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.

Panoramic view of the Pancha Ratha Complex, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

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.

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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.

Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

It is part of the UNESCO Heritage site of Great Living Chola Temples. Which includes:

1. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Tanjore) constructed by Raja Raja I (Raja Taja Chola) in 1010
2. Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram constructed by Rajendra (Rajendra Chola) in 1035
3. 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.

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Former Danish Colony in Tamil Nadu

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Former Danish Colony in Tamil Nadu

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), the place of the singing waves, is a small coastal town in Tamil Nadu 120 km south of the former French colony Pondicherry (Puducherry). Tharangambadi is known for its ozone rich beaches. It was once a Danish colony and was known as Tranquebar.

Dansborg Fort, Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Today the Danish Fort of Dansborg still dominates the Tranquebar skyline and the fortified town still has its share of colonial charm and legacy. The coastal town complete with forts, churches and colonial buildings is surrounded by high wall complete with bastions and stands as a colonial island surrounded by a rural landscape.

Dansborg Fort, Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Dansborg Fort

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi), Tamil Nadu (TN)

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

Although India has been a British colony for almost two centuries but few pockets have been under the occupation of other European powers. Goa and Pondicherry remained under the Portuguese and French occupation respectively even after independence of India in 1947.

Dansborg Fort, Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Apart from French and Portuguese the Dutch and Danish also had there share of tiny colonies spread across British India. West Bengal also had its share of European colonies along the River Hooghly

Dhanuskodi, the abandoned town at the end of India

Dhanuskodi

The abandoned town at the end of India

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

A long stretch of desolate sand, with scattered dilapidated structures, flanked on both side with endless expanse of water. On the north is clear blue waters of Bay of Bengal and on the south is the turbulent waters of Gulf of Mannar.

Where peacocks dare! Ruins of Dhanushkodi

This is Dhanuskodi, once the flourishing port and now an abandoned town complete with roofless church, railway stations with rails and schools with out students.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Shore Temple

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

55 km south of Chennai lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its towering pagodas, gigantic rock-cut caves, intricate bass relief panels and massive monolithic structures (Also see: Pancha Rathas).

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), view from west side

The structures date back to the 600 – 700 CE and were constructed by the Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram offers a interesting mix of history along with golden sand beaches washed by the thundering waves of the Bay of Bengal.