Tanjore - Erstwhile capital of Chola dynasty

As mentioned in my earlier blog (link), we checked out in the morning and after breakfast we set out to Tanjore. 

Day 2 : Journey to Tanjore


We took a small detour and visited the recently unearthed Keladi excavation site and museum.

Keeladi excavation site and museum


Keeladi is a tiny hamlet located 12km from Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. Excavations conducted in this region proved that an urban civilization existed here dating back to Sangam era on the banks of river Vaigai.


Timings : 10 am to 6 pm(Monday to Friday). 10 am to 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Entry fee : Rs 15 per person (Rs 30 for camera)


Once you enter the museum, there is an audio visual room where a movie is played on the various items that were unearthed at this site and how this museum was conceptualized. Post this, we were accompanied by a very humble, knowledgeable guide who gave us a tour of the entire museum.




 





This museum easily takes an hour and a half for interested enthusiasts.

 

We then set off to Tanjore. Took a pit stop at Hotel Sangeetha for lunch. Food was good. Don’t have pictures of the food since we were hungry and just hogged food at heart’s content. After this lunch break, we drove straight to Tanjore without any more breaks.


About Tanjore

 

Tanjore earlier known as Thanjavur is an important center of religion, art and culture. It is home to the most popular big temple which is the largest in the world. It is known as Tanjai in the inscriptions of Cholas. The famous Tanjore painting finds its roots here. It is also known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu due to the extensive paddy grown in the region. Thanjavur is also famous for the 'Thalaiyatti bommai' or 'Dancing dolls' which is a doll made from clay, wood or plastic.

 

F5 team had arranged for a local guide at Tanjore as well. So he met us at Tanjore palace entrance.

 

Tanjore Palace Complex

 

This palace represents the region’s rich Maratha and Tamil history. This was constructed in the 16th century by the Nayakas and later expanded by the Marathas. Hence you will find here a blend of architectural styles from both the regions. You will find lot of antique Chola Bronze idols here.


Timings – Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entrance Fee - The entrance fee is 50 INR.









Saraswathi Mahal library is located next to the palace. Here you will find an impressive collection of Manuscripts. But photography is not allowed here. 




Brihadeshwara temple

 

This 11th century temple is the largest temple complex in India and one of the largest in the world bearing testimony to the great Chola dynasty. The word Brihadeshwara means “Big Lord” . Hence its often referred to as the Big Temple of Tanjore and attracts lot of tourist throughout the year. It was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I. Our guide revealed lot of interesting aspects about this temple. For instance, this temple has the tallest vimanam or temple tower in the world. It also has one of the largest bull statues (Nandi) in India carved out of a single granite rock. 











Thanjavur Art Village

 

We next headed straight to this workshop where we interacted with the artisans and they showed us how these bronze idols are made . You can purchase souvenirs from this factory along with some Tanjore paintings too.






Your trip is considered incomplete in Tanjore if you don’t buy Tanjore dolls. So we headed back to the main temple area since we had seen some shops selling Tanjore dolls.



Post shopping, it was time now to head to our place of stay for a much needed relaxation. We were put up in Great Trails River View Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels. Since it was late by the time we reached this property, we just had dinner and headed to our rooms for a much needed sleep.

 

Its only next day morning when we woke up, we realized where we have been put up. This property oozes out tranquility with its perfect location away from the city and  with its picturesque views it forms a perfect place to unwind from all the noise of the city. There are cycles where you can take a tour of the property, play area for kids and swimming pool.










After exploring  the property, filling our lungs with fresh oxygen from this huge green lung space, we headed to our room, freshened up, had breakfast and started towards our next destination – Rameswaram.


Tamil Nadu with f5escapes


Part 1 : Madurai - Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu

Part 3 : Rameswaram - An Island Soaked In Spirituality And Beauty In Tamil Nadu

Part 4 : Chettinad - Land of Palatial Mansions


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