Article 8 - Review on Historical Novel Parthibhan Kanavu

Parthibhan Kanavu - Sequel to Sivagamiyin Sabatham
                     Parthibhan Kanavu (1941-43) - Dream of Chola king Parthibhan - Though this novel can be considered as a sequel to Sivagamiyin Sabatham, this novel was published even before Sivagamiyin Sabatham(1944-46). This novel was later made into a Tamil movie with the same name in 1960 starring Gemini Ganesan, S.V.Ranga Rao and  Vyjayanthimala.

This sequel novel explains the later stages of Pallava king Mamalla or Narasimhavarman and his effort to make Chola King Parthibha's dream true based on the promise given during Parthiban's last moments of life. 

Also it outlines the ruling period of Pallava dynasty, sculptures, art and culture followed during the reign of Pallavas. While reading  the novel, we can visualize the then Mamallapuram, Uraiyur (Capital of Cholas), Thanjavur and Kanchi - streets decorated by people for festivals, soldiers marching in horses and elephants for war, Princess carried in a palanquin through the main streets around the temples, king's path, canoes, boats and ferries floating in river Ponni or Cauvery, islands, sea ports, beaches, art gallery halls, kingdoms, palaces, courtyards, groves, flowers, garden, secret tunnels, store houses, nature and so on...

Twist and Turns

The novel starts with Chola King Parthibhan explaining about how the Chola kingdom should prosper in the near future to his son - Prince Vikraman. He shows his dreams in the form of paintings drawn by himself which is an art gallery located in Uraiyur art hall. In a particular painting, he had depicted a huge army marching to war with hundreds and thousands of soldiers, horses and elephants. In front of the army, an elephant is moving forward with only a mahout riding with an empty seat allocated for a king.  We would understand that his dream already came true after 300 years by King Raja Raja Chola.

The suspense thriller continues in this novel making the reader suspicious about Monk character and Spy Veerasenan for some time emerging out as Pallava king Narasimhavarman himself in disguise to know the truth of many other secrets.It also revolves around the romantic moments between Vikraman - son of King Parthibhan and Kunthavi - daughter of King Narasimhavarman.

The real twist I felt - when I came to know Kabala Bairavar who roams with a single hand frightening others in novel Parthibhan Kanavu- is none other than Nagananthi or Nilekesi who is better known as the cunning Buddhist monk in the novel Sivagamiyin Sabatham. That is revealed towards the end of the story by Siruthondar (devotee of Lord Shiva) or better known as Paranjothi - Ex-Army chief of Pallavas.This is definitely one more adventure trip novel from Kalki which keeps the reader busy through out the novel.

Rest of the Characters

This novel has been split into 3 parts by author Kalki Krishnamurthy. Other than the main characters like King Narasimhavarman, King Parthibhan, Prince Vikrama, Princess Kunthavi, Siruthondar and Villain Kabala Bairavar, there are so many other characters which plays an important role in moving the plot of the story. Ponnan, Valli, Maarappa Bupathi, Queen ArulMozhi Devi (King Parthibhan's wife and mother of Prince Vikraman). 

The narrator and author Kalki handles all these characters with such ease that the readers are fully occupied with their conversations, acts and thoughts. Also the author highlights about the superstitious beliefs followed in history like human sacrifice for favorite deities in temples hidden in forests, gathering the skeletons and worshiping them etc and how the Pallava king tries to eradicate those blind fold beliefs.

Though some fiction characters are embedded in this historical novel, we would not miss the deeds of real historical figures, their ruling time period, people, art, culture, the temples and historical buildings constructed and the language. 

Lets meet on another historical novel review in my next article.

--Siva

POEM 13 - COMPUTER

Everyone started Mathematics Calculations 

using Computer

and started giving rest to human brain...!

Everyone started writing poems, thoughts and articles

using Computer

and started forgetting to use pen, pencil and slate...!

Everyone started drawing, sketching and painting

using Computer

and started forgetting painting brush and paper...!

Everyone started watching movies, hearing songs etc

in Computer 

and started getting bored of going to movie theaters and drama stages...!

Everyone started playing games 

in Computer 

while the play ground and swimming ponds are deserted...!

