Chennai - Pulicat Lake | Tada - Road Trip

Pulicat Bird Sanctuary

Its been a long time for me after Gudium Caves trip. So, I planned to take a trip towards Pulicat lake which is located in the TN-AP border. So, invited some friends and started the journey on a fine Sunday from Anna nagar, Chennai.

Location: Pulicat Lake / Bird Sanctuary

Direction: NH 5 towards Kolkatta.

There are two three entry points for Pulicat Lake.

1. Tada - A right turn which takes you from the NH5 towards Kolkatta.

2. Sulurpet - A round turn junction road 3km after Sulurpet and there towards Sriharikota.

3. Ponneri - A right turn from NH 5 road towards Ponneri and from there again you have to travel a lot towards the lake.

Pulicat lake is covered in a long way and so the right side of NH 5 will take you to there. But we have to choose the exact path to reduce the unwanted travel.

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From this picture you can see the vast area, which is surrounded by lake. These transmission lines goes to Sriharikota rocket lauchpad.

The location was wonderful but the season which you choose is important. Better try to go in December - March.




The two sides of the road is covered by this lake and the birds.





Great Flamingos are seen here in large numbers.

A few kilometers ahead Sriharikota rocket launching site is there. You can see the prototype of PSLV in the entrance of that site. Public is allowed to visit this site on all Wednesdays.



We were disappointed by the dry weather and the dry lake were we could not see more birds and boating in that spot. Boating can be taken if you choose the Tada route to Pulicat. I mean the first route I have mentioned above. But we choose the second route. We really got tired driving all along in the hot sun.

While returning we planned to go to Tada waterfalls. So, we returned from Sriharikota road again to NH 5 and from there we went to Tada. A right turn has to be taken in that direction of return. The road which goes to Srikalahasti takes you to Tada waterfalls. Its around 20 km from the highway.

Kalki Oneness Temple

There is a lot to travel even after reaching the entrance of the Tada waterfalls. There is a small locality there from there around 5 km has to be traveled in a rough road. There is a parking lot there and the time to visit tada is from 8 to 5pm everyday. Cameras are charged Rs.50 and two wheelers are charged Rs.15.



From that parking space, a lot of distance have to crossed by walk through the forests way. You can witness some streams while walking. Approximately it will take around 1:30 hours to reach the main waterfalls. Its best to go in groups. Please do not litter the place. Its a beautiful place which is being littered by drunkards. Save the beauty of Tada.


We returned to Chennai after enjoying the beauty of Tada waterfalls. Two wheelers are preferable but the distance is very long and there are risks of tyres being punctured. So, better travel in a 4 wheeler in groups and explore the beauty.


 

Chennai - Gudiyam Caves - Road Trip

Gudium Caves ( As mentioned by Archaeological Department of Tamilnadu)

This name is not familiar to Chennai people. So, I though I should make this familiar at least among my network. I found a day with awesome weather in Chennai. So, my mind started to think about a long travel in bike to enjoy the weather.

Decided to travel to Gudium Caves. My friend and colleague Kamal joined me happily and we started our trip in Honda Unicorn bike of Kamal's. The destination is more than 70 Km from Guindy. We took the Poonamalle High Road and from there a diversion towards Tiruvallur.

Gudium Caves is known for its 1 lakh year old rock-shelters, statues etc. Prefered for trekkers and who loves to travel.

The travel was very fine as we found a lot of green fields everywhere.

Shivan Temple at Tirumizhisai

Kamal posing after a long drive

Till you reach Tiruvallur, you can't find any ATMs, restaurants, fuel stations(limited) etc. Hotel Akshaya Bhavan was excellent and has good service. Its in Tiruvallur.

After a healthy lunch, we started our trip again. From Tiruvallur, you have to take a right which goes to Poondi reservoir.

It's around 30 minutes travel from there. You can find the reservoir starts in the left side of the road. Lots of Mango trees, palm trees surrounding the reservoir entries. From the main road, you have to take a left turn to reach this Reservoir. Keep in mind that, you must take the left turn. Otherwise the road may take you somewhere.
There are two hair-pin bends before reaching this reservoir. A narrow road wherein only one heavy vehicle can pass.




















Crossing this dam, a road that goes right has to be taken. There will be some direction to reach the Goonipalayam. I don't know whether that place is related to Gudium village. People around the Poondi dam doesn't know clearly about Gudium. Enquired many and continued our travel blindly.

There starts the adventure. The roads are not good after this point. Care has to be taken while driving.


We were travelling for around 10 km and we did'nt find any traces of Gudium Caves or Hills. There was another diversion towards right which took us to the destination. Immediately after taking right, we found the directions for the Gudium Caves for the First time. We felt really happy that we have reached the destination. The place was surrounded with eucalyptus trees.


A 4 km travel after this point. A small village was there. The way we traveled after this village was very bad. Full of rocks.


Better consult some local people in the village before proceeding.

Better come with a good vehicle. Other than bikes for a safe return. We didn't expect such a road with pebbles and sands. After a long hard walk of around 2km, we realized that we can not move with bike after that. A big provision to park vehicles is there. But really it is not safe and there is no other go. So we parked there.




This was the only pattern of soil found there. But there was no big thorns on the paths. Stones colored with white paints directs you to the cave.

