Great Living Chola Temples Around Thanjavur

4.67

4.7(3 reviews)

Private Tour

7 hours

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 6 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

The Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site designation refers to three temples in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram. Built between the 11th and 12th century A.D., these temples are fine examples of architecture from the Chola dynasty. Visit these 3 temples on a day excursion from Thanjavur.

Highlights:

• Brihadisvara Temple - Thanjavur

• Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram

• Airavatesvara Temple - Darasuram

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

There is a dress code for entering temples. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not permitted. Footwear must be removed outside the temple.

Temple opening hours are from 06:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

What To Expect

Brihadeeswara Temple

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. It is one of the largest temples of South India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple has a massive tower and its walls bear inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures relating to Lord Shiva.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Next drive to the town of Gangaikonda Cholapuram that is situated at a distance of around 45 miles from Thanjavur. This was the capital of the Chola dynasty for over 250 years. The temple here is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its famous bronze sculptures. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

1- 8 Traveler

Pickup included

What‘s Included

Transport by private air conditioned vehicle

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Local English speaking guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Meeting points

Thanjavur

Thanjavur India

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.67

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nice place
Shraddhp,Feb 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing place . Must visit. Me and my husband visited there last week . Very nice place. Great place in thanjavur
Good private tour of the Big Temple and palace despite a few hiccups
saramatik,Dec 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We had arranged for a private tour through of the Big Temple and palace in Thanjavur through 5 senses. We were already visiting the area and had our own car and driver. The original guide didn’t not show up as scheduled at 8 am. 5 Senses responded immediately and when they couldn’t reach the guide either offered to refund the money or reschedule with another guide for the evening. Luckily our schedule was flexible and they were able to arrange for another guide at 4pm. Ramkumar gave a good tour despite 2 people on our party having to leave early due to not feeling well. Not only that he was kind enough to enquire after my daughter’s health the next day. The evening was a less optimal time to see the temple because of the crowds (festival season and school holiday). We didn’t even attempt to go inside the sanctum because too the lines. We walked around the outside. He made an arrangement for us to go back in the early morning the next day when it would be less busy. The morning visit was more peaceful and we had a good darshan too. The Saraswati Mahal had a beautiful collection but was marred by disrepair of the museum grounds and rooms. It’s sad to see couch treasures maintained so poorly.
Very interesting, great tour guide
Kenneth H,Dec 27, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00
Comprehensive and interesting tour of major temples. A long day but very worthwhile. Tour guide Tamila was fantastic - helpful and very knowledgeable.

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US$146.00

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Related Experiences

Operated by SITA World Tours

Great Living Chola Temples Around Thanjavur

4.67

4.7(3 reviews)

Private Tour

7 hours

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 6 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Highlights:

• Brihadisvara Temple - Thanjavur

• Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram

• Airavatesvara Temple - Darasuram

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

There is a dress code for entering temples. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not permitted. Footwear must be removed outside the temple.

Temple opening hours are from 06:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

What To Expect

Brihadeeswara Temple

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

1- 8 Traveler

Pickup included

What‘s Included

Transport by private air conditioned vehicle

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Local English speaking guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Meeting points

Thanjavur

Thanjavur India

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.67

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nice place
Shraddhp,Feb 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing place . Must visit. Me and my husband visited there last week . Very nice place. Great place in thanjavur
Good private tour of the Big Temple and palace despite a few hiccups
saramatik,Dec 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We had arranged for a private tour through of the Big Temple and palace in Thanjavur through 5 senses. We were already visiting the area and had our own car and driver. The original guide didn’t not show up as scheduled at 8 am. 5 Senses responded immediately and when they couldn’t reach the guide either offered to refund the money or reschedule with another guide for the evening. Luckily our schedule was flexible and they were able to arrange for another guide at 4pm. Ramkumar gave a good tour despite 2 people on our party having to leave early due to not feeling well. Not only that he was kind enough to enquire after my daughter’s health the next day. The evening was a less optimal time to see the temple because of the crowds (festival season and school holiday). We didn’t even attempt to go inside the sanctum because too the lines. We walked around the outside. He made an arrangement for us to go back in the early morning the next day when it would be less busy. The morning visit was more peaceful and we had a good darshan too. The Saraswati Mahal had a beautiful collection but was marred by disrepair of the museum grounds and rooms. It’s sad to see couch treasures maintained so poorly.
Very interesting, great tour guide
Kenneth H,Dec 27, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00
Comprehensive and interesting tour of major temples. A long day but very worthwhile. Tour guide Tamila was fantastic - helpful and very knowledgeable.