May 04 - Cultural Visits

This day was completely dedicated to cultural visits. The group started at around 8:00 AM from the Residency Towers hotel and went to Kancheepuram (The city of 1000 temples) which is around 90 kilometers from Chennai. In Kancheepuram, the group visited two famous and ancient temples of Lord Shiva. These temples were stand proof to the architectural prowess and affinity of ancient South Indian kings. After the visit to these temples, the group visited a handloom manufacturing unit. During the visit of this cottage based industry, one of the worker demonstrated the making of silk saree. After this demonstration, the group visited a silk store which had sarees, table cloth, scarfs, and other silk products. Almost everyone purchased at least one item at this store.

After this, the group proceeded to the city of Mahabalipuram, an ancient coastal port close to Chennai. Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures in living rock, Monolithic shrines scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted. The group quickly visited the famous temples of the Rathas , the Penance of Bhagirath, and the eight Mandapams. Finally, the group went to covelong beach to take a look at the bay of bengal. The group returned to the hotel around 6:30 pm. After a short break, the group met to go for dinner at GRT Grand Hotel, which is walking distance from the Residency Towers Hotel.