Everyone started online relations 

in Computer

as friends and relations stopped calling over phone or talking directly...!

Everyone started working online sitting all day in same place

in front of Computer

giving rest to physical body and mind...!

Everyone started using Computer in all forms:

Laptops, Palmtops, Smart Phones, 

Transparent Glasses, Projector Screens, LCD, LED along with Internet,

so much that everyone started to feel all alone in a virtual digital world and started forgetting to enjoy this big and beautiful real world...!

--Siva

Article 7 - Review on Sivagamiyin Sabatham

Sivagamiyin Sabatham which means Sivagami's vow is a mega tamil historical novel written by veteran author Kalki Krishnamurthy in the year 1944. This novel is regarded as one of the best novel along with mega hit novel Ponniyin Selvan from the same author.

This novel briefly talks about the Pallava dynasty and the ruling period of Pallavas.The basic plot revolves around the real life characters such as Mahendravarman, the emperor of Pallava dynasty, his son Narasimhavarman a.k.a Mamalla and Chalukya king Pulikesi. It grabs you to the historical time period of Pallava dynasty who ruled 1500 years ago in southern parts of India. It pulls you to see the cities Kanchi (Kanchipuram located in TamilNadu,India) and Vatapi (currently Badami located in Karnataka, India) of that time when Pallavas and Chalukyas ruled.

It also involves the fictional characters starting from the main character of the story - Sivagami - the love interest of Narasimha , her father Aayanar who is a master sculptor (Chirpi in Tamil), Paranjothi who later becomes the chief commander of Pallava army and Naganandhi a.k.a Nilekesi (Twin brother of Pulikesi) who can be considered as the secret villain of the story.I enjoyed reading this novel from the beginning to the end since it makes you mesmerizing and stick to the historical period which you would have dreamt of. It varies from dance to art, spying to war and each part of the entire novel gives the thrilling moment to read on.

Historical Spy Work and Romantic Thriller

If you are interested in reading historical novels, books, fiction , fantasy stories this book is for you. Though the entire novel's original version is written in Tamil, I guess some body would have translated this book in English. The book is actually split into 4 parts as follows:

Part 1: Paranjothi's Journey
Part 2: Seige of Kanchi
Part 3: The Monk's Love
Part 4: Shattered Dream

The PDF format or Ebook of this novel has around 570 pages which may be much more in the original book as it includes the images and pictures of the characters sketched by artist Maniam who has done his best to illustrate the locations by exploring different cities such as Ajanta, Ellora, Kanchi, Badami(Vatapi), Hampi etc. Even Kalki have done his home work before starting the writing.The novel deals with the unique and famous dance Bharatanatiyam, art and sculptures of Pallavas leading to the historical place Mammallapuram which even exists today (Chennai,TamilNadu).Overall the novel is a historical spy work plus romantic thriller.

Historical Adventure

This historical novel is one of my favorite after Ponniyin Selvan.
It is a historical adventure in my opinion which clearly briefs about art,dance,sculptures and historical incidents. Especially when Mahendravarman enters Vatapi as Vajrabahu from the hero side and Nilekesi enters Kanchi as Naganandhi from the villain side rises the expectations of reader.The end of the novel is an ultimate twist which reader would have never expected.

The journey of Paranjothi as a normal villager to Paranjothiyar as the commander in chief of Pallava army speaks about the evolution of character in different parts of the story.The sequences such as love between Narasimha and Sivagami which is broken by the vow of Sivagami,Sivagami residing in the enemy state Vatapi under Chalukya king Pulikesi, Naganandhi turning situations like a fast moving snake really keeps the reader busy.

Overall, this is one of the book worth reading for a Tamil historical novel.

--Siva Subramanian

Article 6 - Top 10 Tamil Historical Novels

List of Top 10 Tamil historical fiction and fantasy novels

                     Welcome to the historical time period of Tamil literature gaining popularity over 2 centuries which spans the dynamic era of historical kings,queens, princes and princesses of Tamil Nadu who ruled over a millennium ago.This page is dedicated to the top 10 historical Tamil novels written by the famous historical fiction authors.

