Rocky hill near Chittor

Rocky hill near Chittor, originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

Living in the US, I enjoy relative comforts. Driving better cars, living in a more comfortable home. Easy registration into college, easily making 100 points, etc. But there is something that I continue to miss about my home country, India. The rugged landscapes such as the rocky cliffs in the above picture.

This rugged rocky hill appears to the right side of the road on the Chittor Bypass. Every time I go to Tirupathi I see this hill and wonder when I am going to climb the hill but still haven't gotten around to climb the hill. Hopefully Will do it someday soon. Winter would be the ideal time to climb the hill as the weather will be congenial and not too sultry. Summers can dehydrate you and it can be traumatic to climb this hill.

Exploring History and Heritage

Chandragiri Palace, originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

This is something that I miss about India in the US. Places like the 800-year old Chandragiri fort which abound in our ancient nation. These amazing masterpieces of architecture are awe-inspiring and makes us feel humbled when we consider what the ancient craftsmen envisaged and created.

This fort was the headquarters of one of the branches of Vijayanagara Empire who ruled much of South India in their hey days. According to the sound and light show, this dynasty was responsible for the British East India Company to acquire and establish the modern day city of Chennai (Fort St. Geroge).

Sited barely 20 km from Tirupathi, the famed Chandragiri is built across and atop a massive rocky hill. This beautiful palace along with several other monuments adorn the base of the hill. When the Vijayanagara empire fell, this palace was looted by the invading armies and treasures plundered, many of which are still proudly displayed in London museums.

The monument is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Chandragiri fort also presents a sound and light show every evening at 7.00 pm (Telugu) and 8.00 pm (English). Entry fee costs Rs.30 ($1) per person but the show is worth every penny you pay for.

Inspiring Messages and Beautiful Pictures

I constantly receive inspiring picture-messages from couple of my friends... Today I thought I'd create one of my own and share it on the blog. This is the modified version of the quote I found on the internet and the picture of a temple inside the Chandragiri fort and the mountain is located on the outskirts of Chittor, AP. I wonder how long it will remain from the rapacious eyes of granite mafia... I sure hope this kind of natural heritage survives for several more millenia to come.