Srirangam & Thanjavur - Ancient Temple Towns of Southern India

I am showcasing two ancient temples in this guide - The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and Ranganatharswamy temple in Srirangam. These are not just places of worship but also cultural hubs that showcase centuries of art, history and devotion!

Srirangam

Srirangam is home to the Ranganathaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a mini town in itself, spanning 156 acres, making it the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The complex is surrounded by seven concentric walls, with 21 gopurams (towering gateways), the most famous being the Rajagopuram, which stands at 236 feet.

My favorite sections of this temple are:

The White Gopuram - though not the tallest or most decorated, plays an essential role in the grandeur and spiritual ambiance of the Srirangam Temple. The courtyard that faces it is a wonderful place to sit down and meditate, or simply admire the sculptures on the pillars around.

The terrace above Ranga vilas mandapam - with panoramic views of the city and the gopurams in the temple. Get here during the golden hour for spectacular photographs.

Srirangam is a 20-minute cab ride from the Tiruchirapalli airport, which has connecting flights to all major cities in India. Though the temple can be visited during a day trip, it is highly recommended to stay overnight and get to the temple at 6 in the morning, before the crowds and before the scorching sunlight heats up the concrete floors of the temple campus (Remember - no footwear allowed in the temple premises)!

Thanjavur

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore used to be the capital of the mighty Chola dynasty, and its most iconic landmark is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple's tower is topped by an enormous granite capstone weighing approximately 80 tons. The feat of placing such a heavy stone at that height, using the technology available over a thousand years ago, is truly astounding.

The temple features one of India's largest monolithic statues of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. This statue, carved from a single piece of stone, is about 16 feet long and 13 feet high.

The vast courtyard surrounding the temple is also a haven for birds. Thousands of pigeons' nest in the crevices of the tower, while peacocks gracefully dance atop the temple walls.

Every evening, the courtyard and temple are illuminated with lights. It's best to visit just before sunset to appreciate its daytime beauty and then marvel at it under the lights.

If you’re visiting Srirangam, Thanjavur is about 3 hours by car. Thanjavur is also a hub to visit a lot more temples, and based on interest and time, you could make it a day trip or 3-4 days stay.

Shri Sangeethas, Trichy
Haven for vegetarian dishes. It's particularly famous for its South Indian thalis but also serves a range of North Indian and Continental options, catering to diverse palates. Tip - ask them to make it less spicy!

Meridian, Trichy
Located within Hotel Sangam, Meridian offers an elegant dining experience with a wide array of dishes that cater to international tastes. The restaurant is known for its attentive service and a menu that blends local flavors with global cuisine.

Svatma- Aaharam, Thanjavur
This one is my favorite! Aaharam, located within the Svatma hotel, offers a fine dining experience with a focus on authentic South Indian cuisine, using traditional recipes and organic ingredients. The restaurant also provides Continental options, catering to international guests seeking both local and global flavors.

Do not miss the famed South Indian filter coffee - also known as Kaapi, available at most restaurants. You can't stop at one cup!