Chola Temples of Trichy, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam

About 400 steps cut into the rock take you up to a Ganesha shrine and a wide view over the city and the Cauvery. Wear shoes you can take off easily and carry water.

A temple town on an island between two rivers, with 21 gopurams and seven walls. Cover shoulders and knees. Phones and cameras may not be allowed in some inner areas, so ask at the gate.

One of the oldest working dams in the world, built by the Cholas about 2,000 years ago. The river is wide and calm in winter. A quick stop for photos on the old stone structure.

The old Maratha royal palace, with a bell tower, a darbar hall and a famous collection of Chola bronze statues in the art gallery. Hours have a midday break, so we plan this for the morning.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a 66 metre tower. The big Nandi bull is carved from a single stone. The temple is floodlit after dark and the courtyard is lovely in the evening. Remove shoes at the entrance.

A quiet Chola temple built by Rajendra Chola about 1,000 years ago, with a tall pyramid tower and a huge Nandi. It is usually far less crowded than Thanjavur. Wear light clothes and shoes you can remove.

A small and perfect UNESCO temple built in the 12th century. The porch is shaped like a chariot, and the musical steps are carved to ring when tapped. Many of the carvings are tiny, so go slowly.

One of the six main Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, on a small hill with 60 steps. The village is also known for its bronze statue makers, and you can watch the lost wax casting at the small workshops nearby.

The biggest Shiva temple in town, with a tall gopuram and long halls of carved pillars. Ask your driver about the temple timings, as the doors close at midday.

A large Vishnu temple with an 11 tier gopuram and a chariot shaped shrine. Cover shoulders and knees.

A huge temple tank ringed by 16 small shrines. A big festival is held here once every 12 years, and the tank is quiet and peaceful on a normal day.

An old Chola temple known for its carvings. A short, calm visit before dark.

A large Shiva temple on the Srirangam side of the river, known for its water linga. Remove shoes at the entrance and cover shoulders and knees.