Papanasam is a sleepy hillside town where river Tamirabarani reaches plains of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu. It is 11 hours from Chennai by bus.

It was March 2012, and summer time. River was shallow and safe. I spent a hour bathing and floating. 

It was fantastic, considering the heat in Chennai.

Images are taken from iPod 4G, not high quality, also, taking photos is forbidden because, of families bathing, I sneaked in a few snaps.

Looking at the mountains and Local Fishermen 

Papanasam temple tower

First image is looking downstream and second image is sideways looking at the hills

Srirangam

Srirangam is 5 hours by bus from Chennai. Bus tickets range from Rs 150 to Rs 280 depending on how comfortable the seats are.

Buses are plenty. Near Trichy bus stand, there are many good hotels, you can stay in one, check out the rates. Some of them are expensive.

Food is cheap and good. People in and around Trichy are friendly.

You can get a cheap public bus to Srirangam.

There is a whiff of magic about Srirangam. Srirangam temple inspires extreme devotion among Hindus, especially Vaisinavites.

History of Srirangam is awe-inspiring. There is more history in Srirangam than there is to many small countries.

The Srirangam temple is clean, crowded and full of towers.

Sculptures are amazing.

People friendly.

May Lord Ranganatha bless us all.