Kailasnathar Temple - from the Pallavas

Kanchipuram –   synonymous with the rich silk Kanjeevarams , traditionally woven and originated from this small town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.  But this is not why I was in this town Or to be honest, not primarily.

Kanchipuram from being the capital of the Pallavas, is also famous for its ancient and very old temples – and this is what got me here, 75 kms from Chennai . I wanted to see the structures , the pillars, the sculptures which were laid over 1300 years ago .One such temple is the Kailasnathar Temple , the only extant and testimony of the first Pallava Dynasty structure in South India. Prior to this, temples were constructed from wood  or carved within caves / rocks and boulders.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva , Kailasnathar Temple was constructed between 685 -705 AD . The architecture is unique and since it is one of the earliest structures it perhaps does not  bear much  resemblance to the temple structures built by succeeding rulers though the latter structures have drawn influences from here.

The inner courtyard . There are 58 subshrines within the complex 

All the pillars are adorned with the mythical half lion face.

As per mythology and beliefs ,Lord Shiva appeared to a sage named Romasa and mentioned to him the Circumambulatory passage inside the Kailasanathar temple grants salvation. Many devotees still come here and crawl through the narrow passage for deliverence .

There are many exquisite temples all over Tamil Nadu , few of which I managed to see.  But the Kailasnathar Temple holds a command and authority of its own. 

Today this temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Great Rann

With the change in seasons a massive wetland transforms itself  into an uninterrupted shimmering expanse of sheer white -  a landmass seemingly void .Welcome to The Great Rann of Kutch !

As seen from the Archaeological Site

A "salt marsh"/desert that spreads over 7,500 sq.kms stretching between India and Pakistan with the reputation of largest salt desert in the world. 

The shallow wetland submerges under water during monsoons and post monsoon transforms into a white- endless-sheet over a few months' period of time . You will not be able to walk on the surface or take a drive inside unless the salt crystals have hardened up . 

Best time to visit would be December onwards until March . Reach the place atleast a couple of hours before sunset , walk over the expanse without a care , lose yourself (not literally please !) , talk to the local folks, enjoy the folk music, can choose a horse or camel cart ride, soak up in the sunset , and when the sun is down , hang on with your crazy pals for some "ghost stunts" , look up , the blue has turned into millions of silver sparkles and if on a Full Moon night , you would perhaps want to camp out there (Not Allowed !) .

The vastness dwarfs every other entity around it .

There is constant patrolling and you can hang out in the Rann only until a certain time.

Please note : You will need necessary permits to enter Rann of Kutch which are issued at Police Outpost in Bhirandiyari.

Where to stay :  You can choose from Shaam -E-sarhad / Hodka Zeel /Gujarat Tourism Tents at Dhordo/ Gateway to Rann Resort .










The other experience in Kutch that should not be missed is the village tour . The intricate and exquisite artwork & crafts in each of these villages are indigenous to the region.You can pick up a lot of  these stuff directly from the craftsmen.Check out the art work on their walls and interiors of the bhungas.
The different tribes/communities of Kutchh add an intriguing dimension to their land and culture. It is essential as in anywhere in the world , to be respectful to their culture and unique ways of living. A local home cooked food could be a bonus !

Enjoy the local food - Bhakri and White Butter should be the mantra !
In most places, the meals are freshly prepared basis your order ( ie from the options given to you !).

Kutch is very easily accessible unlike some of the most awesome places in our country,where travel & logistics could be a pain.

Nearest Airport /Railway Stn :  Bhuj .
Alternate Option : via Ahmedabad .