Category Archives: Tamil Nadu

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Travel India

India the land of 1.3 Billion inhabitants is a cacophony of contrasts, sound, colors, smell, and taste. Mother India as we Indians say it, has a rich history, heritage, traditions, unbelievable landscapes, lush beauty and exotic architecture to overload your senses. It is the Birthplace of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other religions. Guests are treated as Gods and each Indian live by the saying “Atithi Devo Bhava”. Not only this, but the variety of lavish cuisines of every state of India is also unique and completely mouthwatering. So, in the post, we will be quoting reasons, that why everyone should travel India, at least once in their lifetime. Also, we will brief the Indian visa and its application process.

10 Reasons Why Travel India

Why Travel India?

History & Architecture

India, also known as Bharat is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It has a history dating back to the Neothilic period. The land has been ruled by several rulers, dynasties and has gone through several wars and conquers. Each of these rulers during its era built unique massive forts, palaces, mosques, temples, etc. So there is a lot of history behind each of these structures along with unique architecture and an interesting story. Apart from this India is also known as the land of epics and legends. The two epics Ramayana and Mahabharata belong to this nation.

Haunted Bhangarh fort
Bhangarh fort in Rajasthan

Today, 38 ancient sites (cultural and natural) of the nation are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, making it a treasure trove for history buffs and design enthusiasts.

Culture and Traditions

The country is known throughout the world for its diverse cultures. And the same manifest well in its religions, traditions, languages, festivals, fairs, values, dresses, art and craft. India is dominantly a Hindu state but has a lot of Muslim population too, making it to one of the largest Muslim nations in the world.

Pushkar in Rajasthan- Travel India

The country has multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society i.e. the total 29 states of country have its own communities, culture, traditions, festivals, dressing style and food. People speak different languages and have diverse lingual tones. The traditional culture and lifestyle in Indian villages symbolizes the true essence of India. But overall, it is an amalgamation of various cultures influenced from thousands of year’s old history. The phrase Unity in Diversity sums up the true India.

Himalayas

The word “Himalayas” means a house of snow or snow abode in Sanskrit. The Indian Himalayas spread over the northern frontiers and the north of it is known as roof the world. The Himalayas span Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Bay of Bengal in India.

View of Chau Chau Kang Nilda from Fossil Village Langza
View of Chau Chau Kang Nilda from Fossil Village Langza Spiti Valley

The Himalayas have some of the highest peaks like Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest peak in the world. Many of these peaks are considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Himalayas too are rich in extensive flora, fauna, and medicinal herbs. The mighty rivers like Ganges, Indus, Satluj, Brahmaputra have their origin from the Himalayas. The River Ganga is sacred of all rivers and runs for 2500 Kilometers from Northern Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. It is a source of fishing, agriculture and many other activities. Hindus also believed that the River transports the prayers of believers to heaven and a dip in the river purifies your soul.

Devprayag - Confluence of River Bhagirathi and River Alaknanda
Devprayag – Confluence of River Bhagirathi and River Alaknanda

Another thing, not to miss in the Himalayas is Himalayan Toy Train of Shimla, Darjeeling, Ooty. These colonial trains are a part of UNESCO Heritage sites and they provide a mesmerizing experience. The scenic beauty around the lush green landscapes and blue sky from the speeding train looks just out of the world.

Darjeeling Toy Train Steam Engine- Darjeeling Sikkim Tour
Darjeeling Toy Train Steam Engine

Adventure

If you are an adventure lover and like an instant adrenaline rush, then travel India. In India, adventure follows everywhere – be it while hiking or driving in the Himalayas in Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley, riding around the beaches of Goa; while doing a safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park or checking the haunted Bhangarh fort of Rajasthan, while checking the wildlife in the Himalayas or jungle, while passing the highest motorable passes in Ladakh or ridging the double-humped camels in Nubra valley or moving endlessly in the chaotic streets of Old Delhi, while hitchhiking or boarding the public transport. In every nook and corner, you will find an endless adventure and it is extremely fun.

View of Khajjiar Meadows form Hotel Devdar - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar
View of Khajjiar Meadows form Hotel Devdar

High Altitude Lakes

Indian Himalayas are home to plenty of high altitude lakes, out of which many are still undiscovered. These high altitude turquoise blue water Lakes nestled between the snow covered mountain peaks looks completely ethereal and surreal in summers whereas remain completely frozen in winters.

Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim - Darjeeling Sikkim Tour
Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim

The Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim, located at 5430 meters i.e. 17,800 feet is the highest lake in India. Its changing colors with the daylight can leave anyone spellbound. The other high altitude lakes which one should check are – Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, and Suraj Tal in Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Nationals need a special PAP (Protected Area Permit) and Indians need an Inner line permit to visit many of these.

Religious and Spiritual Tour to Temples & Monasteries

Religion and spirituality are intertwined in the daily lives of Indians. India is a birthplace of various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and others. Visiting temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath Temple, etc), Buddhist monasteries like Hemis Monastery, and looking into their relics and stories gives one a better picture of Indian culture. Witnessing the people worshipping and praying in their own ways is not less than a treat to eyes. Spirituality here is not just about praying but it’s about finding one’s inner peace and spiritual self.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh- Travel India
Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh – Travel India

The Buddhist Gompas in the North India, exemplify the rich traditions and simplistic life Monks lead, the Ashrams spread throughout the country gives you an idea of slow peaceful life with the consumption of organic food whereas the ancient Temples of South gives you the insight of wealth of the country. Apart these, there are some amusing and unique temples too, set up on the beliefs, likelihood or on the fan following For e.g. – motorcycle temple in Rajasthan, Amitabh Bachhan Temple in Kolkata, Dog Temple in Karnataka, Visa Temple in Jalandhar Punjab, Narender Modi Temple in Gujarat and Bharat Mata Temple in Varanasi.  

Food

Indians have diverse culinary habits throughout and their food style is influenced by Mughlai, Persian and many others. Most importantly Indians take their food quite seriously.

Pao Bhaji at Orange Festival Dambuk
Pao Bhaji – Indian Street food

The diverse variety of lip-smacking delicacies range from the Thukpa in North to the Idly-Sambar in the South, including the Dal Baati Churma in the West and the various dishes of pork in the East. Chapatti with the thick curries also makes to the staple food in North India whereas rice with the seafood, prepared in coconut curry, is for South. Apart this there is no end to the street food here. So, overall India is a gastronomical paradise and the aroma of food can easily trigger up your taste buds.

Festivals & Fairs

India the largest democratic country with diversity in religion, culture, and topography is diverse with its festivals and fairs too. Each month there is some or other festival or fair and it is celebrated on a large scale. Some of these festivals have a religious affair whereas others are celebrated for fun and seasonal change. The main motto of each is to bring people of all religions together for bonding and humanity and unite the whole of India to a single bunch. For the month-wise details of Indian festivals of India check Part 1 and Part 2 here.

Holi Festival Travel India
Holi Festival – Travel India

The festival of Lights Diwali, where the whole sky gets illuminated by fireworks and the festival of Colors are the two most important festivals of India. Apart from festivals, the endless fairs or melas celebrated across the country, highlights the local culture of the land in most colorful and expressive ways, emphasizing the prevailing folklore and history of the region. The must-visit fairs while travelling to India include the Pushkar Camel fair, Khumb Mela, Rann Utsav, Goa Carnival, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Elephant festival of Jaipur, Dambuk Orange festival, etc.

4-4 Fury adventure at Dambuk Orange Festival - Travel India
4-4 Fury adventure at Dambuk Orange Festival – Travel India

Yoga & Ayurveda Treatment

Yoga and Meditation originated in India and today it is practiced throughout the world for stress relief, physical fitness, and relaxation. So, Yoga might belong to the world but its Home is India only. Therefore, to learn or practice yoga, travel India and it’s the best place to lean it. Yoga is not just about physical fitness and being flexible, it is a repository. It means to connect- Connect to yourself and maintain harmony with nature. It is a way to recognize self, increase self-consciousness and coordination, to open yourself to new things and ideas. The best places to learn Yoga are Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Haridwar, Mysore, etc.

View from Ayurvedic Spa Room of Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram
View from Ayurvedic Spa Room of Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

Ayurveda, the 5000 years old natural medicine system, too has its origin in India and today its variants are used everywhere in the world as alternative medicine. The traditional system focuses on treating and eradicating the problem right from the root cause of it, by taking the account of diet, lifestyle, routine, exercise and circumstances of a patient. Ayurveda purifies the mind, body and soul. Indian forests being rich in herbs and flora, have multiple medical concoctions. So, India is an ideal place for availing Ayurveda Treatment. The best place to experience Ayurveda treatment, spas and massages in India is Kerala.

