What to expect
Highlights
- The imposing vimana, a deliberate counterpart to the Thanjavur Big Temple.
- The large Nandi and the lion-mouth well in the courtyard.
- Refined Chola bronze-age sculpture on the walls.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is the great temple raised by Rajendra Chola I around 1035 CE to mark his campaign to the Ganges — the name means “the town of the Chola who conquered the Ganga.” It is a UNESCO Great Living Chola Temple, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Practical guide
Plan Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Typetemple
Nearest baseKumbakonam
Best timeOctober to March
Time needed45 minutes to an hour
EntryGenerally free at this ASI-maintained active temple; some sources cite a small fee (indicative — confirm on site).
Nearest town/baseKumbakonam
DistrictThanjavur
Place typetemple
Time needed45 minutes to an hour.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is the great temple raised by Rajendra Chola I around 1035 CE to mark his campaign to the Ganges — the name means “the town of the Chola who conquered the Ganga.” It is a UNESCO Great Living Chola Temple, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
It lies in Ariyalur district, on the Chola circuit north-east of Kumbakonam, and is best paired with Darasuram as a longer delta day trip.
Visiting
Gangaikonda Cholapuram — at a glance
TimingsRoughly 5:30 AM–12:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM (indicative — confirm on site).
Best timeOctober–March
Entry: Generally free at this ASI-maintained active temple; some sources cite a small fee (indicative — confirm on site).
Getting here
How to reach Gangaikonda Cholapuram
In Ariyalur district on the Chola circuit, ~35 km north of Kumbakonam and ~70 km from Thanjavur. Nearest railway: Kumbakonam or Ariyalur. Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli (TRZ).
A UNESCO Great Living Chola Temple raised by Rajendra Chola I to mark his Ganges campaign; maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Getting there
How to visit
- Reach it by road from Kumbakonam or Thanjavur; it is furthest of the three Chola temples from the delta city.
- Pair it with Airavatesvara at Darasuram for a full Chola-temple day.
- It is an active, ASI-maintained temple — dress modestly and remove footwear.
Distance by road
- Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)58 km
- Madurai190 km
- Puducherry170 km
- Coimbatore215 km
- Chennai350 km
Road km to Thanjavur; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March.
Weather in Gangaikonda CholapuramSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- The site is quieter than Thanjavur — carry water, as facilities are limited.
Safety
Good to know
- Confirm the current opening sessions, which include a long midday break.
On the map
Where Gangaikonda Cholapuram is
Photos
Gangaikonda Cholapuram in pictures
Stay · eat · do · rent · see · shop
Stays, food & things to do near Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Verified hotels, homestays, restaurants, experiences, sights, shops and rentals around Gangaikonda Cholapuram — commission-free, with direct contact. Filter by what you need.
V
Vishnupriya Jewellery
Shop
Top pick
Jewelry
Vishnupriya Jewelleryshop option in Kochi: Vishnupriya Jewellery is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Vishnupriya Jewellery as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 9a Saranagapani, kovil, East St, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 8,186 local reviews.
S
Srinivas Jewellery
Shop
Top pick
Jewelry
Srinivas Jewelleryshop option in Kochi: Srinivas Jewellery is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Srinivas Jewellery as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 106, 107, Sarangapani East Street, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 7,113 local reviews.
V
VASANTHPRIYA THANGAMALIGAI
Shop
Jewelry
VASANTHPRIYA THANGAMALIGAIshop option in Kochi: VASANTHPRIYA THANGAMALIGAI is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use VASANTHPRIYA THANGAMALIGAI as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 104, Sarangapani East Street, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 4,356 local reviews.
T
Thangamayil Jewellery Kumbakonam
Shop
Top pick
Jewelry
Thangamayil Jewellery Kumbakonamshop option in Kochi: Thangamayil Jewellery Kumbakonam is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Thangamayil Jewellery Kumbakonam as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: NO.9A/92, Utchipillaiyar Koil Street, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 2,873 local reviews.
T
Tanishq Jewellery - Kumbakonam
Shop
Jewelry
Tanishq Jewellery - Kumbakonamshop option in Kochi: Tanishq Jewellery - Kumbakonam is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Tanishq Jewellery - Kumbakonam as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 63, Nageswaran N St, opposite Metro Bazar, Gandhi Adigal Salai, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 1,658 local reviews.
C
CITY TRACK CALL TAXI
Things to do
Top pick
Taxi & car rental
CITY TRACK CALL TAXIdo option in Kochi: CITY TRACK CALL TAXI is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use CITY TRACK CALL TAXI as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 107, Mothilal St, Bairagi Thoppu, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 622 local reviews.
