Thanjavur

Scattered with gorgeous monuments, a legacy of the mighty Cholas, and ancient temples that are works of art, Thanjavur (popularly called Tanjore), in Tamil Nadu , stands as an excellent tribute to its former kings. At the guts of the town, is that the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswarar Temple that was inbuilt the 11th century and is adorned with unique carvings and sculptures, along side inscriptions that give an account of life 1,000 years ago. While the temples are awe-inspiring, the city’s opulent palaces are not any less, testifying of the grandeur of the traditional Dravidian civilisation.

A true embodiment of South Indian art and craft, Thanjavur boasts a fine selection of traditional handcrafted items like bobblehead dolls, the divine Tanjore paintings and palm leaf articles. Thanjavur is additionally popular for serious music and Bharatnatyam dance. it’s the birthplace of the percussive instrument thavil, popularly utilized in Indian serious music .
Fringed by several quaint towns, Thanjavur acts because the gateway to serene destinations like Chidambaram, famous for the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple and Nagore, about 85 km away, that’s revered by Muslims.
Legend has it that Thanjavur has been named after a demon, Tanjan, who was killed during a battle by Lord Vishnu. His last request was that the region be named after him, which was granted by the lord.

How To Get There

By Air

Tiruchirapalli International Airport is at a distance of 60 km from Thanjavur. One can take a cab from there.

By Road

Well-constructed roads and motorable highways connect Thanjavur to most of South India. Bus, taxis, cars are available on rent.

By Rail

Thanjavur is directly connected by rail to cities of Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Madurai and other South Indian cities.

Attractions

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja I, an excellent Chola ruler, the Brihadeeswara (Brihadishwara ) Temple has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its outer fortifications were later put up by the Nayak rulers, for extra protection. Thanjavur’s most prominent landmark, it’s also referred to as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the ‘Big Temple’. it’s a fine example of Chola...

Chidambaram

About 110 km from Thanjavur, the holy town of Chidambaram is noted for its Dravidian architecture temples. because the morning bells start to peel, you’ll awaken to a fresh cup of hot coffee, and after a luxurious breakfast, fix to explore the quintessential Tamil town. the most attraction is Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. this is often revered together of the five sh...

Darasuram

Lying on the outskirts of the town , the town of Darasuram is best known for the Airavateshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was inbuilt the 12th century by Raja Raja Chola, an excellent Chola ruler. It houses shrines of Goddess Parvati, Lord Yama (god of death), Lord Subramanya and Goddess Saraswati, aside from an idol of Lord Shiva. Tourists also can...

Gangaikondacholapuram

With lush green landscapes surrounding it, the temple established by Rajendra Chola holds richly carved sculptures of Mahisasuramardini, Nataraja, Ardhanariswara and Chandikeshwara. there’s also a huge monolith of Nandi and two majestic Dwarpalas guarding the doorway . The temple complex may be a a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site grouping of Chola Temples and makes for a desirable vis...

Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam (Coommbaconum) is an idyllic town skirted by Cauvery and Arasalar rivers. Popular as a temple town, Kumbakonam is home to around 188 temples, the foremost prominent of which is that the Kumbeswarar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it’s the oldest shrine within the area, inbuilt the 7th century. the simplest time to go to is during the celebrations of the Mahamaham Festival. Ano...

Swamimalai

Lying in close proximity to Thanjavur, Swamimalai Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is perched on a hillock. One must climb 60 steep steps to succeed in it that represent 60 years of the Hindu Years Cycle. Legend says that Lord Murugan himself taught the meaning of the pranaya mantra meant to worship his father Lord Shiva, at this site once. Swamimalai is additionally believed to be one among the...

Thanjavur Palace

In the chronicles of history, Thanjavur Palace features a unique place as a site reflecting the convergence of Tamil and Maratha heritage. The palace is found only one km faraway from the large Temple and has served as a crucial centre for both the Nayak dynasty and therefore the Maratha kingdom. Surrounded by magnificent walls for fortification, it had been built by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and...

Chettinad

Located within the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu , Chettinad Showcases the rich heritage, striking art and grand architecture of the state. aside from being referred to as a temple town, the Chettinad Cuisine is that the most famous within the repertoire of Tamil Nadu . The word “Chetti” may be a Sanskrit term meaning wealth. it’s derived from the first traders of the region w...