Tanjore district was one of the districts in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of British India. It covered the area of the present-day districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam and the Aranthangi taluk of Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu. Apart from being a bedrock of Brahminism, Tanjore was a centre of Chola cultural heritage and one of the richest and most prosperous districts in Madras Presidency.
Tanjore district was constituted in 1799 when the Thanjavur Maratha ruler Serfoji II ceded most of his kingdom to the British East India Company in return for his restitution on the throne. Tanjore district, which is situated on the Cauvery Delta, is one of the richest rice-growing regions in South India. It was scarcely affected by famines such as the Great Famine of 1876–78.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
The nearest International Airport from Thanjavur is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, Tamil Nadu, roughly one hour drive from Thanjavur. Tiruchirappalli International Airport is well connected to major cities and countries like Chennai, Dubai, Singapore and Colombo via Air India Express, Jet Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines. Flights from Ahmedabad , Bhopal, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad are easily available.
By Road:-
Thanjavur is 39 Kms from Mannarguddi, 49 Kms from Pattukkottai, 57 Kms from Tiruchirappalli, 62 Kms from Thiruvarur, 70 Kms from Pudukkottai, 111 Kms from Karaikkudi, 155 Kms from Dindigul, 189 Kms from Madurai, 347 Kms from Tirunelveli and is linked through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and some private bus operators .
By Train:-
The nearest Railway Station from Thanjavur is Trichy Junction, located at a distance of 58 Kms from Thanjavur. It is also well connected to major cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Karaikal, Madurai, Mysore and Tiruchendur via Rameswaram Express, Mannai Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Ernakulam Express and Mannai Express etc.
WHAT TO SEE
Brihadeshwar temple:-
Brihadeshwar temple or the Big temple is the prime attraction of Thanjavur. Brihadeshwar temple was built in the early 11th century by Rajaraja Chola I. The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture in granite.
Thanjavur Royal Palace:-
Thanjavur Royal Palace is one of the most popular attractions of Thanjavur. Thanjavur Royal Palace, situated within the Vijaynagara Fort complex, was the residence of the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur. The royal palace, built in 16th century, later became the seat of the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur in the 17th century.
Thanjavur Art Gallery:-
Thanjavur Art Gallery, situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur town. Thanjavur Art Gallery, which is housed in the Nayak Hall of the place, has an extensive collection of stone and bronze statues and idols belonging to the Chola period (8th – 9th centuries). Bronze statues belonging to the Pallava period are also displayed here.
Nandi bull:-
The Nandi has always had an important place in Hindu mythology. Here, one can see a massive idol of this divine bull. The Nandi (the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva) is a monolith measuring 12 feet in height, 19.5 feet in length and 18.25 feet in width, and weighing about 25 tons.
Grand Anicut:-
Grand Anicut is one of the prime destinations of the tourists visiting Thanjavur. Situated nearby Trichy, the Grand Anicut or the Kallanai is one of the heritage sites of Tamil Nadu which is still in use.
Siva Ganga Garden:-
Siva Ganga Garden is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur. Siva Ganga garden is located within the Vijaynagara Fort nearby the Thanjavur Palace, towards the North East of Brihadeshwar temple. The garden features a large square tank, built in the 16th century, to provide water to the Thanjavur Palace. The garden as well as the tank was built by Sevappa Nayaka, the 16th century Nayak ruler of Thanjavur.
SHOPPING:-
The city of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu is a haven for craft lovers. The city draws much of its fame from the exquisite handicrafts and handlooms that its skilled artisans produce. Weaving, painting, jewelry, woodworks are some of its renowned handicrafts which make for wonderful shopping in Tanjore. Since long past Tanjore has been a princely state and under the patronage of the royals, tradition of art and craft attained a glorious height in Tanjore. Do remember to take back some artifacts while shopping in Tanjore.