Great Living Chola Temples in One Day Tour from Trichy with Lunch
Experience the grandeur of Tamil Nadu’s Chola dynasty through a captivating one-day tour from Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) to the UNESCO World Heritage "Great Living Chola Temples". This tour takes you on a cultural and historical journey to explore the architectural brilliance of the Cholas, visiting the majestic temples of Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram all in a single day.
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Chola Temples Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Great Living Chola Temples in One Day Tour from Trichy with Lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, located in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the three UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Built by Rajendra Chola I in the early 11th century (around 1035 CE), this temple was constructed to commemorate his victorious expedition up to the Ganges River in North India—hence the name “Gangaikonda Cholapuram” which means "The city of the Chola who brought the Ganga." Highlights The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswarar), like its counterpart in Thanjavur. The vimana (temple tower) stands about 182 feet tall, slightly shorter but more ornate than the one in Thanjavur. The Shiva Lingam here is among the largest in South India, measuring over 13 feet in height. Exquisite sculptures adorn the temple walls, showcasing scenes from Hindu mythology, celestial beings, and intricate floral designs.
Airavatesvara Temple
The Airavatesvara Temple, located in Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is one 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 gem known for its intricate stone carvings, musical steps, and unique temple layout. Though 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 stands out for its chariot-shaped sanctum (vimana), with beautifully carved wheels and horses sculpted in stone. Intricate carvings depict scenes from Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Shakta traditions, showcasing Chola mastery over mythological storytelling in stone. The temple features the “musical steps”, which produce different musical notes when tapped gently—an engineering marvel from the 12th century.
Brihadeeswara Temple
The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most iconic and celebrated temples in India. Also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the Big Temple, it was built by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the year 1010 CE. This architectural marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crown jewel of Dravidian temple architecture. Highlights The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is 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, built 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.
Inclusions
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Toll Charges
- Lunch at local restaurant (beverage excluded)
- Guide
- Parking Charges
- Local English speaking guide
- Face Mask
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Breakfast
- Personal Expense
- Tips
- Donation
- 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
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Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 120 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Trichy Airport, Railway Station, Bus Stand, And Hotel & Home
