Villupuram

The iconic Gingee fort may be a far cry from its glorious past, still it treasures a lot in the form of temples, granaries and walls. It stands testimony to the ravages of invasions, wars and battles the structure had endured for centuries. Soak up the stature of the imposing fortification walls of Gingee which link three hills. The structure is so designed that the tops of the three hills act as citadels. The Rajagiri citadel is the highest, about 800 ft. in height, and the most inaccessible. Explore the Kalyana Mahal, one of the most visited attractions in the Fort. Comprising a square shaped court and hemmed in by rooms, it sports a pyramid shaped roof. Walk your way to discover the temple ponds and adjacent structures; Chakkarakulam and Chettikulam are the two famous ponds here. Villupuram is dotted with temples and choose your way through the ancient Chola temple at Thiruvaamathoor, Sri Ramanatha Eswarar Temple, Esalam, the temple of Angala Parameswari, the temple of Lord Ranganatha, Venkataramana Temple and many more; each flaunting unique architecture and inscriptions. These temples also preserve centuries old mural paintings, inscriptions, carved pillars and impressive sculptures. If possible, don't miss out on the Panguni Uthiram festival held in March – April at the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple located on a small hillock at Mailam. A short drive from Gingee town leads to a beautiful hillock which houses two jaina caverns and a huge boulder containing sculptures of all the 24 Theerthankaras in the 9th Century style. It goes without saying, Auroville, an international township, is a must visit. This town endorsed by UNESCO was launched in 1968 at the behest of the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at an inaugural function attended by representatives of 124 nations and all the States of India. Do visit the Geological park located at about 40 kms from Villupuram. The park features a large number of petrified tree trunks known as fossils.