People

Last but not the least is always smiling, and hospitable people. Be it the extreme village of Spiti Valley or the desert, people are kind enough to invite you to your home for a cup of tea with local bread. Even if they have one room and you are in shortage of space, they will be more than happy to accommodate you. Still in the remote villages, you can see the innocent children playing in the puddles or climbing the trees, much away from the facts of internet and technology.

Children playing cricket on the way to chanshal pass
Children playing cricket on the way to Chanshal Pass

How to get Indian Visa

All tourists need to apply for Indian visa before traveling. The visa can be applied through Indian Post or via the most convenient option i.e. e- visa. The e- visas should be applied at least four days before the travel date and the traveler can enter the country within a period of 120 days from the issue date. For Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then the applicant can select the arrival date from 5th Sept to 2nd Jan.

From 2019, the newly issued tourist and business e-visas for India are valid for 365 days. Within this period, the tourist can make an unlimited number of trips to India. However, this does not mean that you can stay in India for one consecutive year. UK, USA, Canada or Japan passport holders can stay for max. 180 days whereas other nationalities can only stay for a maximum of 90 consecutive days.

From the web browser open the site for applying for an India visa. Fill all the required details like contact information, place of residence, travel dates, passport information, and passport photo, and wait for 4 days to get the approval. In case of emergency, visas get approved within 24 hrs.

10 Reasons Why Travel India
10 Reasons Why Travel India

Important Points to Remember before traveling to India

  • Give yourself enough time to enjoy every location in India
  • Prepare a rough itinerary encompassing accommodation and transport, to avoid unavoidable Indian mishaps and adventurous detours
  • Hindi is India’s mother tongue still it isn’t spoken by everyone and everywhere in India. In fact, there are more than 20 languages spoken throughout the country and English tends to serve as a common lingo
  • Learn few Hindi phrases to break the ice with locals like “Namaskar” (hello), “Dhanyawaad” (thank you), “Aap Kaise hai” (how are you), “Kitna Dena hai” (how much to pay) and “Naam kya hai” (what’s your name)
  • Credit cards, Debit cards, and money wallets are accepted throughout the country. But still carry some cash while traveling in the remote areas and in the Himalayas
  • There are plenty of street food options in India but consume it from a good food joint only to avoid food poisoning
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Wear comfortable clothing and dress appropriately according to the location. In mountains, it is usually cold even in summers so always remember to carry windcheaters and a light jacket
  • Toilets are still a big-time challenge in many remote parts of India. So, carry Pee safe with you always to avoid infection
  • Public transport as well as cab service is good in the country but make sure to take complete information about the route before traveling
  • Inform the concerned person about your travel plans and locations in India for safety and security
  • Bargaining is possible in the street and flea markets of India, so remember to do it before making a purchase

3 Days Ooty itinerary – The Queen of Nilgiris

Ooty or Ooatcumund a small hill station with quaint surroundings located away from the city’s hustle-bustle in Tamil Nadu is flanked by Blue Nilgiri Mountains and vast expanses of forests. The queen of Nilgiris- Ooty bags the title of Queen of the hills, just like Mussorie in Uttarakhand. Its perfect weather throughout the year, green surroundings, colonial heritage, and great eateries make it an idyllic weekend getaway or holiday destination for people of South India esp. Bangalore and Chennai. We too did a 3-day weekend trip to Ooty and had an awesome time there. So, here is a complete guide on the Ooty Itinerary we followed.

3 Days Ooty Itinerary

3 Days Ooty Itinerary

Day 1: (Bangalore to Ooty)

Reach Ooty by 12 pm, so you have the rest of the day to explore queen of hills.

Route from BangaloreBangalore – Mandya- Mysore – Gundlupet – Bandipur – Theppakadu – Masinagudi – Ooty

Note: While coming from Bandipur side, keep in mind, that the gates of Bandipur National Park are closed during the night from 6:00pm -4:00 am.

While driving to Ooty, several tourist attractions fall on the way itself. So, opt to cover them on the way itself as we did.

