8 Places to See Magnificent Temples in South India

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in South India—the Meenakshi temple.

Thanjavur emerged as the stronghold of Tamil culture in the 11th century, with Chola king Raja Raja I at the helm

The royal temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built not long after Thanjavur's Big Temple in the 11th century

Popularly known as a 'City of a Thousand Temples', Kanchipuram is not just famous for its distinctive silk saris.

The special feature at Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram is its astonishing pillared hallway

Chidambaram is off the tourist trail and people mainly head there to visit its Nataraj temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance.

Arunachaleswar temple sits at the base of holy Mount Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, about four hours southwest of Chennai.

Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy as it's informally called, is home to the largest temple in India -- the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on Srirangam Island