Magnificent Temples in South India

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important
temple in South India—the Meenakshi temple. If you only see one South
Indian temple, this temple should be it. The temple complex covers 15 acres,
and has 4,500 pillars and 12 towers -- it's massive! Most astonishing of all is
its many sculptures. The 12-day Chithirai Festival, featuring a reenacted
celestial wedding of the temple's god and goddess, is held in Madurai during
April each year. Read more about the Meenakshi temple and how to visit
it and discover the top things to do in Madurai.

Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur emerged as the stronghold of Tamil culture in the 11th century,

with Chola king Raja Raja I at the helm. The powerful Cholas built more than
70 temples in Thanjavur, with the most outstanding one being the
Brihadeswara temple (known as the Big Temple). This temple is one of three
Great Living Chola Temples listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It turned
1,000 years old in 2010, also making it among the oldest temples dedicated to
Lord Shiva in India.

Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu

Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Kumbakonam, about an hour

northeast of Thanjavur. The royal temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was
built not long after Thanjavur's Big Temple in the 11th century, when Rajendra
Chola I relocated the Chola capital there in celebration of victory. Its design is
similar to the Big Temple but on a lesser scale, and it features an enormous
stone Nandi (bull). Just west of Kumbakonam, at Darasuram, the 12th century
Airavatesvara temple is special for its art and exquisite intricate stone
carvings.

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Popularly known as a "City of a Thousand Temples", Kanchipuram is not just

famous for its distinctive silk saris. Located around two hours southwest
of Chennai, on the main road to Bangalore, it was once the capital of the
Pallava dynasty.