Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum, Tamilnadu

About Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum

The Royal Palace Museum at Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu was established in the year 1994. It is a multipurpose museum that preserves the materials of the ancient past.
`The objects that people will find here are textiles, photo, oil paintings, pencil paintings, drawings, musical instruments, wooden objects, ivory, furniture, Tanjavur paintings, copper manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, porcelain, miniature paintings, dolls and stone sculptures. Apart from these objects, there are also plates, coconut shell carvings, coins, beadwork, arms and bronzes.

History

On the southern side of the third quadrangle is a vimana like building, 190 feet high with eight storeys and it is the Goodagopuram. This was the palace watch tower and also the armoury of the Thanjavur Kings till 1855 A.D.

The two Durbar Halls of the Nayaks and the Mahrattas and the Raja Sarafoji Saraswathi Mahal Library are the chief sights of the Palace. The Saraswathi Mahal Library has remarkable collection of about 30,433 sanskrit and other vernacular palm leaf manuscripts and 6,426 printed volumes, besides a large number of journals. The library is the effort of the three hundred years of collections by the Nayak and Mahratta kings.

Madamaligai is the tower which rises from the palace roof beyond the Goodagopuram. It has six storeys. It is believed that this was built by Nayak ruler to enable him worship Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam every mid-day. This many storeyed tower was destroyed by lightning and was subsequently repaired and preserved.

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.

The Thanjavur 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.

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 Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum, 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 Royal Palace Museum ,Thanjavur ,Tamil Nadu
District: Thanjavur
Nearest City: Thanjavur
**Best time to visit:**Throughout the year.

Climate & weather

The climate of Thanjavur is Tropical. The maximum temperature is 36.6° C and minimum is 22° C.

How to reach Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum

**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 Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum

November to February offers pleasant weather for a day of exploration. Weekday mornings (10 AM–12 PM) are less crowded. Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Avoid weekends and public holidays when the museum is busier.

Timings & opening hours

Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and national holidays. Some government museums may have different schedules during summer — check locally.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 15–50 for adults (Indian nationals), INR 100–300 for foreign nationals. Students with ID may get discounted entry. Camera fee: INR 30–100 (still), INR 150–300 (video). Free entry on certain days (typically Fridays for students).

Duration needed

2–3 hours for a thorough visit. Specialty museums may require less time (1–2 hours). Allow extra time for the museum’s garden or adjoining attractions.

Safety tips

Keep bags and valuables secure in crowded galleries. Follow museum rules — do not touch exhibits. Maintain silence inside galleries. Follow the designated visitor route. Report any suspicious activity to museum security.

Things to carry

A small bag or backpack, water bottle (may not be allowed inside galleries — check cloakroom facility), camera (check photography policy first), notebook and pen. Leave large bags at the cloakroom.

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: Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum 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

Food options near the museum may be limited. The nearest town typically has restaurants and cafes. Carrying water is recommended — most museums do not allow food inside.

Things to do at Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum

Explore the museum’s galleries systematically to appreciate the full range of exhibits on display. Study the ancient bronze sculptures, stone carvings, and artefacts that showcase Tamil craftsmanship. Read the information panels to learn about the historical and cultural context of the exhibits.

Things to visit & highlights

The museum’s permanent collection featuring ancient Tamil artefacts, bronze icons (including Chola bronzes), stone sculptures,numismatic collections, and palm leaf manuscripts. Temporary exhibitions and the museum’s garden or courtyard are also worth exploring.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the surrounding city area. Major fuel stations of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and HPCL operate within 1–5 km of the museum.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum? Most museums are open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and national holidays. Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing.

Is photography allowed at Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum? Photography policies vary. Still photography without flash may be permitted for a fee. Flash photography, tripods, and video cameras may require special permission.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Major city museums have wheelchair access and ramps. Smaller specialty museums may have limited accessibility — contact the museum in advance.

Accessibility

Museum accessibility varies. Major museums in cities have level access or ramps at the entrance. Smaller, privately-run museums in older buildings may have steps and narrow doorways. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.

Rules & restrictions

Photography rules vary — some museums prohibit all photography, others allow photography without flash. Check signage at the entrance. Do not touch exhibits. Food and drinks are not permitted inside most museums. Large bags may need to be checked. Follow the designated visitor route and respect gallery closures.

Best photography spots

Check the museum’s photography policy before shooting — some prohibit all photography. For permitted photography, use available light — flash is rarely allowed. Focus on details: artefact textures, gallery compositions, and architectural features of the museum building itself.