There
are quite a good number of excursion options available from Thanjavur.
Cholas ruled the areas around Tanjore so it is but natural for these
towns to have a lot of tourist attractions as well. The must visit
excursion destination around Tanjore is the city of
Gangaikondacholapuram that has lots of Chola era temples. Apart from
that there are other destinations too that have been listed below: -Airavatheeswar Temple
Airavateeswar Temple is an exquisitely built temple that is located 30 kilometers from the city of Thanjavur. The temple that was constructed around 12th century A.D is counted among the bests of Chola Temples in India. Going by its unique architecture, the place has been recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument.
Kumbakonam
A visit to the temple town of Kumbakonam is a must for every tourist. Situated just 35 kilometers off to the city of Tanjore, Kumbakonam is famous for its temples sculptures having erotic overtones. Some of the must visit temples are Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Nageswara and Ramaswamy temples. Kumbakonam is also the venue of the Mahamaham festival that is celebrated every 12 years.
Kodikkarai (Point Calimere)
Kodaikkarai or Point Calimere is just 100 kilometers from Tanjore. The place is famous for its bird sanctuary that is noted for its congregation of migratory waterfowls such as Flamingoes that come here during the winters.
Swamimalai
Swamimalai is situated 30 kilometers from Thanjavur. The place is believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Vailankanni
Vailankanni is Roman Catholic pilgrimage that is famous for a beautiful Church dedicated to 'Lady of Health'. Vailankanni that is situated just 90 kilometers from Tanjore is famous for its Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Darasuram
Located just 35 kilometers from Tanjore, Darasuram is a magnificent temple that is dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple is among the hundreds built by Rajendra Chola. Darasuram is also famous as a silk weaving center.
Manora
Manora is situated 65 kilometers from the city of Thanjavur. The building is considered as the largest and tallest of the monuments built by the Tanjore Marathas. Manora is an eight-storied miniature fortress that is hexagonal in shape and is skirted by a moat. Sarfoji II constructed the structure in the year 1815 in honor of Britain's victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo.
Nagore
Situated 90 kilometers from Tanjore, Nagore is a renowned Sufi pilgrimage that is revered by followers of all the religions. The annual Urs or the birthday of the Sufi saint attracts lots of tourists.
Naageswaran Temple
Situated just 35 kilometers from the downtown Thanjavur, Naageswaran Temple is an ideal mix of devotion, mythology and aesthetics. The temple that was built around 1005 A.D is an outstanding symbol of Chola sculpture. The place attracts academicians and researchers, many of them foreigners, who are keen in interpreting the rock wall edicts and study the sculptures.
Orattanad
Orattanad is a Maratha Mandapam that has been named after Muktambal, one of the queens of Sarfoji II who ruled the city of Tanjore in late 18th century. This Mandapam is shaped like a chariot that displays a fusion of religious sculptures in stucco and wood.
Tharangambadi
Situated 100 kilometers from downtown Tanjore, Tharangambadi is a coastal city that was earlier a Danish settlement. The town remained under the Danish influence from 1624 to 1825 A.D after which the British annexed it. There are two churches and a fort. This is one of the must visit excursion around Thanjavur.
Thirubuvanam
Thirubuvnam is a 13th century Chola temple that is dedicated to Lord Siva. This beautifully crafted temple stands 45 kilometers from Tanjore.
Thiruvaiyaru
Situated just 15 kilometers from Tanjore, Thiruvaiyaru is the birthplace and abode of famous poet cum saint Thyagaraja. The place is considered a vibrant cultural destination because of a music festival that is held here every January in honor of the saint.
