A world away in 5 weeks - India to Sri Lanka and back
Jul 31st, 2019, 08:12 AM
#61
Original Poster
Thanks so much, natandmiriam! And I really do have to get back to this report!
To the best of my knowledge, the weather would be close to or even warmer than January. It can get very warm, so summery clothes are best. Perhaps a light sweater if there is a cooler than average evening. And very casual dress is fine. Wear shoes or sandals that can come off quickly and easily at temples!
To the best of my knowledge, the weather would be close to or even warmer than January. It can get very warm, so summery clothes are best. Perhaps a light sweater if there is a cooler than average evening. And very casual dress is fine. Wear shoes or sandals that can come off quickly and easily at temples!
Jul 31st, 2019, 09:01 AM
#64
Original Poster
Well, this is definitely not the most formal trip report, as I'm jumping back and forth and remembering things as I go along. As I said, I didn't take any notes, so what I have here is based on what I remember after looking at my itinerary and my photos.
The visit to Alangudi, with Jagan and his company, Farms and Strolls (https://www.farmsandstrolls.com) was made from Tanjore. While there, we also visited the Brihadeshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and one of the largest South Indian Temples. According to Wikipedia, it was built by Raja Raja Chola between 1003 and 1010AD, and is one of the Great Living Chola Temples.
By this time, we were reaching temple burnout.
The visit to Alangudi, with Jagan and his company, Farms and Strolls (https://www.farmsandstrolls.com) was made from Tanjore. While there, we also visited the Brihadeshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and one of the largest South Indian Temples. According to Wikipedia, it was built by Raja Raja Chola between 1003 and 1010AD, and is one of the Great Living Chola Temples.
By this time, we were reaching temple burnout.
Jul 31st, 2019, 11:39 AM
#66
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OMG! Just came upon this. The TR and pics are amazing. I admire how you have pics which show such essence of people and places. And congrats on your dual celebrations too. Now try to top it. 
Will follow and so glad I got a look at Pondicherry.
Will follow and so glad I got a look at Pondicherry.
Aug 3rd, 2019, 08:15 AM
#72
Original Poster
Thanks for following along tripplanner and jacketwatch!
tp, the colors are wonderful - it’s one of the things I love about India. So much color!
jacketwatch, My husband and I were both photographers, and we’d come home from trips with a LOT of film! Of course, now we have far too many photos!
topazann, I don’t know about a boat as we flew, but if you haven’t already done so, doing a search on Google might give you an answer. Or try TripAdvisor, as there are so many more people on those boards who might be able to give you the information.
tp, the colors are wonderful - it’s one of the things I love about India. So much color!
jacketwatch, My husband and I were both photographers, and we’d come home from trips with a LOT of film! Of course, now we have far too many photos!
topazann, I don’t know about a boat as we flew, but if you haven’t already done so, doing a search on Google might give you an answer. Or try TripAdvisor, as there are so many more people on those boards who might be able to give you the information.
Aug 3rd, 2019, 05:22 PM
#74
Original Poster
It looks like the last time there was ferry service was in 2011, but it shut down soon after starting up. From a Lonely Planet forum post:
Question:
<<is the ferry expected to be running....?>>
Response:
<<Given the history of ferry operations between Sri Lanka and India, there is more chance that you'll be able to use a matter transporter in May 2018.>>
Question:
<<is the ferry expected to be running....?>>
Response:
<<Given the history of ferry operations between Sri Lanka and India, there is more chance that you'll be able to use a matter transporter in May 2018.>>
Aug 5th, 2019, 09:39 PM
#75
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Traveling for 3 weeks to bharat and sri lanka
Traveling for 3 weeks to Bharat and Sri Lanka and was inquisitive however best it'd be to separate my time across the 2 countries?
Was originally simply going to visit {sri lanka|Sri Lanka|Democratic Socialist Republic of country|Ceylon|country|state|land} for the full time but thought it had been in all probability too long to be there and would like to visit {india|India|Republic of Bharat|Bharat|Asian country|Asian nation} thus thought I might fly to India and work my means down and finish in Sri Lanka.
How much time would be best for each country and is that enough time to go to each of them or ought to I simply focus on one?
Thank you
Was originally simply going to visit {sri lanka|Sri Lanka|Democratic Socialist Republic of country|Ceylon|country|state|land} for the full time but thought it had been in all probability too long to be there and would like to visit {india|India|Republic of Bharat|Bharat|Asian country|Asian nation} thus thought I might fly to India and work my means down and finish in Sri Lanka.
How much time would be best for each country and is that enough time to go to each of them or ought to I simply focus on one?
Thank you
Aug 6th, 2019, 08:18 AM
#76
Original Poster
iserver,
it is difficult to answer your question as I don’t know your interests at all. Personally, I would do all 3 weeks in India as there are so many different parts of that country to visit. This was our second trip and our first, in 2013, was to Rajasthan, Varanasi and Agra for 3 weeks, and we felt we just skimmed the surface.
You could easily spend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka as well. As a small country, you would see a greater diversity visiting different regions.
My money is on visiting India for 3 weeks, though. And there is still a lot to choose between.
it is difficult to answer your question as I don’t know your interests at all. Personally, I would do all 3 weeks in India as there are so many different parts of that country to visit. This was our second trip and our first, in 2013, was to Rajasthan, Varanasi and Agra for 3 weeks, and we felt we just skimmed the surface.
You could easily spend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka as well. As a small country, you would see a greater diversity visiting different regions.
My money is on visiting India for 3 weeks, though. And there is still a lot to choose between.
Aug 20th, 2019, 05:20 AM
#77
Original Poster
In Tanjore, we stayed at the Ideal River Resort, an established resort which sits on a stream-like offshoot of a larger river. This is an established resort with lots of groups - well-run, large buffet breakfasts which are included in the rate and dinners (which are not). Much of the accommodation in this area is in resorts or larger hotels, so this is one of the better options in the area.
Aug 20th, 2019, 05:53 AM
#79
Original Poster
Next stop: Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, where the office of IndianPanorama is located. We made a brief stop, where we met some of the staff, including the very lovely Sindhu, who worked magic in managing our travels (they were amazing).
And of course, we saw the temple complex here! The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in India, and with many different structures, including 21 towers! It was impressive! But also very much a living temple, and we enjoyed seeing the many people engaged in activity
And of course, we saw the temple complex here! The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in India, and with many different structures, including 21 towers! It was impressive! But also very much a living temple, and we enjoyed seeing the many people engaged in activity
