Thanjavur
Thanjavur (also Tanjore) rose to glory between the 10th and 14th centuries - the later years of Chola rein - and also became a great centre of learning and culture. The greatest of the Chola Kings, Raja Raja 1, built the Brihades warar temple here - a superb example of Chola architecture.
The temple rises to a height of 66 metres dominating the skyline of the town.
The tower of the temple is capped by a 81.3-ton round monolithic cupola which is ornamented on all sides with winged niches. The cupola was moved into position along an inclined plane, 6 km long, reflecting the architectural powers of the Chola builders. A technique employed by the equally celebrated frescoes, like those of Ajanta, are also found in the temple. A gigantic Nandi bull guards the portals of the shrine and is probably the largest monolithic sculpture of its kind in India.
ACCESS
The nearest airport is Tiruchirapally (58 km) and the town is connected by rail to chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Tirupati and Rameswaram. It is well connected to major cities around.
EXCURSIONS
Thiruka-ndiyur: (10 km) has temples of exquisite sculptures. Kumbakonam: (36 km) has four large temples and Mahamaham tank (a bath in which is supposed to cleanse all sins). Grand Anicut: (48 km) is an ancient dam built by a Chola King in 2nd century. It is an engineering feat to be marvelled at. Thiruvaiyaru: (13 km) is the birthplace of one the musical trinity of South India, saint composer Thyagaraja, the soul of Karnatak music. Nagore: (88 km) Where the Dargah of Hazrat Meeras Sultan Syed Shahabuddin Hammed, a Muslim saint, attracts people of all faiths. The Kodikkarai Wild Life sanctury, also known as Point Calimere 112 km away has a large population of flamingoes. Tharangambad: (Tranquebar) (105 km) once a Danish settlement, Tranquebar, is a quaint town with a little fort on the beach and a couple of old churches. Velankanni: (90 km) noted for the church dedicated to Our Lady of Health and attracts devotees of all faiths. Point Calimere: (112 km) noted for its migratory water birds, particularly flamingoes. The best time to watch them is November to January.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Sangam, Trichy Road, Thanjavur - 613007. Phones: 91-4362--39451/39452. Fax: 36695.