Thanjavur

Introduction

Thanjavur or Tanjore is an important city in Tamil Nadu for South Indian art and architecture. The Thanjavur region is also known as the "rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and rice is transported throughout the country as well as exported elsewhere.

Brief History

Thanjavur (Tanjore) was considered to be the cultural capital of India in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital. Thereafter, it was ruled by Nayaks and Maratha Kings, who wanted to nurture it with art and culture. And that is the reason why even today Thanjavur's monuments are being reflected rich in these cultural, the architectural and the scholarly pursuits.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

The Bragatheeswara or Big Temple is an example for the Indian sculptural architecture greatness and is the most famous place in Thanjavur. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. The internal walls are covered with the paintings of Chola and Nayak periods. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull. It is said that the shadow of this temple never falls on the ground.

The Chola palace also known as Tanjavur Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument is located in Thanjavur city, off old bus stop. The Tanjavur Palace is a massive complex with huge halls, corridors, observation towers and a shady courtyard. The wooden pillars are colourfully painted and the Durbar hall or sitting place is decorated with mirrors.

The palace is also home to Saraswathi Mahal Library, an art gallery and a museum. The Royal museum has a display of items from the past rulers. The Saraswathi Mahal Library has an amazing collection of manuscripts written on palm leaves and paper.

Thanjavur is also famous for a unique painting style, called Tanjore painting, of this region. It is also famous for its ancient handicrafts of making of bronze icons and Thanjavur art plates. The artisan's village is another place to know how these icons are made.

It is equally well-known for making of dolls & musical instruments out of of jack-wood. It is also a flourishing center of handloom silk and cotton sarees.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Thanjavur has a tropical climate with not much change in summer and winter temperatures. April and May are the hottest months with the mercury soaring up to the 40 °C mark. Due to its proximity to the coastal region it gets uncomfortably warm and humid during these months but the nights are usually cool.

Winter falls between November-February when the climate is pleasantly cool. In Tamil Nadu the rainy season is between October and December when the northeast monsoon brings rain in spurts.

Getting There

Thanjavur is well connected by roads and railways with other parts of India and with cities and towns in Tamil Nadu.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli located at a distance of 56 kilometres.

By Train

Thanjavur is directly connected with towns and cities of India like Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Chennai by rail. There are 4-5 trains from Chennai for overnight journey. For more details about timings, fare and availability of seats have a look at the Indian Railways official website.

By Car

By Bus

It is fairly well connected with all major towns of Tamil Nadu like Kumbakonam, Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Chennai through road.

By Boat

The nearest seaport in Nagapattinam is 84 kilometres from Thanjavur.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

The city buses are very cheap and frequent. One can get buses from old bus stop. Autorickshaws ply in plenty but one needs to bargain for rate before starting one's journey.

By Foot

The distances between major sites are not much and are within walkable distance of 2-3 kilometres.

By Bike

Since the tourist places are all close by, one can hire a bicycle to move around. The rent is around Rs 100/- per day.

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Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around.