Brihadisvara Temple is one of India’s largest temples. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu is home to this temple. Hindus worship at the Brihadishvara Temple. Shiva is the object of the temple’s devotion. UNESCO designated the intriguing Brihadishvara Temple as a “World Heritage Site.” Its beautiful architecture is a wonderful example of how inventive the human mind can be. In the tenth century, the Raja Chola set the temple’s foundation. The Shiv Lingam, a magnificent rock carving dedicated to Lord Shiva, is housed at the temple.
The prominent elements of the temple are the 200-foot-tall Gopuram and the 81-ton top cupola. The temple is unique in that it never casts a shadow in the late afternoon. One striking aspect of the temple is the 108 dance positions of Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. People have painted these paintings on its walls. In addition, there are so many must-see attractions around the Bhrihadisvara Temple. So, let’s have a look at the top 10 Must-See Attractions around Brihadisvara Temple.
#1. Rajali Birds Park
A private collection of exotic birds is kept in Rajali Birds Park in the Thanjavur area. The public can now visit this walk-in aviary in Thanjavur. In a recently opened walk-in aviary at Thanjavur, close to Bigtemple, a ruby red macaw, a stunning, vividly coloured member of the parrot family, steals the show by mimicking human speech and courting birds.
Iguanas, Ball pythons, and Ferrets are a few kinds of birds which you can find here. In addition, you will see seven different species of exotic rodents and 15 different species of exotic birds at the aviary near Thanjavur Big Temple. A group of medium-sized yellow South American sun conures makes screeching, repetitive noises as it takes off. So, if you are visiting Brihadishvara Temple, must visit Rajali Birds Park too.
Distance from Brihadishvara Temple: It takes just 2 minutes. It is only 230 meters away from the temple.
Timing: Sunday to Saturday. From 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
#2. Thanjavur Royal Palace
One of the town’s ancient museums, the Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum houses artefacts from the past. These include sculptures, paintings, and pictures. The fact that this museum provides every detail regarding the older era is crucial. The area is enriched and filled with the significance of antique Chola paintings, Pallava and Chola dynasty sculptures, and Chola dynasty statues.
Thousands of tourists visit Thanjavur each year. This makes it a popular tourist destination. The vast collection of art, paintings, photographs, and antiquities in the museum is evidence of the area’s rich legacy. People decorated the palace with ancient statues and idols from revered temples like the Brihadeshvara Temple and the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple. This provides visitors with a glimpse into the past.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 1.5 km
Location: Thanjavur
Timing: From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 5 per Indian and INR 50 per foreigner.
Camera fee: INR 30.
#3. Shiva Ganga Garden
Siv Ganga Garden is a lovely recreational park that is the perfect place to relax for guests of all ages. The garden provides plenty of entertainment to keep one busy, no matter the weather or the time of year. Also, this garden offers a variety of recreational activities, including both land-based and water-based games. It is not only a garden. In addition, the park includes a good selection of lovely flowering plants, as well as various birds and other creatures. Recently, the garden has become a popular destination in Thanjavur for tourists, young people, and students. It is one of the best places to visit around Brihadeshvara Temple.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 450 meters only. It just takes 2 minutes.
Timings: From 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
#4. Vijayanagar Fort
The Vijayanagar Fort, one of Thanjavur’s most well-known landmarks, lies 2 kilometres away. Additionally, it is the ideal location for sightseeing close to Brihadeshvara Temple. The Nayaks and the Marathas constructed the fort’s magnificent design in 1550 AD.
Sangeetha Mahal, Tanjore Palace, an art gallery, and a library are all located inside the fort. Additionally, the Shiva Ganga garden, which lends a touch of beauty, is located within the fort’s complex.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 1.8 km. it takes just 6 minutes.
Timings: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. And, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
#5. Chandra Bhagwan Temple
The Moon God is the object of worship in Chandra Bagwan Temple. This temple is about 25 kilometres outside of town. People who think that, according to their horoscopes, the Moon is hurting them, mostly visit this temple.
They have strong confidence in the Moon God. They think that if they pray to him fervently, their bad fortunes can be changed. This temple is another attraction near Brihadeshvara Temple.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 17 km from the temple.
