Thanjavur, formerly the Tanjore city of eastern
Tamil Nadu, lies in the Kaveri (Cauvery) River delta stretching over an area of 29.24 sq.kms. It served as the seat of power for the Chola (Cola) empire from the 10th to the 14th century and became important during the Vijayanagar, Maratha, and British periods. Known as a centre of learning and culture it is famous for its unique art in bronze, Handicrafts and South Indian Musical Instruments.
Thanjavur Attractions
Sri Brihadeswara temple: Built by the great Chola King, Raja Raja I in the 10th century AD, Sri Brihadeswara temple is an marvelous example of the Chola architectural grandeur. The awesome 14 storied granite temple rise to a height of 216 feet, the plinth of central shrine being 45.72 sq.m. and the shrine proper measuring 30.48 sq.m. The Vimanam of Sri Brihadeswara temple which rises perpendicularly from a square base to height of 60.96m.and the gold-plated copper Kalasa at the top weighs 339.5 Kilogram. Nandi, the Big Bull, weighing around 20 tonnes, is sculpted out from a single stone and sits exactly opposite to the sanctum sanctorum. Inside this colossal structure of Sri Brihadeswara temple, a 7m. high Sivalinga presides. The temple is adorned with beautiful paintings and suberb sculpture on the inner walls and ceilings.
The Palace: The beautiful Palace of masonry was built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. Spread over an area of 530 acres it is surrounded by 15 feet high wall. Inside the complex the 190 feet Arsenal tower stands majestically in eight storeys and attracts large number of tourists. Built to a little north of Arsenal Tower in Serginayakas style, the Bell Tower houses the famous Maratha Durbar Hall abounding in exquisite paintings. The Saraswathy Mahal Library offers priceless collection of ancient books and manuscripts while the Art Gallery is enriched by granite, bronze and stone sculptures of the Chola Period. The Sangeet Mahal is a wonder and especially known for it bears mark of the engineering skills of the period which is reflected in its acoustically perfect musical hall. Schwartz Church stands in the Palace Garden.
Thanjavur Churches: Thousands attend the annual car festival of the Pookara Street Our Lady of Sorrows Church which is celebrated every year with pomp and gaiety in the third week of September. The Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, St. Peter’s Church, Fort Church and the Lutheran Church all stands as testimony to the religious harmony existing in Thanjavur.
Excursions from Thanjavur
- Thirukandiyur (10 kms)
- Kumbakonam (36 kms)
- Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) (105 kms)
- Swamimalai (32 kms)
- Manora (65 kms.)
- Tiruvarur (55 kms)
Reaching Thanjavur:
- Tiruchirapalli (58 kms) houses the nearest airport to Thanjavur and is connected by Indian and Air Lanka with Srilanka. Indian also connects Trichirapalli to Madurai and Chennai directly.
- Thanjavur is well-connected by railways and roadways with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Chennai directly.
Accommodation in Thanjavur
- Hotel Tamil Nadu, TTDC Unit II, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur,Telphone: 221421, 221024, 221325
- Hotel Ganesh, 2905/3 & 4 Srinivasan Pillai Road, Railway station ,Thanjavur
- India Hotel Aristo, 2, Dindigul Road, Thanjavur, Phone : 0431- 461818
- Hotel Ashok Bhavan, Junction Road, Thanjavur, Phone : 0431- 460783
- Hotel Gajapriya, 2,Royal Road, Thanjavur, Phone : 0431-411441
Shopping
Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur.
Last Updated on 1/17/2011
