• Gangaikonda Cholapuram - You will be picked up from your hotel in central Thanjavur at 7:30 A.M. and driven to Kumbakonam for a full day of touring. The drive takes about one hour.

Upon arrival, meet your local English Speaking Guide.

The city of Kumbakonam rose to prominence between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Rule, when it was a prominent center of European education and Hindu culture. It acquired the cultural name, the “Cambridge of South India”.

Starting from the Mahamaham Tank you proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple outside the city.  Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected to outshine the Brahadisvara temple in Thanjavur built in the 11th century. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in South-India.

Take a break for lunch in a Local Restaurant. ( Lunch at own expense ).

• Dharasuram - Post lunch, proceed to the bronze Manufacturing Unit Rajan Industries and view the casting of Bronze Statues. Following visit Iravatheeswarar Temple, a UNESCO Monument at Darasuram. Finally visit a  Silk Weaving Center. See the demonstration of silk weaving and admire the silk materials and goods, which can be purchased.

After conclusion of your visit your driver will take you back to your  hotel within the Thanjavur city center.

• Expert guidance from an English-speaking local guide
• Comfortable travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Refreshments provided with 2 bottles of mineral water per person
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Thanjavur city center

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

Your drive from Thanjavur to Kumbakonam takes about one hour. Kumbakonam has a population of about 145,000 with a strong Hindu majority but it also has a sizeable Muslim and Christian populations. It is known as a ‘temple town’, which makes the visit interesting. You will spend a full day touring the city and its surroundings.

Highlights:

• Mahamaham Tank
• Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
• Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram
• Bronze Manufactures Unit
• Silk Weaving Center

• A small amount of walking is involved.
• Dress Code: must cover shoulders, chest, navel, upper arms
• Dress Code: pants or skirt below knee-length
• Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved please wear comfortable shoes
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
• Temple Opens from 06:00 A.M. till 12:30 P.M. and evening 4:00 P.M till 08:30 P.M.

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