Chingleput (MADRAS-TRICHINOPOLY SECTION) is the Railway station for Tirukkalukunram or the "Hill of the Sacred Kites", and Mahabalipuram or "Seven Pagodas". The former is 9 miles from Chingleput while the latter is 18 miles. Both these places are approached by good motor road from Madras.

At Tirukkalukunram, there is a famous Siva temple and a small one at the top of the hill which is about 500 ft. high. Everyday, just before noon, two white kites visit the hill and take their food from the hands of a priest. Popular belief has it that these two birds are the spirits of two saints and have been visiting the hill daily from time immemorial. A crowd of eager visitors witnesses the feeding of the birds everyday.

Nine miles away and on the sea coast is Mahabalipuram which has some of the most wonderful architectural ruins in India, dating back to the Pallava period and probably earlier. It is said that 2,000 years ago, the temple on the sea shore had a dome of gold which could be seen by ships at sea. Tradition has it that the city was founded by Mahabali, a mythical king.

There are different theories about the origin of these wonderful relics, one being that the Chalukyas of Kalyanpura were probably the authors of these monuments. Another theory has it that the Pallavas adopting earlier Bud-dhist models were really the authors. The monuments present a wonderful collection of antiquities and give a glimpse of the high degree of artistic excellence attained centuries ago. The most noteworthy of the monu-ments are the five 'rathas' or monolithic temples, the cave temples, the monolithic figures, carvings and sculptures, the famous bas-reliefs of which "Arjuna's Penance", "Mahishasura Mardani" and the pastoral group in the Krishna Mantapam are among the most well-known. The shore temple is a thing of beauty rarely surpassed in arts.

Coimbatore (MADRAS-METTUPALAIYAM SEC-TION) is known as the "Manchester of South India." It is a commercial city of considerable importance, the chief commodity of trade being the produce of a large number of ginning, spinning and weaving mills. The cement factory at Madukarai, about 7 miles from Coimbatore, produces cement which is one of the best in India.

Coimbatore is the headquarters of the district of the same name. The Government Agricul-tural and Forest Colleges, situated amidst pleasant surroundings, are worth visiting.

Due to the proximity of the Nilgiris, the climate of the city is fairly cool throughout the year and is considered healthy. There are temples on the summit of Velliangiri Hills and Marudamalai Hills close by which are visited by pilgrims.

Local accommodation :-Government Tra-vellers' bungalow and a guest-house exist near the railway station. There are numerous lodging and boarding houses, hotels and res-taurants in the city. The Railway provides waiting room, hotel and refreshment room facilities at the junction station.

Three miles away from Coimbatore is the renowned temple at Perur known as "Mel Chulamharam." The temple is dedicated to Nataraja or Siva in His aspect as the Cosmic Dancer.

The river Noyyal on the banks of which the temple stands is considered very holy. Pilgrims visit this place and make their offerings to departed souls. The Hindu pil-grims from Malabar constitute a major portion, and perform "Pithru-Karma" on the banks of the river.

The temple is an ancient one and it is a fine specimen of Dravidian architecture. It is stated to have been patronised successively by the Chola, the Chera and the Nayak kings of South India. The temple tower and the Dwaja Sthamba (stone flag-staff) which is monolithic are imposing.

The roof of the "Kanakasabhai" and the rows of pillars in the Perur temple are exquisite specimens of sculptural beauty, which evoke the admiration of artists and art-lovers.