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.

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.

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.

The Thanjavur Royal Palace, also known as the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, is a fascinating historical complex located just a short distance from the famous 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.