It was a long time I made a trip to be published on my blog. I planned to visit the Gingee fort a long time back with my friend Udaiya. So, we wanted to implement it. As per our plan we started our journey from Koyambedu. As I have not visited Tiruvannamalai temple, we travelled towards that first.
Location: Tiruvannamalai or Senji
Direction: 185Km - NH 45 till Tindivanam. A right turn before the Tindivanam bypass road and travel towards Tiruvannamalai.
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As we travelled on the day of New Moon Day immediately after the Maha Siva Rathri, it was festival all through the way from Tindivanam to Tiruvannamalai. Devotees dressed in disguise of MahaKali and Sivan was seen in most of the place.
The view of the Arunaachaleswarar Shrine. It is one of the towers. It has totally 7 towers. This temple got very familiar to the world only after the movie staring Super Star Rajinikanth, Arunaachalam. This temple is famous for the Girivalam which is a 13km walk surrounding the temple. This path has been made comfortable with street lights by Super Star. So, from that time this temple become a popular spot for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. Karthigai Deepam is lighted here on top of the mount which is witnessed by crores of devotees every year.
A very long queue is present everyday there and lot of people and foreigners visit this temple. All the temples are made with a lot of arts.
I stayed that night in my friend's house at Senji/Gingee.
Gingee Fort
Gingee is a small town with three forts which were ruled by various emperors. Nawabs, Nayakars, British etc. This fort is linked with the Vellore fort and to Pondicherry. There were three subways made at that time for the King to travel through that at times of danger.
Gingee is surrounded by green paddy fields everywhere. It was a pleasant view for our eyes.
This is the Krishnagiri Fort where the Queen lived. This fort is connected to the Gingee Fort.And the picture below shows the view of the Gingee fort.
Entrance of Gingee Fort
Only one shop is available in this place which sells cool drinks such as water, aerated drinks etc. There is no restaurant available nearby. So, plan well for the food before going. It will be nice to see people carrying Puliyodarai and making it as a picnic spot.
This is the marriage hall and the view point for the VIPs(Kings and Queens) to see the marriage happening in the hall.
This fort has many divisions such as Granary, Magazine storage, Gymnasium, horse and elephant ranch. There is also an Elephant Lake.
Apart from these divisions of the fort there is a main part which has to be climbed up to the hill. Its a very tall hill and the way is surrounded by steps. It will be a tough time for normal people to climb. Better to have stock of waters or food to take rest at any place. And the weather have to be noted. It will be very sunny and it is advised to climb early.
After a struggled climb, you can witness a Ranganathar temple there and a watch tower of soldier. There is also a canon used at that times.
And this canon is made of stone. It was really nice to see those canons and the canon balls used as the bullets which will be big in size.
The entry ticket is Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.100 for other citizens. Only the Video Cameras are charged. A trip to this place can be made in groups to spend some good time. Like a picnic. Come on friends.... !!! Indian architecture can be understand well here.
There is also a mosque which is built for the friend of the Nawab ruler. And there is a Venkateshwara temple there. It was awesome with the sculptural arts.
Gingee is well known for this fort. It has another special thing. Egg Cake which is a special one which is not available nowhere other than Gingee. It tastes good and only one shop produces that item. Do not miss it while you visit Gingee.So keep reading the blog for the latest trips of mine to explore India more.
