Page 23 - Seniors Toady - September Issue 2020
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Paintings Quest produces a different musical note.
After the spiritually satisfying visit we Madurai is also home to the beautiful
drove onwards and reached Tanjore. By Thirumalai Nayak Palace. One of the very
this point we were quite travel-fatigued few places which displays Dravadian, Islam
and so the accommodation was most apt and European architecture, it easily is one
for our state. The Ideal Riverview Resort of the most beautiful palaces in South India.
is absolutely breathtaking and so calming. The ornate work is mostly lattice and so very
Away from the city on the banks of the unique to that part of the world.
river, this resort is quiet and peaceful, yet Due to a large influx of tourists, Madurai has
very approachable. However it was the hotels to suit all. The Taj Pasumalai and The
Brihideshwara Temple which we were all Heritage – a Geoffrey Bawa-designed hotel
looking forward to. Considered to be one of – are highly recommended. Madurai is very
the best temples in South India, it did live well connected by air and trains and is the
upto the billing. Built in the 11th century this perfect place to end your journey, as multiple
is an absolute marvel of ancient architecture. transport options are available.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The
Nandi in the front courtyard in black granite Useful Notes
holds centre-stage. The granite capstone, A few important notes travelling to this area
which weighs 20 tonnes, is perched about and specially visiting the temples:
20 stories high and it is a mystery as to how • Find out the temple timings in advance as
it was put there – a 1000 years ago! in most cases these institutions are open in
Tanjore is famous for its paintings and our the morning and then later in the evenings.
dream of acquiring one such piece led us Most afternoons are closed.
through narrow streets to a small showroom • Some of the temples are so crowded that
where the artisan was busy at work making you can spend a fair amount of time waiting
a masterpiece. We found an exquisite so plan accordingly and start early.
painting of Bal Krishna and immediately • It is important to get good guides. Most
decided to buy it. Today it adorns our locals speak limited English and in order
apartment and every time I look at it I to get a thorough understanding of these
cannot but thank the Lord. architectural wonders you need a good
Our final destination was Madurai where guide.
the Meenakshi temple completed the • Dress appropriately – most of these places
tour. The biggest temple in South India, are places of worship and the locals can get
the sheer number of devotees here is over offended easily. Please find out in advance
whelming to say the least. With four equally which temples restrict entry for non-Hindus
beautifully and ornate gates the temple and foreigners.
complex is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi • The best time of the year to visit is between
(a manifestation of Goddess Parvati). The mid-November and end-February. Even
hall of Thousand Pillars is astounding as during this time it can be hot and the
each pillar is beautifully carved, and there sunshine is strong so a hat is necessary.
is a beautiful statue of Natraja in bronze. Loose cotton clothes are best. At all temples
The pillars appear to be in a straight line you will be required to leave footwear
if viewed from any angle and each pillar outside and it can be quite uncomfortable
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #15 | SEPTEMBER 2020 23
