Heritage Tour: The Chola Dynasty

A Time-Travel Experience into the Heart of Tamil Civilization

More than 1000 years ago, the Cholas stood as one of the greatest empires in Indian history — masters of architecture, art, governance, metallurgy, and maritime trade. Their temples, bronzes, inscriptions, and urban planning continue to astonish historians worldwide.

Our Heritage Tour: Chola Dynasty is crafted to give you an immersive experience of this glorious era — not from textbooks, but by walking through the very sites that shaped history.

This curated 3-day journey covers Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Jayankondam & UNESCO heritage temples, along with hands-on cultural experiences, local crafts, traditional food, and stay at heritage hotels.

3-Day / 2-Night Itinerary

⭐ Day 1 – Thanjavur: Legacy of Rajaraja Chola

📍 Highlights

• Thanjavur Big Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  Explore Rajaraja Chola’s architectural wonder, known for its massive vimana, granite marvel, and thousands of inscriptions that reveal the entire governance system of the empire.

• Thanjavur Maratha Palace
  The only surviving royal palace in Chola land — home to the Saraswati Mahal Library, art galleries, and the grand Durbar Hall.

• Heritage Food Walk
  Taste authentic Thanjavur delicacies — Kumbakonam Degree Coffee, Thavala Adai, Elai Sappadu, and traditional sweets

Check-in: Heritage Property Stay - Relax in a beautifully restored traditional palace/bungalow blending comfort with history.

Day 2 – Kumbakonam Region: Art, Craft & Temple Marvel

📍 Highlights

• Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  A breathtaking stone marvel built by Rajaraja Chola II — famous for its musical steps, chariot-shaped mandapa & exquisite sculptures.

• Bronze Icon Making Workshop
  Witness the ancient Chola lost-wax process (Madhu-uchi method) — the metallurgical genius that produced world-renowned Nataraja bronzes.

• Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai (Doll) Craft Village
  Visit traditional artisans who handcraft the iconic bobble-head dolls — a cultural symbol of Thanjavur.

• Kumbakonam Temple Heritage Drive
  Visit select Chola-period shrines known for their intricate gopurams & sacred tanks.

• Evening Village Experience
  Walk through lush paddy fields + pumpset water splash + herbal drinks at a village home.

Day 3 – Jayankondam Region: Glory of Rajendra Chola

📍 Highlights

• Gangaikonda Cholapuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  Built by Rajendra Chola after his victorious march to the Ganges.
  Explore the temple architecture, massive sculptures, and historical inscriptions that stand as proof of Chola global influence.

• Udayalur (Optional Add-on)
  Visit the believed resting place of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I — a quiet and powerful historical spot.

• Local Crafts & Souvenir Shopping
  Buy Chola-inspired bronzes, handmade dolls, temple art, and regional spices.

Accommodation

Stay in premium heritage hotels (e.g., Pannaiyar Bungalow / Zamindar Palace style properties):

• Antique interiors

• Courtyard architecture

• Traditional hospitality

• Authentic meals prepared with local Tamil recipes

Food Experience

• Traditional Thanjavur & Kumbakonam cuisine

• Temple-style prasadam meals

• Millet dishes, herbal drinks

• Evening snacks & village sweets

What’s Included

• AC transportation for 3 days

• Heritage hotel stay – 2 nights

• Breakfast + selected meals

• Entry tickets (all major sites)

• Guided heritage tours & craft demos

• Village activities

• Surprise events

• Souvenir bag

💰 Tour Price

₹20,000/- per person

✨ Special Cashback Offer

If you refer 2 friends who join the tour,
👉 YOU GET ₹4,000 CASHBACK!

Perfect for: families, history lovers, temple enthusiasts, photographers, culture explorers.