Bangalore to Chennai & Mahabalipuram

From fridge to frying pan – March 2011

Before summer heat waves hit the land, we decided that we visit Chennai and Mahabalipuram. In the wee hours of the morning, driving out of Bangalore is beautiful. Actually, the destination doesn't matter; it's the excitement of going on a holiday that lifts our spirit. A little before Hosur, the traffic was crazy, but eased later. We stopped at Adyar Anand Bhavan before Krishnagiri. I had packed upma for breakfast; we ate, drank coffee, and continued our journey. Have you see the Kamat hotels that are opened on the highway? We are yet to try.

At each toll gate, the police stopped the vehicles, checked the luggage and the car, and then let us go. We were wondering what's happening. Ah, only after we reached Chennai did we know that a vehicle from Banglore was smuggling money into Chennai (for elections)!

As we approached Vellore, we could feel the temperature difference; it could only get hotter. Parents had suggested we see the Golden Temple at Vellore; instead, we saw Ratnagiri, which is a temple dedicated to Lord Balamurugan. You can either drive to the top of the hill or climb the stairs. The temple is beautiful! I liked the gigantic pillars and decorations (or paintings) on the ceiling. Please note that the Maha Mangalaarathi is at noon; till then, the sacred curtains are drawn restricting you from seeing the Lord. 

Pillars - Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri Temple

Our final stop was Chennai. By the time we reached the hotel, we were tired due to heat and disorganized traffic. The drivers are unpredictable - left indicator, but moves right or traffic moves even though the signal is Red. And we were thinking Bangalore's traffic is the worst! At Bangalore, the traffic volume is high but a little discipline is maintained.

Anyway, we reached the hotel, and saw the place to be either filled with marriage parties or politicians. The election was fast approaching, and the most famous fashion statement was White-White-and-White - White dhoti, White shirt, and White Scorpios (with Amma's party flag). We dumped our bags at our room, went straight to the restaurant, and ate a good lunch. 

One of the evenings, we took an auto to the Kapaleeswara temple, Mylapore. The Panguni Masam 2011 celebrations were on, and what a celebration that was! Inside the temple, the Lord's procession was happening, and outside the temple, the fair was attracting almost everyone with a grand variety of merchandise! This celebration was a special gift to us because we weren't aware of the Panguni Masam. Of course, we enjoyed. We also bought temple jewelry from Sukra. I like that shop. If you haven't been there, you must. 

Lord Kapaleeshwara

How can we not visit T Nagar? I had to buy a few sarees, and we went to Kumaran Silks. I loved their collection, and Bangaloreans are treated special! The shop assistant showed lovely and modern sarees (appropriate for Bangaloreans, that's what he said). After that, we marched to GRT, and darn, I picked up something there also. Did I tell you that we tasted idlis at the Murugan Idli Shop? Excellent ones! On another day, we visited Ashtalakshmi temple; I loved that area. We met our dear friend for dinner at China Pearl; good service, food, and ambience. That's the place where we saw some posh cars and hi-tech crowd. ;-)    

Our drive to Mahabalipuram was smooth. Could see apartments being developed on the East Coast road; another concrete jungle was emerging. Just imagine how beautiful that place will be if lots of trees are planted. We went to the Shore temple and the Five Chariots. We were pleased to see how well these temples are maintained. And, oh, wherever we went, we were followed by school children. Have you see locus attacking fields? Hmm... That's exactly how it seemed when the children flooded all the temples. But their energy was contagious, and their smiles and laughter was pure! :-)

There are several people that sell stone scriptures. Beware of people that cheat; they quote a higher price than the shops, and emotionally blackmail you to buy from them. Hey, you must visit the awesome Radisson Resort. They had Holi celebrations, and bright-colored decorations hung all over the resort. The lunch buffet spread was tempting. The magician was a delight; he came to each table to perform some magic. Was fun talking to him!

This time around we didn't want to go to the beaches. The sun burns and salt water are never a good combination, for me. But we visited Spencer Mall; I have nothing much to talk about Malls. We had enough of Chennai and Mahabalipuram, and were ready to drive back home. Home is where the heart is, and our hearts are at Bangalore! :-)

Regards,

Asha