History
Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. The city has been known to be enjoying strong hold of the Chola dynasty. At some point or the other, it has been the capital of the Cholas, Mutharayars and the Marathas.
This town was known as ‘Tanjapuri’ in the ancient times and the name is said to have been given by Mutharayar king, from whom the Chola rulers, later, conquered the city. During the reign of Rajaraja Chola, the town was divided in two parts – Ullalai, which means the inner part and Purambadi, the other city.
After the fall of the Cholas, Pandayas took control of Thanjavur and it remained a province of the Vijaynagar Empire. In the year 1535, the Vijaynagar king hired a Nayak king, thus triggering the onset of the Nayak dynasty which ruled till the middle of 17th century.
Marathas took over the control of Thanjavur in the year 1674. Shivaji’s half brother Venkoji ruled in the city. The British came in the picture during the expedition of 1749, but they met defeat. The town remained under the Maratha rule till 1799 AD.
The British finally gained control in 1799 and handed over the management to Raja Serfoji II. The death of the king in 1833 marked the end of ruling in Thanjavur.
Travel within city
Travelling within the city of Thanjavur is quite easy, as many buses, auto rickshaws, tourist cabs and cycle rickshaws are available for transport.
Auto Rickshaw
The easiest way to travel around the city of Thanjavur is through its countless auto rickshaws. Auto rickshaws are popular modes of transport in the region; however, auto rickshaws in Thanjavur do not run on meter. Thanjavur is essentially a small city, and you will not need to catch an auto rickshaw unless you’re in a hurry.
Bus
You can opt for buses in order to commute to all corners of the city as these are cheaper. Moreover there will be no necessity to bargain, which is usually what happens when you engage an auto rickshaw in Thanjavur. Buses in Thanjavur will take you from Old Bus Stand to the New Bus Stand and even to the Medical College. Almost all the buses in Thanjavur pass through the Brihadeeshwara Temple or the “Big Temple”, and other attractions. The Old Bus Stand is the closest to all major attractions in Thanjavur such as the Big Temple, the Government Park, and the Government Museum Palace etc. There are also a large number of 3 star hotels around the Old Bus Stand and quite a few good restaurants. The New Bus Stand provides transportation by connecting Thanjavur to other districts in and around Tamil Nadu and
Pondicherry and is your best bet if you want to head out of Thanjavur and towards
Kumbakonam,
Trichy,
Madurai, etc. Buses to
Chennai are available from the Old Bus Stand as an exception. Bus fares start at Rs. 3 and stretch to a maximum of Rs.5. Some bus conductors may demand an extra ticket if you have extra luggage. Buses ply from 5 am to 11 30 pm everyday of the week, and there are buses every 3 minutes connecting the town (Old Bus Stand) and the outskirts (New Bus Stand).
Hotels
You can find
16 hotels in Thanjavur under following categories:
