Pudukkottai:
The then independent province in 17th century Pudukkottai has got a
new image on the tourist map of South India. On Madras-Rameshwaram
metre guage rly Pudukkottai's distance from Madras is 390 km, Thanjavur
57 and Trichi 53 km. TTC buses also run from Madras at 8-15, 9-15, 22-00
and reach Pudukkottai in 9\ hr. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli.
Its altitude being 87.78 m, temperature fluctuates between 37.1° and
36.4° in summer and 21.3° and 20.1° celcius in winter; average
rainfall 83.5 cm. However, any time is touring season in Pudukkottai.
Pudukkottai is famous for Sri Kokaranesh-war Cave Temple cut out of a
hillock during the Pahlava king Mahendra Ve"'rma. There is also
5 km away the Museum, quite rich with old collections. It is open everyday
other than Mondays and holidays from 8-00 to 11-30 and 14-00-17-00
hr.
The Jain Temple at Sittannavasal, 16 km away is another attraction. It
was built in 2 century BC, contemporary of the Ajanta, cut out of rocks,
and is highly decorated with beautiful frescos. Various objects of
prehistoric period add additional weight to Sittannavasal. Equally
worth seeing is the thousand- pillar Temple at Kudumitramalai, 20 km
from Pudukkottai. It is a unique example of sculpture and architecture.
You should also see the 10th century temple-architecture at Kodubalur,
36 km distance; Subrahmanya temple on the hill top of Bhiralimalai,
40 km; the cave temple at Narthamalai, 17 km; the 17 century Fort at
Thirumayam, 19 km along with the temples of Shiva and Vishnu. Buses
ply regularly from Pudukkottai. Taxis too are available for sight seeing.
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