Thanjavur: Chola Heritage, Palace Art and Crafts

Thanjavur brings together Chola history, palace art, musical instruments and local crafts. This gives you different themes to focus on during your stay: temple history and collections, music and dance, or even science. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first consider whether you are primarily interested in the city or also in the wider Thanjavur destination.

Temple History and Palace Art

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur dates back to the 11th century. It was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. In the wider Thanjavur destination, the Brihadisvara Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Great Living Chola Temples.

The Saraswathi Mahal Library is located on the palace grounds and was founded around 1700. Its collection includes more than 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts on palm leaves and paper; holdings may change over time. Also located in the palace is the Thanjavur Art Gallery, officially called the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery and locally known as Thanjavur Kalaikoodam. It displays an extensive collection of stone and bronze sculptures dating from the 9th to the 12th century. The manuscripts and sculptures thus offer different insights into the area’s cultural heritage.

Sivaganga Park lies east of the Brihadeeswarar Temple and includes the Sivaganga Tank. Both are also among the features of Small Fort; Sevvappa Nayakar built the fort, which also includes the Big Temple and the Swartz (Christian) Church.

Crafts, Music and Other Interests

Thanjavur is known for Thalaiyatti bommai, the so-called “dancing dolls.” They are made from clay, wood or plastic. The Thanjavur Veena is also part of the local craft tradition: it was the first musical instrument in India to receive a geographical indication (GI). In the wider Thanjavur destination, the design of the Veena is attributed to Raghunathanayakkar.

Another musical landmark is Sangeetha Mahal. The rectangular hall is fitted with chandeliers and was built specifically for dance and music performances. STEM Park in Thanjavur has areas dedicated to science, mathematics and space. If you would like to include it in your plans, check before travelling whether a visit is currently possible.

The Brahan Natyanjali dance festival takes place annually around February at the Brihadeeshvara Temple, roughly around the time of the Hindu festival of Mahashivaratri. Its timing is tied to the festival calendar; check the specific event dates before your trip. This helps distinguish the area’s year-round cultural attractions from an event with a changing date.

The Wider Thanjavur Destination

The wider Thanjavur destination extends beyond its cultural sites. The Cauvery River is the district’s main source of irrigation for cultivation; fertile soils support extensive rice-growing areas. The regional cuisine also has its own distinctive touch: Thavala Adai, a type of vada, is eaten with rasam and is considered the region’s best-known vegetarian dish.

The wider Thanjavur destination also includes the coastal setting of Manora Fort in Sarabendraraja Pattinam in Thanjavur district. The fort overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Its octagonal tower has eight storeys and stands about 23 metres tall. Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple offers another historical perspective: it was built in 1677 AD by the Maratha ruler Tuljaji.

Tiruchirappalli is the nearest airport to the wider Thanjavur destination, 61 kilometres away. Check current flight and road connections before planning your trip. Regular bus services connect attractions in and around Thanjavur; here too, it is advisable to check current services.

Choose a Holiday Rental to Match Your Interests

When looking for a holiday rental, it can be helpful to distinguish between the city and the wider destination. Decide whether you want to focus on temples, the palace, music and crafts, or also include regional agriculture, cuisine and other cultural sites. Then compare the specific location of a listing with the experiences that matter for your plans.

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Back to the wider destination overview: Thanjavur.