Nellai Travelogues

Holidays are not always pre-planned, at time decisions are made in impulse. But some are meant to be experienced and explored without any inhibitions or hesitance. Literally, the year may not have started on a good note...But it definitely unveiled the travel bug in me; right from traversing the coffee estates of Coorg to exploring the shores of Rameswaram. Even though many believe, unplanned holidays are not ideal choice for women venturing the unknown destinations. Put that thoughts to rest, bagpack your haversack and explore the unknown terrain.

Been there, done that! The first destination was Tirunelveli, also popular for its halwa, has many places worth visiting like Nellaippar temple, Nagercoil, Courtallam and few more waterfalls of perennial rivers. Acres and acres of paddy fields, palm trees and definitely good food. For the nature lovers, there are well-protected tiger reserves of Mundanthurai, Kalakkad and Manimuthar. No place could be well explored without a guide. Best option is to hire a local and get going.

Waterfall at Manimuthar, Tirunelveli 

Tirunelveli has an advantage of its strategic geographic location, so if you are planning for Kanyakumari, it takes approx 3 hours drive. Halt at a mess/tiffin services a.k.a South India Dhaba in the afternoon, as it is the best time to savour on some local delicacies rather full meal comprising of sambhar, rice and some local curries (don't expect to have idli and dosa at this hour).But ensure you reach Kanyakumari before the sunset 

Vivekanand Memorial Rock and Valluvar Statue at the crack of the dawn, Kanyakumari 

Start your day at Kanyakumari before crack of the dawn. Don't panic! you will not be the only soul wandering on the bylanes at wee hours. There will be sea of people gazing at the distant rock (Vivekanand Memorial) to witness, experience and capture (in their cameras and mind) the first sun rise! Freshen up with a steamy filter coffee, and pay a visit to the beautiful temple. Get into barge and take a ride up to Vivekanand Memorial Rock; take deep rest, meditate, wake your senses, freshen up and have a hearty meal! On your way back from Kanyakumari, visit the beautiful temple of Suchindram, get along with a localite and let them narrate the local folklore.

Hit the tarmac and head towards marvellous Tuticorin port- the pisciterians paradise! Get the fresh catch, have a friendly chat with the fisher folks. If time permits, visit 'Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica' church which is one of the major attraction of this port city. And for those with sweet-tooth, indulge on macaroons. Yum! From there head towards the sea shore temple of Tiruchendur, which has great reference in Tamil scriptures.



Decorated Gopuram of Madurai Meenakshi Temple adorning the skyline

Madurai, the cultural capital and well-connected temple town was built by Pandya dynasty. Visiting Madurai without Meenakshi temple is an incomplete trip, the architecture and temple's grandeur is enough to make anybody spell-bound. Take help of the locals and get to know the lesser known facts of this architecture marvel. Experience and be part of the popular belief, where thousands of devotees throng on serpentine line. It is worth spending your time! Wash down the heat with some jigar-thanda or falooda.

Kodaikkanal Lake 

Next drive up to Kodaikanal, which is just two hours drive from Madurai. On the way, indulge on Dindigul Thalapkatti Biriyani, do not over eat because the drive is steep and has many hairpin bents .You don't want to go pale by end of the journey. Leave some place in your tummy for some light and farm fresh carrots, pears, passion, fruit, oranges and avacados. Not enough? While you sip on the organic tea, try freshly baked cakes, puffs and sandwiches at the local bakery. Do not forget to buy some home-made chocolates, organic tea & honey, spices as souvenirs or an wood carved artefacts for home. 

From Kodaikkanl head on to a short trip to Rameswaram. wash your sins and bathe in the 21 temple wells. Take a glass boat and explore the under water faunas of turquoise Bay of Bengal. Have little money to splurge? Get into a jeep and drive down to the tip of Indian peninsula. How? The mystic ramsethu bridge built by the vanarsena is believed to be seen from the space. Well you cannot see them with your naked eyes but that's a mystery! However, if sky is clear you can see Sri Lanka for sure.

There are many more places unexplored but the trip was worth every penny. The most cherished memories.