Kalugumalai Murugan Temple:

Kalugumalai temple is located 20.7 km from Sankarankoil via Kalugumalai Rd/Puliyangudi - Sankarankoil - Kalugumalai - Nalatinputhur Rd/Sankarankovil - Kalugumalai - Kovilpatti Main Rd . we can reach temple in 40 minutes. From Thirunelveli you need to take NH44 highway to reach kalugumalai Temple it takes nearly 1 hour about 69 kilometers from Tirunelveli.

Map from Sankarankoil to Kalugumalai

Entrance to Kalugumalai Murugan Temple

 Kalugasalamoorthy or Kalugumalai Murugan temple is located in kalugumalai a panchayat town in Thoothukudi District in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan/Karthikeya/Saravana. the temple is believed to have been expanded during the 18th century with the images excavated from Kalugumalai. The core temple has a rock-cut architecture exemplary of early Pandyan Architecture. The other portions of Kalugumalai houses the 8th century Kalugumalai Jain Stone carved Beds and Vettuvan koil, an unfinished Shiva temple.

Painting of Kalugachalamurthy

   

        

Way to Murugan temple

Sculpture Women trying to climb stamba

Sculpture of man trying to catch the snake by playing flute

Sculpture of lord krishna

Lord Ram And Hanuman

Sculpture of Palani Murugan

Saint Kanappa nayanar sculpture

Sculpture of Birds

Sculpture of Deer

Sculpture crafted as elephant and bull

Pond in kalugumalai murugan Temple

Sculpture of lord kaal bhairav

The temple has a gateway leading to a pillared hall and the sanctum. The temple is open from 5:30 am – 12:30 pm and 4:30 - 9 pm. Four daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the ten-day Vaikasi Visagam, 13-day Kanthasasti festival, ten-day Thaipoosam festival and the 13-day Panguni Uthiram festival being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.

Temple is located in Foot hills of the Kalugumalai mountain. 

Pay visit to lord Murugan,

 Which month are suitable to visit these hill station?

Most of the people came across the question when can we visit the hill station,

What is the best time to visit?

From the month of Mid of November to February end it will be winter in hill station it also good time to visit hill station in winter. from evening to next day up to 9:00 am, you will feel the cold weather. After 9:00 am, sun will rise and hotness will be higher due to the snow resides in plants and grass. some time because of the hotness  plat leaves will burnt.

And from month of March to Mid of May, it will be summer compared to city you will feel less Fahrenheit, also there are some rivers still people enjoy swimming in river.

And from Mid of May , every afternoon after 2:00 pm Rain will drizzle this will continue till June mid , after June Mid everyday will be heavy rainfall, some times it will be bit earlier from June 1st itself. Till October Mid hill station life will be hectic due to heavy rain , some places will have landslides . no flood fill happen , all the water flowing directly to the dams. Also rain water won't remain , it will wiped out quickly compared to city it will be faster.

Based on the above update , choose your good time to be on hill station, in vacation,

 Use of hill stations for studies:

Yes as far as my experience , i was learning from LKG to Graduation in hill station only. If you are gifted to grow from childhood in hill station then you are lucky. We don't went to any theaters for movies in hill station, there are still no theaters in hill station.

Most of the youngsters and children's always spent their holidays in physical activity like playing football , cricket and go for swimming in nearby rivers around hill station . Often they will go to falls and weekend they play like catching fish , Always there will be some tournaments.

Also we can visit the tourist places in holidays with friends, if you are a local you won't get ideas to do that.

Regarding studies as compared to city fee structure on schools and colleges charges less fees.Apart from fees in hill station cost of living is less , not more expensive.

Food also cost will be normal than city.

But technology wise you need to upgrade yourself not many institutes are available to upgrade your skill for that city will be good choice. 

other than that , you can choose hill station for studies , you will have a wonderful experience and good friends....

have a good one...

