5 Highly Preserved Temples Of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites. The state boasts the largest tourism industry in India and most popular tourist destination in the country with highest number of foreign arrivals.

The state is also home to a large number of historic buildings, religious sites and heritage monuments, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

* Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur was built by Raja Raja Chola I and one of the largest Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. The big temple along with Gangaikonda and Airavatesvara temple are World Heritage Site.

* Airavatesvara Temple

Airavatesvara Temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Darasuram and was built by Rajaraja Chola II. Kumbakonam town of Tamil Nadu is located 40 km from Thanjavur and noted for number of Hindu temples and Mahamaham festival.

* Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is also dedicated to Lord Shiva,was built by Rajendra Chola I. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is a protected monument by Archaeological Survey of India.

* Seven Pagodas

Mahabalipuram was nicknamed the land of seven pagodas, Out of 7 Hindu temples, six other temples have been submerged in the Coromandel Coast.

* Cave Temple

Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are mandapas or rock-cut caves,overlooking the Coromandel Coast. Most notable Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple and Panchapandava Cave Temple.