Golden triangle of Chola world heritage temples
GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF CHOLA TEMPLES
Private tour of 3 world heritage sites and Chola temples!
Great living Chola temples
Chola trail to the Golden Triangle of South India takes us a 1000 years back in time to explore 3 world heritage sites and capitals of the mighty Chola Empire. This is a journey of rediscovery of Cholas, the major maritime power controlling vast parts of South East Asia in the 10-12th centuries. We will relive the glory days of life under the Chola Empire at the world heritage sites of Brihadeswar Temple in Tanjore, Airateswar Temple in Darasuram and the temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Brihadeeswar temple
The famous Brihadeeswara Temple is our first destination in the Chola Trail to Golden Triangle of South India. Built a thousand years ago by “Ponnien Selvan” Raja Raja Chola, 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.
Tanjore Palace
Built 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.
Darasuram
Darasuram is home to Airavateswar Temple, our second destination in the Chola Trail to Golden Triangle of South India. 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 as per legends, came here to worship.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikondacholapuram was city built in 1025 by Rajendra Chola, son of “Ponnien Selvan” Raja Raja Chola. Rajendra was the greatest Imperial King in Indian history with the world’s most powerful Navy in the 11th century which was used to protect the Chola trade routes in South East Asia! The city 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.
Private Guided Tour
Chola tour is a fully guided tour led by a guide who will explain the unique nature of the Chola rule over South India, intricacies of the temple rituals, sculptures and rock cut architecture.
Strenghening local community
Our company is helping local communities in areas where we organize tours. We do this by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood. This is an attempt to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Pricing Chart
- 1 night stay in single occupancy in Tanjore with breakfast
- Travel by Innova (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- 1 night stay in single occupancy in Tanjore with breakfast
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- 1 night stay in single occupancy in Tanjore with breakfast
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
Trip Itinerary
2 days 1 night tour of Chola temples from Chennai
Related Tours
Choose from our comprehensive list of private guided tours from Chennai that bring alive the rich culture of Tamil Nadu.