Tamil Nadu & Karnataka - Audley Travel

Young girl with a bike, ChettinadSri Meenakshi Temple, MaduraiMaduraiSituated on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai isone of the oldest cities in South Asia. This is adestination like no other, with the huge SriMeenakshi Temple being virtually a town in itself.Built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is anoutstanding example of South Indian Hinduarchitecture, with nine towering gopuramssmothered in a riot of colourful stucco images.This is a perfect place to absorb the atmosphereof Hinduism, with the dark pillared halls filled withthousands of pilgrims, bare-chested priestsconducting ceremonies, a temple elephant givingblessings, and the scent of flowers, coconut andghee. Elsewhere in the city, the Gandhi Museumchronicles the life of the great Indian leader, thereare vast markets and faded palaces to exploreand a cultural centre which showcases Tamil arts.Heritage MaduraiTemple detail, TanjoreHERITAGE MADURAI, MADURAIThis property was designed in the 1970s byrenowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawaas the Coat’s Madurai Club. It is built from avariety of local materials, including honey-colouredstone cut from the nearby hills, slabs from anabandoned mill and pillars salvaged from derelicthouses. More recently it was converted into ahotel and it now oozes character and charmthroughout, with a variety of room choices tosuit most budgets. The Banyan restaurant servescontemporary Indian and international cuisinein light and airy surroundings and there is arefreshing swimming pool.TanjoreTanjore (Thanjavur) is best known for its1,000-year-old Brihadishwara or ‘Big Temple’built by King Rajaraja I and dedicated to the godShiva. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, itstowers rise above as you approach through itsmanicured gardens. Nearby, the Nayak Palace isin a somewhat ruined state, but the atmosphereof the old durbar hall and the courtyards is veryevocative. Within the complex is the RajarajaMuseum and Art Gallery which contains somefine examples of bronzes from the Chola andother periods. There are also a number ofinteresting ancient manuscripts and drawings.Young boys, TrichyTrichyTrichy (Tiruchirapalli) is situated in the heart ofTamil Nadu and is famous for its Rock FortTemple. Perched on a large rocky outcrop, thetemple itself is a little disappointing but the climbis well worth the effort for the superb viewsacross the city and Cauvery Delta. Nearby on ariver island, the temple at Srirangam is enclosedby seven concentric walls, with each sectioninhabited by a different caste. The best views ofthe brightly-painted temple towers are from theroof, where you can clearly see the intricate andsometimes grotesque figures. It is also worth astroll along the river banks, where you maywitness fascinating ceremonies, such as childrenbeing blessed and offerings being made to Shivain the quest to find a wife.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 57