Directors to the Cave

A way which goes right and then takes to the top of the hill. Very steep way. We got tired at this point as we didn't take water or food with us. Climbing this way leads you to a big cave wherein lots of small stones are carved in that. It was amazing to see that. But to say in real, everyone will get disappointed to see just the rock-shelters and stones.

























Climbed yet to reach the top of the hill. Total surrounding was viewed at that point. It was awesome to spend time there with cool breeze.


But we totally got exhausted.


We didn't lose our heart. Saw some more places there and then came out of the caves since it was getting dark and there is no one all around the place except the two of us.

This was the only water place we found there.

We drove very fast in search of water. Found water and quenched our thirsts.

It was very exciting for us to cover such an area which is unknown to many people and there are no proper directions.

Take a water bottle and some eatables for sure if you plan to visit this caves. Come in groups which will be safer. Come early and leave early. DO NOT travel alone as Gudium caves is in a forest and no one can come for any assistance early in case of any emergency.


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Our return journey towards Chennai at 100kmph speed.

I was so satisfied with this road trip. I enjoyed the weather, the nature, unknown place. We explored a lot.

Keep reading. Will upload the next post soon after a trip. Keep Smiling :-)

   

Madurai - Tamilnadu - A short trip

மதுரை - தூங்கா நகரம்


Madurai is one of the important cities of India. Madurai can be called in many ways namely, Thoonga nagaram(sleepless city) because of its busiest commercial streets, Temple city- a land of temples, and city of Jasmines etc.




World famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple is situated in this city. It's one of the famous tourist attraction in Madurai. Well known for its ancient sculptures and art works. This is the temple which survived after kannagi (கண்ணகி) burnt the whole Madurai.






















It is also one of the largest Shiva temple of Tamilnadu. Commercial streets are built surrounding the temple. There are five entries to get inside the temple. People of Madurai celebrate a festival here annually which is called as 'Chittirai thiruvizha'. Lakhs of people gather for this occasion.

Thirumalai Nayakar palace is situated in Madurai and it represents the ancient artworks and architectures. Maniratnam's favorite shooting spot. This palace is open to public from 9 to 5.
Food is the next special thing which is available and should be told about Madurai. A variety of foods items which includes Paruthi Paal, Jigarthanda, Sarbath, Sugarcane Juice, Padaneer, Kotthu parota, Idly stalls, Cocunut tree trunks, etc.

Paruthi Paal - பருத்தி பால், a healthy drink which is made from cotton seeds, cocunut, raw rice, jaggery(கருப்பட்டி), cardamom, etc. This drink helps reducing heart diseases and can be taken by diabetes patients too. This drink is a cheap one and can be enjoyed by all the people. It is available only in Madurai and that too in only one place. Dinamani Talkies, a famous old theatre is the landmark for this stalls. But the theatre is no more now. This landmark is in the Kamaraj road, Madurai. This business is done traditionally by a family.

Jigardhanda - ஜிகர்தண்டா , an all time favorite drink of every Madurai citizen. An ice cold drink made from milk. This drink is also available more in Madurai only. Chennai has some rare stalls.

The tasty tamarind rice (புளியோதரை) done here very nicely. In fact, the credits goes to Madurai people only for finding such a food item which does not spoil for two three days before the invention of refrigerators.


A lot of temples are available here. The very famous Azhagar temple, Tirupparangundram Murugan temple, etc.

This is the very big lake temple. Boating will be done here for visitors during the Chittirai festival. Surely, there will be some water at that time !

Chennai - St.Thomas Mount

St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, Tamilnadu

One of the hillock in Chennai located near Guindy. Well known as 'Parangi Malai' in Tamil and its famous for 'Jyothi' theatre. 'Parangi' a saint lived in earlier centuries and hence this hillock is called 'Parangi malai'.

This hillock has a church built by Portuguese in 1523 and this church has been visited by Pope John Paul II.

This mount can be reached very easily from Guindy with two ways. A way to walk by stairs and another way for the vehicles.

The picture posted above shows the entrance of the St.Thomas Mount Church. And the picture posted below is the statue of St.Thomas.




This is the cross which is on the church. From this mount, the city can be viewed well. View of Tidel Park, Kathipara flyover, Airport runways etc.










This church has a lot of paintings in it and there is a holy cross which is made in a granite stone.







And this is the view of the St.Thomas mount Church.

And this is the way we can reach the mount with the 160 step stairs from the Butt road entrance.

Chennai - Mahabalipuram

Friends...

I thought I can share my travelling experiences and some good pictures which can be useful in the future for a reference.

So, let me start this blog with some of my favorite clicks.


Picture Location : Mahabalipuram


It can be reached by a 60KM travel along the East Coast Road, Chennai.

Importance: Well known for its ancient sculptures and arts. A good spot to spend time for a day. It has a shore temple and five pyramidal structures built from a single large piece of stone.

Places of Interest:
Pancha Rathas, Light House, Lord Krishna's butter ball, Shore temple, Tiger Caves.

View of Light house.











The temple near the light house, Mahisasuramardhini temple is at the top and from the whole view of the town can be viewed.
















The below posted is the view of shore temple.

Varaha Cave carvings(Man with head of Pig)


Guys posing at the Tiger caves

Tiger caves is situated around Mahabalipuram. While travelling from Chennai this place can be reached around 5 km before Mahabalipuram.

Clear Path to Reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai.


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