What to expect
Highlights
- Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, Narthamalai — An early Chola circular-sanctum Shiva temple begun by the Muttaraiyar chiefs, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, set on a dramatic rock slope.
- Moovar Koil, Kodumbalur — The ruined 'three-shrine' Chola-era temple built by the Irukkuvel chiefs, originally three vimanas of which two survive, prized for its refined early Chola sculpture.
- Viralimalai Murugan Temple — A hilltop Murugan temple reached by about 210 steps, traditionally attributed to the Cholas and a well-known pilgrimage shrine in the district.
- Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary — A protected peafowl habitat around Viralimalai hill where several hundred wild peacocks roam the temple hill and surrounding scrub. The birds are associated with the hilltop Murugan temple, whose vehicle is the peacock, and are locally protected. October to April is the best season to see them displaying.
