I recall that it was one of those placid weekends that prompted the three bachelors Bach, Raghu and myself (wasn’t married then) to explore TamilNadu.  Having put up in Thiruvanmiyur, the easiest place of interest would be a visit to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).

In a jiffy, Raghu and myself got ready, while it took some coaxing to get the lazy Manglorean (!) to get ready for the trip.

From the Thiruvanmiyur bus terminous, the tridevs got into one of the many buses which go to Puducherry (Pondicherry). The bus journey is about 45 mins to Mahabs. Once we reached the place, it was time for some day-light robbery

As the three of us were new to the place, the inevitable had to take place. We approached the auto-rickshaw guys, and they were ready to swindle every penny from our pockets!!.. From, wot i can remember, the distace between any two attractions in Mahabs cannot be more then 2 kms max.. and these ricks would take us for a ride..

Apart from the ricks experience, the place is certainly a must see destination for all Dravidian architecture buffs.

Some of the famous attractions are :

The shore temple:

The Five rathas:

 Varaha Mandapam:

The Descent of the Ganges (or is this Arjuna’s Penance?):

 Krishna’s Butter Ball: (Mani in the Herculean Act; at the backdrop is Bach)

Some other architectures:

Nice one!! (err..I meant the Elephant!! )

Taken in a bird sanctuary at Alaphuza.
Photographer: Girish Navada (or me?..not sure!!)

This snap was taken in Bengre, which is in Mangalore. Not sure if its the result of Tsunami ,as Tsunami damage was meagre in the west coast. I liked the snap, as its got depth in it.. Should brood bout it to give it a good title… any ideas??.
Photographer: Mahesh