        All the below books can be gifted to any one who loves historical fantasy, adventure, archaeology,sculptures,temples,Tamil language, culture etc.Most of these historical novels may be available in both Tamil and translated English version.All these novels would be definitely a treat to all those who have the passion to enjoy reading books - no matter what language it is - as they can translate and understand it.Keep reading,enjoy reading and involve yourself so deep that you will start visualizing the historical places immediately around you.

#10 Kandhalur Vasantha Kumaran Kathai

 By Sujatha

This is the second historical novel written by famous writer and author Sujatha Rangarajan in 1995. This novel discusses about the time period of Cholas, Cheras and Pandiyas. The main plot revolves around the war(on both land and sea) fought between Chola & Chera-Pandiya over the invasion of Kandhalur sea port.Hero of the novel is Vasanthakumaran who is the messenger of Chola empire.

Sujatha had made use of the tamil words which were used during the Chola time period.Being a famous writer on sci-fi and short stories about families,societies etc Sujatha also experimented historical fiction.His first historical novel was "Ratham Ore Niram"(Color of Blood is always same) which revolves around the Sepoy mutiny around 14th century.Sujatha had expressed his interest to write a sequel to this novel as he wanted to study and research the historical incidents around Kandhalur sea port, but he was not able to complete it.

#9 Nandhipurathu Nayagi
By Vikraman

This is one of the good historical novel which is considered to be an immediate sequel to all time famous novel Ponniyin Selvan. This was published in the weekly magazine Amudasurabhi during 1957 to 1959 by author Vikraman and was published as full book in 1964. The story completes all characters which were puzzled by author Kalki for the audience when they read Ponniyin Selvan.Also it includes some other characters as well depicting the incidents during Chola ruling time period.It also tells about the adventure of great king Raja Raja Chola 1 visiting far way countries and his ruling of Tanjore.This is a must read book for all those who finished reading Ponniyin Selvan and this answers all the questions put by the readers to author Kalki though he had answered shortly at the end of his own novel.

#8 Kaviri Mainthan
By Anusha Venkatesh

Another sequel to Ponniyin Selvan after a long time by Anusha Venkatesh in the year 2007 and published by Avenue Press.It had followed the principles,guidelines and style of author Kalki by adding new characters as well.Those who are still confused who would have murdered Aditya Karikala Chola at the end of Ponniyin Selvan novel, may get an answer in this 1300 page sequel. It was released in 3 parts and author has expressed the gratitude and happiness to special readers varying from 90 year old to 25 year old. Also it was read aloud to those who were blind and those who cannot read Tamil.

#7 Pandimadevi
By Na. Parthasarathy

To know about the reign of Pandiya kingdom and its rulers, their act of bravery, we will have to read Pandimadevi - a historical novel written by Na.Parthasarathy in the year 1958. It was published in the tamil weekly magazine Kalki for one and half years and in 1960 it was published in the full book form. Though most of the characters are original ,author has created some characters of his own. He had done enough research on the historical places of Madurai, Kanchi, Tanjore etc and studied the details of Pandiyan kingdom and their time period.

Author had gathered the information from the pamphlets which mentioned the rule of Raasasimma Pandiya -3 from 900 to 1190 AD.The main central characters revolving around are: "Mahamandaleshwarar - Idayatru Mangalam Nambi, Vanavanmadevi. Prince Raasasimman, Vallalathevan, Narayanan Senthan, Bagavathi, Mathivathani, Vilasani".Though it is a little tough to pronounce the names of the kings, queens and people of that time period before reading this novel, it becomes easy once you finish reading :)

#6 Vetri Thirunagar
By Akilan

This is one of the famous historical Tamil novel written by Akilan - one of the reputed historical writer,novelist and freedom fighter for India.The novel is based upon the Vijayanagara Empire. The hero of the novel is Visuvanatha Nayakkan who imprints the patriotic effect to the people and the struggle for freedom.Vetri Thirunagar here is Vijayanagara means City of Victory. Presently it is covering the south indian states leaving lot of monuments, sculptures and inscriptions as the proof. Akilan wrote a prologue about this novel in the year 1965 in weekly magazine Kalki.

