bigtravelbuzzThanjavur is a historic city in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and art. Here are some things to know before visiting Thanjavur:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thanjavur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Getting around: Thanjavur has a good network of public transportation including buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available throughout the city.
Places to visit: Thanjavur is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple. Other must-visit places in Thanjavur include the Thanjavur Palace, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Airavateswara Temple.
Food: Thanjavur is known for its traditional South Indian cuisine, with specialties like dosa, idli, vada, and biryani. Be sure to try the local delicacies like Thanjavur-style sambar, thavala adai, and keerai masiyal.
Safety: Thanjavur is a generally safe city for travelers. However, it’s always best to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night.
Shopping: Thanjavur is famous for its traditional art and handicrafts, including bronze idols, Thanjavur paintings, and silk sarees. Be sure to visit the local markets and shops to pick up some souvenirs.
Language: Tamil is the primary language spoken in Thanjavur. However, most people in the tourist areas speak English, and you should not have trouble communicating.
Overall, Thanjavur is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, and with these tips, you should be able to enjoy your trip to Thanjavur to the fullest.
Places to Visit in Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a historic city in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and art. Here are some of the must-visit places in Thanjavur:
Brihadeeswara Temple: Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Thanjavur. Built in the 11th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features intricate carvings and a towering 216-feet tall vimana.
Thanjavur Palace: Thanjavur Palace is a grand complex built by the Nayak kings in the 16th century. The palace complex houses several buildings, including the Royal Museum, which displays artifacts from the Nayak and Maratha periods.
Saraswathi Mahal Library: Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of the oldest libraries in Asia and houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf manuscripts, and rare books.
Airavateswara Temple: Airavateswara Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thanjavur, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Built in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Thiruvaiyaru: Thiruvaiyaru is a small town near Thanjavur, famous for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. The town hosts the Thyagaraja Aradhana festival every year, which attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historic town near Thanjavur, known for its ancient temple and ruins of the Chola dynasty. The town was the capital of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Thanjavur, and there is much more to explore in this beautiful city.
Best Time To Visit Thanjavur
The best time to visit Thanjavur is during the winter months of November to February, when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. The humidity is low, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, which may disrupt travel plans, and the summer months from March to May are hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. So, it is advisable to avoid visiting Thanjavur during the summer and monsoon seasons.
Things to Do in Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history. Here are some of the top things to do in Thanjavur:
Visit Brihadeeswara Temple: Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Thanjavur. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features intricate carvings and a towering 216-feet tall vimana. The temple is a must-visit attraction in Thanjavur.
Explore Thanjavur Palace: Thanjavur Palace is a grand complex built by the Nayak kings in the 16th century. The palace complex houses several buildings, including the Royal Museum, which displays artifacts from the Nayak and Maratha periods. Exploring the palace is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library: Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of the oldest libraries in Asia and houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf manuscripts, and rare books. The library is a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Explore the Chola Temples: Thanjavur is home to several ancient Chola temples that are known for their exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. The Airavateswara Temple and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram are two of the most famous Chola temples in the region.
Attend the Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival: Thiruvaiyaru is a small town near Thanjavur, famous for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. The town hosts the Thyagaraja Aradhana festival every year, which attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world.
Visit the Art Gallery: The Thanjavur Art Gallery is a great place to explore the art and culture of the region. It showcases the famous Tanjore paintings, which are known for their unique style and intricate details.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Thanjavur, and there is much more to explore in this beautiful city.
How to get around in Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a well-connected city, and getting around is relatively easy. Here are some of the ways to get around in Thanjavur:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are the most popular mode of transport in Thanjavur. They are readily available throughout the city and are relatively inexpensive.
Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates regular bus services connecting Thanjavur to other cities and towns in the region. Local buses also run within the city, connecting major tourist attractions and residential areas.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Thanjavur, and they can be useful if you need to travel long distances or want more comfort and convenience.
Bicycle rental: Bicycle rental is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. You can rent a bicycle from various rental agencies located in the city.
Walking: Many of the tourist attractions in Thanjavur are located in the city center, making it possible to explore them on foot. Walking is also a great way to soak in the sights and sounds of the city.
It is advisable to negotiate the fares with auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers before starting your journey, and always carry small change as they may not have change for larger denominations.
Where to eat in Thanjavur
Thanjavur is known for its traditional cuisine, which is a blend of Chettinad, Tamil, and Andhra flavors. Here are some of the best places to eat in Thanjavur:
Sri Mangalambiga Vilas: Located in the heart of Thanjavur, this restaurant is known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine, especially its biryani and seafood dishes.
Veena Restaurant: This vegetarian restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, and vadas.
Sathars Restaurant: Sathars is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes. It is particularly famous for its Mughlai cuisine.
