Gopuram or gopura, a prominent feature of the Hindu temple architecture of South India, is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple. Gopurams are exquisitely decorated with sculpture and carvings and painted with a variety of themes derived from the Hindu mythology, particularly those associated with the presiding deity of the temple of which a particular gopuram is. 

The Gopuram of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamilnadu state is the tallest Gopuram in South India. This Gopuram known as the Rajagopuram (the royal temple tower) rises from the base area of around 13 cents (32500 sq feet) and goes up to 196 feet, moving up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. 

The Gopuram of Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputtur is the second highest temple tower in Tamilnadu. It is 60 m (192 feet) high and has thirteen progressively smaller tiers. This Gopuram is the centerpiece of the state symbol of the Government of Tamilnadu. 

Vimanam in South Indian architecture is a term used for the towered roof of a Hindu temple's sanctum sanctorum. 

Types of vimanams include 
ashtanga vimanam  
gajaprishta vimanam - tower on top of a shrine  
sabha vimanam 
 
Photographs of the temple Gopurams / Vimanams  
 

Brihadeeswarar Koil - Thanjavur, Tamilnadu          (Details of the temple)

 

Brihadeeswarar Koil - Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamilnadu         (Details of the temple)

 

Patteeswaram Durgai temple, Tamilnadu

 

Ekambaranathar temple, Kancheepuram, Tamilnadu