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 n classical sense, the
Brihadishwara temple of Thanjavur stands a proud reminder of Dravidian excellence in art and
architecture. The temple listed among World Heritage sites dominate the entire skyline of the town. The
masterpiece in architecture also speaks volumes about the might and wealth of
Chola Empire (850 to 1270 AD) as well as the great King Raj Raja I who actually got it built in 1010 AD.
The temple set in a large spacious ground has a massive Nandi (Bull) idol in the
front. Unlike other Dravidian temple masterpieces having gopurams, this temple has its 13 storey high spire as the highest structure. On top of it is placed a dome made of single rock weighing 80 tonnes that was brought through a 4 kilometers long tarmac. Very fine
sculptures cover every surface of the temple. As the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, there is a massive bronze idol of
Nataraja (dancing Shiva) and a huge lingam. This temple is noteworthy for the fine murals over the
interior walls including those depicting poses of classical dance
BharatNatyam.
Besides this impressive temple worth ap preciating several times, Thanjavur town also has a museum, a huge royal Palace and an art gallery. The places around
Thanjavur worth visiting are Thiruvarur (Birthplace of most popular Tamil Saint and composer Thyagaraja, there is a huge
Thyagrajaswami temple having a
807 pillared hall and a massive
temple chariot.) and Thiruvayaru (House of Saint Thyagaraja).
In a short day trip, one may visit Tiruchirapally town. The town located by holy river Cauvery has Srirangam temple which is one of the largest temple complexes in the world. The temple has several tall gopurams finely painted with variety of colors. The town also has a small fort situated on a high rock and a few
churches. Excursion to Kumbakonam, popular for its several gaudily painted temples, is possible from here.
The countrys ide around Thanjavur is exceptionally beautiful.
Fed by river Cauvery the plains here bear rich
paddy crops. It can be particularly rewarding to be here during the festival of
Pongal when cows and bulls are made to involve in colorful events. The region is also famous for
Chettinad villages which once were inhabited by the people of
Chettiar community.
Chettiars are traditionally expert businessmen who shifted from their villages to urban areas for better opportunites.
Nevertheless, the successful businessmen continued their affection to their ancestral homes and kept on making them more and more luxurious
 (the same way like the Marwaris did in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan). These traditional homes are superb examples of tastes and opulence of Chettinad living. Impressive colonnaded verandahs, wooden pillars, Burma teak and antique furniture form part of these magnificent houses. It is possible today to stay and dine (in traditional way) in a few of such houses and explore the countryside. The main areas are around
Karaikuddi and Swamimalai.
Thanjavur has many more beautiful places around itself which are worth exploring. Moreover, this is certainly a perfect place to know more about the great Dravidian culture, history, art and temples.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Trichy is the nearest airport. Tanjore has a railway station of its own. Well connected by road with other cities of Tamilnadu. |
| Further connections |
Thiruvarur, Madurai, Chettinad country, Trichy, Rameshwaram,, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam and Chidambaram. |
| Best time to visit |
Warm all through the year. Hot during summers. |
| Important information and Festivals |
Tanjore is very famous for its distinctive painting style as well. Dont miss to buy one!
Being located in fertile Cauvery delta region, Tanjore is a major scene during Pongal festival.
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| TOURS TO THANJAVUR | |
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