TN Magic - Ancient Navagraha Temples & Legends by Roopa Sreedhar

TN Magic - Ancient Navagraha Temples & Legends

Astrology, Astronomy, 9 Planets affecting health wealth and wise, personalized horoscopes! Find a link? Ring a few loud bells? Of course yes, our life is so shadowed by these notations that we are incapable of making an independent decision in our own lives without their interference and influence! Oh! what would I do without you, my God?

Are we talking about temples again? Then its my mom! :)

The 9 planets have individual temples dedicated to them. Each of the temple is in a different town or village in the district of Kumbakonam. To see all these temples, its a well planned three day excursion again. If you want to take up this road trip, have a lot of belief and trust in God and leave scientific brain back home. I have gone to these places 4 times and would love to embark on this journey again, so strong is the lure of these temple towns.

Alangudi Guru Temple
Tirunageswaram Nageswarar Temple, Rahu
Shani(Saturn) Temple(Tirunallar)
Chandra Bagavan Temple - Thingaloor near Kumbakonam
Budhan(Mercury) Temple at Tiruvenkadu
Ketu Temple, Keezhperumpallam
Sukra (Venus) Temple Kanchanur
Suryanaar(Sun) Temple Tirumangalakkudi,
Vaideeshwaran Temple(Angaaraka/Mars)

Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
+91-9886162404

TN Magic - ECR or East Coast Road by Roopa Sreedhar

East Coast Road or ECR as it is fondly called, is one of the most scenic routes of Chennai, absolutely no doubt about it! During our long stay at Chennai, we took on this route for our excursion. We were surprised to find that this stretch hosted most of the amusement & entertainment parks, beaches, resorts and open air theaters. Starting from Thiruvamiyur Junction, this toll road takes one southwards of Chennai all the way beyond Mahamallapuram through Marakanam to Puducherry Town. Cool zephyrs blowing our way from the sea. Serene weather and view acting as a calm balm to stressed city life.

Let me make a list of all the places we saw on the way and also those places we couldn't visit due to limitation on time.

The excursion to ECR started at 5:30 for us. Although I thought it was way too early to step on the roads of Tamil Nadu, by the time the day ended for me, I was awash with the feeling that we should have planned this for a weekend or three day trip and spent more time at various exciting spots on this stretch. Maybe next time!

Unlike my mom who wanted to visit every temple en-route, we were interested only in the ancient temples that lured us with their art, culture and ancient legends. The older the better!

Maruntheeswara Temple: 11th century structure, this temple has many legends adding to the mystery. Sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayan is supposed to have visited this temple during his time. This temple is located in Thiruvamiyur only 4km from Adayar.

Cholamandal Art Village: One can find a huge community of artists involved in production and display of artifacts such as sculptures, paintings, bronze idols and icons. It was founded by K.C.S Paniker in 1966 and located 8 kms away from Chennai.

VGP Universal Kingdom or VGP Golden Beach
Jagannathan Temple, located in Kannathur, is supposed to be an exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa. Haven't been there yet, hence cannot comment about the resemblance.

Mayajaal Multiplex Complex

MGM Dizzee World: Definitely for kids

Dakshina Chitra: run by Chennai Craft Foundation, this complex houses models and replicas of traditional homes, artifacts, crafts, folk & performing arts of not only Tamil Nadu, but also the rest of South India.

Muttukkaadu Boat House: On the backwaters of Muttukaad, one can enjoy, watersports such as speed boats, Wind Surfing, Canoeing, Kayaking and other boats such as Row & Pedal. With the looming sky-scrappers and multi-storied apartment complexes coming up in the vicinity, we felt the charm of this place losing to urbanization.

Thameem Ansari Baba Darga

Covelong Beach is a small fishing village 40kms away from Chennai. We got to know of a fort that was converted to a luxury resort.

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple: :Perumal = Vishnu or Tirupathy VenkataRamanaSwamy temple.
Crocodile Bank: This exciting place is 44 km from Chennai. 3.2 hectares of area is developed as a a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. Thousands of crocodiles and alligators are found near various pits in this area. Close by is a tribal society that runs Snake Venom extraction centre. Entry Fee: Rs 10/- for Adult, Rs 5/- for children.

