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Conference Destination -
Chennai - Excursion |
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Mahabalipuram
Breathtaking rock-cut temples, sculptures, and a roaring sea - Mahabs, as
Chennai'ites call it, is 58 km from Chennai. It is an ancient seaport on the
shores of the Bay of Bengal, built by the Pallava King Narasimhavarman 1,
way back in the 7th Century AD. Some of the highlights are - Arjuna's Penance - relief sculpture on a massive scale extolling stories
from Hindu mythology and the pancha rathas (five chariots). |
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The Shore Temple - a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the
entrance from the Western side away from the sea. Mahabalipuram is a
favourite shopping haunt for South Indian artifacts, both wooden and granite
based.
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Tirupati
The famous abode of Lord Balaji, known by its 'seven hills', is about 152 km
from Chennai and a favourite religious destination with the city dwellers.
The Temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates
the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. |
The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the
Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.
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Pondicherry
Some 170 km from Chennai is the former French colony of Pondicherry. The
buildings are an ideal mix of french colonial style that has long compounds
and stately walls and the Indian style of houses lined with verandas, and
large doors and grills.
Temples, churches, Aurobindo's Ashram, Auroville, and the rocky beach, there
is plenty to see and do in Pondicherry.
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Vandalur Zoo
Located at 28km from Chennai proper in Vandalur, the Anna Zoological Park is
easily accessible from Tambaram West. Hailed to be the biggest in South
Asia, this zoo spreads over 1265 acres and is building up a collection of
tropical mammals, birds and reptiles amongst others. |
The enclosures for
the animals are located in natural surroundings with the vast areas for the
animals to move freely. It is also functioning as a captive breeding center
for endangered wildlife species. One can opt for the battery car-train as it
is a huge place to walk around and see everything.
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Dakshinachitra
Dakshinachitra is a real life heritage museum. An excellent place to spend
at least half a day. Set up about 21 kms from Chennai on the East Coast Road
(ECR) it showcases the life in a traditional South Indian village. Exact
replicas of South Indian houses as they were in times of yore, preserving
the original lifestyle of different communities enhance the beauty of the
sylvan settings. On display is a mind-boggling range of artifacts, capturing
the South Indian classical tradition. You can take a stroll along the
ancient village by-lanes and peep into the homes of artisans, farmers and
merchants of the age-past. What makes the place unique is that you can stop
for a friendly chat with the artists, recreating the magic of yesteryears or
try matching step to the music of the folk musicians. Do not miss their
puppet shows and the pottery section where you can try your hand at making
pots!
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Kancheepuram (75 km)
This spectacular temple city is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It
was, successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas and rajas
of Vijayanagar. The temples and gopurams they left behind are exquisite
reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture, from the freshness and
simplicity of the Pallavas' 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple through to the
Vijayanagar Empire's 16th-century Ekambareshwara Temple. The latter covers
nine hectares, has a 59-metre-high gopuram, a 1000-pillared hall and a
sacred mango tree said to be 3500 years old. Kanchipuram is also famous for
its hand-woven silk fabrics. |
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