In the Train....A.P Sanpoorna Kranti Express

In the Train....A.P Sanpoorna Kranti Express......30 july  2010

We started our jouney at 5:00 am in the morning ..a long journey, to visit Shri Balaji ....Jai Govinda....

Andhra Pradesh Sampark Kranti Express (Telugu: ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ సంపర్క్ క్రాంతి ఎక్స్‌ప్రెస్, Hindi: आँध्र प्रदेश सम्पर्क क्रान्ति एक्सप्रेस) is an South Central Railway train running from New Delhi to Tirupati. It is part of the Sampark Kranti Express series of trains, which link the Indian National Capital, New Delhi with the rest of the State Capitals, with very few stops in between. The purpose of these trains is to reduce rush and increase train speed.

Photograph taken from Sampark Kranti express ..in View an another Train

Train covers 2302 kilometers in 38 Hours Approximately.

A Visit to Tirupati.....Balaji Temple

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Telugu: తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వరస్వామి దేవస్థానము) is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Venkateswara located in the hill town Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located 580 kilometres (360 mi) south of state capital, Hyderabad and 157 kilometres (98 mi) north west of Chennai. The temple is situated on Venkatadri, one of the seven hills of Tirumala, and hence is also known as the Temple of Seven Hills (Saptagiri सप्तगिरी in Sanskrit). The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Venkateswara, is also known by other names - Balaji, Govinda and Srinivasa.

The temple is reportedly the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world. The temple is visited by about 100,000 to 200,000 pilgrims daily (3 to 4 crore people annually on an average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most visited holy place in the world.

According to legend, the temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, believed to have resided there for the entire Kali Yuga. In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

Visit to Srikalahasti Temple ..Tirupathi..A.P

Srikalahasti (Telugu: శ్రీకాళహస్తి), is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. It is also informally and wrongly referred to as Kalahasti. Recently,it has been included in the TUDA (Tirupati Urban Development Authority) region.

It is one of the important ancient Shiva Kshetras (Shiva Temples) of South India. The Srikalahasti Temple occupies the area between the river bank and the foot of the hills and is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam. The three lofty Gopurams of the temple are remarkable for their architecture. This temple was built during the period of King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar. A huge hundred pillared mantapam is another important feature of this shrine.

It is one of the ancient temples included in the Hindu pilgrimages and the site of a famous Shiva temple with magnificent gopurams and is fairly close to the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati, one of the richest and famous temple cities in the world. It is also the origin of the popular textile painting art called kalamkari.

The 'Rajagopuram' or main gate of the 500-year-old Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor District collapsed on 26 May 2010. Srikalahasti is popularly known as "Dakshina Kaashi".

Entrance of Srikalahasti Temple

Visit to Kanipakam Temple in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland.

Washing legs in the pool outside the temple

Kanipakam (Telugu: కాణిపాకం), is a village located in Irala mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh in South India.

Visit to SRI KAPILESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, Tirupathi, (A.P)

This temple is only temple of Lord Shiva in Tirupati.Pilgrims normaly proceed to Tirumala for Darshan after taking a customary dip in the temple tank.Located amidst beautiful foothills of Tirumala,the place is also known for its natural water falls.

Gopuram of the temple

A visit to the Beautiful VGP Golden Beach and Amusement Part..... Chennai, Tamilnadu

Till 1975 the concept of amusement parks and beach resorts were popular only in foreign Countries. Mr VG Paneerdas brought in this sensational concept and captivated Indians back home. He created VGP Golden Beach, situated on the East Coast Road, its location is along the undulating shoreline and the shimmering white sand enhances its universal appeal. VGP became almost the popular name under the gentle tutelage of Mr. VG Santhosam and the fireband dynamism of Mr. VG Selvaraj. Mr.VGP Ravidas, the eldest son of VG Paneerdas joined forces with Mr.Selvaraj and together they nurtured this park to its current popularity decibel, all the while embellishing the VGP motif.

Visit to Crocodile Park of Chennai, TamilNadu

All of them are hungry and starved.....

Head in the direction of Mahabalipuram and you will find the Crocodile Park of Chennai - home to several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators. Started in 1976 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, the Crocodile Park is spread over 3.2 hectares of lush vegetation.

The Crocodile Bank in Chennai is the largest crocodile-breeding site in the country. Several species of African and Indian crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This park seeks to spread awareness of the ecological role played by crocodiles in selectively feeding on sick and weak and injured fish. Projects are conducted on the biology and study of crocodiles, turtles and lizards.

A Visit to Dolphin City of Chennai, TamilNadu

A Kiss of Love to The dolphimin the Dolphim park..

