TANJAVUR (TANJORE)TAMILNADU

 Thanjavur Travel Guide (    courtesy Hari kumari arts facebook page}

Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural brilliance. Known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," Thanjavur is home to the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a hub for South Indian classical music and dance. This city offers visitors a chance to explore the grandeur of Chola architecture, indulge in traditional Tamil cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture that has flourished for centuries.

History

Thanjavur's history is deeply intertwined with the Chola dynasty, which ruled the region from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Under the Cholas, Thanjavur became a center of art, architecture, and literature. The Brihadeeswara Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, stands as a testament to their architectural genius. Following the Cholas, the city was ruled by the Pandyas, Nayaks, and Marathas, each of whom contributed to the city's rich cultural tapestry. The Marathas, in particular, left a lasting legacy with their patronage of the arts, including the famous Tanjore paintings.

Getting There

By Air

The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 60 km from Thanjavur. It is well-connected to major cities in India and some international destinations.

By Train

Thanjavur Junction is the main railway station, with regular trains connecting it to Chennai, Bangalore, and other major cities in South India.

By Road

Thanjavur is well-connected by road, with frequent bus services and excellent road networks linking it to nearby cities like Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Chennai.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Thanjavur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. During these months, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

Top Attractions

Brihadeeswarar Temple

This architectural masterpiece, also known as the Big Temple, is the pride of Thanjavur. Built by Raja Raja Chola I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its massive Shiva lingam and towering vimana, which stands at 66 meters. The intricate carvings and frescoes on the temple walls are a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Chola period.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Located about 70 km from Thanjavur, this temple was built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious campaign to the Ganges. The temple is renowned for its grandeur and the intricate sculptures that adorn its walls.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace

A fine example of Nayak and Maratha architecture, the Thanjavur Royal Palace is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The palace complex houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, with a vast collection of ancient manuscripts. The Art Gallery within the palace displays an impressive collection of Chola bronzes and Tanjore paintings.

Aiyarappar Temple

Located in Thiruvaiyaru, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. It is especially famous during the Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Festival.

Airavatesvara Temple

Situatedin Darasuram, about 35 km from Thanjavur, this UNESCO World Heritage site is another architectural gem from the Chola period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its detailed stone carvings and unique architectural style.

Culture

Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Festival

An annual music festival held in Thiruvaiyaru, near Thanjavur, commemorating the saint-composer Thyagaraja. This festival attracts Carnatic music enthusiasts from all over the world and is a significant cultural event in the region.

Local Cuisine

Vegetarian Delights

Thanjavur is known for its traditional Tamil cuisine, which includes dishes like sambar, rasam, kootu, and poriyal. Popular vegetarian restaurants include Ariya Bhavan and A2B.

Non-Vegetarian Specialties

Non-vegetarian cuisine in Thanjavur includes Chettinad-style dishes, biryanis, and seafood. Some well-known eateries are Barbequeen and Thanjai Thambi Vilas.

Shopping

Thanjavur Paintings

Thanjavur is famous for its traditional paintings, characterized by rich colors, surface richness, and compact composition. These paintings are a must-buy for art enthusiasts.

Thanjavur Dolls

These traditional hand-painted dolls, known for their bobbing heads, are a popular souvenir and make for charming gifts.

Accommodation

Budget Hotels

For budget-conscious travelers, Thanjavur offers a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include Hotel Oriental Towers, Hotel Victoriyah, and RK Hotel.

Luxury Hotels

For a more luxurious stay, Thanjavur has several high-end hotels with modern amenities. Sangam Hotel, Great Trails River View River View Resort, and Svatma Hotel are some notable options.

Travel Tips

Languages

Tamil is the primary language spoken in Thanjavur, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are common modes of transport. App-based services like Ola and Uber are not available here.

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All reactions:

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simchalam, vizag

This temple is famous all our Andhra Pradesh,
Very near to vizag, towards the airport,
This temple is on a hillock, but vehicles can go upto the temple.

Agoreshwara temple, Sagara

One of the oldest temple in this region, just 5kms from Sagara, must see one.

Sigandur chowdeshware Temple, Sagara

This temple is very unique in itself, as the devi is self manifest,and is very powerful.
Many a cases are solved here without going to courts,by just putting up the problem to the devi.
One way to reach this temple is by crossing the river on a boat, along with your car in the boat, which itself is very unique.
The location is itself very extraordinary as the temple is surrounded by greenary on one side and the river on the other.

Gokarnatheswara Temple,.Mangalore

This temple is very old but recently it has been renovated and its really beautiful,
This situated near the seashore around 5 kms from the city.
This temple is of Lord Shiva and parvathi,It has a unique pond (kalyani) and also has a animal (not live) part.r nearby places 1. Adinatheswara Temple Adyapadi grama Bajpe Hobli Mangaore. 3 kms from Bajpe 2. Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple Kamalashile Udupi District 70 kms from udupi 3. Mahakali Temple ambalapafi Udupi 2 km from udupi 4. Rajarajeshwari Temple polali Mangalore 20 km from mangalore 5. Durga Parameshwari Temple Yanegudde , Katapadi, Udipi 6.Vishwanathaswamy temple, Elluru, Udipi district. 7. Durga parameshwari temple, Shibache, Udipi district. 8. Mahalingeshwara temple, Uchila, Udipi district. 9. Durga parameshwari temple, mandarki, Udipi district. 10. Vinayaka temple, Guddattu, Udipi district. 11. Someshwara Temple, (sri kshetra Nalli thirtha) Somanatha Gruhalaya, Kempadapu grama, Mangalore. 5ksms from Bajpe. 12. Durpa parameshwari temple. Uppanda \, kundapara taluk. Udipi. 13. Mallikarjunaswamy temple, Sampaje, sulya taluk, 14. Parashurama temple, Yadapadi, Mala, Karkaala taluk. 15. Kantheswara temple. 15kms from karkala.

Vinayaka Temple, PONNI

This temple is very very beautiful, This temple is unique as it has got the Navagrahas temple separately along with their vehicles,symbol etc.,
This temple is around 30 kms from Vellore along the andhra border.

Jalakanteshwara Temple, Vellore

This temple is one of the famous temple in Vellore,
It is in the heart of the city.
A very old temple, but very nicely kept.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

This is the capital of Kerala and houses one of the most beautiful temple of Sri VISHNU, a must see temple at any cost.
Only Hindus will be allowed inside provided men were lungis and are bare chested, and women wear sarees or langablouse only, No western dresses are allowed.
If you have worn and be there, then do not worry, as temple gives devotees lungis and sarees for a small token of money.