Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Thanjavur, a historical city in Tamil Nadu, is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning architectural wonders and vibrant cultural heritage. At its heart lies the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site with its grand pillars and intricate carvings never fail to leave the visitors spellbound. The places to visit in Thanjavur are a mix of vibrant culture, historical significance and artistic legacy. This blog will take you through each place in detail.
10 Places To Visit Near Thanjavur
Check out the Thanjavur tourist places list, which has everything for a traveller from serene temples to historical forts.
1. Brihadeeswara Temple
Photo: Shanthilal S / Unsplash
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a must-visit for tourists due to its grandeur, historical significance, and architectural brilliance. Built in the 11th century by Rajaraja Chola, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exceptional example of Dravidian architecture, featuring towering gopurams, intricate sculptures, and an enormous dome that remains one of the largest of its kind in the world. The temple’s massive central dome, carved from a single stone, its detailed frescoes and stunning stone carvings showcase the artistic mastery of the Chola period making it an alluring destination for the history buffs.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Junction Railway Station
Ideal Trip Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Best Time To Visit: October to February
2. Thanjavur Royal Palace
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Thanjavur Royal Palace is a recommended place for tourists due to the region’s grandeur and rich cultural heritage. Once the seat of the Maratha rulers, the palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. Visitors are drawn to its impressive architecture, which blends Dravidian and Maratha styles, as well as its beautifully adorned halls, ornate doors, and majestic courtyards. The palace houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts and rare books, making it a treasure trove for history and literature lovers. This, in addition to its stunning art galleries, makes it an alluring tourist destination.
Entry Fee: ₹50
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli Airport
Best Time To Visit: October to February
3. Rajarajan Manimandapam
Photo: Portvp / Wikimedia Commons
Rajarajan Manimandapam is a fantastic spot for visitors in Thanjavur, celebrating the legacy of Raja Raja Chola I, the king behind the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple. This monument is beautifully crafted, with detailed sculptures that tell stories of his achievements and the glory of the Chola dynasty. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and a stunning view of the temple and its surroundings. For history lovers and anyone interested in the rich past of South India, it’s a must-see. You can connect with the greatness of the Chola era while soaking in the serene surroundings.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Tanjore Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli Airport
Best Time To Visit: October to February
4. Manora Fort
Photo: RealinRear / Wikimedia Commons
Manora Fort, just a short drive from Thanjavur, is a hidden gem that draws tourists with its history and scenic beauty. Built by Rajah Serfoji II, in 1814, the fort that overlooks the Bay of Bengal has a unique seven-story tower, inspired by the famous Ashokan Pillar. It offers a breathtaking view of the coastal landscape. You can stroll around the fort, enjoy the nearby beaches, and soak in the rich history while taking in the natural surroundings making it one of the top-notch tourist places to visit in Thanjavur.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Photo: Saranya Chidambaram / Wikimedia Commons
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a remarkable destination for history lovers primarily due to its stunning architecture and historical significance. Built-in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate its victories, the place holds numerous temples which stand as a testament to the region’s architectural grandeur. One of them is the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple. The peaceful surroundings and the rich history ingrained in this captivating village make it a remarkable place for tourism.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Kuthalam Railway Junction
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: November to January
6. Airavatesvara Temple
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Airavatesvara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located in the town of Darasuram near Thanjavur. Despite being smaller than Brihadeeswara Temple, this temple which was built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II rivals its counterparts in architectural splendour, intricate carvings, exquisite sculptures, and detailed stonework. The temple’s design showcases the brilliance of Chola architecture, with stunning artwork depicting various deities and mythological stories. It’s named after Airavata, the divine elephant of Lord Indra, and its serene, peaceful atmosphere adds to the allure.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: Between October and November
7. Kumbakonam
Photo: Kamakshi subramani / Unsplash
Tucked away in the heart of the Thanjavur district, the small town, of Kumbakonam is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, culture or spirituality. The region boasts beautiful temples such as Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Chakrapani Temple, and more that represent the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. The town is also famous for the annual Mahamaham festival, which draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists. The beautiful surroundings and magnificent pieces of architecture make Kumbakonam an alluring tourist destination.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: From October to March
8. Vijayanagara Fort
Photo: Arullura / Wikimedia Commons
Vijayanagara Fort, located near Thanjavur in Sivagangai, is a hidden gem for history lovers. Built in the 16th during the Vijayanagara Empire, the fort is well-known for its study walls and watchtowers which is a testament to the era’s military prowess. The fort houses numerous temples and places of cultural centres with brilliant showcasing brilliant architectural skills thus making it one of the best places to see in Thanjavur.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: Between September and February
9. Alangudi Guru Temple
Photo: Rasnaboy / Wikimedia Commons
The Alangudi Guru Temple is a wonderful attraction for tourists interested in spirituality, culture, and astrology. Dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), this temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples that are believed to influence the lives of individuals based on the position of planets in their horoscopes. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity, as the Guru is considered the planet of wisdom. The temple’s serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and the spiritual significance it holds make it one of the region’s greatest tourist areas.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: From October to February
10. Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
Photo: Nittavinoda / Wikimedia Commons
Punnainallur Mariamman Temple, located just 6 km from Thanjavur, is a great attraction for tourists due to its spiritual significance and vibrant atmosphere. Dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and fertility, this temple is famous for its healing powers and attracts thousands of devotees seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and protection from ailments. Its sacred soil is believed to cure diseases. The temple’s architecture, with its colourful gopurams and intricate sculptures, is a feast for the eyes making it an attractive place for tourists.
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Best Time To Visit: From October to March
Thanjavur and its surrounding regions offer a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and spirituality for tourists to explore. Whether one is captivated by the Chola dynasty’s architectural masterpieces, the serene atmosphere of ancient temples, or the historical forts, these places to visit in Thanjavur provide a deep connection to the region’s heritage. Plan a vacation with TripXL and explore the beauty of these places.
Cover Photo: Avin CP / Unsplash
