...

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established as the capital of the mighty Chola Empire by Rajendra Chola I after his victorious expedition to the River Ganges. The temple, built around 1035 AD, is a masterpiece of medieval Indian architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shi va, the temple is often called the "female" counterpart to the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur because of its softer, curving tower lines. The temple stands as a symbol of the Cholas' naval and military supremacy. It is surrounded by lush green lawns maintained by the ASI, providing a serene environment for history buffs and devotees alike. Despite the city being in ruins, the temple remains largely intact, showcasing the artistic brilliance of ancient Tamil sculptors. It is a place where history speaks through stones, depicting the life, battles, and spiritual devotion of a dynasty that ruled most of Southeast Asia.

General information

  • ...

    Ideal Duration:

    2 to 3 Hours
  • ...

    Place Type:

    Heritage & Historical
  • ...

    Entry Fees:

    Free Entry: No ticket for the main temple.

    Parking: Minimal parking fee for cars and buses at the entrance. ...
    Free Entry: No ticket for the main temple.

    Parking: Minimal parking fee for cars and buses at the entrance.
  • ...

    Timing:

    Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon at 4:30 PM. ...
    Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon at 4:30 PM.
  • ...

    Special Events:

    Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated in February or March with thousands of oil lamps lighting the temple. ...
    Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated in February or March with thousands of oil lamps lighting the temple.
  • ...

    Best Photo Spots:

    Nandi Statue: The giant bull facing the sanctum.

    Temple Niche: The sculpture of Saraswathi which is considered a pinnacle of art. ...
    Nandi Statue: The giant bull facing the sanctum.

    Temple Niche: The sculpture of Saraswathi which is considered a pinnacle of art.

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    History Walk: Walk around the temple to see the Chandesura Anugraha Murthy sculpture.

    Photography: Capture the massive Vimana against the blue sky.

    Archaeological Study: Visit the ruins of the royal palace nearby.

    Picnic: Relax on the well-maintained lawns.

    Worship: Attend the evening Aarthi at the main sanctum.

    Educational Tour: Learn about the Chola irrigation system from the nearby Chola Gangam lake.

    Museum Visit: Explore the small ASI museum nearby. ...
    History Walk: Walk around the temple to see the Chandesura Anugraha Murthy sculpture.

    Photography: Capture the massive Vimana against the blue sky.

    Archaeological Study: Visit the ruins of the royal palace nearby.

    Picnic: Relax on the well-maintained lawns.

    Worship: Attend the evening Aarthi at the main sanctum.

    Educational Tour: Learn about the Chola irrigation system from the nearby Chola Gangam lake.

    Museum Visit: Explore the small ASI museum nearby.

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...

    Why Famous:

    Sub Place Why Famous:

    Victory Monument: Built to celebrate the conquest of the Ganges region.

    UNESCO Site: Recognized globally for its exceptional Chola-era architectural value. ...
    Sub Place Why Famous:

    Victory Monument: Built to celebrate the conquest of the Ganges region.

    UNESCO Site: Recognized globally for its exceptional Chola-era architectural value.
  • ...

    Architecture:

    The Vimana: The temple tower stands at 180 feet tall, featuring a unique concave curve that distinguishes it from the Thanjavur temple.

    Dimensions: The temple courtyard measures 560 feet by 320 feet.

    Sculptural...
    The Vimana: The temple tower stands at 180 feet tall, featuring a unique concave curve that distinguishes it from the Thanjavur temple.

    Dimensions: The temple courtyard measures 560 feet by 320 feet.

    Sculptural Details: It houses a massive 13-foot Shiva Lingam and a monolithic Nandi bull made of a special stone that regulates temperature.
  • ...

    How To Reach:

    By Air: Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport (110 KMs).

    By Train: Kumbakonam or Chidambaram stations are nearest.

    By Road: Well-connected by bus from Chidambaram.

    Local Trans...
    By Air: Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport (110 KMs).

    By Train: Kumbakonam or Chidambaram stations are nearest.

    By Road: Well-connected by bus from Chidambaram.

    Local Transport: Hiring a private taxi is the best way for a round trip.
  • ...

    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Post-Monsoon: October to March is best for photography and sightseeing.

    Morning Glory: Visit before 10 AM to avoid the heat on the stone floors. ...
    Post-Monsoon: October to March is best for photography and sightseeing.

    Morning Glory: Visit before 10 AM to avoid the heat on the stone floors.
  • ...

    Near Tourist Places:

    Chidambaram (45 KMs), Kumbakonam (35 KMs), Darasuram (40 KMs), Jayankondam (8 KMs), Vaitheeswaran Koil (40 KMs), Thanjavur (75 KMs), Lower Anaicut (15 KMs), Srimushnam (30 KMs), Mayiladuthurai (45 KMs), Poompuhar (65 KMs).

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Health & Safety: Wear socks to walk on the hot stone floors.

    Packing: Carry a camera and binoculars.

    Accommodation: Limited options locally; stay in Kumbakonam or Chidambaram.

    ...
    Health & Safety: Wear socks to walk on the hot stone floors.

    Packing: Carry a camera and binoculars.

    Accommodation: Limited options locally; stay in Kumbakonam or Chidambaram.

    Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi; BSNL/Airtel networks work best here.

Reviews

FAQs

Chidambaram Itineray And Cost:-

Information about New and Updated Locations() of Tamil Nadu Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

Near Places
...
Annamalai University

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Bhuvanagiri Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Chathapurinathar Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Government Museum, Chidambaram

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Pichavaram Backwaters

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Poompuhar Beach / Town

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Silver Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Sivakamiamman Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Tharangambadi

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Thillai Nataraja Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Tirunallurpperumanam Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Tiruvetkalam Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities