• Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Situated in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a remarkable example of Chola architecture and one of the three UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples. Constructed by Rajendra Chola I in the early 11th century (circa 1035 CE), the temple was built to celebrate his triumphant campaign to the Ganges River in North India, hence the name “Gangaikonda Cholapuram,” meaning “The city of the Chola who brought the Ganga.”

Highlights

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswarar), similar to its counterpart in Thanjavur.

The vimana (temple tower) reaches approximately 182 feet in height, slightly shorter but more elaborately decorated than the one in Thanjavur.

The Shiva Lingam here is one of the largest in South India, standing over 13 feet tall.

The temple walls are adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, celestial beings, and intricate floral designs.

• Airavatesvara Temple - Located in Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, the Airavatesvara Temple is another of the three UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Great Living Chola Temples. Built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II, this temple is an architectural masterpiece known for its detailed stone carvings, musical steps, and unique layout. Although smaller than the temples in Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, it is perhaps the most artistically refined.

Highlights

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Airavatesvara (Lord of Airavata, the celestial white elephant).

The temple is distinguished by its chariot-shaped sanctum (vimana), with intricately carved wheels and horses sculpted in stone.

Detailed carvings illustrate scenes from Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Shakta traditions, showcasing the Chola’s expertise in mythological storytelling through stone.

The temple features “musical steps,” which produce different musical notes when gently tapped—an engineering marvel from the 12th century.

• Brihadeeswara Temple - The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s most iconic and celebrated temples. Also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the Big Temple, it was constructed by the illustrious Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE. This architectural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pinnacle of Dravidian temple architecture.

Highlights

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Brihadeeswara (The Great Lord).

The towering vimana (temple tower) rises to a height of 216 feet (66 meters) and is one of the tallest in India, constructed entirely of granite.

The massive Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is over 8 feet tall.

A 13-foot tall monolithic Nandi (bull), carved from a single stone, sits at the entrance, facing the sanctum.

Notably, the vimana’s capstone weighs around 80 tons, and legends suggest it was placed using an inclined ramp several kilometers long.

• Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery - The Thanjavur Royal Palace, also known as the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, is a captivating historical complex located just a short distance from the renowned Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Once the official residence of the Thanjavur Nayaks and later the Maratha rulers, the palace is a blend of Dravidian, Nayak, and Maratha architectural styles. Today, it houses several museums and galleries that offer a deep dive into the region’s royal legacy, culture, and art.

Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery
Home to an exquisite collection of Chola bronze idols, stone sculptures, and ancient artifacts.

The bronze statues of Nataraja, Parvati, and other deities are among the finest examples of South Indian metallurgy and craftsmanship.

A must-visit for art lovers and historians.

Saraswathi Mahal Library
One of the oldest libraries in Asia, with a priceless collection of manuscripts in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Marathi.

Includes palm-leaf manuscripts, ancient maps, and early prints.

• 2 bottles of mineral water per person
• Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Lunch at local restaurant (beverage excluded)
• Local English speaking guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Breakfast
• Personal Expense
• Tips
• Donation

Discover the magnificence of Tamil Nadu’s Chola dynasty with an enchanting one-day tour from Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) to the UNESCO World Heritage “Great Living Chola Temples”. This tour offers a cultural and historical exploration of the Cholas’ architectural genius, visiting the splendid temples of Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram, all within a day.

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