Pykara Lake & Pykara Waterfalls

Pykara Lake is the largest lake in the Nilgiri district. It lies 22 km from the center of Ooty in the Pykara Village on the Ooty- Mysore road. The lake is considered sacred by the Todas community and it also forms the part an important part of the hydroelectric project i.e. Pykara dam. During Monsoons, i.e. in months of July and August, when the gates of the dam are opened, the silent lake becomes gushy. It flows amidst the pine trees and is considered as the best place for nature and photography lovers.

Pykara falls -Ooty Itinerary
Pykara falls – 3 Days Ooty Itinerary (Source)

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) also runs houseboats, motorboats or speed boat in the Pykara lake. So opt to sit and enjoy a scrumptious meal in the boathouse. It is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the comforts of nature. The timing of the boat ride is from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

The Pykra River flows over a series of waterfalls and the 55 and 61 meter high falls together are known as Pykara falls. So, it is the best place to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature among cloud and mountains. 

Also read: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Pine forest shooting point

4 Kilometers ahead the Pykara Dam lies the Pine forest shooting point, where many movie scenes have been shots. A little hike from the bottom to the hilltop gives the best view of the valley. Horse riding takes place at this place here and the place is a delight for every photographer. So, if you have ample time do spend some time here enjoying the views and clicking pictures.

Pine Forest Shooting Point
Pine Forest Shooting Point

M, and N Chocolate Museum

Chocolate Museum lies around 9 km from the Pykara falls. It is the best place to learn the process of making healthy chocolates without using vegetable oil. They also treat you with free chocolates to enjoy on your way. The entry fee to the museum is Rs 20 and the timing are from 9 am to 6 pm.

After enjoying the Pykara falls, beautiful views and homemade chocolates we suggest to head over to your hotel to take some rest. In the evening, you can check the local market and the Thunder World

Thunder World

If you are traveling with children, then Thunder World should definitely be on your list. It is an amusement park which consists of a Dinosaur theme park, 5D theatre, Camera Museum, Vortex, Haunted House, etc. The entry fees vary for each section of the park. We suggest to choose a combo pack as it is much cost-effective.

Thunder world - 3 days ooty itinerary
Thunder world – 3 days Ooty Itinerary

The entry fee is around Rs 150/- for children and Rs 210/- for adults and the timings for visit are from 9 am to 7 pm. The Dinosaur theme park has all kinds of dinosaurs and it will take you to Jurassic ages. The haunted house is really scary. Kids will also enjoy the replicas of Taj Mahal, Golden temple and India gate.

Day 2 (At Ooty)

Start your day early, around 9 am as there is lot to explore in a day.

Botanical Garden, Ooty

Botanical Garden is one of the most visited tourist places in Ooty.  The garden is huge and is filled with beautiful green lawns, flowers, and ferns. The Toda hill within the park gives an insight into the tribe of Toda people. Also, check 20 million years fossilized tree here.

Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden Ooty (Source)

The Botanical Garden opens around 7 am and closes at 6 pm. The entry fee for adult is Rs 30/- and Rs 15/- for children. Camera charges are additional Rs 50/- to Rs 100/-.

Rose Garden, Ooty

Rose Garden is located in the center of the Ooty city and is spread over four hectares of land. The best time to visit it is during the flowering season (i.e. from March to June) when there are large varieties of roses here. One can also purchase saplings or bouquets from the garden.

The entry fee is Rs 30/- for adult and Rs 15/- for kids. The garden is open from7.30 am to 6.30 pm. Camera charges are additional Rs 50/- to Rs 100/-.

Also read: Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram 

Ooty Lake

Ooty Lake, an artificial lake built in 1824, lies 2 km from the city center. It spreads over 65 km and is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and greenery all around. One can enjoy boating here after choosing from pedal boats, motorboats and rowboats available here.

Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake

The Lake is accessible to tourists from 10 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs 10. In the month of May, boat races too, are conducted here.

Wax Museum

1 km away from Ooty, lies wax museum. The museum is located inside a 130 years old colonial house and it houses wax statues of many famous personalities. It opens from 9 am to 6 pm and the entry fee is 30/- for adults and Rs 20/- for children.

Tea Factory and Museum

The tea factory and museum falls on the way to the Doddabetta peak. Do visit it to learn the entire tea making process right from drying tea leaves to manufacturing. It opens from 9 am to 6 pm and the entry fee is Rs 10/-.

Tea Estates near ooty- 3 days Ooty itinerary
Tea Estates – 3 days Ooty itinerary

Also, purchase fresh tea packets from the museum. The tea made is completely pure and good. Read our detailed tea estate experience at Handunugoda virgin white tea estate in Sri Lanka.

