Thanjavur (Tanjore) Tourism And Travel Guide

Thanjavur or Tanjore is an important heritage town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu in South India. The town lies in the Cauvery Delta where the verdant fields of paddy and sugarcane and the rivers meandering in between make the landscape so very visually inspiring. Thanjavur and the towns that fall under its taluks, i.e Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru and Papanasam are places that are rich in spiritual and artistic heritages, where there are hundreds of temples and historic monuments you can visit.

Thanjavur adds its own singular touch of colour to music, dance and drama with the Thanjavur style of Bharathanatyam, Bhagavata Mela and revival of sacred music forms. If you would like to visit Thanjavur, our travel and tourism guide will help you plan a good trip.

Thanjavur is an important town and has undemanding access to it, with the easiest way to reach being by train.

By Air:

The nearest is the Tiruchirapalli International Airport. From the airport you can travel to Thanjavur by taxi, bus or by train.

By Rail:

A number of trains from most major railway stations from across the country halt at Thanjavur. Watch the emerald green paddy fields whizz past as the train tracks criss cross across the landscape.

By Road:

There are plenty of state run buses that run from most cities across the South to Thanjavur. You could also hire a cab or drive your own car.

Getting Around:

Thanjavur has an efficient public transport system. You have buses to travel by, or auto rickshaws, share autos and taxis for getting round town.

Summer (March-May):

Summers are hot and muggy. May gets hotter than the rest of the months. Occasional rains may bring the temperature down.

Monsoon (June-November):

Northeast monsoon comes down heavy on the delta regions. Sightseeing may be restricted. Monsoon is an off season in Thanjavur as there isn't much you can do in terms of touristy.

Winter (December-March):

Winter’s days are perfectly right for a trip. The daytime is comfortably pleasant and you can go sightseeing in and around Thanjavur. It’s also a good time for photography too.

Visit Shivaganga Park:

The Shivaganga Park encircles a water tank, said to have been built by King Raja Raja Chola. The Park which was created by around 1871, has a lot of recreational activities for an evening’s getaway. The Shivaganga Park lies adjacent to the Brihadeshwara Temple.

Explore the Rajarajan Mani Mandapam:

Visit the beautiful gardens and museum at Rajarajan Mani Mandapam. Built during the Eighth World Tamil Conference in 1991, the Mani Mandapam is yet another glowing tribute to the great Chola King.

Grand Anicut:

Stop over at one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world and one of India’s oldest usable dams, the Grand Anicut or Kallanai, built by Chola King Karikalan in the 2nd century and later remodelled by the British in the 19th century.

Vijayanagar Fort:

The Vijayanagar Fort built by Nayak King Vijaya Raghava in 1550 and later by the Marathas is partly in ruins now. It’s one of the most enchanting marvels of Thanjavur.

Beerangi-the Cannon:

Check out the Rajagopala Beerangi, said to be one of the biggest cannons in the world. It was made with the help of Danish engineers and mounted in 1620 during the reign of King Ragunatha Nayak.

Papanasam:

Papanasam is a quaint little village at the confluence of the Cauvery, Kudamurutti and Thirumalairajan rivers. There are many ancient temples in the region and a grand age-old granary that needs to be seen. Papanasam is just about 25 km from Thanjavur.

Gangaikonda Chozhapuram:

This was the second capital of the Chola Kings. The ancient town in Ariyalur district has yet another magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gangaikonda Chozhapuram is just about 72 km from Thanjavur. 

Shop at Poompuhar Showrooms and Thanjavur Handicrafts Co-Op Society for Handicrafts, Bobble Head Dolls and Thanjavur Art Plates. There are many Handlooms and silk saris Weavers Association shops in Thanjavur where you can buy handloom textiles and saris. You can browse for handicrafts near the Thanjavur Palace, near the Brihadeshwara Temple and at Gandhiji Road or Sannadhi Street for all types of souvenirs. Ask around for local artists who work from homes and you can buy Thanjavur Paintings, handicrafts and bronze idols directly from them.

Head to the popular Anbu Milk Bar for lassi, Badam milk and Kalkandu Paal. Places like Sri Venkata Lodge, Vasantha Bhavan, Hotel Gnanam and Sree Ariya Bhavan have veggie thalis and south Indian breakfast fare. Check out restaurants like Sathars or Thillana for non-veg food and biryani, Continental and Chinese food and Kamatchi Mess for non-veg Chettinad food.