This Travel Magazine invites you to join an unforgettable journeywas organized by Viajes Azul Marino to search for temples dedicated to Shiva. A route to explore holy temples, vibrant cities, exotic plantations and exuberant nature from September 30 to October 15, 2023.
Photojournalist Tino Soriano will accompany the expedition team. He specializes in travel photography and has received multiple awards. UNESCO. He was awarded the World Press Photo Foundation award for his reporting in Viajar magazine and won five Fotopress awards in addition to the prestigious Mexican Lente de Plata award. He is the author of many travel guides and has written and illustrated numerous books on photojournalism and photography, such as ‘Secrets of Travel Photography’, ‘Photography with a Smile’, ‘BathroomSpeculum’, ‘CurArte’, ‘Los colores y tú’. , ‘Instituto Mental 1980’ or ‘Ayúdame a mirar’ won the 2020 National Award for Best Photobook by the Spanish Confederation of Photography, of which he is currently the ambassador.
Shiva’s treasures
adventure begins Chennai, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadul and is home to iconic sites such as Saint George’s Fort (one of the first fortifications built by the British in India), Hindu temple, as well as boasting incredible beaches. Santo Tomé Basilica Christian Church with the tomb of Kapaleeshwarar and Apostle Santo Tomás.
The next stop will take passengers to: kanchiouranIt is considered one of the seven holy cities of the country. Although truly impressive, it is also mahabalipuramIt has declared a World Heritage Site for archaeological jewels such as the Lighthouse, the Shore Temple, the Temple of the Five Rathas, and the largest relief carved into a rock in India: Arjuna’s atonement.
But if we want to know one of the biggest temples dedicated to Shiva and one of the oldest temples in India, we should visit it too. chidambram.
Already in town darsuram We encounter the Airavatesvara Temple, another World Heritage temple dedicated to Shiva as the main deity and also to other Hindu deities. It is a structure that fascinates those who see it with its columns adorned with animals.
architectural whims
Temples are everywhere in this authentic area. so, in Trichy, ca.The Ranganatha Swami Temple, one of the largest active religious buildings in the world, and considered the fourth city of Tamil Nadu state, will draw attention. And also the Rock Castle. It is built on stone at an altitude of 83 meters and offers an incredible view of the sacred Kaveri river.
Further south, the city Madurai Meenakshi temple with its extraordinary color details and more than 30,000 statues or the fourth part of the complex, which is awe-inspiring with its incredible arch and dome structure, shows the importance this city had a few centuries ago.
natural braces
After this exciting sacred marathon, it’s time to embrace nature and surrender to its natural habitat, flora and fauna. fairy and Thekkady Nature Park. In addition to seeing deer, flying squirrels, magosters, mink and a wide variety of birds, it is an area where you can take a pleasant boat ride on Periyar Lake and visit the spice field. And Alleppeystaying in one of the famous Houseboats (or House Boat) and enjoying the delicious views at the edge of the coastal villages will be a highlight.
kerala beach
On the way back to the mainland, it’s time to stop kochi, a port city in the state of Kerala that became a strategic point in the spice trade centuries ago. The Dutch Palace is home to many attractions such as the Church of San Francisco (the first Catholic church in India to house the remains of the explorer Vasco da Gama) or the Jewish quarter where you can visit the synagogue and Mattancherry. Visit the palace and wander its lively streets. Although one of the main attractions of this port city are the famous Chinese networks that attract all visitors.
Additionally, traditional Indian medicine originated in Kochi and it will be very important to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage and learn about this ancient tradition that rebalances the body.
dream of a thousand and one nights
Leaving the coast, the expedition team will fly inland to Bangalore to continue by land. Mysore and visit the royal palace, the residence of the Maharaja. A dream plot that will evoke the Arabian Nights. And only 12 kilometers away is the Chamundeshwari palace, a pyramidal structure that will attract the attention of travelers. A 12th century building to take in the incredible panoramic views of Mysore.
The culmination of this holy journey through South India, Belur and HalabiduAn example of Hoysala artisan architecture, the famous Hoysaleswara temple is characterized by its great attention to detail.
A tribute to great journeys
Thus, South India has been published by Viajar magazine for years, in the company of expert historians, archaeologists, travel writers, sharing their knowledge, experiences… the place to go and their enthusiasm to explore the world, to experience an adventure that cannot be repeated.
Peru, New Zealand, Japan, Myanmar, India, Tanzania, Thailand or Lapland are some of the next places to visit on other expeditions in 2023. All adventures that allow maximum interaction with the local culture. , gastronomy, history and traditions.
To participate you can find all information about flights, accommodation, price, itinerary and the entire schedule of the trip on the web: www.club-viajar.es/expediciones. You can do it too communication via email: [email protected] And in telephone 900 909 698.