The National Fossil Wood Park located in Tiruvakkarai in Villupuram District is maintained and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) since 1957. The park was established in the year 1940 and is located 1 kilometre east of Tiruvakkarai village, 35 kilometres from Puducherry on the road to Tindivanam.
The park is an archive of preserved fossilized trees that are at least 20 million years old. The place gives a glimpse of the floral composition that belonged to the ancient times. The park also has Ancient Burial Site.
Image Attribution : Paramatamil
The Wood Fossils
More than 200 wood fossils are spread over 247 acres in nine separate enclaves around Tiruvakkarai. But the portion of the park open to public is relatively small.
It is believed that the fossils were formed during the massive flooding that occurred aeons ago. Over time, the organic matter inside the trunk got replaced by silica and they got hardened and fossilized. The colour, shape, annular rings and texture was retained. The high level of perfection in petrification process and brilliantly preserved fossil forest in Tiruvakkarai is a rare sight indeed.
The fossilized trees or trunks of trees range from 3 to 15 metres in length. The trunks are scattered and are partially buried in the ground. According to GSI, the absence of roots, barks and branches indicate that the trunks were transported and fossilized in the park.
How to reach National Tiruvakkarai Fossil Wood Park
The park is located 1 kilometre east of Tiruvakkarai village and lies 155 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai following NH 45 up to Kutteripattu via Tindivanam. It is located at a distance of around 28 kilometres from Puducherry Railway Station and about 22 kilometres from Puducherry Airport.
Epilogue
The park is a geological wonder and a relic that stands as a testimony of the past. The rock formations of the woods leave a spectacular impression on one’s minds. Entry to the park and photography is not charged.
Nestled amid the serene landscapes of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, the Kalvarayan Hills lie about 150 kilometres northwest of Chidambaram. Because of their quiet surroundings and untouched natural beauty, these hills offer a refreshing escape from busy urban life.
Spreading across nearly 1,095 square kilometres, the Kalvarayan Hills play an important geographical role. Specifically, they separate the Kaveri river basin to the south from the Palar river basin to the north.
Furthermore, the hill range is divided into two distinct sections: the Chinna Kalvarayan, which forms the northern part with an average height of around 2,700 feet, and the Periya Kalvarayan, which forms the southern section and rises to an average height of about 4,000 feet.
In addition, the hills are richly covered with scrub jungles, deciduous forests, and dense shola vegetation. The Gomukhi Dam View Point serves as a major reservoir, collecting water from several waterfalls flowing down the Kalvarayan Hills. As a result, the surrounding region enjoys a mostly temperate climate, making it an ideal destination for trekking and nature walks.
Moreover, the Kalvarayan Hills are home to the indigenous Malayalee Gounder tribe, who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. The hill ranges also feature attractions such as Megam Falls and Periyar Falls, a well-maintained botanical garden, ancient temples, and vast forest stretches. Every year, the region comes alive during the summer festival held in the month of May, attracting visitors who wish to experience local culture along with scenic beauty.
How to reach Kalvarayan Hills
The nearest cities to Kalrayan Hills are Kallakurichi (about 56 kilometres away) and Salem (about 70 kilometres away). Buses can be availed from Kallakurichi to Gecherapalayam – a place in the ground level of Kalrayan Hills. Villupuram Station is the nearest railway station which connects the place to Chennai and Pondicherry. Trichy Airport is the nearest airport to the hills (175 kilometres away).
Epilogue
Unwind the roads less travelled and have an enthralling experience at the Kalvarayan Hills.
Nearby Tourist Attraction:
Overview & Location of Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort is located in the Villupuram District, close to the Union Territory of Puducherry and at a distance of about 160 kilometres from Chennai. It is also known by several names such as Senji, Jinji, Chenji, and Senchi Fort. Historically, the British referred to it as the “Troy of the East,” while the Maratha king Shivaji ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India.” At present, the Archaeological Survey of India administers and maintains the fort and, as a result, it continues to attract tourists throughout the year.
Image Attribute : Brownycat
The Gingee Fort – Etymology
- Initially, the Bijapur Nawabs, who held the fort from about 1660 to 1677 AD, called it Badshabad.
- Later, their successors, the Marathas, referred to it as Chandry or Chindy.
- Subsequently, the Mughals named it Nusratgadh after capturing the fort in 1698 AD.