J
Joyalukkas Jewellery - Kumbakonam, Chennai
Shop
Jewelry
Joyalukkas Jewellery - Kumbakonam, Chennaishop option in Kochi: Joyalukkas Jewellery - Kumbakonam, Chennai is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Joyalukkas Jewellery - Kumbakonam, Chennai as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 3, Nageswaran N St, Anna Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.8 from 3,042 local reviews.
M
Malabar Gold and Diamonds - Kumbakonam
Shop
Jewelry
Malabar Gold and Diamonds - Kumbakonamshop option in Kochi: Malabar Gold and Diamonds - Kumbakonam is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Malabar Gold and Diamonds - Kumbakonam as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: No.58 / 256 - 2, Ground, First And Second Floor, Nageswaran N St, Gandhi Adigal Salai, Anna Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.8 from 2,833 local reviews.
S
Shivam Silk Center
Shop
Top pick
Clothes
Shivam Silk Centershop option in Kochi: Shivam Silk Center is a Clothes option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Shivam Silk Center as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: No:13, Ramasamy Kovil, Sannathi St, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 442 local reviews.
K
KJT Cabs Tours and Travels Services | Navagraha Temple Tour Operator
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
KJT Cabs Tours and Travels Services | Navagraha Temple Tour Operatordo option in Kochi: KJT Cabs Tours and Travels Services | Navagraha Temple Tour Operator is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use KJT Cabs Tours and Travels Services | Navagraha Temple Tour Operator as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: BSNL Office, No:10, Mothilal St, near Railway station, John Selvaraj Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 1,046 local reviews.
M
Mia by Tanishq - Kumbakonam
Shop
Jewelry
Mia by Tanishq - Kumbakonamshop option in Kochi: Mia by Tanishq - Kumbakonam is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Mia by Tanishq - Kumbakonam as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: No. 101, Halima Towers, Nageswaran N St, near Girias Store, Gandhi Adigal Salai, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 415 local reviews.
G
GRT Jewellers - Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam
Shop
Jewelry
GRT Jewellers - Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonamshop option in Kochi: GRT Jewellers - Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam is a Jewelry option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use GRT Jewellers - Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: No. 14 & 15, Thanjavur Main Road, Pillayar Kovil St, near Uchi, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.7 from 6,454 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam Sri Vinayaga Travels
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
Kumbakonam Sri Vinayaga Travelsdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam Sri Vinayaga Travels is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam Sri Vinayaga Travels as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: NBS TOWER, 195, John Selvaraj Nagar Rd, John Selvaraj Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 390 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam Travels
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
Kumbakonam Travelsdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam Travels is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam Travels as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 51/22, Kamatchi Joshiyer Street, Karna Kollai Agraharam, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 924 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam Taxi and cabs
Things to do
Tour operator
Kumbakonam Taxi and cabsdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam Taxi and cabs is a Tour operator option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam Taxi and cabs as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: No.14, Sethuram Nagar, Perumandi, Tamil Nadu 612002, India · Rated 4.9 from 902 local reviews.
W
Weavers Home - Handwoven Pure Silk Sarees | By Sekar KK
Shop
Clothes
Weavers Home - Handwoven Pure Silk Sarees | By Sekar KKshop option in Kochi: Weavers Home - Handwoven Pure Silk Sarees | By Sekar KK is a Clothes option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Weavers Home - Handwoven Pure Silk Sarees | By Sekar KK as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 16/95, Sowrashtra Middle St, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 299 local reviews.
K
KFC
Where to eat
Restaurant
KFCeat option in Kochi: KFC is a Restaurant option for eat planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use KFC as a eat option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. compare menus, pricing and location against your route. Key details: 34, Krishnappan N St, Naal Rd, near HDFC bank, Srinagar Colony, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.7 from 4,636 local reviews.
K
Kingsbury INN
Place to stay
Hotel
Kingsbury INNstay option in Kochi: Kingsbury INN is a Hotel option for stay planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kingsbury INN as a stay option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book your stay, transport and nearby food stops. Key details: Door No: 39, 579, ARR Rd, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.8 from 1,650 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam Safety Travels
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
Kumbakonam Safety Travelsdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam Safety Travels is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam Safety Travels as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 568A Kamaraj Nagar VOC, 5th St, Nehru Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar, Perumandi, Tamil Nadu 612002, India · Rated 5.0 from 217 local reviews.
