World heritage temples in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state noted for its heritage temple town and sites. The tourism industry in the state is largely dependent on the UNESCO World Heritage sites here. The state boasts of a large number of buildings, religious sites and monuments that are historically significant and attracts tourists from across the globe.

It is one of the oldest stone temples in India built during the reign of the Pallavas. The temple was named so because it overlooks the Bay of Bengal shore. It is built with blocks of granite belonging from the 8th century.

Mahabalipuram is often referred to as "Seven Pagodas". The group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram were built in the 7th century under the reign of Narasimhavarman II.

The temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, along with the Brihadeeswarar and Airavatesvara temples and these collectively are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was completed in 1035 AD by Rajendra Chola I of the Chola kingdom.

Brihadishvara temple, also known as Rajarajeswaram, is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva. Being one of the largest temples in south India, the temple is visited by a number of national and international tourists. The temple was built between 1003 and 1010 AD by Tamil king Raja Raja Chola I.

Airavatesvara Temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. It is another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thanjavur district along with the Brihadeeswara Temple.