Gingee

On Sunday morning we went to temple and then got the bus to Gingee. The ride was lovely through countryside and fields. I could feel the air getting more hot and humid as we approached. Got a tuc-tuc to the fort, costs £1 for foreigners to enter and 5p for nationals. Some of us decided to climb the biggest of the hills as seemed a waste not to.

The Gingee Fort complex is on three hillocks: Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west and Chandrayandurg to the southeast. The three hills together constitute a fort complex, each having a separate and self-contained citadel. The first hill which we climbed is called Rajagiri. The fort was historically considered most impregnable. It is about 800 feet (240 m) in height. Its summit is cut off from communication and is surrounded by a deep, natural chasm that is about 10 yards (9.1 m) wide and 20 yards (18 m) deep.

The climb was hard but worth it with the amazing views at the top. Loads of monkeys on the climb and we had to carry stick to scare them away as if you had any bags they tried to grab them. After fort we headed back to Alangayam for a much deserved rest. Two more days on placement and a quick amendment means we are now going back to Chennai on Wednesday.















Man-made lake in Gingee fort




















Rajagiri fort




















Monkey "guardians"









View from summit









View from summit









View from summit










View from summit

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