Hotel Parisutham: This restaurant is known for its traditional Tamil Nadu meals, including the famous thali. It also serves a variety of dosas, parottas, and biryanis.
Hotel Gnanam: Hotel Gnanam is a popular non-vegetarian restaurant in Thanjavur, known for its spicy Chettinad-style dishes like chicken and mutton chukka.
Ramnath Restaurant: Ramnath is a family-run restaurant that serves traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine, including the famous Thanjavur-style mutton curry.
Shri Ariya Bhavan: Shri Ariya Bhavan is a vegetarian restaurant that serves a variety of South Indian dishes, including the famous filter coffee.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Thanjavur, and there are many more local eateries and street food stalls that offer delicious and affordable food.
Famous street stalls in Thanjavur
Thanjavur has a vibrant street food culture, and there are many popular street stalls that offer delicious and affordable food. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Thanjavur:
Amma’s Kiosk: This popular street stall is located near the Thanjavur Palace and is known for its delicious idlis, dosas, and vadas.
Saravana Bhavan: Saravana Bhavan is a well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants, and its outlet in Thanjavur is a popular spot for its South Indian breakfast items like idlis and dosas.
Sathars Falooda: Sathars Falooda is a popular dessert stall located in the heart of the city, known for its delicious falooda and ice cream.
Selvam Bakery: Selvam Bakery is a famous bakery in Thanjavur, known for its freshly baked bread, biscuits, and cakes.
Lakshmi Vilas Coffee Club: Lakshmi Vilas Coffee Club is a popular spot for filter coffee, a South Indian specialty.
Raghavendra’s Sandwich Stall: Raghavendra’s Sandwich Stall is a famous street stall that serves delicious sandwiches and grilled sandwiches.
Murugan Bhavan: Murugan Bhavan is a popular vegetarian restaurant chain that serves a variety of South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and vadas.
These are just a few of the many famous street stalls in Thanjavur, and there are many more local eateries and street food stalls that offer delicious and affordable food.
Where to stay in Thanjavur
Luxury accommodation
Thanjavur offers a range of luxury accommodation options, from heritage hotels to modern resorts. Here are some of the top luxury accommodations in Thanjavur:
Svatma: Svatma is a luxury heritage hotel that offers a blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities. The hotel has a spa, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine.
Ideal River Resort: Ideal River Resort is a luxury resort located on the banks of the river Cauvery. The resort offers a range of activities like birdwatching, boating, and fishing.
Sangam Hotel: Sangam Hotel is a modern luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
The Gateway Hotel: The Gateway Hotel is a luxury hotel located in a quiet neighborhood of Thanjavur. The hotel has a spa, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
Mantra Veppathur: Mantra Veppathur is a luxury resort located in a quiet village near Thanjavur. The resort has a spa, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations available in Thanjavur, and there are many more options to choose from depending on your preferences and budget.
Where to stay in Thanjavur
Budget accommodation
There are many budget accommodation options available in Thanjavur. Here are some of the top budget accommodations in the city:
Hotel Oriental Towers: Hotel Oriental Towers is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, and offers basic amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Hotel Tamilnadu: Hotel Tamilnadu is a budget hotel located near the railway station. The hotel offers basic amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Lakshmi Hotel: Lakshmi Hotel is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has a restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine, and offers basic amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Hotel Gnanam: Hotel Gnanam is a budget hotel located near the bus stand. The hotel has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, and offers basic amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Hotel Karthick: Hotel Karthick is a budget hotel located near the railway station. The hotel offers basic amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodation options available in Thanjavur, and there are many more options to choose from depending on your preferences and budget.
Travel Tips Thanjavur
Here are some travel tips for visiting Thanjavur:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thanjavur is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Dress code: As Thanjavur is a religious and cultural destination, it is recommended to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious places.
Getting around: The best way to get around in Thanjavur is by auto-rickshaws, taxis, or rental cars. However, the city is relatively small and it is also possible to explore it on foot.
Currency exchange: It is recommended to exchange your currency at authorized exchange centers or banks. ATMs are also widely available in the city.
Local cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying the local cuisine, which is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the popular dishes include rice dishes like biryani, pulao, and thayir sadam, as well as traditional South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and vada.
Shopping: Thanjavur is known for its traditional handicrafts and art forms like bronze statues, Tanjore paintings, and silk sarees. You can find these items in local markets and shops.
Festivals: Thanjavur is known for its vibrant festivals like Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in January, and the Natyanjali Dance Festival, which is a celebration of classical dance held in February/March. If you’re in the city during these festivals, make sure to witness the celebrations.
Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, and avoid touching or photographing people without their permission. It is also important to be respectful when visiting religious places and to follow the rules and regulations.