Thanjavur, which is popularly known as Tanjore, is situated between the city of Tiruchirapalli and the Coromandel Coast. This ancient citadel of Cholas lies 60 kilometers east of Trichy and nearly 330 kilometers south to the city of Chennai. The city of Thanjavur is named after a demon by the name of Tanjan-an asura. According to the legend the last wish of the demon was that the place should be named after him. Thanjavur has the pride of being the best among the best in Cholamandalam. That was because Tanjore was the capital city of mighty Cholas. The place remained the capital city of the Cholas for 9th century to 13th century A.D barring a brief period during the reign of Rajendra Chola when the capital was briefly shifted to Madurai.

The probable reason why Thanjavur was selected as the capital city was because Thanjavur has got the most fertile of lands in Tamilnadu. This is the reason Thanjavur is still known as the 'Granary of South India'. Thanjavur, the royal city, also has a rich and varied heritage for which it is known across the globe. The city has always been the center of knowledge, art and culture that reached its peak between the 10th and 14th centuries, under the reign of the mighty Cholas.

Places of interest

Sri Brihadeeswara
Built by the great Chola King, Raja Raja 1 in the 10th century AD is an outstanding example of the Chola architecture.

The Palace
The palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and party by the Marathas.

Art Gallery
In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.

Hall of Music
Also in the Palace is an acoustically perfect ancient music hall.

Schwartz Church
( In the Palace garden ) Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev. C.V Schwartz of the Danish mission.

Sivaganga Tank
Situated near the palace this tank is known for its sweet water.

Tamil University ( 7 kms )
Established in 1981, is engaged in research and advanced studies in Tamil.

Excursions
Thirukandiyur ( 10 Kms )
Temples of Brahmasirekandeswarar and Harshavimochana Perumal.

Kumbakonam ( 36 Kms)
Famous for Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Nageswarar, and the Ramaswamy temples. Mahamagam congregation takes place once in 12 years; last held in 1992. Major water bird sanctuaries in India. The birds migrate here every year from November to February, from all over the world.

Swamimalai ( 32 Kms)
One of the six Abodes (Arupadaiveedu ) dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Darasuram ( 34 Kms)
This temple dedicated to Lord Siva, was built by Rajendra Chola. Daraswaram is also a silk weaving centre.

Thirubuvanam ( 45 Kms )
13th Centuary Chola temple dedicated to Lord Siva.

Thiruvaiyaru ( 13 Kms )
Where the famous Saint Thyagaraja lived and attained Samadhi. Music festival is held here every January in honour of the saint composer.

Manora ( 65 Kms )
The 8-Storey victory tower was built by Rajah Serfoji in 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo.

Tiruvarur ( 55 Kms )
The Thyagarajaswami Temple here has the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. This is the birth place of Saint Thyagaraja - one of the musical Trinity. Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Car Festival is celebrated in March -April .Boating at Kamalalayam Temple Tank is organised by Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. from April 1997.

How to get there ?
Air
The nearest Airport Tiruchirapalli is 58 kms. and is connected by Indian Airlines and Air Lanka with Srilanka. Indian Airlines also be connects Trichy with Madurai and Chennai directly.
Rail
Thanjavur is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Chennai directly.
Road
Thanjavur is connected with all major cities.