Great Living Chola Temples
Good to know
- Best time to go
- November–March
- Budget
- $
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
Three temples distil the golden age of the Chola Empire, which once ruled all of south India: the Brihadisvara at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara at Gangaikondacholisvaram — completed under Rajendra I in 1035, its 53-metre sanctum tower curving gracefully upward — and the Airavatesvara at Darasuram, built by Rajaraja II with its 24-metre vimana. Together they showcase Chola mastery of architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. UNESCO inscribed the Great Living Chola Temples in 1987.
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