- Eventually, the English and the French came to know it as Gingee or Jinji.
The Gingee Fort – Legend
The fort is closely associated with the tragic legend of Raja Tej Singh, popularly known as Thesingu Raasan. According to folklore, the young and courageous Tej Singh revolted against the Nawab of Arcot and lost his life in the war that followed. Even today, numerous ballads praise his bravery and commemorate his heroic yet tragic end.
History of Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort passed through the hands of several ruling dynasties of South India, beginning with the Cholas.
- Originally, Gingee served as a settlement for Jains.
- Subsequently, the Chola dynasty built the site of the small fort during the 9th century AD.
- Later, the Kurumbur rulers and the Vijayanagar Empire modified the fort during the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Meanwhile, under the Nayakka rulers, strong fort walls and temples on the plains were constructed using granite for nearly 150 years from the late 14th century.
- Taking advantage of frequent conflicts among the Nayakas of Gingee, Madurai, and Tanjore, the Bijapur Sultans captured the fort.
- Afterwards, the Marathas strengthened the fort under the leadership of Shivaji in 1677 AD.
- Thereafter, the Mughal General Zulfiqar Khan captured Gingee Fort.
- Eventually, the fort came under French and British rule. The indifference of foreign rulers towards its upkeep has left the fort as a historic memorial admired today.
Architecture of Gingee Fort
The massive structure of Gingee Fort stands at a highly strategic location, thereby making enemy entry extremely difficult. The fort complex spreads across three hillocks—Krishnagiri to the north, Chandrayandurg to the southeast, and Rajagiri to the west. Within the complex, visitors can explore the seven-storeyed Kalyana Mahal (marriage hall), ancient granaries, and a temple dedicated to the presiding deity Chenjiamman. Additionally, the fortification includes a sacred pond known as Aanaikulam.
The Gingee Fort – Timings & Traveller Tips
The fort remains open on all days from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is Rs. 5 per person, Rs. 100 per head for foreign citizens, and free for children below 15 years of age. Therefore, visitors are advised to carry sufficient water, snacks, and protective gear such as caps or umbrellas to avoid the scorching heat. Moreover, visiting on weekdays helps avoid heavy crowds. Ideally, the best time to visit Gingee Fort is during the winter months from November to February. Trekking to the fort adds adventure to the trip, and at the same time, the exquisite interiors and scenic viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for photography while experiencing the fort’s historic grandeur.
How to reach Gingee Fort
The fort can be easily reached by taking a cab or private buses. The nearest railway station is at Tindivanam (around 31 kilometres away) and nearest airport is at Chennai (136 kilometres away).
Gingee Fort, Viluppuram – FAQ
Where is Gingee Fort located?
Gingee Fort is located in Gingee (Senji) town in Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu, about 160 kilometers from Chennai.
Why is Gingee Fort famous?
Gingee Fort is famous for its massive hilltop fortifications, strategic military architecture, and historical importance. It is often called the “Troy of the East.”
Who built Gingee Fort?
The fort was originally built by the Chola dynasty and later expanded by the Vijayanagara rulers, Marathas, Mughals, and the British.
What are the main attractions inside Gingee Fort?
Main attractions include Rajagiri Fort, Krishnagiri Fort, Kalyana Mahal, granaries, temples, and panoramic viewpoints from the hilltops.
What is the best time to visit Gingee Fort?
The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is cooler and suitable for trekking and exploring the fort.
Nearby Tourist Attraction:
Auroville Ashram, envisioned as a “Universal Town,” is located largely in the Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, with certain areas extending into the Union Territory of Puducherry. Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, widely known as “The Mother,” Auroville was designed by architect Roger Anger. The name Auroville originates from the French words aurore, meaning dawn, and ville, meaning city, and also honors the spiritual legacy of Sri Aurobindo.
Mirra Alfassa described Auroville as a place where people from all nations can live together in peace and progressive harmony, beyond religious, political, and national boundaries. The core aim of Auroville is to foster and realize human unity.
Image Attribution : Jaseem Hamza
The Vision of Auroville: A Brief History
The idea of Auroville took shape during the mid-1960s and received strong support from the Government of India. In 1966, UNESCO passed a resolution recognizing Auroville as “a project of importance to the future of humanity.” The official inauguration took place on 28 February 1968 and drew nearly 5,000 participants, including representatives from 124 nations and all Indian states.
