Tourism in Ariyalur Tamil Nadu
Tourism in Ariyalur district comprises some of the famous temples, a church, bird sanctuary and a number of beautiful natural settings.
Gangaikondacholapuram, Ariyalur district
Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044 A.D) son of the Great Rajaraja-I, established this temple after his great victorious march to river Ganges on Northern India. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius, located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. Gangaikondacholapuram can be reached easily through regular buses that are available from the main towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. The temple was located at the center of the Gangaikondacholapuram city and occupies around 6 acres of land. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple (Tanjore) that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam(four meter high lingam) in the Southern part of India. The meticulous accounts of the Cholas are inscribed on the copper plates and temple walls. The excotic structure took approximately nine years to complete. Gangaikondacholapuram has been plundered several times, but the architectural and sculptural wealth has remained alive.Gangaikondacholapuram is a tribute to the architects and artisans, who created this spectacular testament.
According to legends, King Rajendra Chola on one of his expeditions, brought the water from the Ganges in a golden pot and consecrated the reservoir 'Ponneri or Cholaganga'. Thats the reason behind the name "Gangaikondan" meaning the one who brought the Ganges. The time when the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple of India was built represents the golden period of the Cholas. During those years, the Cholas were engaged in the invasion of northern territories and wealth was flowing in from all directions. The vimanas of the temples have been adorned with exquisite carvings and reflect a heavy influence of the Northern styles. One can see magnificent carvings on the hard southern granite stones of the temple.
Sri Kaliuga Varatharaja Perumaal Temple, Ariyalur district
Sri Kaliyaperumal temple is a major attraction of Ariyalur. It is situated at 5 km away from Ariyalur. The ten Avatars of Lord Shri Vishnu are aesthetically sculpted in the Dasavathara mandap in the temple. The scared tree mahalingamaram is near the sanctum still green as in ancient days. This temple is famous for its "Car festival" (March/April) which is conducted yearly.
The grand event of Eganthem Sevai for Varatharajapermual is on 10th day of festival. The temple is also famous for the Puraittasi Saturdays. Every year in the month of 'Puraittasi' (September), special Pujas, 'Arathanai', 'Abishekams', etc are done on the four Saturdays. This also is a major attraction of the Kaliyaperumal temple.
Vettakudi-Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Ariyalur district
Vettakudi-Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary situated in Ariyalur District, 65 km away from Tiruchirappalli and 35 km north of Thanjavur, this bird sanctuary sprawls over 454 Ha. of area. Water birds congregate here during November - February. Temperature varies from 14°C to 33°C. About 50 species of resident and migratory birds are recorded here. The list includes varities of Stork, Pelicans, Heron, Darter, Ibis, Egrets, Coot, Terns, Cormorants, King Fisher, Plovers etc. Sixteen species of Ducks and 23 Species of Waders have been recorded in the sanctuary.
The other important characteristic of this sanctuary is the presence of water till the month of May as other water sources dry up by the month of March, this sanctuary offers habitat to the water birds till the May end. The best time to visit the sanctuary is in February and November, but it remains open throughtout the yearThe sanctuary entry is free for all visitors. Accommodation is available in Tamilnadu Guest House and private hotels in Thanjavur.
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