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Thanjavur: How to Reach the Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu

Author: chinnaismd
Date: 11 Dec 2024
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Ah, Thanjavur! Just the name evokes images of grand temples, intricate carvings, and vibrant culture. Tucked away in Tamil Nadu is a city that will open its doors just for you, a treasure chest of history and art that has captured the hearts of global travelers. Thanjavur is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most famous of which is the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple; a place is more than just a location; it’s a trip back in time.

Thanjavur

So if you’re a history buff, an art lover or just someone in search of an adventure, Thanjavur is calling your name. So, how do you get there? Join me on this travel journey, let go the seat belt!

How Thanjavur: Travel information to get there

By Air

If you want to touch down into Thanjavur, the closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), about 65 kilometers away. This airport offers extensive connectivity to the leading Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. After you land, you have a couple of options to get yourself to Thanjavur. You can book a taxi (it will take about 1.5 hrs) or catch a bus that runs frequently.
Regular flights operate to Tiruchirappalli from airlines such as IndiGo and Air India. MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip etc.

By Train

Thanjavur also has its own railway station, so is rather accessible for anyone who enjoys the romance of train travel. It is well connected to cities and major trains like Chennai Egmore Express and Mumbai CST Express stop here regularly.
If coming from Chennai, it takes about 6 hours by a scenic train ride. Expect around 10 hours if you are coming from Bangalore, 18 hours approximately in Mumbai. Hence, booking a train ticket from either of EaseMyTrip or IRCTC will ensure a good journey.

By Road

Is there anything better than the excitement of a road trip? Thanjavur: it is well connected by road and an extraordinary experience to drive there. Chennai: If you are traveling from Chennai, it is a 350km drive from Chennai which takes around 6-7 hours. The ride along NH 38 is full of scenic spots, little villages and roadside dhabas serving mouth-watering South Indian food.
For people living in Bangalore, it is a distance of around 430 KMs and takes about 8 to 9 hours of time. The highway itself is fairly good, so it is a nice drive. Make sure to check out Kumbakonam, a beautiful town famous for its temples and coffee!

From Other Cities

  • For Hyderabad: You can either catch a flight to Tiruchirappalli or take an overnight bus or train that takes as long as 12 to 14 hours.
  • Chennai: A breeze, with several transport options. No matter if you take a train or bus or drive, it’s a pretty easy trip of around 6 hours.
  • Kolkata: The best option is a flight to Chennai or Tiruchirappalli and then a train or bus ride to Thanjavur.
  • Trivandrum: Train to Thanjavur — Approximately taking 8 to 10 hrs., depending upon the class.
  • Bhubaneswar: A flight to either Chennai or Tiruchirappalli and then a train or bus will take you there in around 12 to 14 hours.

Recommendations to Make the Most of Your Thanjavur Visit

Now that you know how to get there, here’s how to make your visit truly unforgettable.

  1. Visit the Temples: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a central part of the itinerary, but look further! Visit the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram — all three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  2. Cultural Experiences: Participate in local culture by seeing a classical dance or music concert. Thanjavur is known for Carnatic music, so check if any events will be happening during your visit.
  3. Feast on the Food: Don’t go without sampling the real deal in Tamil food. Savor the delicious ethnic dishes that you can get served on banana leaves, and make sure to meet up with the popular Thanjavur style biryani!
  4. Shopping: Visit neighbourhood markets for fine handicrafts, silk sarees and Tanjore paintings. They’re ideal souvenirs to take home.
  5. Connect — If you want to keep up with travel updates and advice, you will find relevant articles on TripAdvisor, or Thrillophilia, where each travel article contains reviews and recommendations by travelers themselves.
  6. Book Early: Websites like MakeMyTrip and ClearTrip allow you to book your tickets and stay in advance, which is helpful if you’re traveling during peak tourist season.

Thanjavur is the experience which will make you spell bounded. So take your bags, and your camera, and be prepare to discover the rich history, art, and culture that will greet you in Thanjavur. Happy travels!

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