Timing: No specific timing.
#6. Sangeetha Mahal
The Sangeetha Mahal is an elegant building and cultural hub. This place hosted public cultural events. The Mahal’s auditorium is full of the best acoustics and displays exquisite artwork on its walls and ceilings. People also use the term “Hall of Music” to refer to it. Under Sevappa Nayak’s administration, it was founded in the 17th century. The builders and architects used excellent craftsmanship at that time. And it is evident.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 1.8 km.
Timings: From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
#7. Kandiyur
Kandiyur is a small village. The village is 9 kilometres from Thanjavur’s city centre. Due to the extensive effect of the kingdom that formerly controlled Thanjavur, it is on the list of top tourist attractions in Thanjavur. Once you get to Kandiyur, you will without a doubt feel like stopping for a break. The Sri Hara SaabhaVimocchana Perumal Temple is undoubtedly Kandiyur’s main draw. The temple worships lord Vishnu. This village is one of the top attractions near Brihadeshvara Temple.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 10.7 km.
Timing: Always open for visitors.
#8. Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple
One of Tamil Nadu’s most well-known temples is the Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple. The temple worships the goddess Mariamman. This temple is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Although the temple is old, the royal family of Thanjavur continues to maintain the recently constructed seventh-tier gopuram.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: 7.5 km
Timing: From 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
#9. Schwartz Church
This is one of India’s oldest churches. The Maratha ruler, Sarfoji II built this church. During his rule, he met and eventually followed the Prussian Lutheran missionary Rev. Friedrich Schratwz. Around the year 1779, the Maratha king decided to build this as a homage to their relationship. This church is one of the top attractions Also, it is one of the best places to visit around Brihadeshvara Temple.
Distance from Brihadeshvara Temple: Only 550 meters.
Timings: In the morning 9: 00 am to 1:00 pm
From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Read Also: Beautiful Temples In India That Reflects Excellence Of Indian
#10. Alangudi Guru Temple
The Alangudi Guru Temple is one of Thanjavur’s most well-known tourist attractions. It is next to the sacred Cauvery, Vennaru, and Kolidam rivers. This temple has a significant mythological significance. Also, numerous folktales have mentioned this temple. The idol is a representation of Shiva in his Abathsahayeswarar avatar, which consumed Vasuki Nag’s poison. In addition to that, this temple also honours Devguru Brihaspati, commonly known as Jupiter.
Distance fromBrihadeshvara Temple: 35 km
Timings: From 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
How to reach Thanjavur?
You can go to Thanjavur by air or by train or by road. Tiruchirapalli is the airport closest to Thanjavur. This airport offers flights to numerous domestic and foreign places.
Tiruchirapalli is also the closest and most significant railroad hub to Thanjavur. Remember that Thanjavur also has excellent road connectivity.o, you can travel by road to Thanjavur from any city in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
So, we have discussed 10 Must-See Attractions around Brihadisvara Temple. Hope this guide will help you to explore the nearby attractions of Bhrihadisvara Temple. These are some of the top attractions in Thanjavur that provide a glance at the lovely legacy of the region. There is much to discover in this ancient city. Therefore, if you are considering a trip to Tamil Nadu, be sure to stop by this location and enjoy visiting the historical places.
FAQS:
Q. What Is The Best Time To Visit Brihadisvara Temple?
Early in the morning is the ideal time to visit Brihadeshwara Temple. It is because the weather is pleasant and the tour is comfortable at this time. The best time of year to visit the city is during the winter.
Q. What Is The Dress Code For The Brihadisvara Temple?
The Brihadisvara temple is open every day from 6 am to 12:30 pm and from 4 pm to 8:30 pm. Although there is no specific dress code, it is preferable to wear traditional clothing and to stay away from contemporary attire like miniskirts, sleeveless tops or shorts while visiting the temple.
Q. How Many Days Are Enough For Thanjavur?
Usually, 1 to 2 days are enough to visit Thanjavur. Here you will get to explore so many temples and historical places.
Q. Which Is The Best Time To Visit Thanjavur?
Winter and the beginning of summer are the ideal times to visit Thanjavur. The weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing from October to March.
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