbakonam provides a spiritual experience ans serves as a home away from home. Managed by the CGH Earth Experiential Holidays, who specializes in curating experiential holidays since 1954.