London Skyline

Skyline of London's main commercial and financial centre. The missile looking building, referred as "The Gherkin" by local media is Swiss Re Insurance tower and it has deservedly won so many architectural awards.

 

Darasuram, Kumbakonam

The Airavatheshwara temple in Darasuram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam on the way to Thanjavur, is probably the finest temple in this region architecturally. It is well known for the aesthetic sculptures and carvings on the temple walls and gopurams, a la Belur/Halebeid. An ASI temple, which is (not was) well maintained with a nice green lawn and thankfully, it is also the least crowded. We were the only people when we went although a few more came as were enjoying the sculptures. The sore point was, the road to the temple being used as a public convenience by people nearby and was a disgrace.