Doddabetta Peak

Doddabetta Peak is the highest point of the Nilgiris. Is a perfect spot to get a look at the Karnataka and Kerala borders from Tamil Nadu. There is a telescope house at the viewpoint and the two telescopes are installed for public use. The place is always swarming with the crowd, but we liked spending some time here because of the mesmerizing views.

Tea plantation near doddabetta Tamilnadu
Ooty tea plantation near doddabetta Tamilnadu

Day 3 (Local Sightseeing and Back)

Nilgiri Mountain Railways

Just like the Himalayan toy trains of Darjeeling and Himachal, this too is a main attraction of Ooty. The blue toy train when passes amidst the green scenery it makes the perfect fairy tale ride.

Ooty Himalayan Railway
Ooty Himalayan Railway – 3 Days Ooty Itinerary

We suggest booking the tickets via IRCTC itself at least a month before, from Udayamangalam station to Connor to avoid the onspot hassles. Train fares are Rs 250/- for first-class and Rs 30/- for second class. The train timings from Ooty to Connor are 9.15 am, 12.15 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm and the return timings are 7.45 am, 10.40 am, 12.35 pm and 16.30 pm.

Lamb’s Rock

The Lamb’s rock lies 8 km from Ooty, on the way to Dolphin nose point. One gets the entire Connor hills view from here.

Dolphin Nose Point

It lies 10 km from the Connor city center. The peak visible from here is in the shape of dolphin nose. The rolling hills, cloudy sky, and the greenery is a treat to the eyes.

How to reach Ooty?

Ooty lies 272 kilometers from Bangalore, 555 Kilometers from Chennai, and 125 kilometers from Mysore. The nearest airport is Coimbatore, i.e. around 86 km away and the nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, around 40 km from Ooty. From here one can take a bus or taxi to reach further. Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai are well connected to Ooty by road and one can even opt for overnight buses.

3 Days Ooty Itinerary

Best time to visit Ooty

The weather in Ooty is pleasant throughout the year. April to June i.e. summers is the peak tourist time. People rush to this quaint hill station to escape from the harsh weather, For monsoon and rain lovers, July to September is best and during this time the earth wears a green blanket. Winters lasts from and the weather is pleasant and enjoyable.

This post has been curated by Shalini Garnaik, from Eager2travel – a curious girl bit by wanderlust. She loves documenting and sharing her travel stories, travel hacks, tips. She has been traveling with a full-time job from the past two years.

Heritage Walk through a Historical Town: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Mahabalipuram, once known as Mamallapuram is a historical beach town which lies 60 km ahead from Chennai on the east coast in TamilNadu. The town is popular among the locals as a famous weekend getaway and is equally known among the UNESCO heritage lovers. Mahabalipuram has several monuments dating back to 7th and 8th century when the Pallavas returned from Sri Lanka to rule here and made this beach town as their thriving seaport. So, here in this Mahabalipuram travel guide, we will be briefing and opening up all the histories which you must know once visiting the monuments of this small historical town.

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History of Mahabalipuram Town

According to the legends, the name Mahabalipuram is derived from two words “Mahabali” and “Puram”. The word Mahabali comes from the King name Bali or Mahabali who once ruled this place and “Puram” in Sanskrit means a city or urban dwelling. So, together it makes Mahabalipuram. Whereas there is another legend theory thought that the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, was a great wrestler and to honor him he was dedicated to the great title Mamalla. So, together the historical town got its name as Mamallapuram.Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Heritage walk through a Historical town: Mahabalipuram Travel guide

Mahabalipuram town might be the first love of UNESCO world heritage site lovers but it too is a great place to admire sculptures, dwell into the caves, soak in the beaches and smell the fresh coastal air.

We did the early morning, heritage walk of historical town Mahabalipuram, during our visit to Chariot Beach Resort for #chariotbloggersretreat #ctbr #funatcbr. Also, read the activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram.

1.Shore Temple

The Shore temple, as the name says looks on to the shore of Bay of Bengal and is a part of UNESCO monuments listing. It is also one of the oldest temples in South India.

Ticket: Rs 30/- for Indians and Rs 500/- for Non-Indian; extra charges for videography.

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

The time required for exploring: 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your eye detailing.

