In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
After the major cities in the state, it’s time to head for the hills. Tamil Nadu has some fabulous hill stations where you can go to relax your mind. Fantastic weather coupled with gorgeous views, these hill stations (some of them not so popular and so not very crowded) should be in your bucket list the next time you visit this state.
Ooty The Queen of the Hills as Ooty or Udhagamandalam is known is the capital of the Nilgiris or ‘Blue Mountain’ district. A land of picturesque picnic spots & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are among the must include places in your Ooty tour packages.
Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Todas along with other tribes. The Nilgiri territory came into possession of East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan in 1799. In 1818, Wish and Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore John Sullivan. John Sullivan later began the construction of his bungalow at Dimbhatti the first European dwelling on the hills. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms, much visited by British during the colonial days. Its stunning beauty and splendid green deep valleys inspired the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. Sullivan later developed the town and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees.
The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the visitors on most routes.
Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.
The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must be experienced. The train route wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The train route was developed by the British engineers in 1908, covering 42 kilometers length with 108 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways has the steepest track in all of Asia, and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing.
Apart from pleasant weather, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, and Emerald Lake are the popular Ooty sightseeing places. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers.
The best time to visit this beautiful hill station is from October to June. In these months, the temperature remains somewhere around 25°C which offers a pleasant weather.
Kodaikanal Often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodai as it is fondly called, is one of the popular places to visit in summer. It is situated at an altitude of about 7,000 feet on the southern tip of upper Palani hills.
The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar tribal people. Modern Kodaikanal was established by American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. In the 20th century a few elite Indians started relocating to this enchanting hill station and it started becoming popular among nature lovers.
Kodaikanal is not as extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Apart from the pleasant weather, Kodaikanal has several tourist attractions like Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, etc. The hills offer beautiful views all around, especially from the Coaker’s Walk.
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is April to June during the summer. Monsoon from September to October also offers a different experience.
Yercaud Located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu is another popular hill station, Yercaud. With the surrounding areas being dry, Yercaud provides a pleasant break with its greenery and pleasing weather. The greenery is part natural cover and part plantations.
Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations. Oranges, coffee, pears, etc are grown in abundance here. The hill station is a popular travel destination in Tamil Nadu and offers various attractions ranging from viewpoints to various waterfalls. One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.
Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its centre. In Tamil, Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Stone-age implements have been found from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills, which is about 5 km from the Yercaud Lake. Sir Thomas Munroe, the erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 developed this place. David Cockburn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 and 1829, was called the ‘Father of Yercaud’ because he helped in the development of the resources of the Shevaroy and for introducing the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple. The Tea plantation has been introduced in 1840s by Dr.Wallich on the property of G.F.Fischer.
Kalliyur Falls, Lady’s Seat point, Bear Cave, Emerald Cave and Pagoda Point are the highlights of this delightful hill station.
The best time to visit Yercaud is between October to June.
Coonoor One of the most beautiful and serene hill stations you will come across in the country, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the wonderful Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. Located around 20 km from Ooty, at an altitude of 1,850 meters, Coonoor is beautiful with the many tea estates and long-winding roads. Old colonial bungalows in the tea estates add to the charm of Coonoor.
Make sure you visit Sim’s Park, Dolphin Nose lookout point, Ketti Valley, Hidden Valley and Lamb’s Rock when you are in Coonoor.
The best time to visit Coonoor is between October to March.
Yelagiri A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level. The ideal destination for nature lovers, Yelagiri is a town that is completely off the beaten tourist trail, lending it a quieter and much more peaceful vibe compared to other more famous hill stations nearby. Originally belonging to the Zamindar family of Yelagiri, the hill station began to gain popularity since the colonial rule, when it was used by the British as a summer getaway. Ever since then, it has been one of the hidden gems of South India, replete with rocky hills and natural scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to take a break from the fast-paced city life.
Yelagiri is one of those typical, silent places that seem ordinary on the outside but are more and more startling as you discover it. It has all the features of a great hill station, be it sunset points or lakes and parks. But the beauty of Yelagiri lies in all the more that it has to offer. Being one of the lesser known hill-stations in Tamil Nadu, the place is rarely overcrowded. The surroundings are pristine and the forests are home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The honey that is locally available is considered to be one of the purest and tastiest varieties.
Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful places like the Jalagamparai falls, sweeping orchards and rose garden at its various nature parks, Punganur Lake, Swami Malai hills and the Velavan temple among others.
