Gingee Fort and Thiruvanmalai Temple

It was new year day and we were returning back from Pondichery, we decided to halt at two places for sight seeing on the way. Gingee fort in Villupuram was first of them, which was just about 25-30 kms from Pondy. There were two forts - Rajagiri and Krishnagiri, also called as Raja fort and Rani fort. The alternate names suggest who it was meant for in those times. We had already planned to go to the topmost one and there were heading towards Rajagiri fort; this was also called the "Troy of the East" by the British because it was supremely fortified with the added advantage of being 800 ft high.

Walking towards Rajagiri Fort

But we were not alone. There was a horde of people all around the place as tourists. Most we figured out were from nearby places. It was just about nearing noon then and the heat was already in its extremes. We stuffed ourselves with whatever packed food we were carrying and bottles of mineral water. On the way to the entrance, there were boards and inscriptions with historical information about the fort. The initial entrance was an unpaved path which more or less appeared like a field with a clean ambiance. To reach the top were a flight of steps made of large rocks mostly cut out or laid appropriately. There was a small lake also visible which was kind of a catchment area for the rains. As we went up, R was getting out of breath somewhere half the way and sat down to relax. But from that point on he did not want to go ahead. As he also had to ride all the way back to Bangalore and there was no alternative driver amongst rest of us, we agreed with him. Whimsically, we named that part as 'Randeep point' by his name.

From

Mosque and Rajagiri Fort behind

there, the three of us then stopped at a couple of more spots to view the cannons, some nice viewpoints, etc. Finally reaching the top, we were in high spirits to have overcome our fatigue. At the top, there was another catchment area under a huge rock which was drinking water source for many already present there when we reached. It was like a cave about 2 meters under the rock where you walk down and suddenly feel a mysterious cool breeze and a small pool of water in the dark. Some local kids were excited to have been photographed by us.

By the time we left from Gingee fort, it was already about 2 in the afternoon. Thiruvanmalai temple at Villupuram was our second stop.

Thiruvanmalai Temple

They were attractive from far away where anybody can see the high rise tower roofs in glowing white. Here we visited one or two temple, got a few snaps taken and then left for good. A few kilometers before reaching Krishnagiri, we halted for some more relaxation and stretching. We were back in Bangalore in good heart. It was already dark and we headed for our homes. Our new year journey shall be cherished for quite some time.