Shore Temple - Mahabalipuram Travel guide
Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram Travel guide

The Shore temple is believed to be the only surviving temple of a set of 7 temples, whereas the rest temples are submerged under the ocean. Interestingly, during a briefing session about the temple, our guide too explained that a part of these submerged temples was visible during 2004 Tsunami when the water receded back by a kilometer or more. Indeed, we were taken to the ocean middle by the organized Catamaran, to witness the part of rock emerging above in the center. The locals believe this emerging rock to be one among the rest six submerged temples.

The complex has two similar pyramid shaped, 60 feet high temples inside which houses the idols of Hindu God Lord Shiva with his family and Lord Vishnu. Along with it, there are multiple small shrines, open halls and compound wall with statues of Shiva’s Vahana Nandi surrounding it. The sculptures are disfigured but the scaffolding around show the continuous restoration work carried out by ASI.

Shiva's Vahan Nandi surrounding Shore temple : Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Shiva’s Vahan Nandi surrounding Shore temple

The intricate carvings stepped architecture and compound designs, clearly depict the architectural bent of mind these guys had. Shore Temple looks like a masterpiece when the sun rays fall on it during sunrise and sunset. Another worth mentioning point is that this temple was monolithic i.e. carved from a single stone, which is simply worth praises.

2.Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges

Ticket: Rs 10/- for Indian citizens and Rs 250/- for Non-Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 30 minutes to an hour

The Arjun’s Penance or Descent of Ganges is one of the largest sculptural art & perfect example of low relief work in the world. The carvings depict the Jungle scene with mythological Hindu God’s on the 27-meter long boulder.

There are two-three legend tales linked to this artwork. The first being – It is a Mahabharata scene where Arjun one of the Pandavas is praying in yoga posture in the jungle, to Lord Shiva for gaining powerful weapon to defeat the evil. The second tale is Goddess Bhagirathi along with Lord Shiva, receives River Ganga (depicted by a cleft in the sculpture along with snakes) on earth from Heaven. And all the animals rush together to quench their thirst, forgetting their predatory relations.

Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges: Mahabalipuram travel guide
Arjuns Penance / Descent of Ganges: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Interestingly, the sculpture too has a shadow of Charlatans. The cat is seen depicting Arjun and mice praying to her. When the cat finishes the prayers, she devours over the mice as a prey.

If we leave the history apart, the whole artwork is to be relished and it is a great masterpiece made by Pallavas in the 7th century, despite the lack of high-end tools.

3.Pancha Pandava Cave Temple

Ticket: Free

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 30 minutes to an hour

Just next to the Arjun’s Penance, stands the other 7th century UNESCO monument Pancha Pandava cave temple, which is also known as the Mandapa of five Pandavas. It is the largest cave temple and one of finest cut out architecture in Mahabalipuram.

Panch Pandava Cave Temple : Mahabalipuram travel guide
Panch Pandava Cave Temple: Mahabalipuram travel guide

In the complex, there are six columns in the veranda, with the carved lion base on five. The columns with lion base are a typical architectural style of Pallavas. Behind these five pillars lies another four pillars which divide the cave further into sections. The temple and some pillars are incomplete. Around the shrine is a long dark gallery to enter the main shrine.

4. Krishnas Butter Ball

Ticket: Free

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: Maximum 30 minutes

Walk 200 meter from Arjun’s penance on right, there stands miraculous 6 meter high, 5-meter wide boulder, inclined on a rock base. God only knows how it is stable there from past 1200 years? It not only left us wondering but centuries ago it left the Pallava dynasty King Narasimhavarn too amazed. To move it, Britishers even used 7 elephants but they were too unsuccessful.

Krishnas Butter Ball: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Krishnas Butter Ball: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

The Krishna’s gigantic Butter Ball is a famous attraction. People climb the huge rock to go near and move it. But till day nobody could. Look at us, even we are trying our muscle power on it.

5. Lighthouse

Ticket: Rs 10/- for Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 1 hr for both the lighthouses

From the Butter Ball, keep walking for almost 2 kilometers climbing the rocks, admiring complete incomplete temples and caves in between. Just ahead of the Lighthouse museum follow the narrow passage. It will take you to a huge gigantic rock which has Olankeeswara temple on top of it. The top of the temple was used as a lighthouse for some period. Pallavas used to light the oil lamp here from sunset to sunrise, for ships to follow the port.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BarR1UdH8Z4/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Opposite to this temple stands the circular masonry tower made up of natural stone which is said to be a new lighthouse. It got opened to the public only in 2011. Adjacent to it lays the oldest lighthouse of India, built by Pallava King Mahendra in 640AD, which is now a protected monument.

