Thanjavur Tour Packages

The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur is also known as Rajarajeshvara after the king who built it. This intricately carved temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a magnificently overwhelming structure. The city has become somewhat synonymous with this architectural marvel. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple in Thanjavur has been described by historian Percy Brown as 'a landmark in the evolution of building art in South India'. It was built in the 11th century AD by the great Chola king, Raja Raja Chola. The stone structure has hundreds of lingams carved into it. The inner sanctum of the temple has beautiful depictions of the Chola and Nayak reigns in the form of wall paintings. Although the original structure included a gopura, a huge tower, inscriptions, murals, and sculptures, much of the artwork was lost during the course of history. This Thanjavur temple now stands amidst fortified walls that were added later on. Take a moment to savour the brilliance of this place, a stellar example of Dravidian architecture. If you plan to visit this place around Mahashivaratri, you may witness the Brahan Natyanjali dance festival, a confluence of dancers from all over the country, which makes this a good time to book your Thanjavur tour packages as well.

This palace complex is known locally as Aranmanai and is the official residence of the Bhonsle family. The Bhonsle family ruled Tanjore (old name for Thanjavur) from 1674 to 1855. This is a palace of epic proportions and a standing testimony to the opulence of the families that owned it. Forming an important part of most Thanjavur sightseeing packages, the palace complex consists of the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, and the Durbar Hall. It also houses The Royal Palace Museum that boasts of spectacular artworks and inscriptions of a bygone era. Protected by towering walls, the palace has splendidly decorated rooms, never-ending corridors, walls and ceilings adorned with beautiful fresco paintings, and a spectacular display of stucco works and carvings. This museum, along with the Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall, is housed inside the Sadar Mahal Palace. In addition to these, the royal family's Chandra Mauleeshwarar Temple, Thanjavur, is also located inside the complex.

This library is no ordinary library, just as Thanjavur is more than a temple city. It takes on huge significance as not only is it one of the oldest libraries in Asia, but also prides itself as the preserver and protector of rare manuscripts and books. This library, located inside the Thanjavur palace complex, has a collection of rare palm-leaf manuscripts and papers written in Tamil and Sanskrit. These manuscripts cover a wide spectrum of topics, from literature to medicine. In addition to these, the library also has a collection of many Marathi and Telugu manuscripts. What started as a private library for the kings has now blossomed into an important site of historical knowledge and learning.

Not just the Brihadeeswara Temple, but even the Gangaikonda Cholapuram has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is a fine example of the Chola Dynasty's vision in terms of structural brilliance. The rulers of this dynasty were patrons of art and architecture and that is quite evident in these architectural marvels from the time. The name - Gangaikonda Cholapuram means the town of the Chola who took over Ganga (water from Ganga) or who defeated the kings near Ganga. This temple, built by the Chola king Rajendra Chola, has marked its place as a site of prime value in the annals of Tamil history.

It wouldn't be wrong to assume that Thanjavur's favourite deity is Lord Shiva, with numerous temples having been built in his honour. The Airavateshwara Temple is located in Darasuram and is named after Lord Shiva's white elephant, known as Airavata. Sage Durvasa had cursed Airavata and to get rid of the curse, Airavata prayed fervently to his saviour, Lord Shiva, here. Another legend traces the roots of this temple as being the place where the lord of death-Yama, prayed to Lord Shiva.

Thanjavur is not just home to the numerous temples of note but has several other points of attraction as well. This church was constructed by the Maratha King Serfoji II in 1779 as homage to the Danish Christian missionary, Friedrich Schwartz. At the request of Maratha King Serfoji II, an Italian sculptor, John Flaxman, sculpted a white marble statue bearing the images of King Serfoji II and Father Schwartz. The installation depicts the death of Father Schwartz, giving his last blessings to the king.

Right next to Schwartz Church is Sivaganga Park. This garden lies within the Vijayanagar Fort. The sight of this garden is a joy to behold as it has been maintained perfectly. A square tank built in the 16th century is located inside the premises and is still in use. It serves as a recreational space and is a popular picnic spot. Among the popular attractions of this park are a toy train, a zoo as well as boating facilities. The park is open on all days between 9 am and 6 pm.

To be in the midst of exploring with your Thanjavur tourism packages and not indulge your senses with some Tanjore paintings would be a mistake. The Phoompuhar Art Gallery not only exhibits but also sells a wide range of Tanjore paintings, murals, idols, etc.