Thanjavur, often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu,” is a city that exudes a rich tapestry of history, art, and spirituality. Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, this enchanting destination beckons travelers with its magnificent temples, cultural treasures, and a vibrant heritage that spans centuries. In this comprehensive Thanjavur travel guide, we’ll delve into the essence of this captivating city, explore its famous places, delve into its history, and provide valuable information on the Thanjavur bus station for your convenience.
Thanjavur at a Glance:
- Location: Tamil Nadu, India
- Known For: Rich cultural heritage, UNESCO-listed temples, classical music, art, and dance
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather)
- Famous For: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore paintings, classical music, and Bharatanatyam dance
Exploring Famous Places in Thanjavur:
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple): Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Thanjavur, the Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a towering vimana (temple tower) that leaves visitors awestruck. The temple’s intricate carvings, grandeur, and spiritual aura make it a must-visit.
2. Thanjavur Maratha Palace: Explore the historic Thanjavur Maratha Palace, an architectural masterpiece that houses the Royal Museum and an art gallery. Marvel at its Indo-Saracenic architecture and immerse yourself in the royal history of the region.
3. Saraswathi Mahal Library: This historic library, nestled within the palace complex, is a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf writings, rare books, and exquisite paintings. It offers a glimpse into the intellectual heritage of Thanjavur.
4. Chola Impressions: Discover contemporary art at Chola Impressions, an art gallery that showcases both local and contemporary artwork. It’s a perfect place for art enthusiasts to appreciate modern expressions.
Temple in Thajavur:
Here are some of the famous temples you should consider visiting in Thanjavur:
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple): This UNESCO World Heritage site is the crown jewel of Thanjavur and an architectural marvel. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its towering vimana (temple tower) and intricate stone carvings.
- Thanjavur Raja Gopuram: Located near the Brihadeeswarar Temple, this gopuram (gateway tower) is known for its impressive architecture and ornate sculptures.
- Airavateswara Temple, Darasuram: A short drive from Thanjavur, this UNESCO-listed temple is famous for its intricate sculptures and serene ambiance. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a fine example of Chola architecture.
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grandeur and historical significance.
- Sarangapani Temple: Located in the town of Kumbakonam, about an hour’s drive from Thanjavur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples revered in the Vaishnavite tradition.
- Mahamaham Tank: While not a temple, this sacred tank in Kumbakonam is a significant pilgrimage site where devotees gather every 12 years for the Mahamaham festival. It is believed to be associated with various deities and has a mythological connection to the river Ganges.
- Sri Ramaswamy Temple (Ramapuram Temple): Located near Thanjavur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple: Situated in Swamimalai, a short distance from Thanjavur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war. It is one of the six Arupadaiveedu temples dedicated to Lord Murugan.
- Sri Thyagarajaswamy Temple: Located in Thiruvarur, about an hour’s drive from Thanjavur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant festivals.
- Kumbeshwarar Temple: Another notable temple in Kumbakonam, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its Mahamaham festival.
Thanjavur’s History:
Thanjavur’s history is intertwined with the mighty Chola dynasty, which ruled this region between the 9th and 13th centuries. The Cholas were known for their patronage of art, literature, and temple construction. Thanjavur became a thriving cultural hub during their reign, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s identity.
The Marathas, Nayaks, and the British also played significant roles in shaping Thanjavur’s history. The Marathas, in particular, contributed to the city’s art and music, nurturing the development of the renowned Carnatic music tradition.
Thanjavur Bus Station:
For travelers seeking to explore Thanjavur, the city’s bus station is a pivotal point of entry. The Thanjavur New Bus Stand, also known as the Dr. MGR Central Bus Stand, serves as a major transportation hub. It connects Thanjavur with various cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Travelers can access regular bus services, both government-operated and private, making it a convenient and accessible way to reach the city.
TNSTC Started bus Service from Ooty to Thanjavur
In a historic development, TNSTC has initiated bus services from the well-loved tourist destination Ooty to Thanjavur. On Monday, Tourism Minister K Ramachandran and Nilgiris MP A Raja inaugurated this service in the presence of District Collector M Aruna at the Ooty bus stand.
The bus will embark on its journey from Ooty at 6.30 pm and is scheduled to reach Thanjavur by 5 am, traversing through Tirupur, Karur, and Tiruchy en route. This initiative is part of the recent addition of 1,000 buses to the TNSTC fleet, with Coimbatore receiving 283 buses. Among these, 13 are BS-IV vehicles dedicated to transporting tourists to various destinations.
These buses are equipped with modern amenities such as charging ports and emergency buttons that can be operated from both inside and outside the vehicle. TNSTC’s Ooty branch is now operating a total of 12 services, including routes like Ooty to Bangalore, Ooty to Palakkad, Mettupalayam to Karaikudi, and Mettupalayam to Rajapalayam. Additionally, it has introduced extra bus services to Ellanalli, departing from the Coonoor bus stand via Aruvankadu.
Conclusion:
Thanjavur, with its illustrious history, magnificent temples, and artistic heritage, offers a profound cultural experience for travelers. This Thanjavur travel guide serves as your compass, guiding you through the city’s famous places, temple treasures, and historical gems. As you immerse yourself in the captivating aura of Thanjavur, you’ll discover that every corner of this city narrates a story, and every temple resonates with spirituality. So, embark on your journey to Thanjavur, where history and culture come alive in splendid harmony.