During this ceremony, The Mother introduced the four-point Auroville Charter, which continues to guide the township’s philosophy.
The Auroville Charter
The Charter serves as a silent yet powerful guide for all those who live and work in Auroville.
- Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole and not to any individual. To live in Auroville, one must willingly serve the divine consciousness.
- Auroville stands as a place of continuous education, constant growth, and a spirit of youth that never ages.
- Auroville aims to bridge the past and the future by embracing discoveries from both inner and outer realms.
- Auroville functions as a center for material and spiritual research toward realizing true human unity.
Society and Population
Auroville is an evolving township designed to accommodate up to 50,000 residents. It currently houses around 2,500 volunteers from India and nearly 50 other countries, while being surrounded by 13 traditional villages. As of January 2018, the township recorded 2,814 residents representing 54 nationalities.
Organisation & Governance
The Auroville Foundation, a body appointed by the Government of India, holds the land and assets of the township and oversees its objectives. Administrative responsibilities are handled by elected bodies such as the Working Committee, Auroville Council, and various working groups. Importantly, Auroville operates as a non-hierarchical society, where no single individual or group holds authority over the community.
Economy
Although the Government of India manages the Auroville Foundation, it contributes only a small portion of the township’s overall budget. Auroville sustains itself through multiple sources, including:
- Support from NGOs and organizations in India and abroad
- Income generated by approximately 180 commercial units operating within Auroville
- Contributions from Auroville International Centres worldwide
- Guest houses, visitor donations, and contributions from well-wishers
- Monthly community contributions from Auroville residents
The Structure of the City
The city plan of Auroville reflects its visionary ideals. Designed as a circular township with a radius of 1.25 kilometres, Auroville covers nearly 1,150 acres, while an expansive Green Belt surrounds it across approximately 2,780 acres.
At the heart of the city stands the Matrimandir, encircled by gardens. Surrounding zones include the industrial, cultural, residential, and peace areas. Near the Matrimandir and the central banyan tree lies the Amphitheatre, featuring a white marble urn that holds soil from 124 nations and all Indian states that participated in Auroville’s inauguration.
The Matrimandir: A Spiritual Centerpiece
From the beginning, The Mother envisioned a “Park of Unity” at the center of Auroville, with a central pavilion named the Matrimandir, meaning “The Mother’s Shrine.” The park comprises twelve themed gardens symbolizing Existence, Consciousness, Bliss, Light, Life, Power, Wealth, Utility, Progress, Youth, Harmony, and Perfection.
The four cardinal pillars of the Matrimandir represent the Supreme Mother’s aspects: Mahakali, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswathi. Inside the structure, twelve meditation rooms correspond to virtues such as Sincerity, Humility, Gratitude, Courage, Equality, and Peace. Powered by solar energy and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the Matrimandir stands as both an architectural marvel and a serene meditation space.
Botanical Garden and Green Belt
The southern portion of Auroville’s Green Belt is developing into a Botanical Garden spread across nearly 50 acres. This area includes an environmental education center, an arboretum with over 250 tree species, a conservation forest, and a tropical dry evergreen forest nursery capable of producing around 50,000 seedlings annually.
How to reach Auroville
Auroville is about 150 kilometres south of Chennai and about 10 kilometres north of Pondicherry town. It can be easily reached via the East Coast Road (ECR) which connects Chennai and Pondicherry. You could take a train from Chennai Central Railway Station and get down at Guindy. Further, take a bus to Pondicherry and get down at the Auroville Junction on the ECR Road. You could also take a bus from Chennai Koyambedu Bus Station for Pondicherry to get down at Auroville Junction. Pondicherry and Chennai are the nearest airports.
Auroville – FAQ
Where is Auroville located?
Auroville is located near Puducherry (Pondicherry) in Tamil Nadu, about 10–12 kilometers from the main town.
What is Auroville famous for?
Auroville is famous as an experimental international township dedicated to human unity, sustainable living, and spiritual growth.
What is the Matrimandir in Auroville?
The Matrimandir is a golden spherical meditation center and the spiritual heart of Auroville, open to visitors for silent concentration with prior booking.
Who founded Auroville?
Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, known as “The Mother,” inspired by the vision of Sri Aurobindo.
What is the best time to visit Auroville?
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant for exploring the township and nearby beaches.