Monday, December 2, 2013

Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, Tamil Nadu, India: Ending Where It Began

I crossed the street, unfazed by what was becoming a familiar scene of bedlam: Tuktuks hurtling from all directions, sidewalks hosting a welter of portable stalls, cows strolling alongside pedestrians, merchants coming up with the most imaginative ways to lure tourists to their shops, and locals that gape at us until we're out of their sight or follow us around until their interest wanes.

The hubby on the other hand was still in his wary state of mind.

fort1
Oh, you know, the usual grandeur of India.

fort2
  Fort atop an ancient rock. Like, billions of years ancient.
 
We had just returned to Tiruchirapalli the day prior, where our six-day India jaunt began. Quite weary from the constant move around the state of Tamil Nadu and templed-out to the bone. Remarkably, we managed to follow the rough itinerary I constructed for that day without engaging in a debate. My hunch was because hubby saw only one temple on the list.

Or maybe because India was feeding us well.

After a perfunctory stop at Trichy's clock tower and a surprisingly interesting visit to Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, we were finally making our way to the site I was most excited to see. Tiruchirapalli's Rock Fort.

fort3
Approaching the peak. 
 
fort4
Uneven steps carved out of the rock. 
 
The fort lords over the town at more than eighty meters high. Within the fort complex is a temple complex, with temples constructed in various periods (two of which, I believe, are dedicated to Lord Ganesha) since 580 AD. Reason why it is flocked by local pilgrims day in, day out. The Rock Fort is every bit imposing — well, except for its seemingly discreet entrance, concealed by a slew of souvenir shops. If not for the map we took photo of, we would have lost our way. Admission two years ago was only 3 rupees, camera fee 20 rupees. 

We removed our shoes before getting in the main entrance.

Although the height sounds intimidating, we reached the top in less than twenty minutes with our leisurely pace. I was hassled more than a couple times by women who questioned (in sign language) my preference of wearing an anklet around just one ankle. We never found out what the fuss was about.

fort5
Could they be waiting for the sunset too?

fort6
Thank you, India.

I briefly sat on a spot away from prying eyes. Even away from the hubby who looked fixated at something in the distance. For a few minutes I watched devotees climb up the stone steps. I watched them gasp and grin. I watched them enter and exit Ucchi Pillayar Temple. There was an organized chaos that I could not understand, kinda like how I could not understand how Vietnam's traffic disorder can be read by its people.

If you've been to India, you know what I mean. And it's uniquely beautiful.

I let the wind blow my silent, bitter farewell. And I asked forgiveness to no one in particular for the misjudgement and ignorance I had once upon a time towards a country that cliche ahead — changed my life. Okay... So maybe that apology was for myself.


Thank You, India Series:

Thanjavur, India: Brihadisvara Temple (Brihadeeswara Temple)
St. Mary's Cathedral, Madurai, India: That Eve We Lost An iPhone
Madurai, India: Gandhi Museum And Its Resident Dinosaur (I Kid You Not!)
Madurai, India: Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Madurai, India: Meenakshi Amman Temple
Aboard India's Modes of Transport
Arrival Turned Fans Day
Thank You, India
How To Apply For An India Tourist Visa In The Philippines


Share




32 comments:

Sky Summer said...
December 4, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Everytime I scan for AirAsia promo deals and see Tiruchirapalli, I always wonder what to do in that place. These are just good reasons to visit Southern India and to sing that famous line of Alanis M. lol

Jea Blancaflor said...
December 4, 2013 at 11:42 PM

I love to own yellow or shade of brown.

Mayla Lagrimas said...
December 5, 2013 at 11:02 AM

I love BLUE because I am a loving, nurturing, and supportive partner to my husband & family.

maydoll0513 said...
December 5, 2013 at 2:35 PM

I want blue coz it's my favorite color and it means peace and harmony! ^_^

annabhe_25 said...
December 5, 2013 at 3:15 PM

Green,My Favorite color.The Nature color

Marinela Diaz said...
December 5, 2013 at 5:14 PM

I'd love to have a Bensimon sneaker in Yellow like the one you wore on your trips. It looks so vibrant, it must be a scene stealer! :)

Catherine De Guzman said...
December 6, 2013 at 10:21 AM

The Yellow please, ohhh so cutie and bright!, Well this is one of my favourite color and it shows my personality... that to be fun and colourful is wonderful!

Ma. Clarice Lao said...
December 6, 2013 at 6:11 PM

I want the color RED ORANGE one because it is so alive, passionate plus it looks really good in time for the holiday season. :)

Marizza Domingo said...
December 7, 2013 at 3:27 AM

I want the red Bensimon Sneakers because aside from being my favorite color, it is vibrant looking which inspires productivity. Plus it's the color of Christmas, imma wear it for parties and gatherings here and there. ;)



Thank you! :)

Abigail Tabuzo said...
December 7, 2013 at 9:45 AM

I want the gray one! ^_^ Super duper cute and stylish! You can pair it with any outfit you want. ^_^

Wendy Rose Santillan said...
December 7, 2013 at 1:35 PM

i want the yellow one because it represents my sunny personality :)

Rachel Canales said...
December 7, 2013 at 10:06 PM

BENSIMON TENNIS ELLY-YELLOW pleaseeeee. because its my favorite color :))

Rachelle Therese F. Gonzales said...
December 9, 2013 at 12:58 AM

Love the yellow one, so bright and flashy

Ayi Esguerra said...
December 9, 2013 at 2:03 AM

Pink for the girly in me!

Stella S., Cebu Beaches said...
December 9, 2013 at 10:40 AM

I love the idea of being on a fort atop a hill and watching the sun slowly sets and the city comes to light. I don't know, it just seems surreal to me, like almost magical. Life-changing, that's the word, but you've already used that. Including this in my bucket list, for sure. Thanks for the info! :)

pinaytraveljunkie.com said...
December 9, 2013 at 11:52 AM

Actually found out about Trichy at the airport, saw it on the departures board. LOL.

pinaytraveljunkie.com said...
December 9, 2013 at 11:52 AM

Sunsets are just magical!

Michelle Marte said...
December 9, 2013 at 12:16 PM

I love the red Bennies sneakers! love the style and I can match it with different outfits. :)

Mikee Cruz said...
December 9, 2013 at 8:57 PM

I want the blue Bensimon Sneakers :)

Maria Corazon Letada said...
December 10, 2013 at 2:42 AM

Pink so fab and chic!

Mary Joy said...
December 10, 2013 at 4:28 AM

I want black because it suits iin everything

Mean said...
December 10, 2013 at 4:35 AM

Like it color white! It's neat looking and can pair to any color of the outfit.

Daenielle said...
December 10, 2013 at 11:41 AM

Black, so it easy to match with any outfit. :)

Dane said...
December 10, 2013 at 5:11 PM

Hindi is a great language to learn. I had been taught once by an Indian friend and it sounds really good. In fact, I think it is also easy to learn. Indians reflect strong personalities. Maybe, that is also the reason why a lot of good machines are built in India. Great engineers are also produced. The place reflects that it was designed to have competence within our selves. Excellence in what we do. India is one of the country I would like to visit soon.


Dane @ Iloilo Business Directory

Arra Morta said...
December 11, 2013 at 4:57 PM

Yellow is my favorite! So Cool!

Demi Barbra Angeles said...
December 11, 2013 at 8:52 PM

Denim or gray for me! That's my style and will go with any of my clothes, even my skirts / dresses :)

Hainrihi Rhine said...
December 12, 2013 at 3:15 AM

I want the navy blue! :D

LPJR said...
December 12, 2013 at 8:03 AM

Blue, coz I'm feeling blue...lol. Advance Merry Christmas kompanyera! :D

www.mywanderingsoles.com said...
December 12, 2013 at 8:06 AM

drooling on the red one, just in time for the festive season!:)

WanderfulTogether said...
December 12, 2013 at 8:20 AM

red please! I've never had red shes in my life! :D

Mish Rendon said...
December 12, 2013 at 9:01 AM

I want a black pair! Classy yet comfy! <3

maine said...
December 12, 2013 at 11:02 AM

denim or gray please?? :)))

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...