Tanjavur Palace, Tamilnadu — Historical Monuments Guide

About Tanjavur Palace

The Palace of Thanjavur was partly built by the Nayaks and partly by the Marathas around 1550 A.D. The palace is an architectural beauty but the condition it was in, was pitiful. A part of it was destroyed by a lightning stroke and till few years earlier, it was still in ruins. But the reconstruction and preservation work has been taken up. The palace houses many museums that by themselves are a great tourist attraction. It has an art gallery apart from the Royal museum which showcases royal possessions like the costumes, weapons and musical instruments. Tourist get a feeling of living the past when they enter this exclusive museum. It also has a library that houses around 40,000 ancient manuscripts and different volumes of various languages. All the showpieces are well preserved and a treat to eyes.

History

Rajaraja Cholan the Great, occupies the foremost place in the history of the later Cholas. Vijayalaya Chola was the founder of the later Chola dynasty. He conquered the country from a vassal chief of the pallavas, and established Thanjavur as the capital of the dynasty. His son and successor Aditya I conquered the pallavas and the Kongu country; and his son Parantakan I (AD 907-953), under his leadership, the cholas acquired a dominion which foreshadowed the greater empire Rajarajan and Kulotungan.

Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and the 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. It is the headquarters of the disrict of the same name. Thanjavur district, the ’ Rice Bowl ’ of Tamil Nadu, is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian Musical Instruments.

Interesting places to Visit

Bragatheeswarar Temple :
The main temple. Rajaraja Cholan, the Great Chola king built Bragatheeswarar Temple. This is an example for the Indian sculptural architecture greatness. Temple is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. It is 216 feet tall. The stupa at the top is made of bronze.The walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods, comparable to the famous Ajanta cave frescoes.

Mariamman Temple

This temple is situated at Punnainallur, a small village around 6 km east to Thanjavur. The temple is widely visited by localities as it is said that the worshiped Goddess treats all physical disabilities. The most auspicious day for visiting the temple is Sunday. The day sees a huge footfall of devotees specially women and children. This is one of the important temples of Thanjavur and now is visited by tourists as well who want to experience the sheer beauty of its architecture.

Saraswati Mahal Library

The Saraswati Mahal Library came into being around the end of 16th century under the rule of Telugu Nayaka. Library is famous for its collection of manuscripts of several Indian and European languages on paper and on palm leaves. The 16th century library is abode to works of ancient and medieval periods. You will come across the biography of Muhammad Ghazni as well as books on the 64 bathing ghats of Varanasi.

Royal Museum

The Royal museum is located inside the Palace complex. This museum is a must visit for all artifact lovers. Among the show items, collection of rare bronze sculptures are the most famous. There are more than 400 pieces of such sculptures in the museum. Royal museum also has stone sculptures from Pallava, Chola and Pandaya periods and rare paintings done on wood using different colors and gold leafs. It is open on all days from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Nearest Visiting places

**Puliyur Vyagrapureeswarar Temple :**Around 80 Kms from Thanjavur, situated Nagapattinam. The ancient history says Kamadhenu, the devalogha cow prayed to Lord shiva in this shrine to get rid of its sabam. One more speciality about this temple, on evenings, Nataraja is worshipped first prior to all other gods. This is also referred as Dhakshina Chidambaram. chidambaram is where famous temple of lord Nataraja located. This village is also called as Vyagrapuri named after the lord.

**Tirubhuvanam:**It is located 8 km (5 miles) Northeast of Kumbakonam, is dedicated to Kumbheswara, the “God who removes Fear”. This is also an old silk weaving centre. Kambaharesvarar Temple was built by the King Kulothunga III (1179 AD - 1216 AD). There are two Gopurams and two Praharams,the Karpagraham, Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Muha Mandapam and Somaskandar Mandapam.

**Swamimalai:**Located 32 Kms away, Swamimalai is one of the six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan preached Pranava mantra “OM” to Lord Shiva and that why he is called Swaminathan. The 60 steps to the temple indicate the 60 years of the Tamil calendar. This temple is praised by Arunagirinadar. Every Thursday, Lord Swaminathan is decorated with Diamond Vel.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Tanjavur Palace, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Triplicane Police Station
, Triplicane, Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ice House Police Station
Besant Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Nearest Hospital:

Institute Of Opthalmology -Joseph Eye Hospital
, Kilapudur, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu- 0431 2460622

Rangashri Child Care Clinic
New 76, Srirangam, Gandhi Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620006? - 0431 2435600

Sowmanasya Hospitals Pvt Ltd
6, K K Nagar, Chinthamani, V N Nagar, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620002- 0431 2704304

Location info

Address: Thanjavur,Tamilnadu
District: Thanjavur
Nearest City: Thanjavur
Best time to visit: November - February

How to reach Tanjavur Palace

**Nearest Railway Station:**Thanjavur.
**Nearest Airport:**Tiruchirapalli 65 kms

**Road Transport:**Thanjavur is well connected to all the major towns in Tamilnadu through state highways. Tamilnadu Transport Corporation and similar Transport Corporations of the adjoining states provide bus service to cities in and around Tamilnadu.

Best time to visit Tanjavur Palace

November to February when the weather is pleasant. Early morning (8–10 AM) and late afternoon (3–5 PM) offer the best light for photography and comfortable exploration. Avoid midday heat.

Timings & opening hours

Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Some sites may remain closed on national holidays. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing. Sound and light shows (if available) start after sunset.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 10–25 for Indian nationals, INR 100–250 for foreign nationals. Camera fee: INR 20–50 (still), INR 100 (video). Children under 15 years enter free. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a comprehensive visit. History enthusiasts may spend 2–3 hours exploring the site and reading about its significance. Photographers should allow extra time during golden hour.

Safety tips

Watch your step on uneven surfaces and stairs. Follow ASI safety guidelines. Do not climb on fragile structures or restricted areas. Keep away from unguarded edges and heights. Stay hydrated. Secure valuables in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
Camera: Capture memorable moments.
Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

By Air: Thanjavur Airport (TJV) is the nearest major airport, well-connected to domestic destinations including Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport.

By Train: Thanjavur Junction (TJ) is the nearest major railway station, served by express and passenger trains connecting to cities across India. From the station, local transport including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available.

By Road: Tanjavur Palace is well-connected by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and private operators. Regular bus services from Thanjavur and nearby towns connect to the destination. National and state highways provide good road connectivity for self-drive visitors.

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 Tanjavur Palace, 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.

Things to do at Tanjavur Palace

Explore the monument’s architecture — its design, carvings, inscriptions, and structural features. Read the information boards to understand the historical context. Photograph the site’s architectural details and overall grandeur. Take a guided tour for deeper historical insights.

Things to visit & highlights

The main monument with its distinctive architectural features. Any inscriptions, sculptures, or artwork preserved at the site. The surrounding grounds and gardens that complement the monument.

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.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town and along the approach roads. Major fuel stations are located within 3–8 km of the monument.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Tanjavur Palace? November to February offers comfortable weather. Early morning (8–10 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) are ideal for exploration and photography.

How much time should I spend at Tanjavur Palace? 1–2 hours is adequate for a thorough visit. History enthusiasts and photographers may need more time.

Is a guide available at Tanjavur Palace? Licensed guides are available at the entrance. Audio guides may also be available at major sites. Information boards in English and Tamil are typically present.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.