Light House: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Light House: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

One must climb both the lighthouses to get the panoramic city views.

6. Panch Rathas

Ticket: Rs 30/- for Indians & Rs 500/- for Non-Indians

Timings: 6:00am – 6:00 pm

Time required for exploring: 1 -2 Hrs

Panch Rathas: Mahabalipuram Travel guide
Panch Rathas: Mahabalipuram Travel guide

The term Panch Rathas again is derived from two words – “Panch” meaning five and “Rathas” means Chariot. There is a theory that it was built to imitate the 5 Pandavas (Yudhistra, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, Sahadev) and their wife Draupadi. Thematically and structurally all the chariots differ from each other and are carved out from a single monolithic stone. They too are pyramid shaped like Shore temple and have murals all over on their walls.

For details on the Ranch Rathas, you can check here.

Tips for Heritage Walk: Mahabalipuram travel guide

  1. The weather in Chennai is hot and humid, so do carry a water bottle and hand towel with you.
  2. Wear cotton clothes and flats to be comfortable and you really need to walk a lot.
  3. Take an authorized guide to know the history of these monuments better.
  4. Follow the rules and buy a ticket for watching these monuments.
  5. Still, photography is free but videography is paid inside these 7th-century old monuments.
  6. There are lots of vendor selling seashell and stone carvings around these tourist attractions. If you have to buy, then check the piece before buying and make sure to bargain.Heritage Walk though historical town: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

P.S:  We did the heritage walk of historical town Mahabalipuram during the Chariot Bloggers Retreat organized by Chariot Beach Resort. and also read the activities at chariot beach resort mahabalipuram, we enjoyed.

 

Review: Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

If you are a history freak and looks for a relaxed vacation simultaneously, want to sleep in the private deluxe or seaside cottages with an Olympiad pool around, walk hand in hand watching the sunrise with your loved one on a private beach, then the Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram is the perfect place for you.

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Recently, you might have seen our Instagram feed and Facebook feed loaded with lots of beach pictures giving you a perfect clue about our trip to the awesome Chariot property, and the fun we had while doing activities at chariot beach resort, Mahabalipuram. We were invited as guests to the #Chariot Bloggers Retreat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaeEyaOnSV1/?hl=en&taken-by=suruchimittal

We, a team of 16 bloggers from Delhi landed at Chennai Airport in the morning and were driven by the Chariot team Chauffer to the Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram. The resort is located at a distance of 60 km from the prime location at the shore. It took around 1:30 hr to reach the resort. As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by the refreshing traditional South Indian coconut drink and seashell garlands. After a brief introduction and savory filling brunch, we were ushered towards our super deluxe villas.

Welcomed by Coconut Drink and Seashell Garland on arrival at Chariot Beach Resort

About The Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

The Chariot Beach resort is stretched over 42 acres. There are 70 rooms and villas amidst the swaying coconut trees and beach at the end.

Open Lush green areas at Chariot Resort, Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or earlier known as Mamallapuram is a UNESCO heritage site and has the history dating back to 6th century when Pallavas came from Sri Lanka to rule the place.

The Chariot Beach resort is a perfect destination to soak in the greenness and calm your senses at the beach.

Rooms at Chariot Resort

The resort has in total 70 rooms categorized into standard rooms, deluxe rooms & cottages (24), sea view cottages (4) and sea view suites (4).

The rooms, villas and the suites in the Chariot beach resort are crafted keeping in mind the simple logic Rest & Relaxation (R&R) and the gripping greenery and cold breeze of the ocean are enough to unwind one from its daily chores.

Super Deluxe Cottages at chariot Mahabalipuram
Super Deluxe Cottages

We stayed at Super Deluxe cottages, which is spacious and furnished in a way to house two queen size beds. And the other amenities like working table, Sofa, chairs, LED’s, minibar, coffee maker, weighing scales, washroom, and outdoor shower. The villa is hugged from all sides by tropical gardens and has huge windows for the direct sunlight. The room looks out to the patio which has a perfect sitting arrangement to enjoy some morning and evening filter coffee with the newspaper. The Super Deluxe Villas are apt for the families as well as the couples.

