Following the Cholas: a temple trail through Tamil Nadu

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

The Chola dynasty ruled much of South India for centuries and built some of the most extraordinary temples in the world. A trail through their heartland around Thanjavur and Kumbakonam is a journey through art, faith and engineering.

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Completed in 1010 under Rajaraja Chola I, the "Big Temple" has a towering vimana of granite crowned by a huge capstone. Its walls carry inscriptions and its corridors have frescoes. Visit in the late afternoon, when the stone glows.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Built by Rajendra Chola I to celebrate his northern conquests, this temple echoes Thanjavur's design with graceful curves.

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Smaller but exquisitely carved, with chariot-shaped halls and detailed sculptures.

Kumbakonam's temples

Kumbakonam is a temple town with many shrines and the Mahamaham tank, where a great festival is held every twelve years.

The bronze tradition

The Cholas are famous for their bronze sculptures, especially Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam, still has families casting bronzes using the lost-wax method. The Government Museum in Chennai holds a superb collection.

Beyond the Cholas

Combine the trail with Madurai's Meenakshi Temple and the Pallava monuments of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram for a fuller picture of Tamil temple architecture.

Planning

• Three to four days is ideal for the Chola heartland.
• Base yourself in Thanjavur or Kumbakonam.
• Tiruchirappalli has the nearest airport.
• October to March is the most comfortable time.
• Follow temple dress codes. See Temple etiquette in South India: dress, rules and customs.

See our Cultural holidays page.