During 1012-44 A.D the Gangakondacholapuram temple was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I, in the north of Kumbakonam. The ornate tower is almost 55 mt high and is said to weigh 80 tonnes. Within the recesses of the temple walls stand many beautiful statues, including those of Ganesh, Nataraja and Harihara.

Next to the temple there is a small museum which exhibits the excavated remains of the palace that once existed nearby.