Three members of Kernow Soroptimists travelled to India in November 2024, to be part of an international group of Soroptimists. We were hosted by members of SI Chennai Downtown and treated to an amazing two weeks of experiences. Angela, Jennie and Jill, flew into Chennai airport and were met and transported to a hotel in the city, where we met other Soroptimists from all over the world. Once everyone had arrived our group took a flight to Tiruchchirapali (locally called Trichi!) where we were again met and taken to lunch at the Hotel Sangam in Thanjavur before travelling on to the Hotel Indeco in Swamimalai. This hotel is set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the hotel is a museum showcasing ancient Tamil Nadu arts, architecture, culinary heritage and culture.
On our first day in this area we visited the Airavatheeswarar of Darasumam Temple built by Raja Raja Chola 11 (Rajendra Chola). This building is an example of 12th century Chola architecture and is well preserved. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures.
On day two we drove to Thanjavur to visit the Big Temple. This was built in the year 1010 CE by Chola Emperor Rajaraja 1. A majestic Nandhi (bull) here, is the second largest Nandhi in India and is carved out of a single stone. Lunch followed at Swatma and then on to a bronze gallery with a tour of iconography. This included some of the world’s most praised Chola bronzes.
Day three included a visit to Tribhuvanam where we saw the Kampahareshwarar temple, the last in the list of Chola edifices. We loved strolling around the grand temple corridor appreciating its grandeur. Lunch followed at the CHG Tiruvidaimarudhur, Mantra Kooda. After which, we visited the Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the second tallest temple commissioned the the Cholas.
Throughout our heritage visit we were guided by Dr. Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan. As an architecture graduate, specialising in conservation and architectural research he enthusiastically shared his knowledge with us. It was so wonderful to be shown around these spectacular sites by someone with such an intimate knowledge of this period of history.
On day four we visited a bronze iconography making unit and then took part in a range of in-house activities at the hotel, including; a bullock cart ride, a cooking demonstration and a saree wearing workshop.
On all of the evenings at the hotel there were cultural activities organised. We watched some beautiful dancing and listened to some lovely instrumental groups. This was a great time to social with our Indian hosts and to get to know our Soroptimists Sisters from around the world.
On day five we should have flown back to Chennai, but our flight was cancelled due to cyclonic weather in the south of the country and so we were driven back to the city. Following this journey we visited the Mukti Foundation Project. (check out our dedicated website page on this)