Thanjavur District is the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.  The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world.   Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital.  Thereafter, it was ruled by Nayaks  and Maratta Kings, who nurtured art and culture.  The cultural, the architectural and the scholarly pursuits of these rulers are reflected in the great monuments like Grand Anaicut, Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library etc.  in the district.  

Most important landmark in Thanjavur is the great Brihadeeswara Temple also known as the Big Temple, it was built by Raja Raja Chola - I. It is one of the most magnificent piece of South Indian temple architecture. Established in 1011 AD in celebration of victory of Chola kingdom that extended till Ceylon and some parts of the Malaya archipelago. Now it is a world heritage site.

Tourist Attraction

The Brihadiswara Temple built by Raja Raja Chola in the 10th Century dominates the town. Its dimensions are huge: the Vimana, which peculiarly is bigger than the Gopuram is 65 meters tall, the lingam is called the Mahalingam to suggest its greatness and the Nandi Bull guarding the temple is 3.7 meters tall. The frescoes compare well with those in Ajanta. The South Zone cultural Center organizes a programme on 2nd and 4th Saturdays at the Brihadiswar Temple for which entry is free. Tel: 40072

The Palace near the temple was built partly by the Nayaks in 1550, and partly by the Marathas of the west. It houses an Art Gallery, the Saraswati Mahal Library, the Royal Museum and a music hall. The art gallery displays bronze and granite statues from the Chola period, ancient manuscripts on palm leaves are on show at the library, and the royal museum displays the royal costumes, cutlery, utensils and weapons.

There are many places of interest outside Thanjavur. Thiruvaiyur (13 km) is where the south Indian saint Thyagaraja lived. A festival is held in his honour every Jan.

Thirubuvanam (45 km) has a 13th century temple to Shiva and is known for silk weaving.

Velankani (90 km) has a very popular shrine to Our Lady of Health that people of all religions flock to with mini gold and silver replicas of the ailing body-part. At Nagore (88 km) is the 500-year-old tomb of Hazrat Shahabdul Hameed that has a golden dome and five minarets. The tank near it, Peer Kollam is believed to have curative water and is visited regardless of religious belief.

112 km from Thanjavur is Kodikarai or Point Calimere. This Sanctuary is home to migratory birds, especially flamingos, and animals like the black buck and wild ponies. The best time to visit is November to January. Definitely cooler.

Kumbakonam (36 km) has the important Mahamaham Fair every twelve years, due next in 2004. It also has five important temples that are known for their semi erotic sculptures.