• Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Guests will be collected from their hotel in central Thanjavur at 7:30 A.M. and transported to Kumbakonam for a full day of exploration. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Upon arrival, guests will meet their local English-speaking guide.

Kumbakonam gained prominence between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, serving as the capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town flourished during British rule, becoming a significant center for European education and Hindu culture, earning the cultural nickname, the “Cambridge of South India.”

Starting at the Mahamaham Tank, guests will proceed to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple located outside the city. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was constructed to surpass the Brahadisvara temple in Thanjavur, built in the 11th century. The temple is famous for housing the largest Shivalingam in South India.

Guests will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. (Lunch at own expense).

• Dharasuram - After lunch, guests will visit the bronze manufacturing unit, Rajan Industries, to observe the casting of bronze statues. Following this, they will visit the Iravatheeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Darasuram. Finally, guests will visit a silk weaving center to witness a demonstration of silk weaving and admire the silk materials and products available for purchase.

After the tour, the driver will return guests to their hotel in the Thanjavur city center.

• Expert guidance from an English-speaking local guide
• Comfortable travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Refreshments provided with 2 bottles of mineral water per person
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Thanjavur city center

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

Your drive from Thanjavur to Kumbakonam takes about one hour. Kumbakonam has a population of about 145,000 with a strong Hindu majority but it also has a sizeable Muslim and Christian populations. It is known as a ‘temple town’, which makes the visit interesting. You will spend a full day touring the city and its surroundings.

Highlights:

• Mahamaham Tank
• Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
• Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram
• Bronze Manufactures Unit
• Silk Weaving Center

• A small amount of walking is involved.
• Dress Code: must cover shoulders, chest, navel, upper arms
• Dress Code: pants or skirt below knee-length
• Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved please wear comfortable shoes
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
• Temple Opens from 06:00 A.M. till 12:30 P.M. and evening 4:00 P.M till 08:30 P.M.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.