#5 Parthibhan Kanavu
By Kalki Krishnamurthy

This is the first historical novel written by author Kalki Krishnamurthy which was being published in his own weekly magazine Kalki during 1941 to 1943 The main plot revolves around the dream of king Parthibhan which is being fulfilled by Pallava king Mamalla Narasimhavarman.

#4 Udayar
By Balakumaran

We will be always thrilled to read about the history of Raja Raja Chola - no matter how many novels get written depicting the real life incidents talking about Raja Raja the Great which later becomes history.So this novel is one of the longest novel written in 6 volumes by author Balakumaran.

The plot of the novel revolves around the construction of the Big Temple- Brahadeeswarar located in Tanjore by Raja Raja and it also discusses about the ruling power of Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola. The entire temple was built by strongest granite stones which proves worth to acclaim the history of Raja Raja Chola to the entire world even after 1000 years.


#3 Vengaiyin Mainthan
By Akilan

This is one of the award winning novel in India. It won Sakitya Academy award for the author Akilan.The plot revolves around the son of Raja Raja Chola - Rajendra Chola and his ruling period. I will be writing a separate article as review on this book.

#2 Sivagamiyin Sabatham
By Kalki Krishnamurthy

This novel revolves around the Pallava dynasty, its original rulers and the fictional character Sivagami. I will be writing a separate article as review on this book.

#1 Ponniyin Selvan
By Kalki Krishnamurthy

I have read so many historical fiction novels by now. But still I feel Ponniyin Selvan is the best and it really deserves to be the first in top 10 tamil historical novels list.This magnum opus novel was written by Author Kalki Krishnamurthy and it is really a master piece from author Kalki Krishnamurthy.Ponniyin Selvan means Son of Ponni - Here Son is Raja Raja Chola (Arulmozhivarman) the Great and Ponni is the river Kaveri.It is a 2400 page mega historical novel which was published like a mega serial in Kalki magazine for 5 years. All the people who were reading this weekly magazine during 1950-55 were surprised about the ending and had asked the author why he finished the story so soon.That itself determine the success of this historical thriller when it released as a full book in 5 volumes till date. Recently famous weekly magazine Ananda Vikatan had republished the book by original paintings drawn by Maniam.

From the beginning to the end it takes you to Chola dynasty time period itself visualizing all the historical characters such as Raja Raja Chola, Vanthiyathevan, Kunthavai Piratti, Azhvaarkadiyan, Sundara Chola, Aditya Karikala, Nandini Devi, Periya Pazhuvettarayar, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar, Mathuranthaka Chola a.k.a Uthama Chola a.k.a Senthan Amudhan, Poonguzhali and many more characters.It is an adventurous,romantic,creative,stupendous illusion and an awesome nail biting spy thriller.In my opinion, its a must read historical novel to get to the core of Indian History.

So the All time best and hit novel award goes to Ponniyin Selvan - A must read book if you are interested in history of Cholas.

--Siva...

Article 5 - Best Actor of All Time - Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan

               Acting - is this born naturally with him ? That is the question every one will think and try to ask when we see his mega hit movies of South Indian Tamil Cinema. We can say it as a diamond era in Tamil film industry when his film career was at its peak. Tears will roll down your cheeks unknowingly once you are watching some of his family packed or slow pace drama or patriotic oriented movies. What an expression ? How it varies from scene to scene ? I really admire when he performs duel roles or multiple roles in the same movie. You cannot really differentiate or criticize each role of him. Splendid performance he will be showing role to role - say its a father - son combination, twin brother combination and even hero - villain combination. Character to Character - we can see his charisma pulling the human emotions and respect.I also get excited when he performs his stylish walk on screen in famous movies. You would think whether all cells in his body are also acting :)

He had won so many awards and honors that we think its not enough for such a veteran actor of all time. Would you believe - most of his movies ran for 1 year or 2 years in many theaters during his acting period. I have seen so many historical personalities, famous kings, freedom strugglers through him.May be if you read about those famous personalities in books or magazines and you have not seen them, you will assume them in the form of Sivaji. For example, he acted as Lord Shiva in movie Thiruvilaiyaadal - which would make you a devotee. He acted as Raja Raja Chola with the same movie name, would remind you of the Chola dynasty ruled under the reign of Raja Raja Chola 1. He acted as Karna with the same movie name, would remind you of Karna and his friendship in mega epic Mahabharatha. Hats off to his contributions to Indian film industry especially to Tamil Cinema.

