My Account on Ariyalur

Waking up early in the morning in Ariyalur was something feels fresh, perhaps the new environment holds the magic and moreover the peaceful ambiance, although the guesthouse we stayed exists adjoining an important junction on the bypass with Lorries passing frequently, doesn’t discourse the mood. The guesthouse has a large garden and unmaintained lawn in the front yard with a pavement to come around. But as soon we arrived the previous night, I decided to explore the garden next day morning before we move to Kumbakonam. The night was cool over there; though we were offered AC rooms, the need for air con doesn’t become certain and we chilled out sometime before hitting the bed.

The rooms allotted for us were spacious, and the lobby itself as sizeable of a hall. We experienced quietness staying there and we the only guests of the house doesn’t expose to any restrictions. In morning we saw many little egrets on the lawn which seems to come in foraging and their presence really made the morning more pleasure and also represents as small statues décor the garden. The guesthouse has some beautiful shrubs (including flowering ones) on both sides of the entrance and the doors also etched some lovely designs that includes floral in bronze. The lobby has reflection panels on all sides above the lintel and for the windows, which keeps away the need for a mirror.

I find the shrubs outside the guesthouse presents a nice background to photograph and I pushed myself to place between them for a portrait to feel content. My father said Ariyalur was surrounded by Cement factories and the popular ones like Arasu, Ramco and Dalmia where among them. And thus it was always busy with lorry traffic and even at night they kept moving on. Ariyalur has no places of interest particularly to mention or I unaware, but the renowned Chola temple Gangaikonda Cholapuram comes under the district of Airyalur. Built by Rajendra Chola I in 1035 AD, the temple modelled similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur and it’s one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu.

Some more little egrets on the lawn

I really want to visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram for very long time and last year they commemorated 1000^th year of Rajendra Chola formally ascended the throne in 1014 CE. I really miss visiting the place just been to the district, and no proper planning keeps me away from the destination. We leaved the guesthouse by 8am and moved towards Kumbakonam with a plan of having breakfast on the way. As usual google maps guided us on the short route and the road was good enough but many Lorries passed the way. With no big towns on the route, we settled for a mine hotels/mess adjoining villages and to say the truth it tasted good that high paid restaurants. The hot idly, vada, sambar and chuttni were fulfilling.