Perambalur district

Gangaikondacholapuram
The great monument at Gangaikondacholapuram, the Second Brihadisvara Gangaikkondacholesvara temple rears its head nobly and bespeaks the imperial dignity of the capital that Rajendra (1012-44), the son of Rajaraja, established after his victorious march to east India up to the river Ganga. The capital itself has disappeared: even the place where the emperor dwelt does not exist except in ruins marked by brick debris about 1.5 km away from the temple, at a place known as Ulkottai, where a mound even now called Maligaimedu, ‘palace-mound’, supplies bricks to the villages. At the temple itself a ruined gopura greets the visitor: it is in the inner compound-wall of the temple, the outer and largest wall, with its gopuras, having been despoiled long ago. On entering through the gopura, one sees, beyond the bali-pitha a huge bull, which, unlike its counterpart at Thanjavur, is not monolithic.
The temple is 54.86 m high and in arrangement follows its Thanjavur predecessor. But while the latter is tall and stately, with its contour straight and severe , suggestive of strength, the present one is shorter and its contour more graceful and delicate and somewhat feminine in its lack of angularity. The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola King Rajendra I after his victory over the kingdoms bordering the river Ganga. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion headed well and a stunning figure of King Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati.
Chettikulam Thandayuthapani Swami Temple
The Ancient Arulmigu Ekambareswar and Thandayuthapani Swami Temples are situated in Chettikulam Village, Perambalur District. The above temples were built by King Kulasekara Pandian, some 500 years ago. These temples are situated 22 Kms. away from Perambalur and 8 Km west of Alathur gate in Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway (NH-45). These temples reflect the architecture of the early days.
In Arulmigu Ekambareswarar temple the Thai Poosam festival is celebrated every year in the month of January for 10 days. At the time of above festival, people from various places visit the temple and get the blessings of Lord Siva. In the same way, Panguni Uthiram Festival is celebrated in Arulmigu Thandayuthapani temple for 14 days in the month of April every year. The above festival is celebrated in grand manner and various cultural programmes are conducted at that time. The rock outside of Chettikulam Village on the top of which is located Balathandapani. It is an ancient and well-known shrine built by the Chola. There are number of stone inscriptions giving the history of the temple.
Cholagangam Lake
The lake is now called Ponneri. It was brought into being by Rajendra Chola I as a water pillar of victory (Jalamayam and Jayashambam). According to Thiruvelangadu Plates it was named Cholagangam. The bund is very high and the length being more than 5 km at full water-level, It has a water spread of nearly 130 Sq. km . It once had a surplus weir and input channels from Kollidam river and Vellar.
Elakurichi
Elakurichi is famous for its ancient church built by the famous Catholic Missionary Constructive Joseph Beschi popularly known as ‘Veeramamunivar’. Adaikala Madha Shrine 65 Km. from Perambalur. 80 Km from Trichy. 375 Km. from Chennai. Elakurichi is famous for its ancient church built by the famous Catholic Missionary Constructive Joseph Beschi popularly known as ‘Veeramamunivar’ on the year of 1711. Tamil nadu Govt. has announced it as a tourist spot in the year 2001. The Church is located in Elakurichi, Perambalur - 621715.
Jayankondam
The original name of this place was Nellimanagramam as the sacred tree in the local Siva Temple is country gooseberry tree (Nellimaram). The present name is said to have been given by Rajendra Chola before he shifted his capital to Gangai kondacholapuram. Jayankondam is 10 km from Gangaikondacholapuram.
Maligai Medu
Adjourning Gangai kondacholapuram is a place called Maligai Medu. Archaelogical findings reveal the glory of Rajendra Chola I. The State Archeological Department is seized of the historical importance of the place.
Ranjankudi Fort
Ranjankudi Fort is sated 17 km. North of Perambalur. The Fort was built by a Jagirdar under Nawab of Carnatic In 17th century A D The Fort walls lie built with neatly cut stone blocks. The at contains a palace, residential buildings, underground chambers, mosque and flag mast. I lie fort was the scene of the battle of Valikondah between the English and Muhammad All on one side and Chanda Sahib and the French on the other side 1751 AD. Ranjankudi ( Lat. 11.21’ N. Long.78.57’ E. ) is located 17 K.Ms. North of Perambalur.
The Fort was built by a Jagirdar under Nawab of Carnatic in 17th century A.D. The Fort walls are built with neatly cut stone blocks. There are three fortification walls at different heights and the bottom most is the main rampart. It is oblong on plan with semi circular bastions and encircled by a moat fed by a tank on the Southern side. The fort contains a palace, residential buildings, underground chambers, mosque and flag mast. The fort was the scene of the battle of Valikondah between the English and Mohammad Ali on one side and Chanda Sahib and the French on the other side in 1751 AD. This fort is under protection of the Archaeological survey of India.