Tourist City in Tanjore

Thanjavur in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu is known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. The city gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it their capital. Thereafter, it was ruled by Nayaks and Maratha Kings, during whose time the art and culture of the place gained new heights. The cultural, the architectural and the scholarly pursuits of these rulers are reflected in the great monuments like Grand Anaicut, Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library etc. in the district.

The temples of Thanjavur are famous all over the world for their unique style. Magnificent temples still bear witness to the splendour of Chola architecture. Today, Thanjavur is a little town set amidst the lush rice fields of the Cauvery delta.

Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple
Built by the great Chola King, Raja Raja I in the 10th Century AD is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Thanjavur's crowning glory is its Brihadeeshwara temple with its 66.5 m high 'srivimana' dominating The Town. The monolithic granite block that forms a cupola on the top, Weights 81.3 tones, reflecting he architectural prowess of the Chola builders.

The Palace
The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. There is one acoustically perfect ancient music hall in the palace. Nearby is a tank Sivaganga, known for its sweet water.

Art Gallery
In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. The collection here is awe-inspiring.

Saraswathi Mahal Library
In another section of the Palace is the library where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in India and European languages are preserved.

Thanjavurs is an established center of learning and its Saraswati Mal Library instituted by the Maratha ruler Serfoji, has an extensive collection of over 30,000 manuscript, palm leaf inscriptions and books.

Schwartz Church
Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev.C.V.Schwartz of the Danish mission.

Thiruvaiyaru
At a distance of 13 kms is Thiruvaiyaru, which is place where famous Thyagaraja lived and attained eternity. A music festival is held here every January in honour of the saint.

Getting There

Air : Thanjavur is easily accessible from other cities of India. In terms of air transport the Tiruchirapalli airport that is 58 kms away from Thanjavur is the nearest.

Rail : Thanjavur is directly connected with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore, and Madras by rail. The excellent road network links Thanjavur with the major towns in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka.

Road : The town is connected to all the major cities of South India.

Location : In the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu.
Tourist Attractions : Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple, The Palace, Art Gallery, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Tamil University (7 Kms.), Hall of Music, Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Tank, Thirukandiyur, Thiruvaiyaru
Best Buys : Tanjore Silk, Tanjore paintings.
Best Hangouts : Saraswathi Mahal Library, art gallery
Best Activity : Visiting the temples
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Kumbakonam (36 kms.), Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) (105 kms.), Nagore (88 kms.), Pondicherry, Madurai.
When to Visit : September to May