8-Hour Airavatesvara Temple Tour from Thanjavur with UNESCO Heritage
About This Tour
Explore the majestic Airavatesvara Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu, on a beautiful car ride from Thanjavur. Admire the lif...
Duration: 8 Hours · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Darasuram · Languages: English
About Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam
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What's Included
- Professional guide
- Transport included
Not Included
- Tip to the guide
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Marvel at the Sacred Airavatesvara Temple Complex
Visit the Airavatesvara Temple on a beautiful car ride from Thanjavur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prime example of Dravidian architecture, located in the town of Darasuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. Rajaraja Chola built this temple in the 12th century. Get to know the life-like sculptures, marvelous architecture, and intricate carvings of the Chola reign. You will start from the statue of Nandi, a gatekeeper of Lord Shiva, and proceed towards the musical stairs that produce musical notes when you throw stones at them. Fascinating, isn't it? The guide will then introduce you to Maharayari, the multiple animal-faced protectors of the temple. Heading inside the temple, you will see the beautiful Ardhnarishwara deity in a unique form called Ardhnarisurya that you will not find anywhere else. Inside the main temple, the guide will help you examine the various pillars of different sizes, each with a unique story of its own. This site also houses the most beautiful intact statue of Lord Ganga, smiling from every angle, a unique sight you will get to admire up close. Finally, the guide will take you to see Airavatesvara, the white elephant who worships Lord Shiva, and other surreal statues dedicated to Lord Shiva with his two sons standing on guard.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Hotel Pickup · Tour start: Gurunathan Pillai Colony, Dharasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612702, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
