Discover Thanjavur’s 10 Best Kept Secrets

Located in the very center of Tamil Nadu, the city of Thanjavur is situated in the Cauvery Delta. It’s a culturally and historically significant location. A lot of people refer to it as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu” because to all the beautiful grain fields and abundant agricultural resources. The designations “Bharatanatyam dance capital” and “South Indian temple architecture cradle” are well-deserved, nevertheless. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is an artistic masterpiece in and of itself, but there are many more sites to see in Thanjavur, such as the expansive royal palace complex that dates back to the medieval Chola Empire.

However, what is the issue with the majority of tourists? Only the most famous ones are covered. Hidden gems that have escaped the attention of most tourists await you if you take a peek down certain alleyways and explore the rural environs. Today, we’d like to share ten of them with you.

Sivaganga Park: A Contemporary Retreat
A park in Sivaganga
In case you’re in need of a break from city life, this expansive park is the perfect place for you. Sivaganga, which is located in Thanjavur itself, is a 70-acre park with beautiful grounds replete with illuminated trees and fountains that shine continuously throughout the day. Furthermore, there is a glasshouse conservatory stocked with an assortment of unusual flowers. Take your time meandering through tree-lined walkways or unwind on a sunny day by the lakeside boats at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. What if you’re also planning to bring your child? Rest assured! For him or her, they have prepared toy trains and gigantic wheel rides! Sivaganga Park is a wonderful place to relax and unwind, thanks to its verdant lawns, assortment of blooming trees, and colorful bushes.

Paradise Found in the Mangrove Forest of Pichavaram

One hundred kilometers from the heart of Thanjavur lies the second-largest mangrove in the world. The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is a labyrinth of estuaries and backwaters spanning 1100 hectares. And it’s all linked by little islands with winding trails that go through rows of verdant mangroves. If you’re feeling bored when boating along these canals, try looking for kingfishers or egrets. The experience is already relaxing. Plus, there’s a chance you may see a rare migrating bird. This spot is a nature lover’s dream come true due to its breathtaking scenery, which is sure to pause and inspire contemplation.

Danish fort, artifact from the Tranquebar colony
Danish Fort Tranquebar, located on the Coromandel Coast about 135 kilometers from Thanjavur, was once the headquarters of the Danish East India Company. They constructed a fort along the shore, and it has stood the test of time. On top of that, it provides a look into life in 1620 CE and a breathtaking panorama of the ocean. If you’re interested in learning more about the early colonial history of the Coromandel coast, you’ll discover important information at its own museum. Sit down at one of the many waterfront eateries in the adjacent town of Tranquebar—once referred to as “The pearl of Danish settlements in India”—and savor some traditional coastal fare if you’re not already hungry.

4. The Majestic Military Architecture of Manora Fort
Mandara Castle
Located fifteen kilometers west of Thanjavur is the unique pentagonal Manora Fort. Take in breathtaking views of the area from atop the old watchtower. You won’t see a door with spikes every day; the imperial fortifications are now decaying and in disrepair. If you make it to the peak of Manora Fort first thing in the morning, you may see the paddy fields and golden light that make dawn the most spectacular time to visit. Do not miss out on the opportunity to see the breathtaking views offered by the historic site!

5. Heaven on a Mountain: Ayyarmalai Shiva Temple
Temple of Ayyarmalai Shiva
Scattered throughout the undulating Kalrayan Hills, some 25 kilometers outside of Thanjavur, is the historic Ayyarmalai Siva Temple. A challenging 5-kilometer hike over rugged hills and woodlands is the only way to reach this hill shrine, which is said to be more than 1200 years old. Even though it’s a challenging trek, the breathtaking views from high up will be well worth the effort. The sight of Lord Mullaivananathar, a Shiva Lingam that is revered here as a naturally occurring stalagmite, makes the sacrifice worthwhile. This sanctuary offers an unrivaled sense of secluded tranquility for anyone seeking heavenly isolation.

