In the land of temples and scenic spots, there are places of forgotten history and neglected natural ecosystems.
The potential of less-known heritage sites belonging to that of the early Chola period is high, but they remain neglected, which in turn means poor socio-economic development of the remote locations where they are located.
The threat of exploitation of resources and theft of temple treasures can also be kept in check with sustainable tourism. Archaeology enthusiast from Trichy V Parthiban feels archaeology enthusiasts should be engaged to conduct heritage walks to less-known sites. “A local committee can be formed to suggest ideas to protect the monuments,” he says.
Stressing on the potential of heritage tourism, superintending archaeologist, ASI Trichy circle, T Arun Raj says, “District-level heritage committee is one of our plans to protect the monuments.” Here are a few places worth exploring:
Amaleeswarar temple, Gopurapatti, Trichy
The 1,046-year-old temple surrounded by farmlands near Manachanallur, 19km from Trichy city, is a historical gem. It has stone inscriptions mentioning birth stars of Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola (Sadhayam) and his elder sister Kunthavai (Avittam). The inscriptions say that on two occasions every month, free food used to be distributed. There are also inscriptions referring to Uthama Chola and Rajendra I. Chembian Madevi, mother of Uthama Chola and wife of Gandaraditya Chola has gifted lamps to the temple, the inscriptions say. Unlike other Chola temples known for their colossal space, the Gopurapatti temple has a small shrine and no vimana. Lack of adequate signage boards leaves it out of the usual tourist routes.
Samavedeeswarar temple, Thirumangalam, Lalgudi
The 10th-century temple is expansive and has carvings of Ramayana panels in small boxes on pillars and base panels. Sekkizhar’s ‘Periyar Puranam’ has a mention of the temple. “Thirumangalam temple is the repository of small sculptures. It will take more than a day to discover the supremacy of the intricate carvings at a minute level,” says V Parthiban, an archaeology enthusiast from Trichy.
Vishamangaleswarar temple, Thudaiyur, Trichy
While its exterior looks like that of any rural temple, the intricate sculptures inside the temple on the banks of the Kollidam river opens the window to a world of heritage. The statues of Brahma and Dakshinamoorthy have been sculpted with the utmost care, detailing the minute features of the body parts. The temple, located 23km from Trichy city, finds a mention in the Tamil Saivite poet Appar’s devotional hymns.
“Scenes of daily life and musical instruments are sculpted within 15cm squares on the base panel of the shrine. Due to lack of awareness, people apply oil over them, but this affects the sculptures,” said M Nalini, honourary epigraphist, Dr Rajamanickanar Centre for historical research. The temple also lacks adequate signage and so visitors have little info on the carvings. While a new road is being established to allow cars to reach the shrine, the approach area branching off from the Namakkal highway remains unsafe.
Pooachamaruthur, Karamadai reserve forest, Coimbatore
Coracle rides, a cool dip in the Bhavani river or a long drive along the Ghat Road through a reserve forest, Pooachamaruthur offers all this and more to adventure lovers.
Located about 60km from Coimbatore city, it is among the three ecotourism posts inside the reserve forest. Baralikadu, nearby, offers coracle rides and bathing. To promote the place, the forest department has arranged for a dormitory to stay where local tribals prepare food. Assistant conservator of forest M Senthil Kumar from Coimbatore forest division, said, “We are planning to invite online booking so that more people from outside Coimbatore and the state can discover it,” he said
Pichavaram, Chidambaram, Cuddalore
Once popular for mangove forests, boating and brilliant sunsets, Pitchavaram backwaters used to be promoted by the tourism department as a getaway spot. However, it fell off the map as tourism infrastructure was not improved and access roads too became poor. Experts say the government should add boats and promote mangrove conservation through awareness and even citizen participation.
(With inputs from V Ayyappan and Sambath Kumar)
