Religious site
Great Living Chola Temples
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The Great Living Chola Temples comprise Brihadisvara at Thanjavur, Brihadisvara at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, these living temples are still used for worship. Visitors explore exquisite stone carvings, bronze sculptures, and inscriptions that chronicle Chola history. The sites offer a journey through medieval South Indian temple architecture and religious life.
Don't miss
- Brihadisvara Temple's towering vimana at Thanjavur
- The intricately carved chariot-shaped Airavatesvara Temple
- The bronze Nataraja statues and Chola inscriptions
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Great Living Chola Temples
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGrand Palace & Temples of Bangkok with experienced guide4.8★ · 1,261 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$21 per personSee dates →
Best full dayChiang Rai White Temple, Blue Temple and more from Chiang Mai4.6★ · 694 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$33 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleExplore Colombo Heritage and Cultural Temples Tour by Tuk Tuk5★ · 51 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →More attractions in Thanjavur
