Tag Archives: Venkataram Temple

Gingee

A visit to Gingee, a site outside the usual touristic circuits, as abandoned. Four old forts located on the top of various hills, in a wonderful granite landscape surrounded by paddy fields and wild vegetation full of monkeys.

A must see! ! A magical atmosphere in the universe of Rudyard Kipling or Indiana Jones! Good for your shape!

 

Temple of Venkataram, the place is very enjoyable with a large green lawn well looked after. In the middle of what looks like a little park, stands a 500 years old abandoned temple with 1000 columns.

In the Inner fort, at the foot of the castle, you’ll observe various remnants that are scattered on the site, like the six-storey Palace of Weddings. Climbing to the top of the mountain is an unforgettable experience with a unique landscape as reward.

 

The gigantic elephant’s pond is very impressive and a must seen as well as the hundreds of years old trees with their gigantic circumference.

Visit the other hill and its castle, the Krishnagiri. Those who love climbing, will enjoy this site, the steps are quiet high and sometimes become just big slabs you have to step over, exhausting climb in the sun with no infrastructure.

The view from the top is amazing, beautiful, a 360° view on the surroundings

On the top, more columns, a sort of mini-acropolis and a temple, and a lot of monkeys!

Be careful! It is very hot up there!! Bring water. Give yourself 2 or 3 days to visit everything.

Situated 70 km west of Pondicherry (about 1h20 drive).
Situated 123km southwest of Mahabalipuram. (2h drive).