Mahamallapuram

Arjuna's Penance







Five Rathas










Cave Temple

Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest temples in Southern India and also one of the most mesmerizing stones structures. Standing, majestically on the edge of the sea, the temple is so well built that even Tsunami couldn't shake it much, while many of the temples nearby saw extreme devastation. Exquisite carving and sculptures add to the wonder of this ancient monument. A long compound wall is built around the main temple and a forms a very narrow alley giving a cave like feel. Main temple is a twin room structure with Lord Shiva's sculpture in one and an obelisk in the other.

Kanchipuram


Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
+91-9886162404

Memoirs - Dear Mokokchung by Maxwel Jones

TN Magic - In & Around Chennai

Chennai is almost home due to all those relatives settled there. We have been going for Chennai for ages. Yet all we would do is stay at relative's homes, visit a couple of temples and beaches and head back home. This time, we just couldn't capture the cat and opted to do something different. We forced my mom to see Chennai our way, like a tourist. Initially not willing, she gave in to our emotional blackmail & arm twisting. Her own words "this is the best Chennai Trip ever!".

Here is a list of places apt for Day Tours, Weekend Outbounds, beach vacations, pilgrimage, ancient history.

1. Adyar Poonga Eco-Park
2. Anna Nagar Tower
3. Amir Mahal
4. Connemara public library
5. Fort St. George
6. Birla Planetarium
7. Coovum River
8. Doveton House
9. Elliots Beach
10. Marina Beach
11. Freemasons Hall: for those inquisitive about the Illuminati and the Freemasons
12. Horticultural Gardens
13. Lighthouse / Aquarium
14. Nappier Bridge
15. Rajaji Hall
16. Regional Rail Museum
17. Theosophical Society
18. Valluvar Kottam
19. Victory War Memorial
20. Bharatiyar Memorial House
21. Guindy National Park
22. Snake Park
23. Government Museum
24. Fort Museum

Besides the above, there are many temples and memorials to visit in Chennai.

Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
+91-9886162404

Adventure & Camping in Coorg - 1, 2, 3 Jan 2010

Adventure & Camping in Coorg - 1, 2, 3 Jan 2010

We had a blast for this new year. My brother had come down from Australia. 10 of us had gone to jungles of Coorg. We cannot enjoy being in nature unless we become one with it. We decided to camp in the same spot for three days. On our way, we traversed through the Nagarahole National Park in the hope to see a Tiger. Deer & Elephants were all we saw! A small hike to Irupu waterfalls warmed up the jagged muscles & made space in the tummy for a yummy lunch.

We camped in a coffee plantation and did a combat course in the jungle that dealt with crossing loads of obstacles in mid air. The physical activity improved concentration & endurance, and also brought into focus the need for flexibility of mind and body. Jungle paintball was an excellent team building and strategical game. If this was a simulation of the war on the hills, we could understand the army's plight to save our country. We could very strongly relate to the army, we met during our Ladakh travels. Coffee picking and drying was another stress buster. No wonder people in villages live a longer & healthier life.

Cooking was more fun than ever! Post Self cooked dinner, played Analytical Game 'Mafia' around Campfire through wee hours of the morning till we literally tickled our brains out!


The moon shone high up in the sky and lit up the entire camp in its silvery sheen. We had no need for torches that night. Giri set up his new Telescope and we queued up to see clearly the craters & their borders on the full moon. Excellent!

We were amazed at our own creativity and endurance. Over three days, in thick jungle, with limited resource, we cooked an array of dishes to include Yummy Vegetable Sambar, Rice, Sabzi, Papad, Rava Idli, Kheer, Upma, Sevayya, Puliyogare, Pullav, chutney & of course Unlimited Tea.

We lazed under a Bone chilling waterfall. While the Water babies Meghna, Deepti & Giri did not want to come out of water at all, the three musketeers Ram, Indri & Girish sun bathed on the rocks. Time did not exist. No pressures No Stress No next thoughts, ONLY the Present! Endlessly watching snails coming out of their shells. When we moved them even by an inch, we felt we were playing Gods in the snails' life and acting against nature. What if Gods from other planets were doing the same with us Humans? Loads of discussions on alternate history! On the way back, we played Anthakshari from Coorg till Bidadi! :) Everyone was a database of songs.
All together, a very memorable new year through a wonderful trip with even wonderful teammates.

Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
9886162404

Happy New Year!!

Dear Friends,

TAG INDIA and its members wish you and your family a very happy 2010 :-)
We thank all the members who joined us for the many adventurous & memorable trips in 2009 and we hope to do more of such trips in 2010.

