Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thanjavur Overview

The magnificence of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram along with Brihadishwara temple will enchant you and thrill you with its history and engineering. A place which is a testimony to the architectural and engineering genius of the region and the pride of one of the greatest empires of India - Chola Empire, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a place worth exploring.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the capital city of the Chola Empire for more than two centuries. This place of great historical relevance marked the beginning of one of the greatest reign in Southern Indian history. Today the great historical city is nothing but a small village with the Lord Siva temple as the symbol of the grandeur of its once glorious path. Compared many times to Thanjavur, another great Chola city, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a great place to explore and unfold its heritage, grandeur and elaborate marvels and tales, safely tucked in history.

History of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram

The town was built by the Chola King Rajendra in order to commemorate his victory over the Pala Dynasty. He along with his son King Rajendra I envisaged of building a city with great architectural marvels, lavish fields and great pride. It was the centre of Chola Empire's reign over much of south-east Asia.

Best Time To Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram

The best time to visit is from November till January as the weather is very pleasant for outdoor sightseeing, with very low humidity.

Shopping at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Shop for hand-made local jewelry and the famous sarees and handlooms of Trichy at China Kadai Street in Trichy.

Local Experiences at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Being here you can experience the rich history of the Dravidian culture as well as the rural lifestyle of Tamil Nadu.

Food at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Makali Kinzaghu is a speciality of the city which is found only in the month of December. One can find a lot of restaurants serving authentic Tamil food in Trichy. Banana Leaf and Vasanta Bhavan are some of the notable restaurants.

Sample Itinerary For Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Take a half day trip from Trichy to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Do not miss the Brihadishwara Temple here.

Tips For Visiting Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Carry water bottle, packed lunch as not many shops and restaurants are available there. Also wear light clothes.

History of Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Take a half day trip from Trichy to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Do not miss the Brihadishwara Temple here.

Architecture of Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Carry water bottle, packed lunch as not many shops and restaurants are available there. Also wear light clothes.

How to reach Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Air: Nearest airport is at Neyveli which is 43 km from Gangaikonda Cholapuram. And is well connected by buses and taxi.
Rail: Nearest rail head is the Kutralam Railway Junction which is 19 km from the village. One can hail an auto or cab from the railway station till the village.
Road: Gangaikonda Cholapuram lies on NH 227 from Chidambaram till Trichy and is well connected to other parts of the state by buses and roads.