Vandiyathevan Travel Path

Kanchipuram

Vandhiyathevan starts his journey in Kanchipuram, the heart of Chola territory, where Aditya Karikalan sends him on a mission to deliver an important message to Sundara Chola in Thanjavur.

Distance: 249.1 KM

Veeranam Lake

On his way to Thanjavur, Vandiyathevan stops at Veeranam Lake, where he meets Azhwarkadiyan Nambi, a Chola spy. Their encounter sets the stage for a journey that intertwines their fates.

Distance: 59.2 KM

Kadambur Palace

Vandiyathevan arrives at Kadambur Palace, where he uncovers a secret meeting of conspirators plotting against the Chola dynasty. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of a deeper political intrigue.

Distance: 37.2 KM

Sri Rudrapathi Temple

The Sri Rudrapathi Temple, located in Keezhakkadambur near Kadambur, is known for its secret tunnel, once linking the temple to Kadambur Palace. Though the tunnel is now sealed, locals believe the ruins of the palace lie nearby, though no traces have been found.

Distance: 47.4 KM

Amirthakadeswarar Temple

The Amirthakadeswarar Temple in Melakadambur, once part of the Kadambur Palace, boasts architecture similar to the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam. Though not featured in the story, it stands as a remarkable beacon of art and history.

Distance: 46.5 KM

Kollidam River

While traveling from Kadambur to Thanjavur, Vandiyathevan crosses the vast Kollidam River. His friend Kandamaran sends an escort to ensure he secures a horse on the river's other side.

Distance: 32.6 KM

Kudanthai, Present-day kumbakonam

In Kudanthai, present-day Kumbakonam, Vandiyathevan meets Kundavai and Vanathi at the house of the Kudanthai astrologer, located near a Kali temple on the city's outskirts.

Distance: 7.9 KM

Arisil River

The Arisil River plays a key role in the story, where Vandiyathevan meets Kundavai, Vanathi, and their friends. He bravely attempts to save them from a crocodile, which turns out to be a mere scare tactic. Later, along its banks, Arulmozhi Varman reunites with Vanathi and Poonguzhali.

Distance: 29.6 KM

Kaveri River

The Kaveri River, revered as a goddess by the people of South India, holds a sacred place in the story. Prince Arulmozhi is believed to have been saved by Goddess Kaveri, though it is actually Ezhathu Arasi who rescues him.

Distance: 49.3 KM

Anaikarai

Anaikarai, a powerful distributary of the Kaveri River like Arisil, plays a significant role in the story with its floods causing several twists in Ponniyin Selvan. It also has a smaller branch, Varavaru, which flows into Veeranam Lake.

Distance: 31.8 KM

Prosperous lands of Chola

The prosperous Chola lands, as seen through Vandiyathevan's eyes, were enriched by an intricate network of tanks, water storage bodies, and channels fed by the Kaveri's tributaries and distributaries. Spanning Pazhayarai, Thanjavur, and Kudanthai, this advanced irrigation system supported over 3,000 water bodies, many of which still showcase the Chola legacy today.

Distance: 11.8 KM

Battlefield Thirupurambiyam

Thirupurambiyam, a historic battlefield, was the site of a pivotal battle between the Pallavas and Pandyas. Vijayalaya Chola's key role in the Pallava alliance's victory marked a turning point, leading to the Chola rise and Pandya decline for two centuries. Nestled amidst paddy fields, it lies about 20 km from Kumbakonam.

Distance: 23.3 KM

Tanjore/ Thanjavur Temple

Thanjavur, with its fortified old city and remnants of red walls, showcases its rich history. The city’s layout reflects the Agali (moat) encircling landmarks like the Maratha Palace, Royal Palace Museum, and the iconic Brihadisvara Temple. The museum houses artifacts spanning from the 8th to the 18th century, offering a glimpse into a glorious past.

Distance: 33.4 KM

Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Periya Kovil, was built by Raja Raja Chola I, the epicenter of Ponniyin Selvan. Though not present during the story’s events, the temple stands as a testament to his legacy. Intriguingly, its epigraphs are said to mention Vandiyathevan.

Distance: 33.4 KM

Pazhayarai

Pazhayarai, a cluster of historic townships, boasts notable sites like Nandipuram, Thiruchatti Mutram, and Pateesuram. Once home to bustling army camps, its legacy lives on in villages like Aariyapadai Veedu. Vandiyathevan famously enters this vibrant city in disguise as “Kamsan,” engaging in a playful mockery of Alzwarkadiyan.

Distance: 5.4 KM

Nathan Kovil

Nathan Kovil, built by Nandivarman Pallavan in the 7th century, holds historical significance. Azhwarkadiyan meets Sembiyan Madevi and Princess Kundavai here during Krishna Jayanthi, adding to its storied legacy.

Distance: 8.0 KM

Someshwara Temple - Keezha Pazhayarai

The Someshwara Temple in Keezha Pazhayarai, built by Aditya Chola I, stands at the heart of the historic city. Aditya Karikalan, his namesake, adds to its significance in Chola history.

Distance: 369.0 KM

Cholanmaligai

Cholanmaligai is believed to mark the site where the grand fort of Pazhayarai once stood, echoing the legacy of the Chola dynasty.

Distance: 4.9 KM

Panchavan Madevi Pallipadai Temple

The Panchavan Madevi Pallipadai Temple is the resting place of Raja Raja Chola's wife, a unique honor as no other wife of his was commemorated with a temple. This temple should not be confused with the one built by Rajendra Chola for his stepmother, Thiripuvana Madeviyar, the birth mother of Rajendra Chola.

Distance: 3.9 KM

Dharasuram

Dharasuram, once a key part of Pazhayarai, is home to the Airavateshwar Temple, built by Raja Raja II long after the events of the story. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the temple is meticulously maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Distance: 4.5 KM

Maligaimedu

Maligaimedu is the site of Rajendra Chola's palace ruins, now preserved by the Archaeology Department. The area also features a pottery yard where artifacts and findings are collected and maintained.

Distance: 110.6 KM