Top Tourist Attractions in Thanjavur
Thanjavur is a city in Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state. The 11th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a large Chola dynasty–era structure with a frescoed interior, is one of the city’s many temples. The centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library, which has palm-leaf manuscripts, and the Thanjavur Art Gallery, which houses bronze statues, are both located within the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Coins, cultural items, and musical instruments are on exhibit in the Tamil University Museum.
Thanjavur is a significant religious, artistic, and architectural centre in South India. Thanjavur is home to the majority of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most important of these is the Brihadeeswara Temple, which is located in the city’s heart.
Best Places to Visit in Thanjavur
- Arulmigu Thirumalaikumaraswamy Thirukkoil Panpozhi
- Arulmigu Sankaranarayana Swamy Thirukkoil, Sankarankovil
- Arulmigu Kutraalanatha Swamy Thirukkoil Kutraalam
- Coutrallam
- Main Falls
- Small Falls (Citharuvi)
- Five Falls (Iyentharuvi)
- Tiger Falls (Puliyaruvi)
- Old Courtallam Falls (Palaiya Courtallam)
- SenbahaDevi Falls (Senbakadavi
- Honey Falls (Theanaruvi)
Arulmigu Thirumalaikumaraswamy Thirukkoil Panpozhi
This is said to be Kaviaramalai, a place governed by feudal lord of the Sangam Age, Aiy Andiran. In his hymns, Saint Arunagirinadhar commended this sanctuary. Because it is bordered by the Western Ghats and has a road access atop the hilltop, it has been a tourist draw in recent years.
Arulmigu Sankaranarayana Swamy Thirukkoil, Sankarankovil
Lord Shiva, the supreme God of Saivism, and Lord Vishnu, the Superior God of Vaishnavism, are united in a single idol known as Sankaranarayanar. It represents the union of Saivism and Vaishnavism, two important strands of Hinduism. A temple established in the 10th century A.D., it is an example of magnificent construction in that the sunshine of dawn penetrates the sanctuary of Lord Sankaralinga Swamy on the days of equinox, namely the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd days of the months of March and September each year.
Adi Tapasu, a ten-day festival held in July to commemorate the penance performed by Gomathi Amman, the consort of Lord Sankaralinga Swamy, draws a large number of followers. This temple is the head of the Panchabootha Sthalas of the South, which are five locations that each symbolise one of the five elements. The element represented here is Earth.
Arulmigu Kutraalanatha Swamy Thirukkoil Kutraalam
This temple’s history may be found in Sangam Age Tamil literature. Sage Agastiyar is said to have transformed a Vishnu icon into a Shivalinga here. This temple is mentioned in Devaram, which was written in the seventh century A.D. by Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar. Saivite Saints Sundarar and Manickavasakar also sang in honour of this shrine. In his hymns, Saint Arunagirinathar mentioned this sanctuary. Chitra Sabha is one of five famous dancing rooms where Lord Nataraja conducts his cosmic dance.
Coutrallam
Courtallam is located in the Tenkasi District in the Western Ghats. The famed waterfalls on rocks are strewn in the air, as are small drips. Courtallam’s water falls have therapeutic potential since they pass through woodland and plants before falling. The Courtallam is known as South India’s ‘Spa.’ Courtallam has seven distinct falls, the details of which are as follows:
Main Falls
Small Falls (Citharuvi)
Five Falls (Iyentharuvi)
Tiger Falls (Puliyaruvi)
Old Courtallam Falls (Palaiya Courtallam)
SenbahaDevi Falls (Senbakadavi)
Honey Falls (Theanaruvi)
Peraruvi (main falls), the tallest waterfall in Courtallam, is roughly 60 metres high. Pongumakadal, a 19m deep crater, interrupts the flow of water, causing it to fall with much less force, making a bath safe. The flow is thin at Chitraruvi (little falls). There are naturally separate bathing areas for men and women here. Water rushes over shenbaga (Michaelia champak) trees at Shenbagadevi Falls. Nearby is also a temple dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman there. Chitraruvi is led by Shenbagadevi. Thenaruvi (honey falls), about 3 kilometres away, is 40 metres high and cascades between two big stones. Large honeycombs can be seen in areas where there is no water. Thenaruvi is very hazardous and is not open to the public. People do, however, frequently visit and bathe at Thenaruvi. Aintharuvi (five falls) is a waterfall with five distinct cascades of water.
Pazhathotta Aruvi, the ‘VIP falls,’ flows from the orchard above. Pazhathotta Aruvi is only accessible to VIPs.
Best Time to Visit in Thanjavur
Winter and the beginning of summer are the finest times to visit Thanjavur.
How to Reach Thanjavur
By Air
Thoothukudi District’s Vagaikulam Airport is 97.3 kilometres away, whereas Madurai International Airport is 160.3 kilometres away.
By Rail
Tenkasi Junction Railway Station
By Road
New Bus Stand, Tenkasi