Tiruchirappalli (several spellings available) was supposed to be just a stepping stone between Pondicherry and Madurai, but turned out to be a hidden gem.
We visited Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world with one of the highest towers in India*.
It was indeed huge, with several gates, courtyards and towers worth of giant pastel coloured gods, goddesses, gargoyles and dragons looking down on us from the heavens.
The heavens themselves opened as we reached the viewing platform, so we and several hundred others scuttled down and sheltered in the courtyards for an hour or so.
Most of the locals took it in their stride and had lunch, chatted or slept through it.
I got some pretty photos.
Back over the river to the Ucchi Pillayar Rockfort Temple, built high on the rocks**.
Up we went, into the hill, nicely testing our thigh muscles on the steep steps, but found it well worth it as we came out near the top, then a few more stairs to magnificent views of the city.
A little light window shopping then back to Hotel Sri Maharaja, the hotel room with one of the loudest industrial kitchen extractor fans outside a hotel bedroom window in India. We moved rooms on the first night.
Finally, a quick shop in Pothy's department store, five air conditioned floors of everything you could possibly want under one roof. I wanted tea bags and a teaspoon. Kim wanted some knickers.
They had a very big Santa in the car park, too
* Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam island is dedicated to reclining form of the Lord Vishnu, known as Ranganatha. The temple has one of the tallest temple tower in south India and one of the largest Hindu temple in the world.
 |
| Someone else who needs new knickers |
** Ucchi Pillayar Temple at Rockfort is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, situated at the top of the rock. The temple has rock cut architecture and offers stunning view of Kaveri river, Srirangam island and Trichy city
No comments:
Post a Comment