Maithily's Scribblings

I have already written about how much I love my grandfather’s house in Supparayapuram. That house was never just a structure. It was my childhood’s silent witness. Front Entrance But now, it stands half-demolished — fragile, unsafe, and no longer suitable to use. After serious thought and discussion, my father and my chittapa have decided to demolish it completely and build a small new room in its place. Not something grand. Not something modern and flashy. Just something that gives the space life again. When I look at the recent images, my heart feels heavy. I don’t just see broken walls. I see my grandmother walking through the wide kitchen. I see my grandfather sitting outside, lost in thought. I see the lemon tree that stood proudly near the side. The curry leaves plant that always smelled fresh. The huge kitchen — fully equipped even in those days. The water storage “thooti” near the kitchen. The narrow pathway that led to the backyard. Every corner carries a memory...

Some structures don’t just serve a purpose—they quietly stand as reminders of human intelligence, patience, and vision. The Mathur Aqueduct , located near Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district , is one such marvel that continues to amaze visitors decades after it was built. Often referred to as the Mathur Hanging Trough , this aqueduct is one of the longest and tallest aqueducts in Asia . Constructed in the late 1950s, its primary purpose was to carry water from the Pahrali River to irrigate agricultural lands in the surrounding villages. What makes it extraordinary is not just its size, but the fact that it still performs its duty efficiently even today. A Structure Ahead of Its Time The aqueduct stretches for nearly 1 kilometer and is supported by massive concrete pillars, some rising to a height of over 100 feet . Built across a deep valley, the structure looks almost suspended in air, earning it the name “hanging trough.” Despite being exposed to sun, rain, wind, and decades of ...

The trip we took on the 1st of January 2026 gave me something far more meaningful than just memories. It gave me strength, calm, and a deep sense of happiness that lingered long after we returned home. Visiting the Statue of Unity had been on my bucket list ever since we moved to Vadodara, and welcoming the new year with this journey felt just right. We started early, leaving home at 7:30 AM in our personal vehicle, and reached the Statue of Unity by around 9:30 AM. The weather was exceptionally kind to us. It was winter, crisp and gentle, making the entire drive feel comforting and inviting. The roads from Vadodara were perfect for a long drive. Smooth, scenic, and peaceful, they made the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. The cotton plantations lining the route were a pleasant surprise, something we had never seen back in Tamil Nadu. They added a quiet charm to the landscape and stayed with us long after we crossed them. We kept things simple for breakfast, carrying brea...

After a long time, we embarked on a heartfelt journey to our native place for my daughter's fourth tonsuring ceremony at Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. The trip was unplanned, and since we hadn't booked train tickets, we decided to take a bus after finishing work on February 21, 2025. On the morning of February 22, we arrived at our usual lodging, Hotel Sivamurugan in Tiruchendur. Without wasting any time, we hired a taxi to visit our village and nearby places that held deep sentimental value for us. Our first stop was the Sathankulam Karaiyadi Sudalai Mada Swamy Temple , our family deity’s shrine. It was a moment of peace and devotion as we prayed. A wonderful surprise awaited us there—my Chittapa (uncle) unexpectedly joined us during the prayer. The joy of reuniting with him in such a sacred place made the moment even more special. From there, we headed to my husband’s native village, Pandarapuram. Visiting our ancestral home was an emotional experience, filling our hearts with n...

If you’re enchanted by backwater cruises, high-tide beaches, wandering through lush green gardens, stargazing, and feeling deeply connected with nature, here’s a perfect romantic weekend getaway idea. Recently, my husband and I, along with a friend and his wife, visited Poovar Island Resort in Trivandrum for a truly romantic escape. The resort offers superior land cottages and unique floating cottages that rest on the backwaters, facing the sea. Accessible only by a scenic boat ride on the river, this serene retreat is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. How to Spend a Weekend in Poovar, Kerala? A weekend (2 days and 1 night) at Poovar Island Resort, Trivandrum, may feel too short—but it’s certainly better than missing out on this peaceful gem in Kerala! Whether you want to soak in the weather or escape to a backwater island, this romantic trip is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved one. As one of the most serene and charming weekend getaways in K...

B-E-A-C-H!!! 🌊 Since my childhood, I’ve woken up to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of the sea. Having lived in Chennai for almost 25 years, I can randomly judge if the sea is rough or calm just by the sound. My house is only a few meters away from the sea, and a quick jump to my terrace gives me a clear view of the beautiful, serene waters every morning. For me, going to the beach is just a casual everyday activity, not a beach vacation. Whenever guests visit, a trip to the beach is inevitable, accompanied by homemade sweets and savories. What do we take to the beach? Honestly, I’ve never given it much thought! A casual visit means packing only the essentials—a can of fresh water, a napkin, a blanket, some beach toys, and snacks. I can visit the beach every morning, evening, and even at night! The fresh morning rays, soothing waves, soft sand, and cool evening breeze are nothing short of relaxing. Is a Beach Vacation Your Dream? Do you dream of spending your holida...