In Awe of Temple city – Madurai

My first visit to Madurai left me in awe of this temple city.   Although, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Madurai claims to be its soul.  It is one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome and was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamt of.

With a single day I wanted to see as much as I could of this beautiful city.   After a vegetarian breakfast in Vasantham, I set out with my friendly driver.  The first stop was Meenakshi Amman temple.

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Whimsical wanderings – May day

Today being a May day holiday I visited the Istana palace grounds.  The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. Meaning “palace” in Malay, it is where the President receives and entertains state guests. The Istana is also the working office of the Prime Minister of Singapore. Visitors can tour selected function rooms in the Istana building and view a special display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister. There are also guided tours of the Istana building, conducted by the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) volunteers.

My reading in 2018

These are the books that I have completed reading so far …..

 

Uncompromising

Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt

Like a flickerless flame
Uncompromising, steadfast
A beacon of values
A timeless lighthouse

In the limelight
or hidden from scrutiny
You shine forth
steady and tireless

Temple Hopping in Siem Reap

My recent trip to Siem Reap was an eye-opener to the grand and majestic temples constructed by Kings of the Khmer. In my 2 days there, I went temple hopping in a Tuk-Tuk and discovered the historical heritage and undisturbed beauty of Sieam Reap.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup  is a Hindu temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or early 962. It is a temple mountain of combined brick, laterite and
sandstone construction.

It is located about 1km south of the Eastern Mebon and is a popular spot for sunset. The temple consists of a pyramid-shaped temple-mountain with the uppermost of the three tiers carrying five lotus towers. Pre Rup means ‘Turning the Body’ and refers to a traditional method of cremation in which a corpse’s outline is traced in the cinders: this suggests that the temple may have served as an early royal crematorium.

A getaway to the gateway of Kerala

I am just back from a short holiday to the gateway of Kerala – Kochi.   I had a fun-filled reunion with my family at the picturesque Mahindra club resort at Cherai beach.

Located to the north of Kochi, Cherai Beach is a idyllic place with the Arabian Sea on one side and backwaters on the other.  There are many activities arranged for guests that make it a great holiday destination for the entire family.

Club Mahindra Cherai Beach resort is spread over six acres surrounded by greenery,palm trees, tropical plants and coconut groves. Amid this landscape are luxury cottages and suites equipped with modern amenities.  There is also a spa, gym and activity centre. So if you want to take a long walk, a bike ride, take a houseboat ride on the backwaters or getting a soothing massage, you can avail all of these during your stay at Cherai.

A weekend getaway to coffee land –‘Chikmagalur’

Last weekend we took a trip to the coffee land of Karnataka – ‘Chikmagalur’.    For a change we booked a homestay in the middle of the coffee plantations.   We started from Bangalore at 6am and reached Chikmagalur around 11am (the distance is ~250km).   We had hired a car for our round trip.  After reaching our homestay and unpacking we immediately set off for our first day of sightseeing to Bababudangiri and Mullyanagiri mountain peaks.  We also spent some time at the beautiful Jhari falls.  Cars can go up almost near the peak.  After this there is a jeep service to take you to the waterfall.

The birth of ideas

A very interesting TED talk on “Where good ideas come from” by Steven Johnson.  Ideas according to him are not just individual “Eureka” moments.  His fascinating tour takes us from the “liquid networks” of London’s coffee houses to Charles Darwin’s long, slow hunch to today’s high-velocity web.

Protest

Write a new post in response today’s word ‘Protest’

Her tender arms
Could not resist
The brutal force
Of animal instinct

The lecherous look
Of a trusted relative
Scared her to death
Beneath the sheets

Fish

Write a new post in response to today’s one word prompt : ‘Fish’

 

I have tried rearing fish at home several times until I finally gave up the hobby.  I would have to say that watching fish swim in the tank is a very relaxing feeling. I have reared goldfish, angelfish, neon tetra and African cichlids.