2.png)
Cultures of Tamil Nadu
- Hazon India
- May 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29
If vibrant city life, ancient architecture and rich culture is what you seek, then it’s time check out Tamil Nadu. Known as the heart of southern India and also the heart of Hinduism because of its many ancient temples. You’ll find yourself immersed in all you see, hear and taste as you explore this land that boasts of 5,500 years of continuous cultural history.
When you depart from Goa, you’ll head to Tiruchirappalli, an ancient city that once exported a cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar to the UK, where it became very popular as a prized and exotic smoke.
You will lose yourself while visiting one of the grandest and most awe-inspiring temples - the Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Ranganatha (the reclining form of Vishnu) and Ranganayaki (Lakshmi). This UNESCO World Heritage Site has even received a UNESCO award for cultural heritage conservation. An annual 21-day festival held from December to January attracts 1 million visitors each year, both devotees and tourists alike.
Then you’ll stroll through the large and bustling Gandhi Market, which was built by the Crown administration and earlier called the Fort Market. Established in 1868, it was renamed the Mahatma Gandhi Market because Gandhi laid a foundation stone there during its expansion in 1927. Today, it’s a wholesale farmers market that also houses a war memorial clocktower dedicated to 302 soldiers, part of the British Army, 41 of whom died during World War I.
Our Lady of Lourdes church is a reminder of India’s diverse past as well as a remarkable example of neo gothic architecture. It has neo gothic spires that loom over the city, and inside you will find paintings on the life of Jesus. There are hundreds of small towers as well as statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and St. John de Britto at the centre of the tower.
The next day, you will get to absorb Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Today a small historic village but for 250 years, it was the capital of the Chola dynasty, which extended over most of southern India. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the detailed architecture of the buildings that remain as well as the mystery of the ruins. The Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple here are recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You will then head to Darasuram to see the spectacular Airavatesvara Temple, named after the white elephant of Indra who is believed to have taken a dip in the water tank here. Built by a Chola emperor in 12 century CE, Airavatesvara Temple is dedicated to Shiva. The temple is constructed to resemble a chariot with carvings of ancient gods and goddesses and there are 2 sundials which look like the wheels of the chariot.
To get a sense of the grand lifestyles of India’s ancient elite, you will visit Thanjavur Royal Palace. The museum has a collection of weapons, paintings of the Ramayana, clothes, and even a 92-foot whale skeleton that had washed ashore in 1955. The Art Gallery boasts of some of the best-preserved sculptures and coins, with the highlight being a collection of bronze statues.
Finally, you can marvel at the Brihadisvara Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples and considered the finest example of Tamil architecture by many. The temple tower and corridor are massive and this temple is dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja (the Lord of Dance), with many dance poses sculpted on the walls. It also houses one of the biggest shiva lingams. The famous Nataraja statue that you can spot in markets and museums (and movies) was first commissioned for this temple.
With that, you will have taken in as much of Tamil Nadu as the time permits. This action-packed tour will have you going back with stories and details that no photos can truly capture. There’s so much to see and do that you might find yourself wanting to come back to take it all in again!