Location
Dolphin City amusement park is situated on the East Coast Road and is about 46 kms from Chennai city center. This fun filled water park was initiated by yet another amusement park, the Little Folks. The Little Folks amusement park lies just opposite to the Dolphin City.

Visit to Mahabalipuram in Chennai, TamilNadu

Mahabalipuram,derived from 'Mamallapuram' (tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an average elevation of 12 metres (39 feet).

Guavas are very costly in Madras....10 ke 2...

 Mahabalipuram was a 7^th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas was wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7^th and the 9^th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Famous Balancing Rock of Mahabalipuram

Visit to Varadharaja Perumal Temple of Kanchipuram, TamilNadu

A shop of Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Kanchipuram, Kanchi, or Kancheepuram (Tamil: காஞ்சிபுரம்) is a temple city and a municipality in Kanchipuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a temple town and the headquarters of Kanchipuram district. In ancient times it was called Kachi and Kachiampathi.

Kanchipuram is located on the Palar River, and known for its temples and silk sarees.

A Visit To My Friend Murugan's House...

An Early morning Visit to Murugan's House..........

Murugan  and his Family..

A Walk on the sands of Marina Beach, Chennai, TamilNadu, Part-I

Betu Enjoying at the beach

At about 3 Kms from Chennai at Kamarajar Road, the famous Marina beach lines along the eastern border of the city. The beach runs to a total length of about 12 Kms and is said to be the second longest beach in the World. The most important places to visit on the beach are the Anna Park, named after Annadurai, the founder of D.M.K (Dravida Munnetra Kazhakam) and the tomb of M.G. Ramachandran who was earlier a film star and the enigmatic Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. 

Walking on the sands of Marina Beach, Chennai, TamilNadu-Part -II

Returning Back.............

Marina Beach (Tamil: மெரினா கடற்கரை) is a beach in the city of Chennai (Madras), India, along the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean. The beach runs from near Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south, a distance of 13 km, making it the longest urban beach in the country. The Marina is primarily sandy, unlike the short, rocky formations that make up the Juhu Beach in Mumbai (Bombay).

FunBath on Marina Beach, Chennai, TamilNadu-Part -III

Marina Beach
Marina Beach is among the longest beaches in the world and it comprises of sun, sand and surf. Counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia, it is stretched across a 12-km long area. This beach was given a makeover by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's, and is Chennai's major tourist attraction today.


Adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has one of the loveliest beaches in India. A walk along the Marina, whether in the morning or evening, re-energizes one. The old buildings dotting the other side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along the Marina, bring back memories of good old British Raj. The Senate House of the University of Madras and the old buildings now housing government offices, such as Ezhilagam and the Director General of Police office. They wear a mysterious look in the morning when the Sun rises.

Walk along the beach bordered with a green lawn will entice you to go on a leisurely stroll. At the intersections of this promenade stand beautiful statues of Tamil scholars, patriots, and noted personalities. The Statue of Labour is a beautiful sculpture depicting the efforts of a team of laborers who are at strenuous, manual work.

Fun With The sand of Marina Beach, Chennai..Part-IV

Evening Crowd on The Marina Beach

The Marina Beach
Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the World and has a wide sandy foreshore. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis which are memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State attract good crowd everyday. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Chennai, Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, and Ice House are located on this beach drive. 

On the Marina Beach-Part-V

 

Stretching two miles, from the Coovum River's mouth, south of the Fort, till the northern boundaries of the 16th century Portuguese town of San Thome, is this magnificent beach drive and promenade. At the southern end of the Marina is the San Thome basilica, built in 1896.To the east of the road is the Promenade, well-kept gardens and a wide beach which claims to being the world's second longest. At the north end of the beach is Anna Square, the serene resting place of Dr.C.N.Annaduari, who founded a populist party that ushered in anew the ancient glory of Tamil Nadu and the Tamils. His samadhi is marked by a beautiful park, a striking memorial sculpture and crowds pay homage daily. 

Watching Sri Lanka On The MArina Beach, Part -VI

The Marina Beach

Stretching two miles, from the Coovum River's mouth, south of the Fort, till the northern boundaries of the 16th century Portuguese town of San Thome, is this magnificent beach drive and promenade.

Evening On the Famous Beach of Chennai, Marina Beach-Part-VII

Marina Beach is the most famous beach of Tamil Nadu and is situated in the city of Chennai. The beach is considered to be one of the largest beaches in India and the world over. The beach stretches over a distance of 12 km and has a considerably large width. It begins from St. George Fort, in the north, and extends till Besant Nagar, in the south. This sandy beach is not only popular amongst the morning joggers, but is also a must visit spot for the tourists.

The road side along the Marina Beach is marked by a number of statues of known leaders and celebrities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Thiruvalluvar, Sir Thomas Munro, Kamarajar, Periyar and the Statue of Labor. Apart from this, there is Anna Square, the burial site of former Chief Minster of Tamil Nadu, Dr. C. N. Annadurai. Also, just adjacent to this you will find a beautiful park and a memorial dedicated to MGR Ramachandran, former actor-cum-politician. The tomb in the memorial has a striking pillar and an eternal flame.

Enjoying Fish at the Marina Beach's Stalls..........Part-VIII

No Guarantee of Fish being tasty

Returning from Marina Beach, Part -IX

A photo Session near the Samidhis on Marina Beach

 After seeing and enjoying at the Marina Beach..it stared getting dark And now it was time to go back to the hotel...We sat down for a while at the entrance of MArina Beach..by this time it was full dar..and lights were on.. the crowd was gathering  to enjoy the Bay of Bengal in the night...Also the near by samidhis were lit up so it was a magnificent scenery...Julie and Divyaansh were having theri Sprite., Me and Bro already had our evening snack the Yummies Fishes at the Beach....Divyaansh Bought a Monster Car for himself....and we were relaxing as he was running around and playing with his newly bought car.....

Visit of Anna Samadhi and MGR Memorial, Part-X

 

1) Anna Square/Anna Samadhi : >Memorial Of previous Chief Minister,Dr.AnnaDurai

2) MGR Memorial: Place where people pay tribute Dr.M.G.Ramachandran

Till the time we ended our day by visiting the samidhis of the Tamil veterans it was around 8'O clock .. too late. we were tired and exhausted, legs were paining , feeling sleepy ...we went to the bus stop , waited for some 10 -15 minutes. The bus came and it took 20 minutes and we reached our hotel at Waltex Road. I went to the restaurant and packed some food to eat at our rooms. Food was Idlies and South Indian Parothas....I took some milk for Divyaansh as he was missing the milk like anything in the journey....so in this way one more day ended in Chennai.......I don't know why I wanted to visit Chennai...anyways I came Back to Chennai...after 5 Bad years......

Visit to San Thome Church, Chennai, Tamilnadu

San Thome Church in the Background..

Last evening we visited the Marina. Today we started the day by visiting the St. Antony's Church in the Parrys. After Visiting St. Antony's Church we moved to Myalpore to visit San Thome Church. 

We Prayed inside the Church for 15 minutes., Then we visited the museum present inside the Premises of the Church. after spending time in the church we moved to our next spot in the tour de Chennai...Spencers Plaza..a attaraction of the new and growing Chennai...

Visit to Spencer Plaza, Chennai, TamilNadu

A visit to Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai, Tamilnadu

The Parthasarathy Temple (Tamil: பார்த்தசாரதி கோயில்) is an 8th century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located at Triplicane, Chennai, India. It is one among the 108 divyadesams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The name 'Parthasarathy', in Sanskrit, means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', and Lord Krishna is worshipped in that role in this temple.
It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8^th century by king Narasimhavarman I. One of the distinguishing features of is that it has four of the incarnations or avatars of Vishnu: Narasimha, Rama, Varaha and Krishna.

The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for Sri Vedhavalli Thayaar, Sri Ranganatha, Sri Rama, Sri Gajendra Varadharaja Swamy, Narasimha, Sri Andal, Sri Anjaneya, Alwars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal and Vedanthachariar. There are separate entrances for Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Narasimha. The gopuram (towers) and mandaps (pillars) are decorated with elaborate carvings, a standard feature of South Indian Temple Architecture.

After visiting the Temple.

 After visiting the Magnificent Landmark Spencers Plaza we moved to the magnificent 8th century temple of  Sri Parthasarathy, the Lord Krishna's temple. A magnificent ancient temple. we worshipped over there for some time...took some rest and then moved again to the Marina Beach......

A walk on the Marina Beach's Sand

After seeing the Great Parthasarthy Temple we came to the Marina Beacg again...her we tasted some oilde pakodas on the sand of Marina Beach....Though the pakodas were not so tasty but, we enjoyed eatinng those pakodas on the beach....walk on the sand is lovely .....amazing experience....

On the Sand of Marina Beach

On the Sand of MArina

 The second largest beach in the world Marina Beach extends up to 13km. Marina Beach is on of the major tourist attractions in Chennai. Marina Beach is a place on earth with heavenly beauty. Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff further enhanced the natural beauty of the Marina Beach in early 1880's. The view on the beach at sunset and sunrise is absolutely delightful. In the evenings the place becomes lively with the children playing at the golden sand and hawkers selling snacks, balloons, toys etc.

Second Time----Happy moments at the Marina Beach, Chennai, Tamilnadu