India /Tamil Nadu /Thanjavur /Thanjavur

Thanjavur (Tanjavur), also known as Tanjore, is a bustling city with a rich historical legacy. The city is also the capital of Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur District, which is a fertile region watered by the River Cauvery, is known as the rice bowl of India or the Granary of the South. The Cauvery crisscrosses this abundant district, with its emerald green paddy fields, swaying coconut groves and plantations abounding in mango and banana trees. Thanjavur city is famous for its stunning art and architecture. It is home to the magnificent, world famous Brahadeeswara Temple. It is known as a temple town because it is dotted with numerous, ornate temples with gopurams that dominate the landscape of the city. Many of the temples here, which are a legacy of the Chola empire, have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, making Thanjavur an important center for art, culture and architecture in southern India. Thanjavur is also known for Tanjore Paintings, a opulent art form that has gained popularity worldwide. Thanjavur is also the cradle of two of India’s most famous classical art forms – Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. It is also popular for its handloom cotton and silk saris. Thanjavur is a must visit destination for lovers of art, history and culture.Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. The city has been known to be enjoying strong hold of the Chola dynasty.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 613001

STD Code: 4362

Info Website: thanjavur.tn.nic.in

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

Thanjavur, which is popularly knows as Tanjore, lies in the fertile Kaveri Delta, a region often referred to as the “rice bowl of Tamil Nadu”. Named after a demon Tanjan. Thanjavur was the capital city of the mighty Cholas from 9th to 13th century. It has always been the centre of knowledge, art and culture. There are 70 temples built by the cholas in Thanjavur alone, apart from its celebrated temples, Thanjavur is also famous as the cultural capital of peninsular India. Today, Thanjavur’s culture extends beyond temples and palaces, to encompass classical music and dance. it is also a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. the exquisite, highly ornamental tanjore style of paintings are unique in themselves. These are characterized by vibrant colours as well as decoration with gold leaf and precious and semi precious stones. The themes are mostly religious and the subjects are mostly Hindu deities.

Places to VisitAdd

 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Trichy international airport 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. Trichy is connected to Chennai by regular flights. Chennai (345 km) and Banglore (390 km) are other major airports nearby. These airports are well connected with most of the cities in India and many cities abroad. Taxis are available and cost is about Rs 1000 from Trichy railway station to Thanjvur.

By Train : Trichy Junction is the nearest rail head, which is at a distance of 58 km Thanjavur. Tiruchy Junction is an important railway station in Trivandrum – Chennai route via Madurai. Regular train facilities are there from Tiruchy to Madurai and Chennai.

By BUS : Tamil Nadu road transport corporation buses connect Thanjavur with other major cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy and Madurai to Thanjavur. It is well linked with other cities by private tourist buses as well. It is connected to Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Chennai and Bangalore. Tourist buses charges about Rs 3 – Rs 4 per km.

By Taxi : N.A

By Other : Auto rickshaws can help you tour the temples and palaces. If you like to remain fit and don’t mind cycling away, you can just rent cycles from stalls outside the railway station and the local bus stand.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Hotel Ganesh ; 2705/3-4, Srinivasanpillai Road, Railway Station, Thanjavur-613001 ; Ph – 04362-231113,232861,272518 ; Facilities – H/C running water, telephone, TV, 24 hours room service, doctor-on-call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Rajasugam ; 13B/1,Royal Road, Thanjavur. ; Ph – 04362-2460636,2460637 ; Facilities – 24hours room service, H/C running water, telephone, fax, TV, safe deposit, channel music, parking facility, laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Gnanam Thanjavur ; Anna Salai, Attar Mohalla, Market Road, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001 ; Ph – 04362 278 502 ; Facilities – H/C running water, direct dial telephone, TV, safe deposit locker, 24hours room service, laundry, doctor-on-call, mini bar, travel desk business center, all major credit cards accepted.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Sathars Restaurant ;  167, Opp Dargah, Gandhiji Rd, Gandhiji Rd, Attar Mohalla, Thanjavur, TN 613001 ; M –  04362 231 041 ; Food Serve :  N.A

• Tanjore Hi Hotel ;  464 , Opposite to tanjore Palace, E Main St, Thanjavur, TN 613001; M –  093 45 706708 ; Food Serve :  N.A

Must Eat FoodAdd

• upma Kozhukattai –  Ananda Bhavan ; Gandhi Road, Thanjavur. ; Ph/M –  N.A ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – Famous For
• Daangar – Urad Dahl Pachidi/Raita –  Geetham ; Hotel Parisutham, 55 Grand Anicut Canal Road, Thajavur. ; Ph/M –  N.A ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – Famous For

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

 

Must ShopAdd

• Paintings ; MAS Daily Shop;  1, Jayamani Complex, Yagappa Nagar, Thanjavur – 613007 ; Ph/M:  (04362) 230474

• Papier mache dolls ; More For You ;  No 106/1 Plot No 10 1, Pudukottai Road, Cauvery Nagar South Extension, Thanjavur H O, Thanjavur – 613001 ; Ph/M:  9244910201

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

Kings Bar ; Yagappa Hotel, 2856/2866, Tirchy Road, Thanjavur GPO, Thanjavur- 613001 ; Ph/M: (04362) 276552, (04362) 230421 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
Orange Bar ; No 14 Pandiyar Residency Hotel, Opp Bragatheeswarar Temple Near Flyover, Cutchery Road, Thanjavur H O, Thanjavur – 613001 ; Ph/M: 9486807450, 9344890612 (04362) 231295, 231604 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : N.A

SpaAdd

Naturals Family Salon & Spa ;  No 1, Kaveri Nagar Above New Krishna Sweets, Pudukottai Main Road, Thanjavur H O, Thanjavur – 613001 ; Ph/M – (04362) 228922 ; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Beauty Spas, Massage Centres For Men, Ladies Beauty Parlours
Heaven’z Beauty Spa ;  Jafar Complex, Opp. Irudhayapuram Post Office, Nk Road, Thanjavur P&T Colony, THANJAVUR – 613006 ; Ph/M – 9894240931 ; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Beauty Spas, Beauty Spas For Women

FestivalAdd

Saraswathy Pooja ; Venue:  Thanjavur. ; Period :  Oct. ; Details:  This festival is held in the last three days of the Navarathri festival. The last three days are especially meant for Goddess Saraswathy. The preparations of Krishnanattam, Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu etc. usually begin on this day.
Pongal ; Venue:  Thanjavur. ; Period :  January ; Details:  One of the most awaited events in Thanjavur and all over the state, Pongal is celebrated with great passion and vigor. The term Pongal signifies sweet dish of rice which is eaten on the Pongal festival day. Jaggery, Cardamom and cashew nuts are also included in this dish for the celebration. The local people dedicate this dish to God Surya, also known as The Sun God. It is one of the most imperative and well known festivals held in the month of mid January every year.

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police :100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

Day 1 :
9:00 am – Brihadeeswara Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
11:00 am – Thanjavur Royal Palace ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
2:00 pm – Nandi Bull ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:00 pm – Grand Anicut;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 2 :
10:00 am – Siva Ganga Garden ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Thevar’s Biryani ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Poompuhar ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm – Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
5:00 pm – Brihadeeswara Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 3 :
10:00 am – Swami Malai Temple;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
11:00 am – Sangeetha Mahal ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
2:00 pm – Nandi Bull ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
3:00 pm – Sathars ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm – Suryanaar Koyil ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs

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