Sivaji's First Movie Parasakthi

                                            You can watch this movie to see how he handles a lengthy dialogue written by M.Karunanidhi and smashes it on screen – I wonder how he used to remember and speaks it out at a stretch :)

Simmakuralon Sivaji

                                            What a commanding voice and magnificent performance – Excellent and brilliant acting – These are the praise words we hear when we complete watching his evergreen movies which is a never ending list of collections. The great movies which I liked are listed below:

• Thiruvilaiyaadal (As Lord Shiva)
• Thillana Mohanambaal (Sikkal Shanmuga Sundaram – Nadaswara Vidwaan)
• Deiva Magan
• Uyarntha Manithan
• Thanga Pathakkam
  
• Vietnam Veedu
• Rajapart Rangadurai
• Karnan
• Thirisoolam
• Kappalottiya Thamizhan
• Veerapandiya Kattabomman
• Raja Raja Cholan (Raja Raja Chola 1)
• Gouravam
• Aalaya Mani
• Pasamalar
• Paraasakthi
• Mahakavi Kalidas
• Avan Thaan Manithan
• Vasantha Maaligai (Romantic Hero)
• Savale Samaali
• Pattikaada Pattanama
• Padithaal Mattum Pothuma
• Padikkaatha Methai
• Paalum Pazhamum
• Pesum Deivam
• Pudhiya Paravai
• Ooti Varai Uravu
• Thiruvarutchelvar
• Sarawathy Sabatham
• Navarathri (9 roles – 100th film)

You would see most of his mega hit movies would have started with letter “P” or tamil word “Pa”

Sivaji as Lord Shiva - Classical Hit Thiruvilaiyaadal

                                          In one of the song in Thiruvilaiyadal movie - Paattum Naane, Bhavamum Naane-  Lord Shiva (Sivaji Ganesan) reprises him as a nomad to teach a lesson to the Egoist singer Hemanaatha Bagavathar – The lyrics suits the song and sung by T.M.S – Most of the songs sung for Sivaji on screen was T.M.S (T.M.Soundhar Rajan).He showcased all his talents to each and every corner of tamil cinema through his stupendous acting.Actresses K.R.Vijaya and Padmini have acted more movies with Actor Sivaji Ganesan.

Sivaji's Personal Life  and his Son Prabhu

                                          Sivaji was born in Vizhupuram , Tamil Nadu India. He was married to Kamala and had four children – 2 sons and 2 daughters. His younger son Prabhu Ganesan is a famous actor too.Chinna Thambi and Duet are the evergreen movies of Prabhu which I watched many times.Prabhu had acted as hero initially and now currently doing so many supporting roles in South Indian films.Prabhu had also acted along side Super Star RajiniKanth and Universal Hero Kamal Haasan in many movies. Now Sivaji’s grand son and Prabhu’s son Vikram Prabhu also started his acting career - His films Kumki, Ivan Vera Mathiri, Arima Nambi are a good start for his career.

Lets know how much you know Sivaji ?

Crack at least 5 questions here without searching Google to become a fan of Sivaji !!!!

1. Which is the only movie Sivaji and MGR acted together ?
2. Tell a movie in which Sivaji and Padmini acted together.
3. In whch year Sivaji got Dhada Saheb Phalke award ?
4. Which is the 200th film of Sivaji ?
5. Which is the movie in which Sivaji and Vijay acted together.
6. Which movie Sivaji Ganesan and his son Prabhu Ganesan acted together?
7. Tell a movie in which Rajinikanth and Sivaji acted together other than Padayappa.
8. Tell a movie in which Kamal Haasan and Sivaji acted together.
9. Which is the movie in which Mohanlal and Sivaji acted together?
10. Which movie of Sivaji is directed by Bharathiraja ?

What do you think of Actor Sivaji Ganesan ?

