Sunday 7 February 2010

Kanyakumari - A journey to UDAYAGIRI FORT... Experience...

Udayagiri Fort - Experience the Biodiversity !!

Another weekend!! and it was time to have some fun with family and i have double happy  because i am going to the very beautiful place which i heard from my friends and am eager to see the place.

My Destination was Udayagiri Fort which of late has a biodiversity park set up inside it. In the border roads of tamil nadu, the terrain is much similar to Kerala, apart from the fact that the plain lands are much more with some hills at a distance.

I had to take a deviation Eastward after 3 kms from Thuckalay. Even though most of the sign boards contained only the local language Tamil,I am happy to find a big hoarding pointing to the Udayagiri Fort. Once we turned left of NH 47, the roads were narrow and hardly 100m into that road, we could see a big wall, but could not see any gates. After a 100m more i saw a small gate and enquired the security guard stationed there, about the Udayagiri Fort to which he answered that we have to park the vehicle outside and go in through that gate.

Did i make a mistake in selecting this place, for it seemed so small and no tourists were around. Even there was no parking lot, i had to park the car on the small road side. Neverthless we went inside. There was a ticket counter and ticket charges were very nominal @ Rs 5 per person and Rs 20 for camera. The security guard was very cordial and he explained what all things were inside and the way to go. Was impressed with the way he behaved.

The history of the fort was engraved in a granite just near the entrance.


This fort was basically a place for manufacturing military equiment like cannons and storing them. This also doubled up as a jail for war prisoner's under the King Marthandavarma's regime. Another interesting fact was to know about De Lannoy, who was captured as prisoner by Kind Marthandavarma, but who later became commander in chief of King's army. A Memorial tomb for the Captian Delannoy which contained memorials of his family members also is present inside this fort. Once we knew about the history, it became slightly more interesting to get a glimpse of the fort and DeLannoy's tomb.

The roads inside were neatly laid and we all are ready to take a stroll through these roads.

 


These beautiful peacock also welcomed U..



Outside the peacock's cage lot of swans were just wandering around. If u have kids with you then it will surely excited the kids at their first sight..



These are lovely creatures and added to the attraction of the place which seemed to be well maintained.


You can walk around a pond which was there in the Fort when it was actually used by the Maharaja.


A kingfisher was seen resting on top of a crane's statue stationed at the middle of the pond. At first glance i was not able to differentiate whether both are statues or not!!


Soon i found out a park and the kids became real happy and spend some quality time there enjoying the park laid out in the backdrop of beautiful natural landscape and no other visitors.


This cactus plant was seen near the park.


Next to the park, beautiful deers were grazing.



After staying some time near these calm creatures, my stroll continued. Next in line were some love birds inside this cage.



There was a small building nearby, inside which there was a aquarium. The aquarium even though not so big, was big enough to keep yourselves and your kids enthusiasm high.



After aquarium, it seemed to be thick dense forest with beautiful and huge trees surrounding us. Not only the seniors, but also the juniors were enjoying the walk through the woods


Just watch these roads, who wouldn't like to have a stroll here


This tree captured my attention and the image was etched to my mind as well as my cam.

The road soon was joined to another track and we had option to go right or left. Towards our left we saw this view.
Who would not be invited to walk between those beautiful woods, if given a chance? We also chose that path, which seemed to extend some distance.
What we saw between those trees is this


A small flower was lying in the road, which seemed even more attractive when I captured a frame.
An old building was in our sight amidst the trees

Just before reaching this building there is a notice board, detailing about DeLannoy and his memorial tomb.
This is the DeLannoy' memorial tomp.

Inside there are memorials for Captain, his wife and children


 If you are hale and healthy & want to have a aerial view of the greenery, trek to the top of the hillock (Udayagiri)



Then i come down from the hill and I continued my walk through  beautifully laid roads.

Found a rope wound in the form of a net hanging on two trees. Some fellows curiosity allowed them to do this stunt partially. But it was truly enjoyable stay at the top

This road was nearing its end i saw two tyres hanged on the trees.

Some kids were  on top of the swings and enjoying themselves

I were back near the gate through which we were let in.Many other snaps which i take in this place not only mesmerized me but make me eager to go to this very very calm stress free peaceful place more time again and again..Hope to go this mind blowing place at-least 1 time in a year...

I spend around 6 hours inside this fort chatting, chatting and chatting. Overall this fort is really bio diverse, and a true nature enthusiast can enjoy to the core. I had a good time there and I was heaving a sigh of relief, because this place was truly wonderful.



To see the related post to this then click the link shown below:- (Photos)


To see the related post to this then click the link shown below:- (Videos)
Udayagiri Fort- VIDEO


To see the related post to this then click the link shown below:- (Tourist Spots)


To see the post related this then click the below link:-(Route map)
Route map to All Tourist Spots


To see the post related this then click the below link:-(VIDEOS)
Kanyakumari - Video 


Courtesy :- Subups.blogspot.com