About Thanjavur
The city of Thanjavur is known for its rice production and also as the capital of the Chola kingdom. It has been a centre for learning and art since the ancient times. It boasts of much classical music, dance forms and also a special style of paintings found here. The classical performances performed here will surely put you in a trance. The city as such retains an ancient feel coupled with the latest technology.
Places to visit in Thanjavur
The main tourist attractions in Thanjavur includes Brihadeeshwara temple, palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library, Siva Ganga garden, Art gallery, Sangeetha Mahal, Schwartz church and Ragavendra Temple. The city of Tanjore is piled up of a number of temples. Of all the temples the Brihadeeswara temple is the best. It was built during the tenth century by the then Chola ruler. The architecture and built of the temple is extremely beautiful and reflects upon the rich and varied heritage. There is a small garden in the temple’s backyard.
The Saraboji palace has a beautiful architecture and there is a library inside it which holds many a rare manuscripts. Mostly these manuscripts are written in Tamil or in Sanskrit. The palace also boasts of many paintings depicting the various cities in India during the olden days. The Siva Ganga garden is another place that children as well as adults can visit. The art gallery boasts of many bronze statues made during the Chola period. Another religious hangout includes the Schwartz church. Though it does not necessarily boast of any architectural marvels, it still is a good tourist attraction.
The visit to the city of Tanjore would be incomplete without a visit to many other temples present here which include the Nageswaraswami temple, Airavateswara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temple. The Gangaikondacholapuram temple lies near to the Kumbakonam and is in a state of ruins. The other two temples too are an architectural delight.
The other secondary places of importance to visit near Tanjore are Mannargudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thirubuvanam, Poompuhar and Poondi Matha Kovil. The Lord Krishna temple known as Rajagopala temple was constructed during the 12th century and received backing from the then Nayaka king. There are many small big temples in Mayiladuthurai dedicated to various gods. The church in Poondi Matha Kovil is famous and visited by people of all faiths.