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.

Oh, you know, the usual grandeur of India.

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.

Approaching the peak.

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.

Could they be waiting for the sunset too?

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)