Incredible India! Srirangam Temple, Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)

The largest functioning Hindu Temple in the world (Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple but non-functional) – The Vishnu Temple of Srirangm (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple). It is located in the city of Trichy.

Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu . It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). In the Vaishnava parlance the term "KOIL" signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.

The temple of Sri Ranganathaswami at Srirangam boasts an historic past of great kingdom and a civilization thousands of years old. The reign of the Pallavas was marked by the creation of a solid religious foundation, for example the encouragement given by the dynasty appears to have contributed to the growth of Aryan institutions in Southern India more particularly in the Carnatic. Cholas reigned for about three hundred years over the Coromandel Coast and the greater part of Eastern Deccan, where they helped an advanced Hindu Culture to flourish.

Incredible India! Chittorgarh Fort - A Legacy of Rajput Architecture

Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India, spread over 700 acres, is about 3 kms in length and the periphery is about 13 kms. Chittorgarh Fort with the legacy of glorious past and formidable present is the major attraction for tourists in Chittorgarh. The fort is established in a 300 feet high hillock. The fort is an architectural marvel, surviving three ravages in the history.

It is about 2 hours (100 kms) from Udaipur and is enroute from Jaipur to Udaipur. Its massive size has 7 huge gates and is an epitome of the Rajput architecture. It forms a very integral part of our inbound tourists in Rajasthan. It was built in the 7th century by the Maurya rulers.

The fort had over 80 water bodies fed by rainwall & natural springs (about 4 bliion litres) and could sustain the fort and its army of 50,000 for over 4 years. It houses numerous palaces, temples and 2 towers. It is shaped like a fish and definitely worth a visit. The grandeur and size is awe inspiring.

The impressive huge fort encloses the wonderful palaces of Maha Rani Padmini and Maharana Kumbha, Kirthi Stamba, Vijay Stamba and many ancient revered temples. Another attraction in the fort is the Fateh Prakash Mahal, which showcases some of the imposing sculptures.

Other Attractions of Chittorgarh: Rana Kumbha Palace, Meera Temple, Vijaya Stambh (Victory Tower), Kalika Mata Temple, Padmini Palace, Phatta’s Memorial (Ram Pol), Kirti Stambh (The Tower of Fame), Maha Sati, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaumukh Reservoir, Tulja Bhawani Temple, Satbis Deori Temple, Shyam Temple, Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to Reach

By Air: Dabok Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, and is 90 km away from the city centre. Taxi charges about Rs 1500 from Dabok airport to Chittorgarh. This airport connects to Jaipur and Delhi.

By Train: Chittorgarh Railway Station is well connected to all major cities in India including Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Delhi.

By Bus: Frequent bus services are available from Chittorgarh to all major cities in the state and neighboring states. Many tourist buses provide services between Chittorgarh and Jaipur (325 km), Indore (325 km) and Ajmer (185 km).

Accommodation in Chittorgarh

Cheap accommodation is available in Chittorgarh with prices starting from as minimum as Rs 400 for normal rooms till Rs 3,600 for star hotels. Deluxe rooms also comparatively cost less than Rs 2,000 and offer state-of-the –art amenities. Hotel services include Money Exchange, Safe Deposit, Swimming Pool, Travel Desk, Laundry and Car Rentals.

There are restaurants at the hotels of Chittorgarh that provide Indian, Chinese, Continental and “Traditional Rajasthani Meals” for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Rajasthani ambience.