Arani to Thanjavur - The City of the Great Living Chola Temple
Thanjavur (Tanjore), the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is located approximately 320 km from Arani. Famous for the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) ??? a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 1,000 years ago ??? Thanjavur is also renowned for its classical Bharatanatyam dance, Tanjore paintings, and bronze Chola sculptures. It is a city where art, architecture, and spirituality converge in breathtaking fashion.
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: Approximately 320 km via NH-38 / NH-67
- Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Best Route: Arani to Salem to Trichy to Thanjavur
Top Attractions in Thanjavur
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) - Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage temple has a 66-metre vimana (tower) topped by a single 80-tonne granite block. The shadow of the tower never falls on the ground ??? an architectural marvel. Open 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 to 8:30 PM.
- Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum - A 16th-century palace complex housing the famous Saraswathi Mahal Library with over 30,000 rare palm leaf manuscripts and paintings
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram - 70 km from Thanjavur; another UNESCO heritage temple built by Rajendra Chola I, even larger than the Big Temple
- Shri Brihadamba Devi Temple - The sanctum of Goddess Brihadamba within the Big Temple complex
- Tanjore Painting Workshops - Witness artisans create the famous gold-foil paintings depicting Hindu deities
- Sangeetha Mahal - A music hall with extraordinary acoustic design and exhibits of ancient musical instruments
Thanjavur Famous Food
Try Thanjavur Samba Rice, Pongal at local hotels, Aadi Koozh (traditional fermented millet drink), and fresh Cauvery delta bananas. Hotel Sathars and GRT Hotels serve excellent traditional Tamil meals.
Taxi Fare from Arani to Thanjavur
- Sedan: Starting from Rs 4,100 one way
- SUV (Innova Crysta): Starting from Rs 6,000 one way
Book your Arani to Thanjavur taxi and witness the thousand-year-old glory of the Chola Empire!
