Famous for the presence of several temples, Thanjavur is a colloquial blend of local values and cultural traditions.
A trip to Thanjavur will introduce you to a great variety of things which represent these core cultural values from Tanjore paintings to textiles, folk music and everything in between.
In terms of history, the city of Thanjavur holds a great significance; as it played a key role in moulding the south Indian civilization. And till today, it is one such place where you get to witness the magnificent culture of the past reflecting in the quotidian lives of the locals.
Best time to Visit Thanjavur
If hearing all this, you are in the mood to visit this getaway then, it would be best to travel here during the winter season. During these months, the overall climatic conditions of this place are pleasant for tourists to explore the city.
History of Thanjavur
In regards to history, Thanjavur is one of the most significant sites to visit in Southern India. It was the capital of the Chola King Rajaraja who commissioned the beautiful temple of Brihadishvara.
The Brihadishvara temple has until now seen the rise and fall of several dynasties. And when the Chola dynasty was dissolved in the 13th century, the Pandya empire took its place. However, by the 18th century, it came under the rule of the British empire and remained as their territory until India’s independence in 1947.
Major Attractions in and Around Thanjavur
1. Brahadeshwara Temple
This architectural wonder is believed to have been made during the reign of Rajaraja Chola. Due to its religious prominence, the temple attracts hundreds and thousands of devotees on an annual basis. Standing at about 216 feet, the temple is filled with paintings of the olden times. Visiting here would be a great experience for you in terms of knowing India as a nation and a culture.
2. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
This place stands as a testimony to the engineering genius which our people demonstrated back in history. Here you get the opportunity to explore and imbibe the true spirit of Indian heritage and a photograph or two will only help you reminisce the great times spent together here.
3. Shiva Ganga Garden
It is an immensely beautiful garden that has been well-maintained for the locals and tourists. There is even a square tank in the garden that was built by the 16th-century rulers and is even known today for its sweet-tasting water.
4. Vijaynagar Fort
This fort was built by the Nayaks along with the Maratha rulers during the early 1500s. The elements the fort include are Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, a library along with an exquisite art gallery which includes a lot of sculptures as well as paintings. It is a great opportunity to learn many new things about our incredible history.
How to Reach Thanjavur
Thanjavur is an amazing blend of cultural and urban feels. To reach here and experience its unforgettable charm you will need to travel an approximate distance of about 2,554, 1,393, 2,037, 393 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the deets below on how you can reach Thanjavur by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) situated about 60 km from Thanjavur on the National Highway 336. Due to the footfall of passengers on an annual basis, it is considered as the 31st busiest airport in our country. It was given the title of the international airport in 2012. The airport has overall good flight connectivity with other cities via direct and connecting flights. Once you deboard your flight, consider booking a taxi or availing some other means of conveyance.
- From Coimbatore - Board IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Coimbatore Airport. The airfares are starting from INR 4,000-INR 5,000
- From Tirupati - Board Spicejet, IndiGo flights from Tirupati Airport. The airfares are starting from INR 8,000- INR 9,000
- From Bengaluru - Board IndiGo, SpiceJet flights from Bengaluru Airport. The airfares are starting from INR 3,000 -INR 4,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Tiruchirappalli
By Train
The nearest railway station is the Tiruchirappalli Railway Station (TPJ) situated about 50-60 km away. This railhead serves as the main headquarters of the Tiruchirappalli railway division. It is considered to be the second-largest railway station in the region with a footfall of thousands of passengers on a daily basis. It has overall good connectivity with other cities. Once you get off the airport, consider taking some means of local transportation to reach your destination.
- Coimbatore - Board Jan Shatabadi Express from Coimbatore Junction and deboard at the Tiruchirappalli Station
- Madurai - Board TPJ Express from Madurai Junction and deboard at the Tiruchirappalli Station
By Road
Travelling to Thanjavur can be an interesting experience majorly due to the well-connected network of roadways and national highways. While on your way here from the nearby regions, you can stop regularly to eat and freshen yourself at the restaurants. Interstate/private buses along with taxis are readily available from the cities and towns. You can also consider travelling via your own vehicle here.
- From Coimbatore - 272 km via NH81
- From Kochi - 452 km via NH81 or NH544
- From Madurai - 189 km via NH38
Frequently Asked Questions about Tiruchirappalli
Q. What are some tourist attractions in Tiruchirappalli?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Tiruchirappalli include the Rock Fort Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeswara Temple, St. Joseph's Church, and Tiruchirappalli Fort.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