Pour in your answers and feedback as comments..


--Siva

POEM 12 - SURPRISE

When you are watching your favorite movie 
in IMAX 3D with a dolby digital surround audio,
your favorite hero comes out of the screen, 
gives you a shake hand and poses photo with you, 
then it is a surprise.

When you are working heavy hard before the week
of your favorite festival such as Christmas or Diwali, 
then suddenly the gifts which you have planned
to buy falls in your hands or desk 
from the roof top or side walls of your house, 
then it is a surprise.

When you are busy attending your most stressful meeting
 with all your seniors and managers in the conference room, 
if they suddenly start dancing in front of you for 
your favorite rock music or song, 
then it is a surprise.

When you are travelling to your office and 
if the weather favors for you as you wish - 
from sunny to stormy to snowy to rainy to windy,
within every second of your thought, 
then it is a surprise.

When you are more hungry and in the middle of an island
where there is no chance of getting food, 
the whole nature including the trees,plants,mountains and rivers
helps you prepare your favorite dish,
gives you a memorable meal of life, 
then it is a surprise.

Life is full of unexpected surprises thus becoming
sweet memories of your life time.
When your dreams come true,
while you are waiting for it, 
then it is a surprise.

Let the surprises flow on its own...

--Siva

Article 4 - A tribute to my favorite author Sujatha

Sujatha Rangarajan - famous writer,author,thinker who shined in Tamil literature,magazines,novels and cinema for over forty years.  His works varied from simple poems to science fiction novels, short stories to historical fiction,drama characters to ultra modern villain characters,normal writing to script or screenplay writer for mega hit Tamil Movies. Every one will feel his magic touch of pen in his written works and golden touch of tongue in his punch dialogues applied in movies. He is proficient in using techno thriller words through out his science fiction related movies or novels or books.

Sujatha's Works Liked By Me

I loved reading each and every bit of his section which came as series in famous Tamil magazines Ananda Vikatan, Kumudam, Kungumam. Especially Katradhum Petradhum, Sujatha Bathilgal impressed me with his unique way of answering questions. He is awesome in writing haiku poetry – definitely we will fall for his one line punch. Even its a one line punch, there is a message for the whole life :)

We cannot forget the dialogue deliveries penned by Sujatha for South Indian Ace Director Shankar movies – Indian, Sivaji and Enthiran.The science fiction stories written by him is based on cognitive estrangement. He pulls the readers to an estranged world which they cannot predict. But most of the predicted science fiction stories written by him in 1980's had come true now and most of them are yet to come.Also his stories cover different methodologies like implied flashback, placing ancient ritual in modern settings, letter narration, imaginary world, humor, emotion, family drama,urban trend etc. He also had written a short series taking examples from his own native place Srirangam titled “Srirangathu Devathaigal”

Some of his important works liked by me are:

• En Iniya Enthira which is the inspiration for Super Star Movie Enthiran…
• Meendum Jeano – Sequel to En Iniya Enthira
• Kadavul Irukkirara
• Sujatha Short Stories Collection
• Katrathum Petrathum
• Sujatha Q & A – Yean Etharkku Eppadi (Why What & How?)
• Srirangathu Devathaigal
• Aah
• Niravana Nagaram
• Aayirathil Iruvar
• Sujatha who used his wife’s name as first name when ever he penned his creations – S. Rangarajan changed to Sujatha Rangarajan.

Sujatha's Role in Tamil Movies

His role as script/screenplay writer and dialogue for Tamil movies is stupendous and thrilling. Below are a list of mega hit movies where his dialogues or screen play gave some life to the characters:

1. Enthiran a.k.a Robot
2. Dasavatharam
3. Billa
4. Sivaji
5. Anniyan
6. Boys
7. Mudhalvan
8. Indian
9. Kandukondein Kandukondein
10. Roja
11. Iruvar
12. Uyirae
13. Kannathil Muthamittal
14. Ayutha Ezhuthu
15. Vikram
16. Ninaithaley Inikkum

Little known drops about Sujatha

• Sujatha was the favorite writer for South Indian Ace directors Manirathnam, Shankar ,and Actor Kamal haasan too.
• Sujatha was the college classmate of former Indian President A.P.J Abdul Kalaam.
• Sujatha had written more than 150 short stories ranging from serious science fiction to humorous humble society .His first story was published in a magazine called 'Sivaji' in 1953 when he was 18.

