The Great Living Chola Temples

The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which
stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three
great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the
Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at
Darasuram. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in
architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting.

The monuments are being maintained and monitored by the Archaeological Survey
of India. All three monuments have been in a good state of preservation from the
date of their inscription.

The Great Living Chola Temples are:

1. The Brihadesvara Temple (Thanjavur)

Brihadisvara Temple was built between 1003 and 1010 AD by Raja Raja
Chola I. It is one of the largest temples in South India located 350km
southwest of Chennai. The place is well connected by bus and train facility.

2. Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Brihadisvara Temple)

Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Brihadisvara Temple) is located 280km away from
Chennai. The magnificent temple was constructed by Rajendra Chola I in
1035 AD. It served as the capital city for a span of 250 years.
3. Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram)
Airavatesvara Temple is located in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu. It was built by
Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. There are 212 feet Vimana, a Lingam, a
colossal Goddess Periyanayagi statue and a massive Nandhi. A number of
sculptures from this temple are among the masterpieces of Chola art. The
construction of a separate temple for Devi, slightly later than the main temple,
indicates the emergence of Amman as an essential component of the
complex.
Best time to visit Chola Temples

The best time to visit Chola Temples is in the winter months between November and
February. These temples are spread out across Tamil Nadu and it takes a few days
to travel from one temple to another. The rainfall is relatively low and the
temperatures pleasant for domestic as well as international travelers.

Places to visit around The Great Living Chola Temple

Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu located within driving distance
from these temples. This hill station is known for the famous Kodaikanal Lake,
beautiful waterfalls like Silver Cascade, and the splendid natural beauty of the trees,
flowers, gardens, and parks of the region.

Marina Beach Chennai

When it comes to places to visit in Tamil Nadu, Marina Beach in Chennai is a must-
visit for tourists. It is one of the largest urban beaches in the world and is known for
its pristine beachside experience, spacious promenades, beachside seafood
restaurants, and its stunning sunsets.

Ooty
In the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the famous Ooty hill station is known for its
scenic views. This is a quintessential tourist destination near the Chola Temples
popular with tourists. Some of the attractions include the Government Rose Garden,
the famous Doddabetta Peak, lakes, waterfalls, and even churches.

Meenakshi Temple Madurai

The Shri Meenakshi Temple is one of the most famous temples in southern India
located in Madurai. This is a large temple complex built by the Pandya Dynasty in
Madurai and is known for the art, paintings, and architecture of the temple complex.