As the next train heading south to our preferred destination was not available for six days we decided to a couple of local visits.
First, overnight to one of Tamil Nadu’s holiest mountain temples –Arunachaleshar – in the city of Tiruvannamalai (‘Tiru’) a couple of hours inland.
En route stopped at Gingee – site of the ruins of 16th century Fort built on much older civilizations – three citadels on hilltops.
The Rajagirir (King citidal) viewed from the Krishnagiri (Queen) which we hiked up.
On the Tamil plain, these citidals are described by LP guidebook as “being like castles misplaced by the Lord of the Rings”.
The Fort, occupied by the Vijayanagars, Mughals, French and British was abandoned in 19th century and is now a popular spot for Indian movies. No international tourists here.
Then on to bolder-strewn ‘Tiru‘vannamalai…
First to the Sri Ramana Ashram. Here we walked half way up the Mt. Arunachala trail barefoot (following the example of others) on mid day sunburning rocks… Towards two caves where Sri Ramana Maharshi lived and meditated for over 20 years.
Crazy humans. Ouch!
Sri Ramana Maharshi was one of the first Hindu gurus to gain an international following – meditated for half a century dying in 1950.
Next we checked out the key south Indian temple, dating back to 9th century: Arunachaleshar temple
There are 4 of these huge 13 floor high unpainted gopurams, plus may other lesser ones, depicting dancers, dwarfs and elephants.
Sharkey and Gopuram details.
There was live entertainment in the main area and here we met Shakey, old enough to have been educated in the British system, who visits the temple regularly. He made sure we saw the temple elephant being washed in water and then milk so that he in turn would nourish the world.
Nourishing of temple elephant
Dined later at Dreaming Tree – no pic but a expat kind of place with healthy food, low slung lounge seats and good WiFi!
Kerry Travels 