Gangai Konda Cholapuram built by the Cholas, is off the Chennai - Trichy high way. The temple was in ruins when I saw that in 1986. In 2001 it has been repaired and well maintained. Though the temple is small, it has very rich stone sculptures. Perhaps the only temple in Tamil Nadhu where the Nava Kirakams ( Nine planets ) are carved in a single stone. It is worth the trip to see this alone.

Some of the readers raised the issue of the caste of he decendents of the Great King Raja Raja Cholan. I am not an Indian to comment on this ... (more)