Yelagiri has a moderate climate therefore travelers love to visit the city all through the year. But still, the best season to visit Yelagiri is the months from November to February.
Bellikkal Bellikkal is one of those places where you can completely relax, without having to worry about a ‘to-do’ list for your vacations and yet experience mountains that will steal your breath away. Instead of having a hundred places to offer, it will take you by its beauty, calmness and serenity.
Bellikkal is a small village in the south of Sigur Plateau in Tamil Nadu. Located at an altitude of 5,500 feet or 1,700 meters, it is only around 15 km from Ooty, yet untouched commercially as yet. This small and elusive hill station is as beautiful as those in the Himalayas, and has yet managed to retain its old world charm.
The monsoon season between July to September is the best time to visit Bellikkal, however Bellikkal’s weather is always great and so this as yet undiscovered hill station can be visited all year round.
Bellikkal Lake, Bison Valley and Kalhatti Falls are the top tourist spots in Bellikkal.
Clare Cassidy is no stranger to murder. As a literature teacher specialising in the Gothic writer RM Holland, she teaches a short course on it every year.
Then Clare’s life and work collide tragically when one of her colleagues is found dead, a line from an RM Holland story by her body. The investigating police detective is convinced the writer’s works somehow hold the key to the case.
Not knowing who to trust, and afraid that the killer is someone she knows, Clare confides her darkest suspicions and fears about the case to her journal. Then one day she notices some other writing in the diary. Writing that isn’t hers…
Coimbatore: Also known as Kovai and Koyamuthur, Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats. In addition to being the second largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, it is also the 16th largest urban agglomeration in India. The city is one of the largest exporters of jewellery, wet grinders, poultry and auto components; the “Coimbatore Wet Grinder” and the “Kovai Cora Cotton” are recognised as Geographical Indications by the Government of India. Coimbatore was part of Kongu Nadu during the Sangam period between c. 1st and the 4th centuries CE and was ruled by the Cheras as it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the west coast (Kerala) and Tamil Nadu). Coimbatore was located along the ancient trade route that extended from Muziris to Arikamedu in South India. The medieval Cholas conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century CE. The region was ruled by Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century followed by the Nayaks who introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams. In the later part of the 18th century, the Coimbatore region came under the Kingdom of Mysore and following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore to the Madras Presidency in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second Poligar War (1801) when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai.
So what can you see in Coimbatore? There’s the Marudamalai Murugan Temple, a hilltop temple dedicated to God Murugan and considered as one of the seven houses of Lord Murugan in South India. Another temple, the Perur Pateeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by Karikala Chola. The temple has statue of Nataraja, Arasambalavanar Shrine and shrine dedicated to Ganesha and is also a popular sightseeing spot in Coimbatore. Another popular place is the Adiyogi Lord Shiva Statue at the Isha Yoga Center, which is the largest bust sculpture in the world, weighing around 500 tonnes and standing at 112 feet tall at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains. The Velliangiri Mountains, which are located close to the Tamil Nadu Kerala border are also known as Kailash Mountain of the South India and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
You can also visit the Siruvani Waterfalls which is located 35km from Coimbatore, the Singanallur Lake which is one of the nine large lakes fed by the canals of the Noyal river as well as the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Botanical Garden of Coimbatore located near Maruthamalai. This garden is spread over 300 hectares and is home to many varieties of plants and birdlife.
An interesting museum in Coimbatore is the Gedee Car Museum, the only classic car museum of its kind located in the city. The museum has a collection of unique cars not to be seen anywhere else in India. The cars are a private collection of G D Naidu Charities, a social trust founded by late Sri. G D Naidu of Coimbatore, who was a renowned inventor, educationalist and philanthropist of his time.
The best time to visit this under-rated city is between July to March.
Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappali or Trichy is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu and is located on the banks of the Cauvery River. The history of Tiruchirappalli begins in the 3rd century BC, when it was under the rule of the Cholas. It was a stronghold of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. Trichy continued to be in the possession of Cholas until the decline of the empire after which it became a Vijayanagara stronghold. Trichy came under the rule of Nayaks of Madurai after the collapse of Vijayanagara, later to the Marathas of Tanjore, the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. Trichy flourished under Madurai Nayaks and prospered to be the city that it is today. The city played a critical role in the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) between the British and the French East India companies. Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy (2010), Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.
