Tamil Nadu is home to few of India’s most prominent shrines. UNESCO found some of these sites apt to add them to its list of World Heritage Sites. Tourists disembarking their flights at the state get an opportunity to explore these wonderful attractions.
Tamil Nadu, an enormous state in South India, is dotted with some of the most quintessential tourist areas in the country. An incredible assortment of worth-exploring history, soothing natural surroundings, serene spirituality and gorgeous beaches marks the magnificence of this state, a preferred destination for travellers purchasing tickets aboard flights to peep into an impressive facet of India. Spiritual richness of South India allures religious souls from around the world to Tamil Nadu which features temples that have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Here’s a list of most notable sites whose divine aura sets the state apart.
Great Living Chola Temples
One of longest surviving dynasties, Chola, ruled Southern India and parts of Southeast Asia from 3rd century BC to 13th century AD. During their heyday, the kings made several places of worship, flaunting spectacular Dravidian style of architecture that depicts the prosperous stability of Cholas. Three of these temples find a place in the elite list of UNESCO. Let’s know about them one by one.
• The Brihadisvara Temple
Strategically located in the city of Thanjavur, this is one of the largest temples in India and was the first of the three shrines to get the status of a heritage site. Rajaraja Chola I built this architectural marvel in 11th century AD. It is also known as the ‘Big Temple’ and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its main highlight is the statue of Nandi, the sacred bull. Reaching here is quite easy. Spiritual souls reserving tickets on flights to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu can check the availability of train tickets to reach Thanjavur Junction or air tickets for flights landing at Thanjavur airport which is less than two hours away from the shrine.
• Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
This awe-inspiring temple is situated next to Brihadisvara. This majestic Shiva temple was erected by Rajendra Chola I as the capital of Cholas. Its unparalleled engineering feat is depicted by the fact that the main tower’s shadow never falls on the ground. Architecture enthusiasts who are spending money on flights’ tickets must consider visiting this pilgrimage site to admire Lion Well located in the northeast side of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• Airavatesvara Temple
It is another must-visit holy site for the devotees of Hindu deity Shiva. It was built in 12th century CE under the order of Rajaraja Chola II. While taking a closer look at the design of the place of worship, one would come across to an incredible image of the Chariot along with wheel carved onto the rock while featuring finest of the details.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Its grandiose location by Bay of Bengal justifies its name, Shore Temple and is one of the main aspects of Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, one of the most sought after heritage spots in India. The complex was built between 700 and 728 CE under the reign of Pallava Dynasty’s Narasimhavarman II. The complex is home to three temples, two of which are dedicated to Shiva whereas the smallest one is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The outer wall is peppered with myriad of sculptures but highlighted by the mounting statue of Nandi. India bound holidaymakers disembarking their flights at Chennai Airport can easily find taxis and buses to reach Mahabalipuram, which is not only known for this shrine but also for other imposing monuments. Visitors are required to purchase entry tickets to get close and admire the grandeur of manmade wonders.
