Thanjavur (Tanjore)

Thanjavur, they say, is the pride of Tamil Nadu. It was the royal city of Cholas, who were ruling till 13th century with Thanjavur as the capital. There are many temples in and around, of which the big temple is the most famous one left by the Cholas. The temple is built within a fort.



We visited the Big Temple, the Art Gallery, the Palace and the Thanjavur Handloom showroom. The art gallery has the collection of the bronze idols of Gods, Goddesses and the kings from as old as 8th century.



We could walk up the stairs to the top of the palace Gopuram. The stairs get narrow as you are climbing and you will feel whether you would really be able to pass through them. The stairs are built from all four directions. At every level of the Gopuram there is a hall with the supporting pillars and you can stop by at the windows to view the city.

There is an 8 storeyed structure where the King(s) and the Queen(s) would climb up to watch the city. This is located right next to the Queen's bathing pond. (There is an exact similar structure constructed in the Disney Land, Anaheim)


Thanjavur is known for its paintings, Thalaiattu bommai (the nodding head dolls made out of mud/POP). The paintings and art work are very impressive and meriting (and expensive). The paintings are very colorful, with a dominance of gold work in them.