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–Thanjavur, in Tamil Nadu, is home to one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Thanjavur Temple, was built in the 11th century by Rajaraja Chola I. The amazing structure showcases the architectural skills of the Chola dynasty. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is among the most famous temples in India. This temple is engraved with detailed carvings and huge statues. The temple attracts both devotees and history lovers.
Location
Photo: Sandeep Kumar Chulupunur / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is easy to reach for visitors coming from other parts of Tamil Nadu or India. Major cities like Chennai are about 350 km away, Madurai is around 190 km away, and Trichy is around 60 km away, offering various travel options to Thanjavur. The temple’s location near main highways and train routes makes it convenient for tourists and devotees to visit.
How To Reach
Photo: Deepu051993 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Thanjavur is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 60 kilometres away. This airport has connections to cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and some international destinations. From the airport, you can reach Thanjavur by hiring a taxi or taking a bus, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours.
By Train: Thanjavur Junction railway station provides easy access to major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Madurai. The station is close to the temple, and visitors can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the station to reach it.
By Road: Thanjavur is connected by road to several cities. There are many buses that run from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other nearby places. Driving to Thanjavur is also the best option, as the roads are well-maintained and offer beautiful views.
Places To Visit In And Around Thanjavur Temple
1. Thanjavur Royal Palace
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Thanjavur Royal Palace is also known as the Maratha Palace. It is a historic landmark that shows the glory of the Nayak and Maratha rulers. Built in the 16th century, this palace combines amazing architectural styles and is one of the famous places in Thanjavur. Inside the palace, you’ll find the Saraswati Mahal Library, which holds ancient texts, and the Art Gallery. It also displays bronze sculptures from the Chola era.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for adults, ₹30 for children
2. Saraswati Mahal Library
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Saraswati Mahal Library is one of the oldest libraries in Asia, located inside the Thanjavur Palace. It was established in the 16th century, and it has a large collection of over 49,000 manuscripts. It includes palm-leaf manuscripts in languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. This famous place in Thanjavur is a treasure for researchers and history lovers, as it holds rare manuscripts on literature, medicine, and astrology. It still preserves India’s literary history.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Sundays)
Entry Fees: ₹10
3. Sivaganga Park
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Sivaganga Park is a peaceful spot near the Thanjavur temple. It’s a great place for families to visit, with a lovely lake for boating, a small zoo, and well-kept gardens. The park is named after the Sivaganga Tank, which was built during the Chola dynasty to supply water to the temple. It is a popular place near Thanjavur for both locals and tourists, and it is famous for its greenery and calm atmosphere. Sivaganga Park is a nice escape from the busy city.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
4. Schwartz Church
Photo: Bestbudbrian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Schwartz Church was built by Raja Serfoji II in memory of Reverend Schwartz, a Danish missionary.This church was established in 1779 and is a peaceful place for prayer. The church’s simple design, with plain white walls and basic furniture, contrasts with the beauty of nearby temples and palaces. It reminds us of the mix of cultures that is a major aspect of Thanjavur’s history.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Photo: Ssriraman / Wikimedia Commons
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is another impressive temple built by Rajendra Chola I, which is located about 70 miles from Thanjavur. This temple was built to celebrate Rajendra’s successful journey to the Ganges River and continue his father’s architectural style. Gangaikonda Cholapuram has beautiful carvings and a tall tower that amazes visitors even if it is smaller than the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Where To Stay
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
When visiting Thanjavur, you’ll find many hotel options for all budgets and interests. There are affordable hotels that offer comfortable stays with basic facilities. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Victoriyah often include extra services like guided tours, which are great for visitors who want to explore more of the area. For a unique experience, there are heritage homestays or traditional guesthouses like Svatma Heritage that showcase local culture.
Where To Eat
Photo: 2SIF / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The city is known for its delicious Tamil dishes, with many cafes offering traditional South Indian meals. You’ll find excellent vegetarian options like crispy dosas, soft idlis, and a variety of rice dishes to suit all tastes in restaurants like Sree Ariya Bhavan restaurant. A local favourite is Thanjavur rice, a tasty and fragrant dish that shows off the region’s food heritage. For those who love sweets, traditional treats like Mysore pak or payasam can be tried in cafes like Cupid’s Corner Thanjavur.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with moderate temperatures ideal for exploring the temple and its surroundings. This period is also full of various local festivals, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of the area. Visiting during this time enhances your experience, as you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and well-engraved carvings of the temple.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
Visiting the temple is quite budget-friendly. The entry fee for the temple is typically around ₹50 per person. Accommodation options in Thanjavur range from ₹800 to 3,000 per night, depending on your preferences. For a weekend trip for two, including accommodation, meals, and transportation, the average cost of the trip would be between ₹3,000 and 8,000.
Tips For Travellers
- As the temple grounds may require walking on uneven surfaces, comfortable shoes are essential.
- Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated, especially during the warm months.
- Thanjavur can experience rain, especially during the monsoon season, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
- Be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly, especially in religious areas.
- To help preserve the temple’s natural surroundings, opt for environmentally friendly products during your visit.
Thanjavur Temple is more than just a religious place; it’s a blend of art, history, and spirituality. This temple in Tamil Nadu is famous for its beautiful carvings, tall gopurams, and incredible Chola architecture. Every corner reflects the rich heritage of the Chola dynasty. Whether you’re seeking spirituality or exploring history, the temple is a must-see. Plan a trip with TripXL and discover Thanjavur’s culture.
Cover Photo: Anupam Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