Still I am yet to read lot of his books, novels, debating topics, his future thoughts on science and evolution of technology and short stories. May be I will share my feedback on his works in detail in my future blog posts. 

-- Siva

Ireland Travel Experience - Part 15

This time it is a historical visit - NEWGRANGE. Started at 8.30 am in the morning and reached New grange at 9.15 am at the visitors center. By 10 am reached the 3200 B.C constructed place which was really historical. The tour guide showed how, why and when it was constructed. It took 80 men to move a big stone in 3 miles a day. This was even before the invention of wheel and before horses were used for transport. It would have taken 2 to 3 generations to complete this historical place. 

We had to enter into newgrange by bending low and was surprised to see how the stones are balancing one above the other without any support. It is believed that on 21st of December sun light will pass through the tomb to enlighten the spirits of ancestors. Then we went to the audio visual room and learned more about newgrange. 

After that we went to monastery called Monasterboice  . The tour guide explained about the different crosses there. Also he told that vikings didn't have the horns on their hats. As we know now a days stories are more in place than histories. We don't know what to believe and what not. Then we went to a place called Slane. There was an abbey over there. Had a quick stroll and went to Hill of Tara. The weather was changing every now and then throughout the tour. As the tourist guide told, you can see 4 seasons in 10 minutes. Then he asked what the colors in the Irish flag meant? Green refers Catholic. Orange refers protestants and White refers Unity. He told about politics too mentioning 2 times females were elected as president for Ireland. That brings an end to the Newgrange tour. So readers, it is time to wrap up the Ireland Travel experience. You can browse through my tumblr site for more gallery or photo archive of Ireland. Thanks for travelling along with me in all the parts of Ireland through my blog posts.

The End....

Ireland Travel Experience - Part 14

                                          The journey continued next to Wicklow mountains where the movies like "Brave heart" and "P.S. I Love you" were filmed. It is a perfect place for natural photography. You will be surrounded by mountains in all colors - brown, blue, green, yellow, red, maroon and so on. 

We had some quick snaps and moved on to Glendalough - which is a valley of monasteries located in County Wicklow. There were lot of monastic towers including the Round Tower. We started exploring the valleys, rivers and trees joined together. It is a perfect place for mountain trekking as well as to shoot song sequences for a movie. 

All rocks, trees, herbs and shrubs all the way in Glendalough remind you about all adventurous movies like Hobbit, Lord of the Rings etc. We did some walking, jogging etc around the nature to refresh ourselves. Also there were flowing lakes surrounded by abundant flowers glowing in yellow and white. Then we started our way back to Dublin listening to some Irish music in the tourist bus. Relishing on the natural beauty is a relaxation to your day to day stressful life. Lets meet on more historical beauty as well in my next blog post.

To be continued..

Ireland Travel Experience - Part 13

                   To discover the south east of Ireland - we planned Glendalough Kilkenny Wicklow Mountains Dunmore Caves Day Tour arranged by Wild Rover tours. Our first visit in this tour was Kilkenny - we had an option to either roam in the city and visit the castle or visit the Dunmore caves and then back to Kilkenny Castle. So we opted for the Dunmore caves which was really a different experience. There was a separate tourist guide to explain about the history of Dunmore caves. 

Once we were inside the caves, it was full of stalactites and stalagmites which reminded me of the geography classes I studied during my school time. The stalactites were in various unique forms looking like an angel with wings, eagle or hawk staring at you, hanging bats etc..When we were standing inside the core of the caves, the tourist guide switched off the lights setup there and it was complete dark as if you had gone blind. The guide explained about the Viking massacre happened there too. As per archaeologists, mostly the bones recovered were of women and children. 

After our survey of the caves, we went back to the Kilkenny castle. Entered into the audio visual room to learn more on the history of the castle, kings ruled etc. So lets have a break here until my next blog post.

To be continued...