The city is an important educational centre in the state and houses nationally recognised institutions. The presence of a large number of energy equipment manufacturing units in and around the city has earned it the title of “Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India”. Tiruchirappalli is home to numerous historical monuments and temples that attract tourist and pilgrims from all parts of the country throughout the year. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE. During the invasion of Malik Kafur in 1310-1311, the idol of the deity was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased and returned the statue of the deity of Srirangam. During second invasion in 1323 AD, the deity was taken away before the invading troops reached Srirangam. The deity was kept in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for 6 decades until their reinstatement in 1371. It is believed that 13,000 devotees laid down their lives in the fierce battle to protect the temple. This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India. The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold and so is protected by an electric fence. The 236-feet Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India. There is also a royal temple tower, which covers a base area of 32500 sq. ft and has a height of 196 ft. It also comprises a hall containing 1000 pillars. Intricate sculptures are the most attractive part of the hall. The Hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). The second enclosure contains the shrine of Ranganayaki, an incarnation of Goddess of Lakshmi.
Another famous and very popular Trichy landmark is the Rockfort Ganpati Temple. The temple derives its name from its unique building style. The temple structure comprises a huge rock, which is believed to be the oldest rock in the world, even older than The Himalayan Mountains. After climbing 344 steps, the devotees reach the main temple area. The temple has two sub parts- the Thayumanaswamy, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Pillayar, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The origins of the temple are traced back to the 7th century. The Shiva temple contains the Lingam form of the Lord.
At the Brahmapureeswarar Temple, the Lord enshrined is in the form of a Swayambu Lingam as he is believed to have changed the destiny of Lord Brahma. Predominantly a Shiva temple, it is local myth that one can change his own fate of he seeks blessings in this temple. Lord Brahma has a separate shrine where he sits in a meditative pose in his signature lotus flower. Goddess Parvathi is also worshipped in the temple.
The Thiruvanaikoil Temple, also known as Jambukeshwarar Temple is one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Panchabhoota Temples (signifying the 5 elements of nature) and represents the water element (Neer). It is situated on an island surrounded by rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. The temple is also called “Appu Sthalam” and the Shiva Lingam here is called “Appu Lingam”.
Located at a distance of only 15 km from Tiruchirapalli, the Kallanai Dam is built across the flowing River Kaveri. It spans over 1079 feet and is over 66 feet wide! This ancient dam was originally constructed about 2000 years ago, and it is the oldest functional water regulator structure in the entire country. It may not have much else to offer, but the mesmerising view is surely going to be worth taking a detour. The dam also serves as an inspiration for modern-day dams due to the excellent engineering behind it. Also known as Grand Anicut, the enormous dam is famous not only because it is pertinent to the living of thousands of households around it, but also because of its unmatched scenic beauty.
Puliyancholai Waterfalls are situated at the base of Kolli Hills in Tiruchi. The mesmerizing waterfalls are a popular site of tourism and receives a huge influx of visitors. The waterfalls are truly a spot of peace and tranquility and offers solitude like nowhere else. Another majestic falls in the Kolli hills range are the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls which fall from a massive height of 300 feet, The waterfalls can be reached through a trek or by climbing almost a 1000 steps. The waterfalls are best visited during monsoons.
Tiruppur Tiruppur or Tirupur is the fifth largest urban agglomeration in Tamil Nadu and is located on the banks of Noyyal River. It has been ruled at different times, by the Early Pandyas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Mysore Kingdom and the British. It is situated at the centre of the South Indian Peninsula and is a major textile and knit wear hub contributing to 90% of total cotton knit wear exports from India.
Make sure you don’t miss the Thirumoorthy Dam & Temple when you visit Tiruppur. Located on the Thirumoorthy hills, the Thirumoorthy Temple, Thirumoorthy Dam and Panchalingam waterfall are Tirupur’s most famous sightseeing locations. The name Thirumoorthy signifies the three Hindu deities namely, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Right outside the temple is a huge rock which is believed to have rolled down during a flood and has a sculpture of a Jain priest carved upside down. At just a short walk of about 1.2 miles (2 km) you will reach the Dam where you can spend some time boating. While you are at it, trek 1.8 miles (3 km) uphill to see the exotic Panchalingam falls.
Maintained by the Architectural Society of India (ASI), the ancient Sugriveswar temple is believed to have been built between the 10th-12th century on the banks of the Noyyal River. Also known as the Sukreeswarar Temple, it is situated at Sarkar Periyapalayam on the outskirts of Tiruppur city. The temple consists of two towers – Vimanam for Lord Shiva and Amman. The Amman temple boasts neatly carved stone architecture from the Pandya dynasty while the Vimanam Shiva temple reflects the architectural style of the Chola Dynasty. This temple is renowned for having two Nandi statues in front of the Shiva Temple, five Lingas outside the temple, one of which is invisible and the main gate opens in the south direction instead of the east.
The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary also known as the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of India’s unexplored terrains. It is a vast expanse, encompassing different ranges, including grasslands, plateaus, deep valleys, farms, waterfalls, national parks, teak forests and water reservoirs. It also contains several endangered species and has various peaks over 6,500 feet (1981 meters).
Locally known as the Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar Temple and Avainasiappar Temple, the Avinashi temple is dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Reflecting architecture reminiscent of ancient India this temple was built in the Chola dynasty.
The best time to visit Tiruppur is between September and January.
Tirunelveli Located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River, the district of Tirunelveli is where both sides of my grandparents migrated to Mumbai in the early forties.
Also known as Nellai and during British rule as Tinnevelly, Tirunelvi’s downtown is located on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River; its twin Palayankottai is on the east bank. Palayamkottai is called as the Oxford of the south India as it is a hub of many schools, colleges and many important government offices. Tirunelveli is an ancient city, and is more than 2000 years old. The city is believed to be an ancient settlement of great importance. It has been ruled at different times by the Early Pandyas, the Medieval and Later Cholas, the later Pandyas, the Ma’bar , the Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, the Karnatic kingdom and the British. The Polygar War, involving Palaiyakkarars led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman and forces of the British East India Company, was waged on the city’s outskirts from 1797 to 1801.
When in Tirunelveli, don’t miss the Nellaiappar temples, the origins of which this temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva are found in the ancient texts of the Puranas. The gopuram of Nellaiappar Temple is said to be built by Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan and the rest of the Nindraseer Nedumaran. The two temples were linked in 1647 AD by Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan by building the chain Mandapam. The Dravidian architecture is well exemplified in this temple and the musical pillars are one of the amazing aspects of the design aesthetics of the temple.
Another ancient temple is the Sankaranarayanan koil, another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is said to be 900 years old. The main deity here is the Sankaranarayanan which is a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. The gopuram is a massive dome which is 135 feet high and has 9 tiers. The temple is best visited during the festival of Adi Tapas which is celebrated between the months of July and August.
Located in the temple village of Krishnapuram, the Venkatachalapathy Temple is one of the major temples in the city. The temple site although is considered to be 9000 years old the current structure dates back to being 700 years old. The temple is adorned with a brightly coloured gopuram and is one of the few temples dedicated to Venkatachalapathy, a form of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu.
The small town of Papanasam is one of the most popular picnic spots in Tirunelveli. Large acres of lush green paddy fields surround the town and the town is a home to 108 types of medicinal herbs that are not found anywhere in the world. The various dams, rivers and waterfalls here are considered to be major tourist attractions and are a home to several species of migratory birds. The Manjolai Hills are a must visit to experience amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Kutralam falls also is also a favourite of the people of Tirunelvi. More details about this in a separate post.
The best time to visit Tirunelveli is between October and February
This debut novel by the award-winning writer Yiyun Li is set in China in the late 1970s when Beijing was rocked by the Democratic Wall Movement, an anti-Communist groundswell designed to move China beyond the dark shadow of the Cultural Revolution toward a more enlightened and open society. In this powerful and beautiful story, we follow a group of people in a small town during this dramatic and harrowing time, the era that was a forebear of the Tiananmen Square uprising.
Morning dawns on the provincial city of Muddy River. A young woman, Gu Shan, a bold spirit and a follower of Chairman Mao, has renounced her faith in Communism. Now a political prisoner, she is to be executed for her dissent. Her distraught mother, determined to follow the custom of burning her only child’s clothing to ease her journey into the next world, is about to make another bold decision. Shan’s father, Teacher Gu, who has already, in his heart and mind, buried his rebellious daughter, begins to retreat into memories. Neither of them imagines that their daughter’s death will have profound and far-reaching effects, in Muddy River and beyond.
Yiyun Li weaves together the lives of these and other unforgettable characters, including a serious seven-year-old boy, Tong; a a crippled girl named Nini; the sinister idler Bashi; and Kai, a beautiful radio news announcer who is married to a man from a powerful family. Life in a world of oppression and pain is portrayed through stories of resilience, sacrifice, perversion, courage, and belief. We read of delicate moments and acts of violence by mothers, sons, husbands, neighbours, wives, lovers, and more, as Gu Shan’s execution spurs a brutal government reaction.
Memories and Such 