Thanjavur District: The Cultural Capital and Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu

Welcome to Thanjavur, a district where history breathes through every street and the legacy of ancient empires echoes in its magnificent temples and art forms. Located in the fertile Kaveri delta, Thanjavur, also known by its anglicized name Tanjore, is globally renowned as a cradle of South Indian art, music, and architecture. As the historic capital of the mighty Chola dynasty, this land stands as a proud testament to one of the world’s most sophisticated ancient cultures.

We are privileged to operate from this epicentre of heritage, a district that seamlessly blends its glorious past with a vibrant present.

The Crown Jewel: Brihadeeswarar Temple (The Big Temple)

No visit to Thanjavur is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswarar Temple. A masterpiece of Chola architecture, this temple is the district’s most iconic landmark.

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site: The temple is part of the “Great Living Chola Temples” group, recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional architectural and cultural value.
  • Architectural Marvel: Built by the legendary Emperor Raja Raja Chola I over 1000 years ago, the entire temple is constructed from granite. Its main tower (vimana) soars to a height of 66 meters and is topped by a single monolithic stone weighing about 80 tons.
  • Spiritual Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple remains an active and vibrant place of worship, attracting devotees and tourists from across the globe.

A Legacy of Kings: More Historic Sites in Thanjavur

Beyond the Big Temple, the city and district are filled with historical treasures.

1. Thanjavur Maratha Palace (Aranmanai)

This sprawling palace complex was the residence of the Nayak and later the Maratha rulers. Today, it houses the Royal Palace Museum, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, and an impressive Art Gallery with a stunning collection of bronze idols and stone sculptures.

2. Saraswathi Mahal Library

Located within the palace complex, this library is one of the oldest in Asia. It holds an extraordinary collection of over a million palm-leaf manuscripts and paper documents in Tamil, Sanskrit, and other languages, covering a vast range of subjects.

3. Schwartz Church

Built in 1779 by Raja Serfoji II, this historic church stands as a symbol of religious tolerance and is a serene monument located near the Sivaganga Garden.

The Soul of Art and Craft

Thanjavur is synonymous with unique art forms that have been passed down through generations and are protected by Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

  • Thanjavur Paintings: This classical South Indian painting style is celebrated for its rich colours, gold foil overlays, and intricate inlay work of semi-precious stones. These paintings, primarily depicting Hindu deities, are cherished collector’s items.
  • Thalaiyatti Bommai (The Dancing Doll): The iconic Thanjavur bobble-headed doll is a masterpiece of balance and artistry. Made of terracotta, these colourful dolls are a delightful and popular souvenir.

Exploring the Wider Thanjavur District

The region surrounding Thanjavur city is equally rich in heritage.

  • Kumbakonam: Known as the “Temple Town,” this nearby hub is famous for its numerous ancient temples, including the Sarangapani and Kumbeswarar temples, and the grand Mahamaham festival held once every 12 years.
  • Great Living Chola Temples Circuit: Thanjavur is the perfect base to explore the other two UNESCO Chola temples: the Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram and the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
  • Navagraha Temples: The district is a gateway to the famous Navagraha (nine planets) temple circuit, a popular pilgrimage route for devotees.

Planning Your Visit to Thanjavur

How to Reach Thanjavur

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), located about 60 km away.
  • By Rail: Thanjavur Junction (TJ) is a major railway station with direct trains to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and other key cities.
  • By Road: Thanjavur is excellently connected by road to all major towns in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore Thanjavur is from October to March, when the climate is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thanjavur is famous for being the capital of the Chola dynasty and for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadeeswarar Temple. It is also globally renowned for its unique art forms, especially Thanjavur paintings and dolls.

The most popular items to buy in Thanjavur are authentic Thanjavur paintings, Thalaiyatti Bommai (dancing dolls), exquisite bronze idols, and traditional silk sarees.

Two days are generally sufficient to explore the main attractions within Thanjavur city. If you plan to visit Kumbakonam and the other Great Living Chola Temples, it is best to plan for a 3 to 4-day trip.

Thanjavur is also widely known by its anglicized name, Tanjore. Both names are used interchangeably.