Rocky hill near Chittor

Rocky hill near Chittor
Originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

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.

Hiking, Trekking and Rock climbing enthusiasts... are you listening???

Chandragiri Palace

Chandragiri Palace
Originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

The fort and headquarter of the erstwhile rulers of Andhra Pradesh and the dynasty most 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, Chandragiri hosts a massive rocky hill at the base of which is built this beautiful palace and several other monuments. Currently being lovingly restored and protected by 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 per person but the show is worth every penny you pay for.
I had the opportunity to see the sound and light show this time and was thrilled.
This palace also houses a museum, which displays objects d' art and treasures and trinkets of a bygone era.

Chandragiri fort ruins

Chandragiri fort ruins
Originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

One of the well preserved buildings in the vicinity of the palace in Chandragiri fort. Need to visit again and explore more of this fort. Chandragiri has so many attractions which will educate, entertain and make you feel proud of being in this country.
But sadly like most other historical places this also suffers under promotion and lack of awareness. Millions visit Tirupathi temple, but only a few hundred visit Chandragiri. Isn't it time we changed this status and start visiting interesting and historical locales like these and try to understand and appreciate our history and heritage???
Think it over.....

Temple in Chandragiri fort

Temple in Chandragiri fort
Originally uploaded by srinidhilv.

Over the weekend (May 4-5) I rode down to Tirupathi with a few friends. Enroute since I had sometime I decided to check out Chandragiri fort, a venue which I had wanted to visit since several years. A beautiful hill-fort built at the base and along the face of the rugged cliffs, Chandragiri has several heritage monuments currently in the vicinity.
The Archaeological Survey of India is currently doing a great job restoring the monuments. I hope soon this site will also be granted a World Heritage Status, akin to the SriRangapatna and Pattadkal in Karnataka which were granted UNWHS status today.
This ancient temple is being restored. This is a great example of Vijayanagara style of architecture. Quaint but beautiful the stone temple is a delight to everyone who likes art and sculpture.