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Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, Tamil Nadu, India: Ending Where It Began

by Gay Mitra - 32

I crossed the street, unfazed by what was becoming a familiar scene of bedlam: Tuktuks hurtling from all directions, sidewalks hosting a welter of portable stalls, cows strolling alongside pedestrians, merchants coming up with the most imaginative ways to lure tourists to their shops, and locals that gape at us until we’re out of their sight or follow us around until their interest wanes.

The hubby on the other hand was still in his wary state of mind.

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Oh, you know, the usual grandeur of India.

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  Fort atop an ancient rock. Like, billions of years ancient.
 

We had just returned to Tiruchirapalli the day prior, where our six-day India jaunt began. Quite weary from the constant move around the state of Tamil Nadu and templed-out to the bone. Remarkably, we managed to follow the rough itinerary I constructed for that day without engaging in a debate. My hunch was because hubby saw only one temple on the list.

Or maybe because India was feeding us well.

After a perfunctory stop at Trichy’s clock tower and a surprisingly interesting visit to Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, we were finally making our way to the site I was most excited to see. Tiruchirapalli’s Rock Fort.

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Approaching the peak. 
 
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Uneven steps carved out of the rock. 
 

The fort lords over the town at more than eighty meters high. Within the fort complex is a temple complex, with temples constructed in various periods (two of which, I believe, are dedicated to Lord Ganesha) since 580 AD. Reason why it is flocked by local pilgrims day in, day out. The Rock Fort is every bit imposing — well, except for its seemingly discreet entrance, concealed by a slew of souvenir shops. If not for the map we took photo of, we would have lost our way. Admission two years ago was only 3 rupees, camera fee 20 rupees. 

We removed our shoes before getting in the main entrance.

Although the height sounds intimidating, we reached the top in less than twenty minutes with our leisurely pace. I was hassled more than a couple times by women who questioned (in sign language) my preference of wearing an anklet around just one ankle. We never found out what the fuss was about.


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Could they be waiting for the sunset too?

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Thank you, India.
I briefly sat on a spot away from prying eyes. Even away from the hubby who looked fixated at something in the distance. For a few minutes I watched devotees climb up the stone steps. I watched them gasp and grin. I watched them enter and exit Ucchi Pillayar Temple. There was an organized chaos that I could not understand, kinda like how I could not understand how Vietnam’s traffic disorder can be read by its people.

If you’ve been to India, you know what I mean. And it’s uniquely beautiful.

I let the wind blow my silent, bitter farewell. And I asked forgiveness to no one in particular for the misjudgement and ignorance I had once upon a time towards a country that — cliche ahead — changed my life. Okay… So maybe that apology was for myself.

Thank You, India Series:

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Madurai, India: That Eve We Lost An iPhone
Madurai, India: Gandhi Museum And Its Resident Dinosaur (I Kid You Not!)
Madurai, India: Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Madurai, India: Meenakshi Amman Temple
Aboard India’s Modes of Transport
Arrival Turned Fans Day
Thank You, India
How To Apply For An India Tourist Visa In The Philippines

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Gay Mitra
When not backpacking, she teaches her daughter sight words and belly dancing (even if she's not good at it). She's currently eating her way around some hippie town in Australia. She loves talking about herself in the third person.

32 thoughts on “Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, Tamil Nadu, India: Ending Where It Began”

  1. Everytime I scan for AirAsia promo deals and see Tiruchirapalli, I always wonder what to do in that place. These are just good reasons to visit Southern India and to sing that famous line of Alanis M. lol

    Reply

  6. I’d love to have a Bensimon sneaker in Yellow like the one you wore on your trips. It looks so vibrant, it must be a scene stealer! 🙂

    Reply

  7. The Yellow please, ohhh so cutie and bright!, Well this is one of my favourite color and it shows my personality… that to be fun and colourful is wonderful!

    Reply

  8. I want the color RED ORANGE one because it is so alive, passionate plus it looks really good in time for the holiday season. 🙂

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  9. I want the red Bensimon Sneakers because aside from being my favorite color, it is vibrant looking which inspires productivity. Plus it’s the color of Christmas, imma wear it for parties and gatherings here and there. 😉

    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

  15. I love the idea of being on a fort atop a hill and watching the sun slowly sets and the city comes to light. I don’t know, it just seems surreal to me, like almost magical. Life-changing, that’s the word, but you’ve already used that. Including this in my bucket list, for sure. Thanks for the info! 🙂

    Reply

  24. Hindi is a great language to learn. I had been taught once by an Indian friend and it sounds really good. In fact, I think it is also easy to learn. Indians reflect strong personalities. Maybe, that is also the reason why a lot of good machines are built in India. Great engineers are also produced. The place reflects that it was designed to have competence within our selves. Excellence in what we do. India is one of the country I would like to visit soon.

    Dane @ Iloilo Business Directory

    Reply

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