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 Scenically one of the most enchanting districts in the State, Thanjavur was earlier known as Tanjore. It was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, like those of the Pallavas, Pandyas and Cheras, with whom they shared the tip of the Indian peninsula, go back to the beginnings of the Christian era. Power struggles between these groups were continual, with one or the other gaining ascendancy at various times. The Cholas built an empire between 850 and 1270 AD and at the height of their power they controlled most of the Indian peninsula including parts of Sri Lanka. Though the history of Thanjavur is far older than the Chola period itself, it is during their reign between the 10th and 14th centuries that the city rose to dizzying heights, becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture. Today, what remains of its glorious legacy are the temples of the Cholas, not less than 74 of which are around Thanjavur itself.
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Place To See |
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Brahadeeshwarar temple, Thanjavur Palace, Nagore, Velanganni Church. |
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Things to do |
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Pilgrimage, Heritage sight seeing. |
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How to reach |
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By road and rail. |
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| Destination |
Brahadeeshwarar Temple |
| Location |
Thanjavur |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
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| Activities |
Visit Museums/ Libraries,Art Gallery |
 Established in 1848, this sprawling 50-acre garden includes a variety of orchids, ornamental and medicinal plants and trees as well as Italian and Japanese sections. There is also a fossilized tree trunk believed to be 20 million years old. At the eastern end of the garden is a Toda mund (hut/village) where Toda people display aspects of their traditional culture. The Annual Summer Festival held here during the month of May is an added attraction wherein flower shows and cultural programs are organised. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival. |
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| Destination |
Thanjavur Palace |
| Location |
Thanjavur |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
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| Activities |
Heritage sight seeing,Visit Museums/ Libraries,Art Gallery |
 It is located near the temple, dates back to the 1550s. The huge corridors, spacious halls, observatories and arsenal towers and shady courtyards of this vast labyrinthine building were constructed partly by the Nayaks of Madurai and partly by the Marathas. The Art Gallery in Durbar Hall has a good collection of granite and bronze statues of the Chola. The Saraswati Mahal Library next to the gallery has a collection of over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Also in the palace is the acoustically perfect Sangeetha Mahal or Hall of Music. The Royal Museum has an a mixed collection of regal memorabilia, head-dresses, weapons, manuscripts and musical instruments. The Bell Tower nearby is worth the climb for the views. |
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| Destination |
Nagore |
| Location |
Thanjavur |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Pilgrim Centre/Holy Place |
| Activities |
Pilgrimage/Place of worship |
 Located about 88km from Thanjavur has the Dargah (tomb of a Muslim saint revered as a shrine) of Hazrat Meera Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hameed (1491-1570), better known as Hazrat Mian. The tomb is almost 500 years old and is topped by a golden dome flanked by five minarets. The tank here is called Peer Kulam and is believed to have curative powers. The Dargah is visited by people of all faiths. |
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| Destination |
Velanganni Church |
| Location |
Thanjavur |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Pilgrim Centre/Holy Place |
| Activities |
Pilgrimage/Place of worship,Fairs & festivals |
 Located about 90km from Thanjavur, is the site of the Roman Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. This impressive white neo-Gothic structure was elevated to the status of Basilica in 1962 during the Pope's visit. This is one of the most popular pilgrim spots in this part of India. People of all faiths and religions come to this church to pray at the shrine. Many bring with them small gold and silver replicas of parts of the body to donate to the church. Velanganni is particularly crowded during the festival period in August-September. There is a small church museum which has a display of the offerings made by those whose prayers were conceded. |
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| Destination |
Thiruvaiyaru |
| Location |
Thanjavur |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
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| Activities |
Pilgrimage/Place of worship,Classic music concert |
 Situated 13kms from Thanjavur, Thiruvaaiyaru, on the banks of the river Kaveri, has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprise the Trinity of Carnatic music.
Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works in the one-room house near the Shiva temple. His Samadhi is on the banks of the river and in his honour, the greatest music festival in the country takes place here annually. The Thyagaraja Aradhana festival held in January brings the leading exponents of Carnatic music here to perform as thousands of ardent fans enjoy the classical music. A huge complex is now under construction at this site to accommodate the ever increasing audience every year.
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