Super Deluxe Cottage Room at Chariot Beach Resort

Amenities in Super Deluxe Cottage of Chariot beach resort

There are few Sea view cottages and suites in the resort too. Everything in these is almost same except that from there patio and rooms, one gets direct views of the sea and its waves. The Sea View Suites too has a separate dining area within their rooms.

Sea View Suites at Chariot Beach Resort
Sea View Suites

Sea View from Sea view Cottages at Chariot Beach Resort
Sea View from Sea View Cottages

Restaurants at Chariot Beach Resort

If you are someone who is the foodie, can go gaga about the food, have strong taste buds and the aroma of the cooked food in restaurants can tease your hunger, then this is the place you should be for your weekend getaways. They offer you a variety of traditional South Indian Cuisine to North Indian food.

There are 3 restaurants and a Bakehouse at Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram.

Kapi serves multi cuisines, a la carte and buffet throughout the day for its guests. There are live counters to try some lip-smacking local delicacies.

Sweet Delicacies at Chariot beach Resort
Sweet Delicacies at Chariot Beach Resort

Panam is a bar to enjoy some good cocktails and mocktails with your family and friends.

Restaurant at Chariot Beach Resort

Coast actually lies on the sea coast with the wonderful sea views and cold breeze. The fresh seafood severed here is palatable and unforgettable. Chariot team too organizes dinner for family, couple and friends on the sea coast.

Coast Restaurant at Chariot Beach Resort

Bake House on the property is enough to keep your sugar and calorie level apt while enjoying the property. The team doesn’t forget to serve you a variety of desserts after every meal.

Apart from this, there are various shakes and juices to enjoy the day.

Activities at Chariot Beach Resort Mahabalipuram

There are a plethora of activities to choose from and enjoy within the premises of chariot Beach resort. There is a separate 5 acres neighborhood activity zone to rush your adrenaline levels. To name few others there is Zip lining, Burma Bridge, ATV ride, Cricket zone, Table tennis, Olympiad size swimming pool, private beach, Catamaran ride and Ayurvedic Spa zone.  You can read about these in detail here.

Watching Sunrise on private beach of Chariot Beach Resort
Watching Sunrise on private beach at Chariot Beach Resort

Events

The Chariot beach resort, Mahabalipuram has three Banquet Halls named as Orchid, Marigold, and Frangi Pani. These can house 60 to 400 people during conferences and other events.

Besides, this the Chariot Team organizes personal as well as corporate parties at their Rock garden, pool, and private beach, only on prior request.

Bar in rock garden of Beach Resort
Bar in rock garden at Chariot Beach Resort

Walking/ Cycling at Chariot Beach Resort

Disregard all this, walk or cycle around the whole property in the early morning. There is silence, soothing birds chirping and a whiff of cool fresh ocean air brushing against your skin and soothing your inner soul.

Our Experience at Chariot Beach Resort

So, from all this review you can clearly make out that the Chariot Beach resort has some or other thing for everyone. We could relax and rejuvenate here, away from the mundane city life. The place is a perfect example of peace and tranquillity. One can calm down and detox himself/herself in the perfect environment here.

Sea Views at Chariot Beach Resort

Other must-visit Attractions in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO heritage site dating back to 6th-7th century, so make sure to dwell yourself on the history of Pallavas dynasty. The Chariot Beach resort organizes a half day walking heritage tour of the Mahabalipuram city on prior request. The places which are must see and included in the tour are – Shore temple, part of submerged shore Temple, Krishna’s Butterball, Arjuna’s Penance, Old and New Lighthouse, 5 Ratha’s, and Seashell Museum. We will be covering all the details about these in our next post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BarR1UdH8Z4/?hl=en&taken-by=suruchimittal

How to reach here

The Chariot Beach resort Mahabalipuram is just 60 km from Chennai. It takes around 1hr 30 minutes, maximum to reach.

Address: Five Raths Road, Behind Five Raths Monument, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Website: www.chariotbeachresorts.com

Disclaimer:

AllGudThings was invited as a guest for the Chariot Bloggers Retreat, 2017, but the views expressed here in the post are completely ours. Special Thanks to Mr. Anand Chandershekar, for arranging everything so nicely and taking good care of all the bloggers.

If you are convinced and liked it, please share this weekend getaway with your friends and family.

Chariot Beach Resort