The Hindu : Front Page : Gangaikondacholapuram tourist complex almost ready

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Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009
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Gangaikondacholapuram tourist complex almost ready

R. Krishnamoorthy

ARIYALUR: The Rs. 50-lakh tourist complex in the vicinity of Brahadeeswarar temple at Gandgaikondancholapuram near Jayankondam, a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) world heritage monument maintained by the Archaeology Society of India, is nearing completion.

Tourism Department, which is supervising the work, will hand over the complex consisting of a museum, shops, rest rooms and a canteen to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department that runs the temple in a month’s time, it is learnt.

More than 95 per cent of the work has been completed. Once the electrical work gets over, the complex would be commissioned, official sources said.

The rest rooms encompass deluxe and ordinary rooms.

According to temple Executive Officer M. Asana Ambikai, ever since the temple was declared a world heritage monument in 2004, the number of visitors has been on the rise.

Greater tourist inflow

Foreign tourists evince greater interest in understanding the grandeur and excellence of Chola architecture and sculpture at the temple. The sprawling lush green lawn on the temple premises that are nurtured well by the Horticulture Department teems with children, especially during week-ends.

The temple ranks among the top four places of archaeological significance in Tamil Nadu.

The other three are the Brahadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the Airavatesvara temple of Darasuram, and the other Chola temple in Tirubuvanam.

The work on the complex located on a two-acre site in the limits of Guruvalappar Kovil revenue village commenced in 2007.

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