Stretches of temples that speak volumes about the brilliance of Dravidian architecture – that is what Thanjavur is in one glimpse. However this historic city is much more than that. Arrive at the destination and be wondered about the breadth of lush green paddy fields that offer an absolute feast to the eyes. Then comes the sheer splendour of the world-famous Thanjavur Paintings. Sculptures, art, cuisine, hospitality – you will for sure be lost for words.
When it comes to temples and monuments, Thanjavur is one destination where you get to see an abundance of them; most of them being stunning architectural wonders that carry the glory of their plush past to this day. However the first picture that comes to mind when speaking of Thanjavur temples is indeed that of the Brihadeeswara Temple. Considered as one of the three ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ along with the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and Airavastesvara Temple, the Brihadeeswara Temple complex is also listed as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Thanjavur has been under the reign of various dynasties including the Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks, Vijayanagara Kings and the Marathas, subsequently falling under the rule of the British. Every kingdom left its own indelible legacy that can be seen in every nook and corner of the town today. Their rich patronage to paintings, dance and music has made Thanjavur a destination of cultural exuberance.
Intriguing and hallowed – Thanjavur is a destination that takes you back and back in time.
Thanjavur Bus Stand.
Local buses, both Government and Private, ply to Thanjavur from major cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thiruvarur and Pudukkottai on a regular basis.
Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 61 km away.
Thanjavur Junction Station.
Tiruchirappalli Railway Station, about 55 km away.
Thanjavur is a popular year-round destination. However, if you wish to avoid hot and humid weather, December to February would be the ideal time for travel and stay in and around Thanjavur. The destination has hot tropical climate and during summer season, the temperature ranges from 35° Celsius to 40° Celsius in the region.
Amid thousands of sacred hymns glow a world of enchanting beauty – one that tells many stories of dynasties, historic triumphs and timeless traditions. The Brihadeeswara Temple is a testimony to the Dravidian architecture of the Chola Period.
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Libraries are unrivalled cultural repositories and treasure houses of knowledge. They are the bridge between people and the outside world. If you go to Thanjavur, you can visit one of the oldest libraries in Asia called Saraswathi Mahal Library also known as Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library.
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Gandhiji Road, Graham Nagar, Manambu Chavdy
The delectable cuisine of Tamil Nadu is a culinary style which dates to antiquity and has since influenced the other states of South and South-East Asia.
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Next time you visit Tamil Nadu explore beyond idli, vada and sambar. Instead savour each regional cuisine that boasts of unique cooking methods and spices. They have been backed with heirloom family recipes, ancient culture and traditions, community history and external influences.
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No meal can be treated as complete without the desserts. The indulgent desserts of Tamil Nadu are exquisite and nutritious. Most are healthy preparations using less sugar and include healthy proteins like green gram and chickpea.
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The great Chola king, Rajaraja II (1143 CE –1173 CE), built the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, which is ranked only third after the two famed Chola temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. Read more...
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