Tanjore Paintings, Tamilnadu — Art and Craft Guide

About Tanjore Paintings

The style originated in Tanjore near Chennai in India. A canvas is first stretched over the wooden plank, painted with an even layer of lime and smoothened. These internationally acclaimed art form can since 18th century has also been practiced on wood, glass, mica, ivory and on walls. gems, gold leaf and other such precious elements are used to decorate the figures as well as the architectural elements.

The characteristic feature is the three dimensional effect created using modeling effects by applying layers of paste made from glue and limestone molded and applied. Primary colors, are used for coloring. Though semi precious stones are used instead of gems, the gold foil is still used.

Features

Tanjore paintings are rich in looks because of the 24 carat pure gold foil, Jaipur Glass Colour stones (also valuable stones are used as per client request), the vibrant colours, the jewellery decoration, the subject (God or Goddess in the painting) and the teak wood frame used in each painting. Every Tanjore painting is worked with a lot of patience, only to give the best depiction of the subject chosen by the customer. The making of a Tanjore painting takes a minimum of 3 days (for 10”x 12” size) to a maximum number of days depending upon the size and work recommended or preferred by the customer.

Usefull Links

**mytanjorepaintings.com:**http://www.mytanjorepaintings.com

**tanjorearts.com:**http://www.tanjorearts.com

History of Tanjore Paintings

Tanjore paintings are one of the most traditional works of art from the ancient period. It is recognized by all art adorers and admirers in India and around the world. The subject of Tanjore paintings are generally Hindu gods. Tanjore paintings are also made on other religious gods.

Nowadays, everybody have become more conscious about the ambience and interiors of their home and workplace. These paintings are widely used in the Pooja rooms, Pooja room doors, Main door entrance, Living room, Stair case wall, Dining rooms, Bedrooms, Study rooms, Corridors, Hotels, Wedding Halls, Office premises, etc. Tanjore paintings are hung on walls to give it the fulfillment with its richness and vibrant colours.

Best time to visit Tanjore Paintings

November to February for comfortable weather. Check specific venue details for seasonal opening hours. Morning hours (9 AM–12 PM) are generally less crowded.

How to reach Tanjore Paintings

Tanjore Paintings is accessible by road from the nearest town or city. Local transport options include buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station provides rail connectivity. Well-marked roads lead to the venue.

Timings & opening hours

Varies by establishment. Typically open during daytime hours — check locally for specific timings. Many such venues operate 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary depending on the specific venue. Contact the venue directly for current pricing. Some venues may offer free entry with charges for specific activities.

Duration needed

1–3 hours depending on the type of venue and visitor interest. Allow additional time for travel and nearby exploration.

Location info

Tanjore Paintings is located in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is situated approximately 400 km from Chennai, accessible by road and well-connected to nearby towns and cities..

Safety tips

General safety precautions apply. Follow venue-specific guidelines. Keep valuables secure. Supervise children where applicable.

Things to carry

Standard travel essentials: water bottle, comfortable shoes, camera, appropriate clothing for the venue type.

Nearby visiting places

Other attractions, restaurants, and commercial areas in the vicinity.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) or the nearest regional airport. Nearest railway station: the nearest major railway station in Tamil Nadu, well-connected by express and passenger trains. By road: well-connected by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and state highways from nearby towns and cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Tanjore Paintings, local restaurants and eateries serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine including idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and rice-based meals. Visitors can also find North Indian and Chinese options at multi-cuisine restaurants in the nearest town.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

For accommodation near Tanjore Paintings, nearby towns and cities offer options ranging from budget lodges and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. During peak tourist season (December to March) and during major festivals like Pongal (January), it is advisable to book accommodation in advance. Most hotels offer basic amenities including attached bathrooms, fans/AC, and in-house vegetarian food options.

Things to do at Tanjore Paintings

Explore the venue and its offerings. Depending on the type of venue, activities may include learning about local crafts, enjoying recreational facilities, or experiencing local culture.

Things to visit & highlights

The main venue facilities and any associated attractions in the immediate area. Nearby landmarks and complementary points of interest.

Climate & weather

Tamil Nadu has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a more comfortable 20°C–28°C. March–June is very hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+. The state receives rainfall from both the southwest monsoon (June–September, mainly in western ghats) and the northeast monsoon (October–December, bringing rain to coastal areas including Chennai). Hill stations (Ooty, Kodaikanal) are pleasant year-round.