Silver Beach, Cuddalore

From Chennai to Cuddalore lot of buses available from thiruvanmaiyur bus stand towards pondicherry buses will be available. It takes around 3 hours 39 minutes via East Coast road to reach Cuddalore approximately 174.6 kilometers.

Silver beach 

From Cuddalore bus stand to silver beach takes 12 minutes approximately 4.6 kilometers from Cuddalore bus stand. Moreover frequently share auto will be available towards silver beach vice versa.railway Station is nearby bus stand at a walkable distance.

Silver beach 

Silver beach is one of the cleanest beach and very less human visit here. And the waves also very vigorous and some times people are not allowed to some area on shore due to high waves. You can also see the shells on the shore.

Silver beach 

Silver beach 

Silver Beach is a shoreline on the southeast bank of India. It is found 2 km 1.2 miles from downtown Cuddalore, the base camp of Cuddalore local in the province of Tamil Nadu. Silver Beach, in any case, is untouched by the bustling existence of the city. It is the second longest shoreline on the Coromandel Coast and one of the longest shorelines in Asia.

Silver beach 

Silver beach 

The 57 km-long extend of shoreline faces extreme seafront disintegration. Toward the south of the shoreline the South Cuddalore Bay region shows up as though it is a different island. The backwater isolating the principle shoreline from the island-like structure is a sheltered place for water sports. Water crafts are not accessible for lease as of now as the boat shelter has been shut.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram Shore Temple

From Chennai to Mahabalipuram takes about 1 hour 13 minutes via East cost road and Mahabalipuram is located exactly 56 kilometres away from Chennai. From Chennai airport to Mahabalipuram it takes 1 hour 8 minutes about 54 kilometers away.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in located in sea shore of Tamil Nadu, India. During Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature.

Shore temple history 

History of Mahabalipuram stone scripture 

Mahabalipuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava empire.

Pre History:

Mahabalipuram’s early history is completely shrouded in mystery. Ancient mariners considered this place the land of the Seven Pagodas. There are others who think that Mahabalipuram suffered from a great flood between 10,000 and 13,000 BCE.

History about varaha cave

Mahabalipuram 

The most popular explanation is that the place is name came from after benevolent King Bali a demon King, also known as Mahabali. The ancient Indian text of Vishnu Puran documents his exploits. After sacrificing himself to Vaman an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Bali attained liberation. “Puram” is a Sanskrit term for a city. Mamallapuram is the Prakrit version of the original Sanskrit name.

During the rule of Mahendravarman I (600 CE – 630 CE), Mahablipuram started to flourish as a centre of art and culture. He himself was a well known poet, playwright and orator. His patronage helped the creation of a number of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This period of artistic excellence was duly continued by his son Narasimhavarman I (630 CE – 680 CE) and subsequent Pallava kings.

Cave Temples

The Adi Varaha Perumal Cave Temple is the earliest of all Pallava structures in Mahabalipuram, yet the least visited one.

Cave temple 

The grandeur of the actual mandapa (pavilion) is hidden behind a rather ordinary looking latter-day structure. The construction of this site began before the reign of Mahendravarman I. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu (Varaha is an incarnation of Vishnu) and its execution follows the spirit of Vaishnava Agamic texts. Both the outer hall and sanctum sanatorium are adorned with elaborate relief sculptures. This temple houses two relief sculptures of Pallava kings, Simhavishnu (c. 537 CE – 570 CE) and Mahendravarman I, accompanied by their respective wives.

Goddess durga slaying demon mahisaasuran

The Trimurti Cave is dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) representing the process of creation, protection and destruction. Aside from the deity, the carved pillars and sculptures also show devotees in various postures. The Varaha and Krishna Caves exhibit mythical tales related to Vishnu and Krishna.

The Mahishasuramardini Cave can be found at a hilltop location. 

Cave temple

Mahishasuramardini is another name of the goddess Durga who is an incarnation of Shakti (power). She earned this name after the slaying of the demon Mahishasuran. This is the second, along with the Kotikal Cave, of the caves dedicated to Durga.

