A Visit to Rameswaram

We went from Ramanadhapuram to Rameswaram by Car. Google maps was fairly accurate in showing even small waterbodies. All along the way we saw different kinds of birds lazing around in water bodies. The real treat to the eyes started around the area where the Indian mainland protrudes into the sea like a thin strand of hair. Suddenly from nowhere the sea appears barely a few feet from the road on either side. As we started driving up the Indira Gandhi Bridge, the view was breathtaking.

We stopped at a spot on the bridge where most other vehicles had been parked. Somehow the temptation of selfies had not eluded even the Sabarimala Pilgrims who were present in droves everywhere; selfies were in full swing. It was very windy. On one side we could see the Pambhan Bridge and the railway line. The sea was at its pristine beauty; I guess that’s how the seawater is supposed to look. Compared with this standard, the sea water in Chennai is basically nothing but drainage water.

On the other side of the bridge we could see a fishing hamlet and numerous fishing boats indulging in their everyday odyssey. The view on this side was equally beautiful. Sadly, we were short of time and had to head towards the temple. I think one at least needs an hour to admire the beauty on either side of the bridge.

Once at temple we were running to take a holy dip/ bath from one well to another just like migrant animals running from one waterhole to another. Though it was around closing time, luckily we got to see all the deities. As I was about to leave the temple, I noticed the Nandhi near the Flag-mast; my God, it was one giant Nandhi.

Post lunch we started on our onward journey. As we were already running way behind schedule we could not visit Danushkodi or even take another pit stop at Indira Gandhi Bridge.

A Visit to Sethukarai

I and my family went on a quick pilgrimage trip to Rameswaram and nearby temples. Our first stop was Thirupullani. From there we went to Sethukarai where we had to do a poojai. The view from Sethukarai beach was amazing. We had reached there by around 7 AM, the sun was still hidden behind a thick patch of clouds. As a result the sky resembled a cake made of blue and orange layers with the dark cloud serving as the icing.

The color of the sea made me wonder if it was some kind of magic potion with swirls of emerald green, turquoise and aquamarine. The nomadic fishing boats with wind sails and the rising sun as the backdrop would be any photographers dream come true. Alas I did not have even a point and shoot camera and was shooting with my mobile camera.

The sight at the shore was an eyesore. Clothes strewn all over the shore was strangulating the beauty of the beach. With not much of a tide in the water, kids were having time of their life playing in the water. The multiple fishing boats somehow added to the beauty of the sea. It was surreal to see the sea change to multiple shades as the sun kept ascending.