The Grandest Chola(s)
(This is not a description or a travel guide but my experiences at the temples) I was part of the ITC Grand Chola blog meet and the venue sparked in me a desire to see the inspirations behind the jaw dropping hotel that left all of us awestruck. The inspirations of course are the magnificent architectural marvels of the Chola dynasty of which the temples are the highlights. I had to visit Kumbakonam and Thanjavur on work and since two Chola dynasty marvels are in the vicinity I combined work with pleasure and drove down to soak again in the wonders of our heritage. I decided to drive down via Ulundurpet which was an additional 30 odd kilometers than the shorter Vadalur route though the better roads made the trip smoother. The Ulundurpet route will take you through Jayankondan and then to Gangaikondacholapuram. The town’s name is a mouthful but commemorates the empire of Rajendra Chola that stretched up to the Ganga . The monarch built a capital in this town sadly the only