Cave temple sculpture 

Technically speaking, the Yali or Tiger Cave may not be a geographic fissure, but it boasts a set of most elaborately designed pillars and sculptures depicting several mythical creatures, lions and tigers.

Sculptures of peoples life

This also has a relief sculpture dedicated to Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (700 CE – 728 CE). In many ways, the Tiger Cave sums up the evolution of the Pallava’s cave temple structures over a period of time.

Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance:

Alternatively known as Arjuna’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges is a gigantic open air bas-relief sculpted out of pink granite. The dramatic relief sculpture narrates the tales from Indian epics such as the Mahabharata.

Arjuna penance

 Nearby mandapas, particularly the Krishna Mandapa, however, showcase scenes of pastoral life amid mythical figures. Other similar rock artworks close by have been left unfinished due to some unexplained reason.

Pancha Ratha

Pancha Ratha (five chariots) is an architectural ode to Mahabharata’s five Pandava brothers Yudhistiran, Bhiman, Arjunan, Nakulan, Sahadevan, and their wife Draupadi. matically and structurally, each ratha is significantly different from the other ones, but all of them were carved out of a long stone or monolith. Spread over one to three storeys, their forms vary from square to apsidal.

Arjuna penance 

The walls of these ancient edifices are decorated with bas-reliefs and murals. A beautifully carved monolithic airavata (elephant) a vahana of God indra according to Hindu mythology and nandi (bull) decorate the premises. Though originally meant to be places of worships, these were never consecrated and used actively for any sacred rites.

Shore Temple

The Shore Temple is located on the beach and if local lore is to be trusted it is the one surviving structure of the legendary Seven Pagodas. Despite continuous erosive effects of the moist and salty sea air, the Shore Temple preserves its beauty in many parts. Built between 700 and 728 CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman II, this is indeed a remnant of a larger complex of temples and civil structures much of which lie under the depth of the sea now.

Sculpture in Mahabalipuram 

This five story edifice is so situated that the first rays of the rising sun fall on the presiding deity of the temple, Shiva. Visitors enter the premises through a barrel vaulted gopuram (gateway). 

Sculpture of Lord krishna lifting govarthana mount

The shikhara (roof) of the actual shrine resembles a pyramidal structure. Like other remarkable structures at Mahabalipuram, this too is embellished with intricate bas-reliefs. Monolithic sculptures are also seen scattered about the temple complex.

Olakkanneshvara Temple

Shore temple, Mahabalipuram 

Also known as the Olakkanatha Temple, the Olakkanneshvara Temple (Temple of Shiva, suggestive of the third eye of Shiva) was built about the same time as the Shore Temple. This is located atop a hill some distance away from the beach which gave birth to a belief that it acted as a lighthouse in earlier times. This is also built atop the Mahishasuramardini Cave, but the two are different structures erected at different times.

Mahabalipuram Today

There is another curious structure known as Sri Krishna’s Butter Ball that fascinates everyone in Mahabalipuram. It is not a sculpted piece but more of a handiwork of nature. 

Today, Mahabalipuram is trying to re-create its image as the country’s premier beach resort but it has not completely lost touch with its past cultural exploits. Every year, it hosts classical dance and drama festivals to preserve and promote the heritage of a very ancient culture.

Ironically, while the tsunami in 2004 CE created substantial damage to the existing structures and left the city water-logged for days, it also unearthed some of the treasures long hidden in the bottom of the sea. Granite sculptures, bronze statues and ruins of what seem to be manmade structures came to the fore. and solve some of the long standing questions about its past.

Recently to improve the importance of Mahabalipuram the indo Chinese meet between honourable prime minister narendra modi and Chinese president Mr XI Jinping meeting held on mahabalipuram in 12th Oct 2019. To promote and exchange cultural events. 

Nadumalai Forest:rain water Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting inside the forest:

From Valparai its about 3.5 kilometers Nadumalai estate. Its about 20 minutes travel from Valparai Town.