Brahma’s Temple Town of Thirukkandiyur, Number Six
Thirukkandiyur Bay
An inconspicuous town called Thirukkandiyur, situated around 40 kilometers east of Thanjavur, is home to one of India’s most uncommon Brahma temples. Lord Brahma is a Hindu god, and every year thousands of devotees seek his blessings and ancestor privileges at this temple. According to legend, Maragatha Lingam was even visited by Lord Brahma himself. Claiming architectural excellence, it is surrounded by picturesque fields that provide a glimpse into the rural hinterland of Tamil Nadu, which culture fans will love. The temple sculptures date back to the Chola dynasty.

7. Historical Artifacts from the Saraswati Mahal Library

The Library of Saraswati Mahal
The Saraswati Mahal Library is one of the best-kept secrets in Thanjavur, and it’s located in the royal palace. It dates back to 789 CE and has more than 60,000 volumes and manuscripts from India and Europe. It was established about 1700 CE. Among the unique collections are the diaries of Sarfoji Maharaja, writings written in ancient Marathi, and sculptural treatises like as Shilpa Ratnam by Sukracharya from the mid-19th century. An art exhibit showcasing Thanjavur paintings, musical instruments, Chola bronzes, and stone sculptures is also housed inside the library. For those interested in Thanjavur’s intellectual past spanning centuries, a visit to this library is an experience like no other.

Marvels in Miniature at the Thanjavur Doll Museum
Doll Museum of Thanjavur
The Thanjavur Doll Museum is a unique institution that is probably not well-known to the general public, but it is located on the campus of Thanjavur Art College. Charming and housing a wide collection of exquisitely made dolls from all across India, this museum was founded by the famous local doll artisan, G. Chandrasekara. Figures illustrating the artistic history of Thanjavur include Chola dynasty kings and queens, mustachioed Thanjavur Maratha soldiers, Hindu deities housed in temple sanctuaries, and Bharatanatyam dancers in the midst of a pirouette. Small wonders abound in this museum, providing visitors with a fresh perspective on the rich culture of South India.

The 9. Oppliappan Temple Town’s Stone Legacy

The Town of Oppiliappan Temple
Oppiliappan Kovil is a temple town situated around the Sri Oppiliappan Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu and his wife Lokanayaki. It is around 12 kilometers away from Thanjavur. Sri Navaneetha Krishnan, the infant-God, is seen here enjoying a feeding of heavenly butter as Lord Vishnu, adorned with amazing stone sculptures, rests on the cosmic snake Adisesha in an unusual east-facing position. Oppiliappan Kovil hamlet is rich in agricultural and architectural traditions of rural Tamil Nadu, as well as historical sites. The community is filled with rustic cottages adorned with terracotta murals, holy trees, and heritage water bodies such as the Nakshatra Tank. Oppiliappan Kovil provides beautiful glimpses of the continuing rural cultures of India, in addition to its famed temples.

Mosaic for the Thiruvonam Rice Bowl
Thiruvonam is a lively town in the Cauvery Delta, located around 30 kilometers southwest of Thanjavur metropolis. Thiruvonam is home to the Sri Chandrashekhara temple, which dates back to the 9th century CE and has elaborate masonry on its vimana tower. This temple is one of the rare remnants of the Rashtrakuta Empire in southern India. Thiruvonam is known for its archaeological treasures, but it is also a great place to see the traditional rural life of Tamil Nadu. You can see palm trees dotting the verdant rice paddies, hay being hauled by lumbering bullock carts, fish being dried on bamboo scaffolds outside of cottages, and village bazaars bustling with local commerce.

Thiruvonam, the Less-Traveled Road

The lesser-known towns and villages of Thanjavur district, in addition to its renowned cultural sites, conceal a treasure trove of history, scenic beauty, rural legacy, and spiritual radiance. Discovering these hidden treasures requires a personal journey, but that is the essence of travel: to go beyond familiar territory in search of new discoveries that astonish, motivate, and stay in memory. By veering off the beaten path, you will discover Thanjavur’s many hidden gems.