Places to Visit in Thanjavur: Temples, Palaces & Day Excursions

Introduction: The City of Temples

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is one of South India's most historically significant cities. Located in the Cauvery River delta in Tamil Nadu, this ancient city was the capital of the mighty Chola dynasty that ruled South India from the 9th to 13th centuries. Thanjavur is renowned for its magnificent temples, particularly the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's greatest architectural marvels. The city is also famous for its distinctive painting style (Tanjore paintings), classical music, and traditional handicrafts. For those interested in exploring more temples in Tamil Nadu, check out our guide on temples in Thanjavur. And if you love temple architecture, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is another must-visit destination. This guide covers the must-visit attractions in Thanjavur, practical travel information, and how to make the most of your visit to this culturally rich city.

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Architectural Marvel

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple or Peruvudaiyar Temple, is Thanjavur's crown jewel and one of the most impressive temples in all of India. Built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the pinnacle of Chola architecture. The Main Temple Complex The temple's main Vimana (tower) rises to 66 meters, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. What's remarkable is that the Vimana was built from a single piece of granite weighing approximately 80 tons—a feat of engineering that remains mysterious. The temple's proportions are perfect, and the symmetry is stunning. The base of the Vimana is built on a raised platform, and the entire structure is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The Nandi Bull At the entrance of the temple complex sits a massive Nandi (sacred bull) carved from a single rock. This Nandi, measuring 6 meters in length and 3.7 meters in height, is one of the largest Nandi statues in India. The Nandi is beautifully proportioned and faces the main shrine. The platform around the Nandi features carved pillars. The Nandi's sheer size and the quality of carving are testament to the skill of Chola artisans. The Sanctum Sanctorum The main shrine houses a massive Shiva Lingam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Brihadeeswara (the Lord of the Universe). The sanctum is built on a raised platform accessible by steps. The temple's name Brihadeeswarar translates to "The Great Lord" or "The Lord of the Universe," reflecting the grandeur of both the deity and the temple itself. Inscriptions and History The temple walls feature numerous inscriptions providing valuable historical information about the Chola dynasty, their administration, and the temple's construction. These inscriptions are a historian's treasure trove. Visiting Tips The temple is open from 6 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 9 PM. Entry is free. Photography is allowed except in the sanctum. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove footwear before entering the temple.

Thanjavur Palace: Royal Heritage

The Thanjavur Palace, constructed by the Nayak rulers in the 16th century and later expanded by the Marathas, is a magnificent complex of buildings showcasing various architectural styles. Saraswathi Mahal Library Within the palace complex is the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia. Established in the 16th century, it houses over 60,000 rare manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. The library's collection includes rare palm-leaf manuscripts, ancient books on medicine, architecture, and literature. Some manuscripts are over 1,000 years old. The library is a must-visit for history and literature enthusiasts. Royal Museum The palace houses a museum displaying royal artifacts including Chola bronze statues, weapons, paintings, and personal items of the Maratha rulers. The collection provides insight into the region's royal history. The bronze gallery features beautiful Nataraja (dancing Shiva) statues and other Chola bronzes. The armory section displays weapons used by the Maratha kings. The painting gallery features Thanjavur paintings and portraits. Art Gallery The Art Gallery within the palace features Thanjavur paintings, traditional South Indian paintings characterized by vivid colors, gold foil work, and depictions of Hindu deities. The gallery also has a collection of stone sculptures and bronzes from various periods. The exhibits provide an excellent overview of South Indian art through the centuries. The Bell Tower The palace's bell tower offers panoramic views of Thanjavur and the surrounding countryside. Climbing to the top is worth it for the views and the unique perspective on the palace complex.

Other Temples in Thanjavur

Sivaganga Fort The Sivaganga Fort, built by the Nayak rulers in the 16th century, encloses several temples and the palace. The fort's walls provide excellent views of the surrounding area. Within the fort are the Brihadeeswarar Temple (the Big Temple) and several smaller temples. The fort is particularly beautiful at sunset when the walls glow golden in the evening light. Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple (Small Temple) In addition to the main Big Temple, Thanjavur has a smaller temple also called Brahadeeswarar, built by a Chola queen. This temple, while smaller, is also architecturally significant and less crowded. Punnainallur Mariamman Temple This temple dedicated to the goddess Mariamman is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual atmosphere. The temple is particularly crowded during the festival season. Azwar Temple This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples). The temple features beautiful Dravidian architecture and is an important pilgrimage site.

Thanjavur Paintings

Traditional Art Form Thanjavur is famous for its distinctive painting style that originated here in the 16th century. Thanjavur paintings are characterized by their vivid colors, gold foil work, and depictions of Hindu deities. The paintings are done on wooden planks with a canvas base. The paintings feature a central deity surrounded by subsidiary figures. Gold foil is extensively used, giving the paintings a distinctive richness. Where to See The Art Gallery in the Thanjavur Palace has an excellent collection of Thanjavur paintings. Several shops in Thanjavur sell both original paintings and reproductions. Where to Buy For authentic Thanjavur paintings, visit the government-run Poompuhar Emporium or reputable art shops in Thanjavur. Original paintings are expensive but valuable investments. Reproductions are available at lower prices.

Nearby Excursions

Thiruvaiyaru: Town of Five Rivers Thiruvaiyaru, about 15 kilometers from Thanjavur, is where the five rivers of Cauvery converge. This town is associated with the famous composer Saint Thyagaraja. The Thyagaraja Temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The annual Thyagaraja Aradhana music festival in January attracts classical musicians from all over India. Swamimalai: One of Six Abodes Swamimalai, about 35 kilometers from Thanjavur, is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Karthikeya). The temple is built on a hillock and requires climbing 60 steps. The temple is architecturally significant and an important pilgrimage site. The town is also known for its bronze icon making industry. Kumbakonam: Temple City Kumbakonam, about 40 kilometers from Thanjavur, is a temple city with numerous important temples including the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and Sarangapani Temple. The town is famous for its mahamaham festival celebrated once every 12 years when millions of devotees bathe in the Mahamaham tank.

Best Time to Visit Thanjavur

Winter (October to March) This is the best time to visit Thanjavur. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging 20-30°C. Comfortable for sightseeing and temple visits. Summer (April to June) Summer can be hot with temperatures reaching 35-40°C. Early morning and late afternoon are best for temple visits. Carry water and sun protection. Monsoon (July to September) The northeast monsoon brings rain to Tamil Nadu. The rain is usually not continuous, but the humidity increases. The countryside looks lush green during this time.

How to Reach Thanjavur

By Air The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), about 60 kilometers away. Chennai Airport, about 350 kilometers away, is better connected with domestic and international flights. By Train Thanjavur is well-connected by rail with Chennai, Bangalore, and other major South Indian cities. The train journey from Chennai takes about 6-7 hours. By Road Thanjavur is connected by excellent roads to Chennai (350 km), Bangalore (400 km), and other major cities. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates regular bus services.

Where to Stay in Thanjavur

Thanjavur offers various accommodation options: Heritage Properties Several heritage properties offer a glimpse into traditional Tamil Nadu architecture and lifestyle. These are converted from traditional houses and offer an authentic experience. Mid-Range Hotels Numerous mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms with modern amenities. These are located near the temple and other attractions. Budget Options Budget hotels and guesthouses offer basic but clean accommodation. These are perfect for travelers watching their expenses.