Completed in 1010CE under the rule of Raja Raja Cholan, Brihadishawara was followed by smaller, but no less beautiful, temples at Gangakondacholapuram and Darasuram. All three are on the UNESCO World Heritage register and can be visited in a single day (or over a couple of days combined with other places of interest in this part of Tamil Nadu)

Brihadishwara temple was made using tons of hard granite rock, which was transported here by elephants. The main temple tower, at 66 metres, is the highest of its type. The 36 tonne granite boulder which sits atop this tower defied explanation for years- current thinking is that it was pushed to the top up a series of ramps by, you guessed it, elephants!