J
JSD TRAVELS
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
JSD TRAVELSdo option in Kochi: JSD TRAVELS is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use JSD TRAVELS as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 301, Pillayam Pettai, Moopanar Nagar, Chettimandapam, Ullur, Tamil Nadu 612103, India · Rated 5.0 from 212 local reviews.
A
ABOORVA GRAND INN | HOMESTAY | HOTEL | RESORT | ROOMS | KUMBAKONAM
Place to stay
Hotel
ABOORVA GRAND INN | HOMESTAY | HOTEL | RESORT | ROOMS | KUMBAKONAMstay option in Kochi: ABOORVA GRAND INN | HOMESTAY | HOTEL | RESORT | ROOMS | KUMBAKONAM is a Hotel option for stay planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use ABOORVA GRAND INN | HOMESTAY | HOTEL | RESORT | ROOMS | KUMBAKONAM as a stay option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book your stay, transport and nearby food stops. Key details: No.2, Padma Nagar Ammachatram, Railway Road, Thirunageswaram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612103, India · Rated 5.0 from 182 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam taxi / capsKG travels, Rental /call taxi/Temple Tours
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
Kumbakonam taxi / capsKG travels, Rental /call taxi/Temple Toursdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam taxi / capsKG travels, Rental /call taxi/Temple Tours is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam taxi / capsKG travels, Rental /call taxi/Temple Tours as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 10, Main Rd, near Busstand, Anna Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 5.0 from 176 local reviews.
K
Kumbakonam Call Taxi and Cabs
Things to do
Taxi & car rental
Kumbakonam Call Taxi and Cabsdo option in Kochi: Kumbakonam Call Taxi and Cabs is a Taxi & car rental option for do planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Kumbakonam Call Taxi and Cabs as a do option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: 18, 19, Kumbeswarar N St, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 427 local reviews.
B
BEES UNCOMMON CLOTHING
Shop
Clothes
BEES UNCOMMON CLOTHINGshop option in Kochi: BEES UNCOMMON CLOTHING is a Clothes option for shop planning in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use BEES UNCOMMON CLOTHING as a shop option in Kochi, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check local contact details and nearest transport options. Key details: 75 A, Sarangapani South Street, near Ramasami Koil West Street, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001, India · Rated 4.9 from 400 local reviews.
Roampedia is commission-free — own or know a stay, eatery, guide or shop near Gangaikonda Cholapuram? List it and it appears here once verified.
Add a nearby businessNearby
What’s near Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Good to know
Gangaikonda Cholapuram — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
October to March.
What are the entry fee and timings at Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Entry: Generally free at this ASI-maintained active temple; some sources cite a small fee (indicative — confirm on site).. Timings: Roughly 5:30 AM–12:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM (indicative — confirm on site).. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Reach it by road from Kumbakonam or Thanjavur; it is furthest of the three Chola temples from the delta city. Pair it with Airavatesvara at Darasuram for a full Chola-temple day. It is an active, ASI-maintained temple — dress modestly and remove footwear.
How much time do I need for Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
45 minutes to an hour.
What else is near Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Nearby you can pair Kasi Viswanathar Temple (17.4 km), Agneeswarar Temple (21.0 km), Suryanar Kovil (21.2 km), Mahalingaswamy Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur (23.6 km).
What should I know before visiting Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Confirm the current opening sessions, which include a long midday break.
Read next
Stories, legends & history of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
StoryThe Emperor’s Mountain of Granite: Rajaraja Chola and the Big Temple5 min readStoryGods Poured in Metal: The Chola Bronzes and the Lost-Wax Craft5 min readHeritage circuitOne Inscription, Three Temples: The Great Living Chola Temples6 min read
More stories, legends & guides from Thanjavur
StoryA King Who Collected Knowledge: Serfoji II and the Saraswathi Mahal5 min readStoryThe Nine Planets of the Cauvery Delta5 min readStoryKumbakonam and the Pot of Nectar: The Town Where the Rivers Bathe6 min readStoryThe Grand Anicut: Karikala’s Dam That Still Waters the Delta6 min readGuideThe Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu: The Nine-Planet Pilgrimage9 min readStoryAiravatesvara Temple, Darasuram: the Chola jewel built as a chariot6 min readItineraryThanjavur & the Kaveri Delta in 3 Days8 min readGuideThe Amman & Mariamman Temples of Tamil Nadu: A Pilgrim’s Trail to the Great Goddess8 min read
Image credits
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram:Ssriraman · CC BY-SA 3.0