Thanjavur is one of ancient cities of India sitting in the plains of Tamil Nadu. The region is widely renowned for its rich architecture found among the various temples and palaces built during the Chola rule, reminiscing one of the golden past of the region enjoyed under the Chola dynasty. Thanjavur is an interesting destination steeped in rich history and heritage that add to the appeal of the region charming in tourists from far off places.
The name Thanjavur is derived from ‘Tanjan’, name of a legendary asura in Hindu mythology. The region was founded by Mutharayar king Swaran Marana and rose to prominence during the Chola rule and served as the capital of the Chola Empire. After the fall of the Chola’s the region changed hands several times each dynasty and empire leaving their lasting impression on the city.
Thanjavur is an important hub of South Indian art and architecture and is home to several UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site, many of which belong from the Chola period.There are quite a few tourist attraction in the region that are a must visit. Some of the prominent tourist attractions of the region include the Brihadishwara Temple, Palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library, Siva Ganga Garden, Art Gallery, Sangeetha Mahal, Schwartz Church, Ragavendra Temple and much more. A visit to the local market is also a must to pick up specialties of the region like the Thanjavur dancing dolls, Tanjore Paintings and Tanjore art plates among others.
The best time to visit the region is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool as opposed to the hot and humid summers. There are plenty of good hotels in Thanjavur offering quality lodging facilities to the numerous travelers visiting the region. The hotels in Thanjavur are present across various budget groups catering to the varying needs and preferences of the myriad of travelers visiting the region.
Thanjavur is also well connected to the rest of the country by means of air, rail and roadways. The nearest airport from the region is located at Tiruchirapally. The city has its very own railway station called the Thanjavur Junction offering regular train services to various parts of the country and lastly, there is efficient road transportation in place, with numerous state and private buses along with rental cars available from various regions of South India for Thanjavur.
Thanjavur – The Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu