Dear All,
Let me take this opportunity to share useful information for people Planning to visit Sri Rangam for tourism.
From Chennai :
via Train : Chennai egmore it takes 325 Kms / 202 miles 4 - 5 hours travel.
via Air : Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) is the nearest airport and takes 1 hour 15 mins from Chennai.
nearest airport.
via Road : 323.7 km from Chennai central as reference with a drive of 5 to 5.5 hours.
Stay :
For tourists travelling via Train can book dormitories in Srirangam railway station premises (via www.irctc.co.in) which has to be online only or yatra nivas which are cottages for passengers coming to visit temple and local area.
Accommodation can also be booked via srirangam temple website.
Also, there are private hotels available.
Srirangam station is very close to temple just 1.5 Km.
But, if opted to travel from Yatri Nivas, it will be 2 - 2.3 Km.
Travel options from yatri nivas to temple are,
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small bus from with in premises till temple charged Rs.20 per head.
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public autos rickshaws outside gate, they charge Rs.60-100 till temple.
based on number of people in group, some times autos become cheaper option.
Generally Autos in Tamilnadu are bit costly when compared to the distance traveled.
About temple and in temple
This is a very vast beautiful temple premises spread across 156 Acres.
The constructions of all gopurams (monumental entrance towers) depict the richness and beauty in the dravidian culture. You need to have good patience and energy levels to visit and roam across inside temple area and internal temples.
Peak summer season is not advisable to visit as one cannot enjoy after 10 AM as heat increases.
The main deity Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy should be seen with good concentration as the idol the sleeping posture is mildly lit with few oil lamps and security managing crowd queue dont allow to stand and see.
You can see white horse, Cow and elephant in side temple which will be fascinating for kids specially.
For elders especially, from prasadam counter battery operated cars are available to visit godess shrine (wife of main diety), Dhanvantari (God of ayurveda) and other near by shrines.
Food is available near entrance tower.
There are some halls where we can see paintings and art work on the ceilings which are worn out due to poor maintenance. if all these are maintained again with all paintings and scripts, the beauty and respect to the culture and art will be increased.
This all the information that I can share. Please enjoy your trip and post any doubts and questions so that I can answer wherever I can.
Cheers,
Krishna