Tanjore

Thanjavur or Tanjore derives its name from an asura or demon named Tanjan. According to the local legend the demon was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Sri Neelamegapperumal. As a last request of Tanjan the city was named after him. It is known as the Temple Town. Tanjore is also a city of tremendous historical importance in terms of its culture, agriculture, ats and crafts etc. Thanjavur is regarded as the guardian of Tamil culture. It was the royal city of Cholas, Nayaks and Mahrattas during medieval period. As a consequence of its agricultural prosperity it is called the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. It is also famous for its handicrafts, classical art and music, Bharatnatyam dances and the Tanjore style of painting.

Tourist Attractions

Sri Brihadeswara temple

Sri Brihadeswara temple is famous all over India for its ancient Chola architecture. It is dedicated to Nandi, the Bull from ancient lores and is around 216 feet tall. It has been built from a single granite rock and the dome of the temple also rests on a single granite rock. The most unique feature of the temple is that it has been built in a manner that the shadow of it never falls on the ground.

The Palace of Thanjavur

The Palace is situated on the east main street and is a series of large and rambling buildings of fine masonry. It was built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD, and partly by the Marathas. The two Durbar Halls of the Nayaks and the Mahrattas and the Raja Sarafoji Saraswathi Mahal Library are the chief sights of the Palace. The Palace also houses Art Gallery and Sangeetha Mahal. The Schwartz Church also stands in the palace garden.

Sivagangai Fort

The Sivaganga Fort is a quadrangular fort on the Southwest of the city. It was built by the nayakaruler, Sevappa Nayaka, in the mid-16th century. The fort encloses an area of 35 acres and are surrounded by a partly rock cut moat. The Square Shivaganga Tank in the fort was excavated to provide drinking water for the City. The fort also contains the great Brihadishvara Temple, Schwartz Church, and public amusement park. There is also a garden which has an impressive variety of flora and fauna.

Gangaikondacholapuram, Nageswaraswami and Airavateswara Temple

The temples of Gangaikondacholapuram, Nageswaraswami and Airavateswara Temple and very famous for their sculpture. A visit to Tanjore is never complete without a visit to these temples. The temples have some of the best pieces of Chola sculpture.

Kumbakonam

Yet another place famous for Chola sculptures is Kumbakonam located at a distance of 36 kms from Thanjavur. Kumbakonam gives out a great deal of historical information of the Chola period. Kumbakonam is also famous for the Mahamaham festival celebrated once in every 12 years in the Mahamaham tank located in the heart of the city.

Travel

Air: The Tiruchirapalli airport is located at a distance of 58 kms.

Rail: Thanjavur has been connected by direct rail links with places like Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Madras.

Road: It is connected by a large network of roads with all major towns of Tamil Nadu.