Nadumalai forest

When you reached samathanapuram bus top before taking route to Pachaimalai estate. You could see a forest route you could see a private road.

Rain water Harvesting 

Nadumalai Forest

While taking this route about 2 kilometres you could reach this rain water harvesting inside the middle of the forest.

In the middle of the forest Rainwater harvesting is done and due to this animals won't enter the people places.

Rainwater harvesting middle of the forest 

Because water available for animals in summer season. Due to this rain water harvesting highly available in center of forest. Tiger, wild boar, fox, wild buffalo, and elephant are inside the forest.

Nadumalai Falls

Nadumalai Falls Nearby Maadasamy Temple:

Nadumalai falls is located in Nadumalai estate naer by Maadasamy Temple and which is situated exactly 4 kilometers,from valparai town. From valparai towards way to Balaji Temple the first estate will be Nadumalai estate.

Nadumalai Estate

Nadumalai water falls is orginated from hills and mostly this falls can be viewed in rainy season due do heavy rainfall this falls is orginated from deep forest.Falls is rich in herbal benefits.

Nadumalai Falls

Nadumalai Falls

Nadumalai Falls

Nadumalai Falls

Maddasamy Temple

Mostly this falls is not known by the local people or tourist coming over here.This falls comes under private property. Before taking route to Pachamalai estate you could see bus stop in Samathanapuram.

Early morning view in Nadumalai Falls

Nadumalai Falls

From Samathanapuram bus stop you could see to routes , one route is on forest boundary and other route takes inside the estate.
Towards Nadumalai Water Falls you need to take the Forest Boundary route. Nearby the falls you could see Maadasamy Temple.

Enjoy your Visit !!!

Bengalore To valparai

Bengaluru to Valparai Trip:

Bengaluru to Valparai when you plan which medium of transportation you are taking is important. Some people choose bike ride. Bike rides its an adventures experience you will get when you travel to Valparai.

Bengaluru to Valparai

Bangalore is 393 kilometres away from Coimbatore when you choose flight as transport medium fare starts from 2700 rs to 15000 rs. Journey starts from Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli, Bengalore to Coimbatore Chitra Airport it takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Coimbatore.

Aliyar dam

Aliyar Dam

Iyerpadi 

By train as transport medium, there are lot of trains available from bangalore to coimbatore especially everyday we are having bangalore intercity express.

Way to Valparai 

Waterfall esate

Valparai 

From attakatti 

By train journey starts from Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (Bengaluru) railway station, mg railway colony, majestic, Bengaluru to Coimbatore railway station main junction.

Valparai 

Valparai 

Valparai 

Valparai 

By bus transportation will be available in Kempegowda bus station in majestic. Opposite to local bus stand, BMTC available and private buses also available to reach Coimbatore. Better you will get from make my trip, red bus apps you can check bus availability.

From Chitra Airport you can hire a cab which should be pre planned because this people ask lot of money in last minute. Nearly it takes 2 hour and 30 minutes to reach Valparai.

From Gandhipuram Bus stand you can take bus towards Ukkadam, From Ukkadam towards Valparai only few buses available on timing based. Better you need to take Pollachi bus, Udumalaipet bus also go through Pollachi. From Pollachi bus stand you need to go to opposite new Bus stand.

In New bus stand every 30 minutes Valparai bus is available. From Coimbatore it takes around 3 hours to reach by bus to Valparai by through bus from Coimbatore. From Pollachi you can reach Valparai by 2 hours 30 minutes. From Coimbatore its about 108 kilometres to reach Valparai Town.

My suggestion if you own a car better to travel by car. So you can avoid unwanted loss of money. Another better plan is reach Valparai by Public transportation and hire a Cab in Valparai Town for sight seeing. Please be planned so that you can visit all sites. Book good resorts before itself.

Best way you can hire a cab from Coimbatore and you can use same cab for all over visit until they return drop to Coimbatore Airport or railway station.

From Coimbatore railway station to Ukkadam is about 15 minutes travel by Buses.

Enjoy your Visit.....