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
About Thanjavur / 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.
Major Tourist Attractions in Thanjavur / Tanjore
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.
Accommodation
At Thanjavur accommodation is easily available. There are several hotels
that offer comfort stay for the various travelers to Thanjavur and suit
every pocket. Hygienic and delectable food is available at reasonable rates.
