What To See In Tanjore

Tanjore or Thanjavur is situated near Trichy and Coromandel Coast. This ancient place of the Chola rulers is named after the Demon Tanjan Asura. It was the capital of the Cholas for many centuries and hence is the best among the Cholomandalam. This place has the most fertile lands and is known as the granary of the south. Since this place is so rich it gets reflected in the art and architecture. Tanjore is famous all over the world as a royal city and its classic heritage. There are number of temples from the Chola period. The most popular is the Brihadeswara temple that is very mighty and magnificent.

Brihadeswara temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in the world. This thousands years temple is a World heritage site of UNESCO. This temple is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of architecture. The Vimana of the temple is about 70 meters high and is the tallest in the whole world. It weighs 82 tons and is carved of a single stone. Later many additions were made to the temples that are worth looking at.

Tanjore is the cultural capital of South India and is a center of classical arts and music. It is a treat to watch the performances of the classical musicians, percussionist and the Bharatnatyam dancers. Kumbakonam is a must visit for every tourist. The temple sculptures have erotic overtones and are very beautiful. This is the venue of the Mahamaham festival celebrated once in every 12 years.

Excursions around Tanjore are a very good option for tourists. The city of Gangaikondacholapuram has a number of temples from Chola era. Airavateeswar temple is exquisite and belongs to the 12th century. It is one of the best specimens of Chola temples in the country and is a recognized site by UNESCO. Other tourist places in Tanjore include the Shivganga garden with its beautiful plants, flowers and birds. Rajarajan Manimandapam and the Tamil university, Punnai Nallur Mariamman Kovil are popular tourist spots around Tanjore.

Apart from all this, you should see the Tanjore paintings. These paintings attract tourists from all over the world. Tanjore style of paintings is unique as they are developed over multiple layers of colors. These paintings have beautiful themes and are mostly centered on Hindu mythology and deities.

Shopping in Tanjore:

Tanjore is shopper's paradise for craft lovers. The place is very famous for Tanjore paintings that are very subtle and magnificent. You can buy exquisite handlooms and handicrafts in Tanjore markets. Weaving, painting, jewelry and woodwork are very popular among the tourists. Tanjore paintings are a must buy and these are richly adorned with Hindu deities. One more thing is very popular among the tourists visiting Tanjore. The Thailaiyatti Bammai doll that nodes head and the Thanjavur plates.

Silk weaving is a traditional craft of the people in Tanjore. Kanchipuram and Tanjore are the most renowned centers in Tamil Nadu. Tanjore specializes in silk saris with broad borders and unique motifs laden with zari.