Monument - Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.
Temple - India is ancient. The Sun Temple at Modhera was built almost 1000 years ago, and while no record exists of the life that teemed this complex it is easy to sit on the steps and imagine it all. I sat there wondering how to catch the soaring beauty of this place on camera when I saw birds circling the monument. I waited until they were in frame and here it is. The Soaring Sun Temple of Modhera.
