Thanjavur celebrates Pongal in mid-Januaryĭepartment of Tourism, Govt of TN Tourism Complex, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur, Telefax: 04362-230984, Īir Nearest airport: Trichy (54km/ 1.5hrs). When to go It rains in November and early December. The rosewood pulpit from which Schwartz preached still stands, as does the rosewood pew where the king liked to sit and pray. The Schwartz Church was built in 1779 by Raja Sarabhoji II for the Danish missionary Rev Christian Fredriech Schwartz. The small Palace Museum closeby exhibits the personal collection of the royal family: arms, clothes, paintings and so on. The Saraswati Mahal Library boasts of a staggering collection of 44,000 palm leaf manuscripts besides paintings and writing equipment.Įntry Free Timings 10.00am–1.00pm and 1.30–5.30pm The Majestic Façade Of The Brihadeeswara Temple

Tip Photography is not allowed inside the Rajaraja Museum Museum Entry ₹10 Timings 9.00am–1.00pm and 3.00–5.00pm Sound & Light Show ₹50 Timings 6.45pm (English) However, inside are the Rajaraja Museum and the Art Gallery, both of which have a stunning collection of rare Chola bronzes and granite sculptures. Today, the walls have crumbled, the interiors are damp and the tunnels have all caved in. The Royal Palace must have been wonderful once upon a time. This 35-acre fort was modified by the Marathas in the 17th century and includes the temple complex, the Schwartz Church, the Royal Palace along with two museums, and the Shivaganga Tank and Park to its north. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.Įntry Free Timings 6.00am–noon and 4.00–8.00pm, open all days The temple was, for the most part, built of granite blocks, though no granite is available for miles around Thanjavur. The stone shikhara (pinnacle) that perches over the tower weighs nearly 80 tonnes, an amazing feat of engineering. The lingam inside is 12ft tall and so is the monolithic Nandi Bull facing it. The 13-tiered vimana (tower over the sanctum) is over 197ft high. The sanctum has a single block of granite, 25.5sq ft wide, as its roof.

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