Thanjavur, often called Tanjore, was the capital of the great Chola kings and remains one of the most important cultural centres of Tamil Nadu. It lies in the fertile Kaveri delta, which is why the district is known as the "rice bowl of Tamil Nadu".
The pride of the city is the Brihadeeswarar Temple – the Big Temple, or Peruvudaiyar Kovil – built by Rajaraja Chola I. Its massive tower and giant Nandi are among the most recognisable sights in India, and the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Great Living Chola Temples.
Thanjavur is also a home of arts. Thanjavur paintings, with their rich colours and gold foil, are treasured in homes across Tamil Nadu. The bobbing-head Thanjavur dolls (thalaiyatti bommai) are a favourite souvenir, and the city is famous for crafting the veena. The Thanjavur Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are well worth a visit. The region also has a deep connection with Carnatic music.
The district includes the temple town of Kumbakonam, famous for its many temples, its Mahamaham festival and, of course, Kumbakonam degree coffee.
Why chat with Thanjavur locals?
Thanjavur people carry a quiet pride in their history and arts. Locals can tell you the best time to visit the Big Temple, where to buy genuine handicrafts, and which delta villages to see during harvest. People from the delta living elsewhere use the room to stay close to their roots.
Things to talk about in the Thanjavur room
- Big Temple visits and festival days
- Thanjavur paintings, dolls and handicraft shopping
- Carnatic music and cultural events
- Kaveri delta farming, harvest and Pongal
- Kumbakonam temples and filter coffee
- Local food and family recipes
Join the Thanjavur room today. Read more in our temple towns guide.
How to join
- Install the free TNChatZone app from Google Play.
- Sign in with Google or your phone number and pick a display name.
- Open Thanjavur in the Rooms tab and say vanakkam! 🙏
TNChatZone is for adults (18+). Be kind, and never share your phone number or address in public rooms. You can block or report anyone in one tap.