2009 was very exciting indeed with many adventure trips that took us to the southern most part of India (Kerala) and to the remotest borders of North India (Himalayas)! We learnt some new skills with our scuba diving & snorkeling trip, white water rafting events, rock climbing and river crossing camps! We visited some exotic places like the Mullaingiri caves, Himalayan glaciers, magnetic hill, ipod death zone, Dubare elephant camp, Kalvarbetta clouds and many more. We had great fun organizing leadership building events, team outbounds, kids camp and survival camps. To sum it up, 2009 was indeed a very memorable year and it went really fast! We are now at the doorstep of 2010 and we certainly hope that it will be a fun year too.

So here is a wish to you from all of us!

May the new year bring you lots of new adventures, excitement and fond memories
May we spend more time with nature in conservation and restoration activities and revitalize the planet with our efforts
May we discover new places, make new friends and make planet earth a friendlier place

See you in 2010!
Best Wishes
TAG INDIA TEAM

To see photos of all our trips please visit: www.tagindia.net or http://picasaweb.google.com/tagindiateam

1 JAN to 3 JAN 2010 - NEW YEAR 2010 IN COORG

NEW YEAR 2010 IN COORG

Owing to popular demand, we are leaving from Bangalore at 4:30 AM from Devegowda Petrol Bunk.

Schedule:

1-Jan-2010, Friday:

Leave Bangalore from a common point at 5:00 am;

have breakfast on the way;

travel via Nagarhole National Park in the hope to meet a Tiger;

reach the estate by before Lunch;

Activities: Nature walk in coffee plantation, Waterfall, cooking & camping, games, night walk

2-Jan-2010: Saturday:

Jungle Trek, Picnic Lunch, visit Jungle Gym, Cooking & Campfire, Games, Star gazing

3-Jan-2010: Sunday:

Brunch;

Leave for Bangalore via Kushal Nagar & Dubaare;

Lunch at Dubaare, still water rafting & swimming;

Visit the Golden Temple;

Reach Bangalore before dinner;

The cost per head for the 3 day event is Rs 2950/-

Night Camping fee, camping gear including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner, (veg meals), As many Tea, Transport, Guide Fee, Accommodation rent, Campfire (if weather permits), basic medical kit, cooking equipment

Does not include any personal expenditure, non vegetarian meals, lunch & dinner on the way to the estate and back, activity fee at Jungle Gym & Dubare, Local attraction entrance fees.

Bank Account Details:

Axis Bank (Branch Banashankari)

Account Name: TAG India

Account Number: 102010200008617

Things to carry:

Books (optional), Umbrella, Torch & extra batteries, Floaters, Warm clothes for the cold nights, Swim wear, Cap, Min 2 ltrs of Water & bottles, personal snacks & munches, a small bag for one day trek, Camera, Chargers,

Rules:

1. All participants should have filled up the membership form by using the join us link on www.tagindia.net

2. In case of trekking, every group will have a Leader and a trailer - Decision taken by them would be the FINAL. Suggestions from trekkers are welcome but expecting maximum co-operation to Leaders. Trekking schedule/plan is designed without knowledge of Seasonal situation, Wildlife activity and anything which could go wrong at that time. Expecting high level of patience with respect to change in schedule/plan.

3. TAG INDIA is a media for adventure/nature enthusiasts in Bangalore to come together and participate in eco-friendly adventure activities. TAG INDIA , TAG INDIA TEAM, Trek Leaders, and other TAG INDIA members are NOT responsible for loss of belongings or life of any participant. Please be very serious about this note. Take care of your own belongings and respect your life.

4. Littering & shouting in the wilderness is prohibited. Night stay is arranged in estate property. We will be having very simple and basic facilities. Luxury not included.

6. Consumption of alcohol is not allowed in any of the TAG INDIA TREKS.

7. Do not tease any living being in forest - from small plant, worm to elephant.

8. Making your trip a great experience is in your hand. Help yourself to follow the guidelines and enjoy the fun and adventure :-)

9. After the announcement of final list, anyone dropping out has to bear the cost of Transportation & Food. (Transport & Food already booked/ordered)

Things NOT to carry:

Liquor, narcotic drugs & ego

Regards,

TAG INDIA team

W: www.tagindia.net

M: +91-9886162404

E: info@tagindia.net

B: tagindia.blogspot.com

"Shoot only pictures; Capture only memories; Leave only Footprints"