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.

Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala

Quick Facts
Situated in : Kerala, 218 kms, south of Kochi
Major Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Vizhinjam, Bhagawathy Temple
Ideal Time to Visit: October to February

Earlier known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram lies towards the southern end of the state on the low lying hills of the Western Coast of India, interspersed by ridges and lanes. Trivandrum is an ancient city the traces of which can be found as early as 1000 B.C. Even then the city was an established trade and commerce centre. The city was made the capital of Travancore in the year 1745 during the reign of Marthanda Varma. Presently, the city is one of the primary commercial and industrial areas located in the state of Kerala.

Trivandrum is dotted with a range of hotels. Budget hotels are most in number and located throughout the city. Some known hotels of Trivandrum are Muthoot Plaza Hotel, South Park Hotel, Hotel Saj Lucia, Hotel Residency Tower, Hotel Mascot and Hotel Pankaj. Trivandrum is connected with other city and states by all major means of transport. There are buses, trains and airways providing the services in the city.

Major Attractions of Trivandrum
Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple: Situated in the heart of the city, Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to 'Padmanabhaswamy', an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is built in a typical Dravidian style, which is unusual for a temple in Kerala and features a tall gopuram. It happens to be one of the most revered places of Hindus and every year thousands of them reach the site to pay the homage and for offerings.

Bhagawathy Temple: One of the popular worshipping places in Kerala, Bhagawathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy. The temple site is a great attraction during the festival days of Ponal Utsavam, which is celebrated for 10 days.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The architecture of the palace represents typical Travancore style with incredible wood carving. The palace also features paintings and valuable articles belonging to the royal family, that have been preserved here.

Government Art Museum: The Government Art Museum or Napier Museum as it is popularly called has been built in the year 1880 in the honour of Lord Napier. The museum houses great archaeological and historical artifacts.

Vizhinjam: The place used to be a popular site for the Dutch and Portuguese traders. It is located south of Kovalam beach and represents a modern fishing harbour.

M.G.Road: The road is a popular shopping area located in the city. Sandalwood, brass and oil lamps are extensively sold in the markets here. A lot of general stores and arts, antiquities shops are located at M.G.Road. The Connemara Market is great shopping place here.

Kovalam Beach: Just 16 kms from the city is the popular Kovalam Beach. The beach comprises of a series of beaches, the best one being the southern most. The beach area has emerged as a great tourist place and is lined up with resorts and tourist cottages.