You will be picked up from your hotel in central Thanjavur at 7:30 A.M. and driven to Kumbakonam for a full day of touring. The drive takes about one hour. Upon arrival, meet your local English Speaking Guide. The city of Kumbakonam rose to prominence between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Rule, when it was a prominent center of European education and Hindu culture. It acquired the cultural name, the "Cambridge of South India". Starting from the Mahamaham Tank you proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple outside the city.  Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected to outshine the Brahadisvara temple in Thanjavur built in the 11th century. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in South-India. Take a break for lunch in a Local Restaurant. ( Lunch at own expense ).