Things to Do in Thanjavur

Thanjavur is a treat for the eyes for its unique and amazing Tanjore paintings, superb art work of the Royal Palace, a cultural and architectural feast while visiting the Brihadeeswara temple and ofcourse not to miss the shopping for Thanjavur silk! Well if visiting Thanjavur is in your plans then you are planning for yourself a thrilling and amazing trip. There are a lot of things that you can do while you are inThanjavur.

Visit Historic Places and Monuments in Thanjavur

The city is surrounded with monuments and historical places at every nook and corner. There are many places to visit if you love to turn the pages of history. There are places which are dated around 11th century and even older.

Royal Palace

Entry Fee:  5 per person for Indians
Rs 50 per person for foreign tourists
Opening hours - 9am-5pm
Click here for more on Royal Palace

Brihadishwara Temple

Prices - admission free
Opening hours - 6am-8.30pm
Click here fore more information on Brihadeeswara Temple

Saraswati Mahal Library Museum
Prices - admission free
Opening hours - 10am-1pm & 1.30-5.30pm

Royal Palace Museum
Opening hours- 9am-6pm

Eating in Thanjavur

Once you are done with your day and wish to have some good food or just try out the very fantastic south Indian recipes, you can always visit Thanjavur restaurants that serve gourmet south Indian delights with utmost pleasure. You can also try North Indian delicacies along with cuisine of other countries.

Sathars
Address - Street 167 Gandhiji Rd
Opening hours - noon-4pm & 6.30-11.30pm

Vasanta Bhavan
Address - Street 1338 South Rampart
Opening hours- 6am-11pm

Thevar’s Biryani
Address- Street Gandhiji Rd
Telephone- +91 4362 270979
Prices- mains Rs30-60

Sahana
Address- Street Anna Salai, Extras Hotel Gnanam
Opening hours- 7am-11pm

Diana
Address- Street Anna Salai, Hotel Gnanam
Opening hours- 11am-3pm & 6.30-10pm

Shopping in Thanjavur

If you are in the city where art and culture are given prime importance, how can you return without having shopped for Tanjore paintings to adorn the walls of your home and Thanjavur silk for that special occasion! Tanjore paintings depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses and mostly that of Lord Krishna are crafted on wooden panels. These paintings are known for their rich, vivid colours with glitter of gold and gesso work.

Thanjavur silk sarees are known for elaborate pallus, rich border and heavy work. The silk used in the sarees is of the highest quality and therefore even exported in large numbers. Thought pretty expensive, but at least one or two Thanjavur silk are worth your wardrobe! Some of the shops that you can visit on your trip to Thanjavur are:

Megamart Shopping Mall
Address-  RR Nagar, SMP Complex, Pudhukottai Main Road
Phone No. -  +91-4362-227969

Chola Art Galerie
Address- Street 78/799 East Main St
Opening hours- 10am-7pm

Poompuhar
Address- Street Gandhiji Rd
Opening hours- 10am-8pm Mon-Sat

Kandiya Heritage
Address- Street 634 East Main St
Opening hours- 9am-7.30pm Mon-Sat

Cultural Activities in Thanjavur

Every year in the month of January and February two of the most awaited cultural events take place one is Natyanjali Dance festival dedicated to Lord Nataraja and the other one is The Tyagraja Aradhna. Both the events have the massive appeal and are celebrated to the huge level of interest and public participation. If you are in Thanjavur in January, enjoy Tyagraja Aradhana, an eight day Carnatic music festival held every year in honor of Thyagraja.

Natyanjali Dance festival
Place of Celebration of Festival : Chidambram, Thanjavur
Time of festival: February, From Maha Shiva Ratri up to 5 days

Tyagraja Aradhna
Time of festival : January
place of festival : Thiruvaiyaru in Tamilnadu (13kms from Thanjavur)
Duration of festival: Eight days

Also Read: Monuments in Thanjavur, Shopping in Thanjavur, Eating in Thanjavur