Gangaikondacholapuram
Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044 A.D) son of the Great Rajaraja-I, established this temple after his great victorious march to river Ganges on Northern India. He was originally called Madurantakan. He assumed the title of Rajendra during his coronation and continued to rule along with his father Rajaraja-I for a while. He achieved the supreme title of Cholas called Parakesari .
His empire extended the whole of southern India to river Thungabathra in the north India, for administrative and strategic purpose he built another capital and named Gangaikondacholapuram. The Gangaikondacholapuram temple, he constructed consists of 3 stories and surrounded by a huge fort like wall, the outer wall was greatly destructed during the English rule (1896 A.D) to reuse the building material (Granite rocks) for constructing the Lower Anicut (Dam across river Kollidam). He built around 10 temples at various places.
He assumed the title of Gangaikonda Cholan and named his new capital as Gangaikondacholapuram and he also constructed a huge Lake known as Chola Gangam that spreads 22 km mainly used for drinking and irrigation. A statue of Rajendra-I is found in Kolaram temple at Kolar of Karnataka state in India.
Sri Kaliuga Varatharaja Perumaal Temple
Sri Kaliyaperumal temple is a major attraction of Ariyalur. It is situated at 5 km away from Ariyalur. This temple is famous for its "Car festival" (March/April) which is conducted yearly. The people of Ariyalur celebrate the festival grandly.
The temple is also famous for the Puraittasi Saturdays. Every year in the month of 'Puraittasi' (September), special Pujas, 'Arathanai', 'Abishekams', etc. are done on the four Saturdays. This also is a major attraction of the Kaliyaperumal temple.
This Varadharaja permal blesses with prosperity, wealth, health and a long life.
Thirumazhapadi
Once it was the region of Chola's dynasty. The place Thirumazhapadi is situated on the bank of Kollidam river which is a branch of Cauvery River. Entire surroundings are filled with paddy and sugar cane fields. The famous Siva Temple is located in Thirumazhapadi. This Temple is called Sri Vaithiyanatha Samy Koil. It is One of the tourist place in ariyalur.This temple is famous for its "nandikesvarar thirukalyanam " (March/April) which is conducted yearly. The people of thirumalapadi celebrate the festival grandly.It also has a statue of Thiruvalluvar, which was made with 750 Kgs of Bronze.It is a biggest metallic statue of Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Nadu.
Vettakudi - Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
Vettakudi - Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary situated in Ariyalur District, 65 km away from Tiruchirappalli and 35 km north of Thanjavur, this bird sanctuary sprawls over 454 Ha. of area. Water birds congregate here during November - February. About 50 species of resident and migratory birds are recorded here. The list includes varieties of Stork, Pelicans, Heron, Darter, Ibis, Egrets, Coot, Terns, Cormorants, King Fisher, Plovers etc.
Perumal Kovil
This is an important temple in the heart of the town.The 'Dasaavathara Mandapam' with excellent sculptures of the ten avtars of Maha Vishnu,especially the Narasimha avatara is worth seeing. The temple car which is now in ruins is being rebuilt with the co-operation of the devotees and also helped by the Government to a great extent. The 'Pancha Loka Vigrahas' of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita have been majestically made and a treat to watch.It is believed that these Pancha Loka Vigrahas is biggest Idol in the world.
Sivan Kovil
Sivan Kovil is also a popular temple. Pradosham worship is attended by many devotees regularly.
