Chola trail to the Golden Triangle of South India from Chennai

Day 1 · Big temple of Tanjore

1. 1

   Brihadeeswara Temple

   2 hours Admission included

   We visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple. It is one of the greatest architectural creations in India. Popularly called as Thanjavur Big Temple it is a sculptor’s dream, a historian’s mine, a dancer’s vision and a sociologist’s scoop! The Thanjavur Big temple, which celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2010, remains the finest specimen of architecture, sculpture, bronze casting and painting.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   2 hours Admission included

   uilt during the Nayak rule the Grand Palace of Tanjore was repaired during the rule of the Marathas. Walk through the queen’s courtyard and witness divine scenes painted on the walls of the Durbar Hall. Also, search for the underground passage in this palace. There is also the Royal Museum, a gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library stationed within the palace complex.

Hotel Gnanam or equivalent in Tanjore

Day 2 · Gangaikonda Cholapuram & Darasuram

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours Admission included

   Darasuram is home to Airavateswar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Temple was built by Chola King Raja Raja II in the 12th century AD. This shiva temple at Darasuram near Kumbakonam is a UNESCO world heritage site and a treasure trove of Art, Carvings and Architecture. The temple gets its name after Airavat the white elephant of Lord Indra who came here to worship.

2. 2

   Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

   2 hours Admission included

   Gangaikondacholapuram is a city built in 1025 by Rajendra Chola, son of the famous Chola emperor Raja Raja. It was meant to commemorate his victory over the Pala Empire across the Ganges. Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the capital of the mighty Chola Empire for 250 years and is most famous for its Shiva Temple. The other highlights of this lost city of Cholas are The Royal Palace made of burnt brick, a Giant Nandi and a magnificent Lion figure next to the Well where the King poured the Ganges water brought from his conquests.