Thanjavur, sometimes referred to as the “city of temples,” is a stunning location in South India, well-known for its historical significance and cultural relevance. Tanjore paintings, textiles and saris, Carnatic music, and handicrafts are a few of the key factors that make this city a cultural treasure. In addition, the city is home to a number of well-known architectural marvels that showcase the area’s rich history.
You can visit Thanjavur by,
By Train: You can get to Thanjavur by taking a train from your preferred place to Thanjavur railway junction.
By Air: The nearest airport to Thanjavur is Tiruchirapalli (TRZ) Airport which is 47.1 km away. From there you can travel by road.
By Road: You can fly to Trichy and then take the road to Thanjavur. The Distance between Trichy to Thanjavur by road is 57 KM.
10 places to visit in Thanjavur and things to do
There are several attractions in Thanjavur, and touring them will give you a sense of the dynasties that have ruled here throughout its long and storied history. This list of places to visit in Thanjavur will help you decide what all you must see.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
The Chola kingdom, which is regarded as one of the greatest in Indian history, developed this architecturally stunning location. For about two centuries, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the Chola empire’s capital. This wonderful structure dates back in time and is significant to Thanjavur’s history. Rajendra, the Chola King, erected it to mark his triumph over the Pala Dynasty. One of the best locations to see in Thanjavur is the Lord Shiva Temple, which is a symbol of grandeur amid this city’s modern transformation into a little town.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM. 4 PM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee: No entry fee.
See also: Top 15 places to visit in Chennai and things to do
Shiva Ganga Garden
A public area within Vijayanagar Fort is called Shiva Ganga Garden. This garden is well-maintained, making it a must-see location. The Siva Ganga Garden contains a square tank that was constructed by the 16th-century kings. This tank is well known for its water’s pleasant flavour.
Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm.
Ticket Price: Rs 5
Thanjavur Saraswathi Mahal library
The Britannica Encyclopaedia lists the Sarasvati Mahal Library as “the most amazing library of India.” The Thanjavur Nayak kings who founded this library subsequently had backing from Serfoji II, the Maratha king. Not only is this library old, but it is also stacked with volumes. The library is loaded with volumes as well as a sizable collection of artwork, including paintings, drawings, maps, and manuscripts. While access to the main library is restricted to scholars exclusively, anybody can use the digitised publications for work-related activities. For the general population, the Saraswathi Mahal library museum is a good choice. Despite being smaller than the main library, this one may nonetheless astound visitors with its historic charm.
Visiting Time: 10AM to 5:30PM.
Entrance Fee: Rs 50
Source: Wikipedia
Sri Airavatesvara Temple
The Kumbakonam neighbourhood of Thanjavur is home to this well-known Thanjor Shiva temple. This temple was constructed in the 12th century by Raja Raja Chola II, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple, which honours Lord Shiva, represents the Vaishnavism and Shaktism schools of Hinduism.
Major Vedic and Puranic deities may be found in the stone temple, which resembles a chariot. Periya Nayaki Amman temple is a special sanctuary for Shiva’s consort. To the north of the Airavatesvara temple lies this independent temple. Many pilgrims visit the temple during the numerous Shiva and Durga festivals.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm.
Tanjore Brihadeeswara Temple
The main draw of this location is the well-known Thanjavur temple. This temple, which was constructed by the famous Chola King Raja Raja Chola, is also known as Thanjavur Big Temple. This temple is renowned among devotees and is an architectural marvel. The Grand Anicut River flows through one side of this temple, which is surrounded by huge ditches on all sides. The temple’s shrine is 216 feet tall. Several astounding artwork from the Chola and Nayak eras are shown at the temple. The Nandi statue is located at the temple’s entryway (the Bull).
Timings: 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM
The entrance fee is Rs 50
Thanjai Mamani Koil
A Divyadesam, or grouping of three Vishnu temples, is what Thanjai Mamani Koil, in Thanjavur, is known as. It is one of India’s 108 additional temple grounds. One of the numerous Lord Vishnu canonical tales is the source of the local origin myth for the temple. His Narasimha avatar, which he primarily used to overthrow the wicked monarch Hiranyakashipu and save his disciple Prahlad, is the major form in which he is worshipped at this location.
There are also their idols in this place. It is a temple that Vishnu worshipers adore and frequently visit. The temple provides a rare opportunity to see three of the Lord’s abodes together with his consort’s gods and other related gods. People come here for a variety of reasons.
Timing: 7 AM to 12:00 PM, 5 PM to 8:30 PM
Alangudi Guru Temple
As the Holy Sthala encircled by the three holy rivers Kaveri, Kolidam, and Vennaru, Alangudi and its temple are well known. The location and the temple are closely related to one another, and certain historical, mythical, and local folklore have been attributed to the location’s prior genesis and current tale.
The Abathsahayeswarar avatar of Shiva, who during Samudra Manthan ingested the poison of Vasuki Nag to protect humanity from its toxicity, is the subject of the Alangudi Guru Temple. Along with certain other gods, it also holds his feminine counterpart Elavarkuzhali. The temple is also well-known for housing Devguru Brihaspati, or Jupiter.
According to Hindu mythology, Earth, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are replaced by Sun, Moon, Rahu, and Ketu, making the nine planets the gods of heaven. There are nine temples in TamilNadu, including this one, one for each of the nine heavenly creatures. Giving yellow clothing as a present is revered here, staying true to the planet’s characteristic yellow colour as seen in photographs.
Here, a sizable event is held to mark Jupiter’s movement from one zodiac to another. With much fanfare, other holidays like Chithhtirai Purnima and Thai Poosam are also observed.
Timings: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Entry Fees: Rs. 250.00
Vijayanagar Fort
Nearly 2 kilometres away from the Brihadeeswara temple lies the popular tourist destination of Vijayanagar Fort. Early in the year 1550 AD, Nayak kings and certain Maratha rulers collaborated to construct this magnificent fort.Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Library, and an amazing art gallery with several sculptures and paintings are all located inside the fort. The compound also includes the Shiva Ganga Gardens. The fort still echoes the power and majesty it must have once held, despite being mostly in ruins.
Chandra Bagwan Temple
The Moon God is honoured in Chandra Bagwan Temple. This temple, which is roughly 25 kilometres outside the town, is frequently frequented by those who think that the Moon is having a negative impact on their horoscopes. They hold the belief that they may reverse their unfortunate fortunes by praying to the Moon God with the utmost faith.
Timings: 7 AM to 1PM, 4.00 PM to 9.00PM
Beaches in Thanjavur
Among the well-known beaches in Thanjavur, you must stop at Velankanni Beach, Poompuhar Beach, and Silver Beach during your road trip. On the sandbars of the Bay of Bengal, south of the Velankanni town, lies a little, clandestine beach called Velankanni Beach. Another well-liked beach in Cuddalore is Silver beach.
Source: Pinterest
FAQs
Is a trip to Thanjavur worthwhile?
Thanjavur is a wonderfully magnificent location to explore, take in the stunning architecture, and discover the culture and background of the Tanjore paintings, which are well-known all over the globe.
How ancient is the temple in Tanjore?
Around 1000 years have passed since Raja Chola constructed the Tanjore temple in 1010 CE.