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Activity Madurai, India

Madurai to Thanjavur - Trichy & Gangaikonda Cholapuram Day Trip

5.0 (one review) 10–12 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Madurai to Thanjavur - Trichy & Gangaikonda Cholapuram Day Trip

About this activity

Tripgoindia Organized Embark on a captivating one-day heritage road trip from Madurai to Thanjavur, stopping at the culturally rich towns of Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. This route offers a deep dive into Tamil Nadu’s ancient temple architecture, royal history, and spiritual traditions — all in a single, unforgettable day.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours

At a glance

Duration
10–12 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–10
Audio guide
English
Guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
TRIPGO INDIA

Ages: Children (5–13 years) · Adults (14–60 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
  • Included: Round-trip private transfer
  • Included: Lunch
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Toll Charges
  • Included: Parking Fees
  • Included: Guide
  • Included: Face Mask
  • Included: Transport by private vehicle

Not included

  • Not included: Breakfast
  • Not included: Personal Expense
  • Not included: Cool Drinks
  • Not included: Tips
  • Not included: Donation

Itinerary

  1. Srirangam

    2 hours

    Srirangam is a sacred river island located near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu, India. It is home to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites and the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world.

    Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:

    Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha) reclining on the serpent Adisesha.

    Covers over 150 acres, with 21 towering gopurams and intricate Dravidian architecture.

    The Rajagopuram, at 72 meters, is the tallest temple tower in Asia.

    One of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vishnu devotees).

  2. Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

    one hour Admission included

    Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historic temple town located in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, built by the powerful Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century CE.

    Architectural Marvel:

    Often called the "Mini Tanjore", the temple mirrors the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur but with more intricate carvings and refined artistry.

    The Vimana (temple tower) rises to 182 feet, slightly shorter than Thanjavur’s but richly detailed with Chola-era sculptures.

  3. Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

    one hour Admission included

    The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, also known as Thanjavur Aranmanai, is a historic royal residence that once served as the seat of the Thanjavur Nayaks and later the Maratha rulers. Located near the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple, the palace complex is a treasure trove of South Indian art, culture, and royal heritage.

    Royal Palace Museum (Art Gallery):

    Features a stunning collection of Chola bronze statues, stone sculptures, and Maratha-era paintings.

    The Rajaraja Gallery displays exquisite 9th to 12th-century bronzes of Hindu deities, especially Nataraja (Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer).

  4. Brihadeeswara Temple

    2 hours Admission included

    The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of the most magnificent architectural achievements of ancient India. Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, it was built by Rajaraja Chola I in 1010 CE and stands as a timeless symbol of the Chola dynasty’s power, devotion, and engineering brilliance.

    UNESCO World Heritage Site:

    Part of the prestigious “Great Living Chola Temples” recognized for their outstanding universal value.

    Massive Vimana (Temple Tower):

    The temple’s towering vimana (sanctum tower) rises to about 216 feet (66 meters), making it one of the tallest of its kind.

    Remarkably, it is built entirely of granite, with a single 80-ton stone placed at the top capstone.

    Gigantic Nandi Statue:

    A monolithic Nandi (sacred bull), measuring about 6 meters long and 3.7 meters high, sits at the temple entrance.

    It is one of the largest Nandi statues in India, carved from a single rock.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Hotel RJ Madurai
  • Civil Airport
  • Hotel Venkateswaraa Madurai
  • Le Grace Residency
  • CR Rivera
  • Hotel Palace Madurai Tamil Nadu
  • Madura Grandeur
  • Hotel Tamilnadu Pandiyan Madurai
  • Hotel O Madurai Near Bus Stand
  • Madurai Airport
  • Zions Home Stay

and 213 more pickup points

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · one review
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Madurai to Thanjavur - Trichy & Gangaikonda Cholapuram Day Trip

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