Recreation

Around Tanjore Hi

Thanjavur is famous for the Brahadishwara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century. The Brahadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple is one of India’s most spectacular temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are several historical sites including the Vijayanagara Fort, containing a palace that was expanded by the Maratha King Serfoji II with an armoury, a bell tower, a Governement museum and the private museum of the Prince and the Saraswathi Mahal Library which has over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper. Also built by Serfoji II is the Manora Fort, a monumental tower, situated about 65 km away from Thanjavur.

Arts and Culture

Under the Maratha rule, in the 18th & 19th centuries Tanjore became a major cultural centre. Thanjavur is a major political, literary and religious centre of south India and is known particularly for its contribution to Carnatic music; it has produced many eminent classical musicians and Bharathanatyam dancers.

Tanjore is well known for bronze sculptures and its unique painting style called Tanjore Painting, a percussion instrument called the Thavil, a divine classical string instrument Veenai and the Bobblehead Thanjavur Dolls.

Just 40 km away from Tanjore is Kumbakonam known as “Temple Town” due to the high number of temples here. It is known for its Mahamaham festival that attracts people from all over the globe. Darasuram, just 3 km from Kumbakonam is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is a recognized a UNESCO World Heritage monument.