Located about 160 kms from Chennai, the fort is built on three hillocks - Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg. When you drive into the fort area, it is easy to see how hard it must have been for an enemy army to invade while being attacked from 3 hills simultaneously. Since it was raining pretty heavily when we got there, we could only do one hill, Rajagiri, and did not even climb too far up. A friend said he climbed all three on one day and couldn't even feel his legs by the time he was done!
The Archaeological Survey of India keeps the Gingee Fort really clean. The Rajagiri hillock has an assortment of structures like temples, stables, granaries, tanks and pavilions. Let me now show you some pictures from the hill - mostly from around the base. What would have otherwise been just another (very beautiful) fort, was transformed into a mysterious wonderland by the clouds, the rain and the mist.
If you happen to be in Chennai and have a day to spare, definitely visit Gingee.The road is pretty great most of the way, but traffic can get rough - we saw a very gruesome accident on the way back :( I'd totally recommend going in the rains, but ONLY if you are a very very very careful driver. Wear sensible shoes and carry snacks and water with you - I didn't notice any shops around the fort. There is a lot of vegetation all around, making it a great place to spot some cool birds.
A lily pond on the way to Gingee |
Beautiful! Gorgeous! Heavenly! Hard to believe this is a place in Tamil Nadu, that to near Chennai! Of course I've heard about Gingee and seen some pictures before, but the way you've captured them makes me want to visit this place tomorrow! But as you say I think visiting during the rains would be the best.
ReplyDeleteP.S: It takes one beauty to capture the other!
Thank you Suresh!
Deletegorgeous stuff this madhu :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Ambica!
DeleteLovely pics!
ReplyDeleteI agree - the rains, mist and clouds add an element of magic and mystery to something that could otherwise have been ordinary. Have had that experience on several of my travels.