Thanjavur · India

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

UNESCO World Heritage Chola temple built by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century to rival the Big Temple about 70 km from Thanjavur.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established as the Chola capital by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century after his northern campaigns that reached the Ganges, and the temple here was intended to rival his father's Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three Great Living Chola Temples. The 55-metre vimana, exquisite lion sculptures, and a massive Nandi are its highlights. The site is now a quiet rural village, making visits here markedly more peaceful than the Big Temple. It lies about 70 km from Thanjavur.

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