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Draped in centuries of cultural and religious tradition, Thanjavur exudes the quiet wisdom of the past. Located on the East coast of Tamil Nadu, 200 miles South of Chennai, the river Cauvery washes its banks.The river and a network of irrigation canals nurture this coastal district and its abundant paddy fields, coconut groves, and mango and plantain orchards, making it the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. The Chola and Mutharayars Kings had made it their capital and the Nayaks and Maratha Kings further developed its art and culture. Thanjavur derives its name from the asura Tanjan. The district is famous for exquisite bronze figures, bell-metal castings, Tanjore swami metal work, pith work, jackfruit wood musical instruments, handloom silk and cotton sarees, Thanjavur paintings of Krishna and other deities,

The district is famous for exquisite bronze figures, bell-metal castings, Tanjore swami metal work, pith work, jackfruit wood musical instruments, handloom silk and cotton sarees, Thanjavur paintings of Krishna and other deities, the famous Thanjavur dancing doll, and the Tanjore Art Plates.

Sightseeing Highlights:

Thanjavur is home to the famous granite-stone Brihadeeswara Temple built by Raja Raja Chola I, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its 14-storey Vimana (216 feet) and the exquisite workmanship is a fascinating sight. The Nandi Bull opposite to the sanctum sanctorum weighing 20 tonnes is carved from a single stone.

Other places of interest are the Sarabhoji Maharajas Fort, Rajagopal Arsenal Tower, Sadar Mahal, Bell Tower, Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare collection of ancient books and manuscripts, and the art gallery. The Sangeetha Mahal has an acoustically perfect musical hall. Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Pookara Street, dating back to pre-1740 A.D., and Sacred Heart Cathedral Church are some ancient churches here.

Activities:

There are a number of excursion options from Thanjavur, such as to the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, Nageswaraswami Temple and the Airavateswara Temple. Other excursion destinations are Thiruvaiyaru (13 kms) associated with the Carnatic music saint Thyagaraja and the Carnatic classical music festival held in the month of January, Panchanatheswara Temple, Dharasuram (32 kms) and Kumbakonam (36 kms).