Place I Love

 Place I Loved: My India Tour

India has always been a dream destination for me, and my recent tour to South India was truly an unforgettable experience. From visiting ancient temples to exploring breath-taking landscapes, this trip was packed with cultural richness, spirituality, and adventure.

Day 1: The Beginning of an Exciting Journey

My journey started at Penang International Airport, where I departed for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for a flight transit. After a short layover, I boarded my flight to Chennai International Airport, excited for the adventures that awaited me.

Week 1: Exploring Sacred Temples and Historical Cities

Tirupati & Tirutani

The first stop on my itinerary was the renowned Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh. After a peaceful night at a hotel, I continued my journey to Tirutani in Tamil Nadu, a place deeply rooted in Tamil history and known as the "House of Lord Muruga."

Kumbakonam & Kanchipuram

My next destinations were Kumbakonam and Kanchipuram, famously known as the "Land of Sarees" in Indian culture. The Kaanchi Kamatchi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram was an architectural marvel, and I indulged in some traditional shopping before calling it a night at a cozy hotel.

During my stay, I had my first taste of authentic South Indian village meals, served on banana leaves. The flavours of freshly cooked rice, sambar, rasam, and a variety of vegetable curries were simply divine.

Thanjavur & Swamimalai

The following day, I visited the magnificent Thanjai Big Temple, built by Raja Raja Cholan in 11th century. I then travelled to Swamimalai, another sacred place dedicated to Lord Muruga, before heading to Rameshwaram, the last place of South India, where I stayed overnight.

Rameshwaram & Danushkodi

The next morning, I visited some holy temples in the region and paid homage at the memorial of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. A highlight of the day was exploring Danushkodi, a town located near the famous Ram Sethu Bridge, just 30 minutes away from Sri Lanka. The journey also took me to the iconic Pamban Bridge, a fascinating engineering marvel.

Kanyakumari – The Southern Tip of India

I then travelled to Kanyakumari, a city deeply affected by the devastating tsunami in 2004. I was mesmerized by the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Temple. As the sun set over the ocean, I stood in awe of its breath-taking beauty. I even had the opportunity to walk on the newly built glass bridge and enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner to wrap up the day.

The next morning, I woke up early for a serene sunrise viewing activity before heading to Thiruparamkundram, the first house of Lord Muruga.

Week 2: The Serenity of Hill Stations & More Temples

Kodaikanal – The Coolest Hill Station

The journey took me to Kodaikanal, the coolest and most scenic hill station in South India. With its chilly climate and misty mountains, it was a perfect escape from the heat. I stayed overnight at a hotel, relishing the tranquil atmosphere.

Here, I enjoyed warm and flaky parathas served with spicy gravies, perfect for the cold weather.

Palani & Thiruchendur

The next stop was Palani, where I indulged in some shopping before retiring for the night. The following day, I visited the famous Palani Temple, the sixth house of Lord Muruga, before heading to Thiruchendur city for another temple visit.

After an overnight stay, I continued my pilgrimage by visiting the Thiruchendur Temple, another sacred abode of Lord Muruga. Later, I embarked on a long five-hour journey to Tiruvannamalai, where I checked into a hotel for the night.

During this leg of my journey, I savoured a plate of fragrant biryani, rich with spices and tender meat, a meal that left a lasting impression on my taste buds.

Tiruvannamalai & Return to Chennai

The next morning, I visited the revered Tiruvannamalai Temple and made a special visit to my family temple. After that, I travelled back to Chennai, where I had the chance to visit Marina Beach, India's longest beach. I also paid my respects at the memorials of Dr. MGR and Madam Jayalalitha, former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu. The day ended with a shopping spree and some relaxation at the hotel.

Final Day: Bidding Farewell to India

On my last day in India, I packed my belongings and carefully measured the weight of my luggage. I even squeezed in some last-minute shopping despite the heavy traffic and road congestion. Finally, I made my way to the airport in time for my flight back to Malaysia, bringing back unforgettable memories of my journey through South India.

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The blend of spirituality, history, delicious food, and natural beauty made me fall in love with India even more. I cannot wait to return and explore even more of this incredible country!