This Coming Weekend Explore The Hidden Gems Around Thanjavur
1. Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam, a town only 40 Kms away from Thanjavur, is awash in sanctity and grandeur. It is known as the 'temple town' of Tamil Nadu with dozens of temples built hundreds of years ago. The temple Sarangapani designed for Lord Vishnu and the temple called Kumbeswarar built for Lord Shiva are popular visits because they are beautifully engraved with spiritual atmosphere.
There are some other things that help Kumbakonam gain this popularity like its unique coffee blend, filter kaapi or traditional South Indian foods. When you walk through the crowded streets smelling good coffee shops and small local food boutiques offering dosa, idli and vada among others; you will have a sweet taste in your mouth as well as get enlightened on how locals live their lives.
2. Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)
If you adore colonial history and tranquil beaches then Tranquebar situated about 100 km from Thanjavur is definitely a fit place for you to visit. Being once a Danish trading post Tranquebar still preserves its old world charm through Fort Dansborg and New Jerusalem Church which are remnants of such colonial architecture.
Stroll along relaxing beaches, see the bungalow belonging to the Danish Governor that has become a historical building museum with ancient times artifacts, and relax while listening to the sounds of waves. This little town is surely a hidden gem that combines history, culture and relaxation making it an ideal place for weekend exploration.
3. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Located roughly 70 km from Thanjavur is Pichavaram Mangrove Forest that provides a peaceful environment to nature lovers. The system consists of intertwined waterways in which estuaries and thick mangrove forests are found; it gives an ideal scene for boating as well as bird watching.
Boat rides through the maze of channels, observing complex root systems or spotting migratory birds like pelicans and herons can be done by tourists. Pichavaram is endowed with rich biodiversity and serene ambiance hence attracting those individuals who love nature so much as they would want to retreat back into the wild far away from any city chaos.
4. Darasuram
Darasuram at just 35 Kms away from Thanjavur is famous for Airavatesvara Temple which is the most beautiful temple built by Cholas; it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due its stunning architecture. It contains intricate sculptures portraying many celestial beings and mythological tales dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The vimana (tower) of this temple rises towards heaven demonstrating the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty here. Other places such as Swamimalai Murugan Temple nearby will give further cultural value if you also visit some bronze casting units located in the village where you can witness traditional skills being practiced.
5. Chettinad Region
About 120 km away from Thanjavur lies Chettinad region which is culturally renowned for its lavish mansions, unique food and bright culture. The Chettinad mansions are intricate woodwork, antique furniture and wide courtyards that you can find in the palatial homes.
There are plenty of options to keep you occupied in this region, with delicacies like Chettinad chicken, spicy mutton gravy and crispy dosas provided together with various types of chutneys. Because of its ancient history and cultural diversity, the rich flavors as well as aromatic spices of Chettinad cuisine provide an irresistible food experience.
Conclusion
Weekend getaways near Thanjavur offer different experiences for all kinds of travelers ranging from ancient temples and colonial relics to serene mangrove forests and culinary delights. These places have something for everybody who is interested in nature, architecture, history or good food making them a perfect escape from the busy day-to-day life. So pack your bags and go on an exploration to find out South India's best kept secrets located just a few minutes' drive from Thanjavur's historical cityscape.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Assam marks 1st anniversary of Moidam's Unesco tag
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: The first anniversary of Charaideo Moidam's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage list was celebrated with zeal by Directorate of Archaeology near the historic site on Sunday. The anniversary programme began with the traditional Tai-Ahom ritual of Ban-Phi, a ceremonial offering to ancestors, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the region. Charaideo Moidam, often referred to as the "Pyramids of Assam", was officially inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in July 2024. The site is home to the sacred burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years from 1228 to 1826. The site consists of multiple pyramid-like burial mounds called 'moidams', where Ahom kings and nobles were laid to rest according to ancient traditions. These structures, built using a unique technique that combines earth, brick, and stone, represent one of the finest examples of medieval Assamese architecture. "This anniversary is not just a celebration of the World Heritage Site tag, it is a reminder of our responsibility to protect and honour our heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo The recognition has put Assam on the global map of cultural tourism. The past year has seen unprecedented interest from both domestic and international visitors who come to witness the architectural marvels of our Ahom ancestors," said Jogen Mohan, minister of indigenous and tribal faith and culture, who was present as the chief guest. Since receiving Unesco status, the site has undergone significant conservation efforts, with increased funding and international expertise. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the state govt, has implemented comprehensive preservation measures to protect the delicate structures from environmental degradation and human interference. Additional director general of the ASI, Janhwij Sharma, who was present during Sunday's event, noted the collaborative efforts that led to the momentous achievement. "This recognition is not just for Assam but for all of India. It showcases our collective efforts to preserve our ancient sites for future generations. This site is not just a historical treasure but a living testament to the Ahom dynasty's legacy. We are committed to its preservation and promotion," he said. Several prominent figures were present at the celebration, including state minister of cultural affairs Bimal Borah, Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, Chairman of the Tai-Ahom Development Council Mayur Borgohain, chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Rituparna Baruah and prominent historian Jogendra Nath Phukan.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20 hours ago
- First Post
Beyond the war: Cambodia's hidden Hindu heritage
Turf wars about monuments are not uncommon. But these usually happen when a monument collapses out of lack of upkeep and various departments and entities accuse each other of neglecting the monument. However, a corner of South-East Asia is witnessing the perhaps unprecedented scenario of two sovereign nations coming close to all-out war over control of some monuments and its surroundings. While the Preah Vihear Temple has long been contested between Cambodia and Thailand, the recent conflict has been centred around control and ownership of the Ta Muen Thom Temple. The temple complexes, which lie on the border between the two countries, are the victims of disputes arising from a colonial era border demarcation and a reluctance to accept this border in modern times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The temples at Preah Ko, part of the Roluos group Tension simmering for years has exploded now with shots fired and worse. Rocket-propelled grenades and even air forces have come into play. Amidst all this, if you are planning to visit Cambodia, there is plenty beyond the Angkor that can be explored. And none of it is controversial, never mind conflicts. Roluos (20 kms south-east of Angkor Wat): The place was once called Hariharalaya. At the end of the 8th century CE, Jayavarman II established the first Khmer capital here. His successors expanded the city and built the lofty shrine called Bakong as well as the smaller Preah Ko, which means 'sacred bull' – a reference to Nandi. Towards the end of the 9th century came Lolei, a temple whose name is said to be a mutation of Hariharalaya itself. It was built on an artificial island in the Indratataka Baray, a water body. The Temple Mountain of Bakong at Roulos. Source: Wikipedia Coming centuries before the globally celebrated Angkor Wat, these examples of early Khmer architecture are a joy to visit. And not just because they are away from the crowds that fill the Angkor and its immediate vicinity. Built mostly with bricks, the Lolei temples are the oldest examples of classical Khmer design. The Preah Ko comprises six shrines standing on a sandstone platform, in two uniform rows. The front row shrines are dedicated to Khmer rulers Prithivindreshvara, Jayavarman II and Rudreshvara, while the back row is in the memory of their respective wives. The carvings on the shrines are intricate and need careful examination. The sandstone shrine of Bakong was the first of the pyramid shaped temples of the Khmers. In some ways, it resembles Borobudur, the giant Buddhist shrine on the island of Java. As per an inscription found here, it was consecrated in 881 CE by the ruler Indravarman I as his state temple. This was a Shiva shrine named Indresvara, the name combining the ruler's identity with that of the God. With a moat as its boundary, the shrine is a vast complex with more than twenty satellite temples in its precincts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Banteay Srei (37 kms north of Angkor Wat): Its name literally meaning 'citadel of women' and figuratively referring to 'citadel of beauty', the Banteay Srei temple lives up to its name being an elegant and somewhat fragile looking temple complex with a water body in front. This is the only temple complex in Cambodia which did not have a ruler as its patron builder, but two courtiers of King Rajendravarman II. A temple inside the Banteay Srei complex Originally built in the latter half of the 10th century CE, the temples saw further expansion in the 12th and 13th centuries CE, with the last inscription found here dating to 1303 CE i.e. the early 14th century. Made of red sandstone, the temple's material was very amenable to rich carving. The result was a vast array of divine icons carved throughout its structure amidst floral patterns. Primarily a Shiva shrine, it also has Vishnu iconography within. The idyllic setting of the Banteay Srei complex Sadly, this extensive iconography meant that the temple complex drew looters and vandals in hordes. The most notorious incident was the theft of four icons by a Frenchman called Georges André Malraux. He was arrested and the idols recovered. That fact that he went on to become a respected author and 'intellectual' shows the state of justice. As has been the fate of many heritage sites in countries that were colonised, many icons and parts of the complex are in the Guimet Museum in Paris. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In its prime, the temple complex had a settlement called Ishvarapura around it. Nothing of this remains. The temple complex itself comprises three concentric rectangular enclosures. Within it lie various shrines, gopuras or gateways and structures popularly termed libraries. Kbal Spean (43 kms north of Angkor Wat): Sometimes called 'Valley of a Thousand Lingas', Kbal Spean is one of Cambodia's most visually striking sites. The place lies in the western part of the Kulein mountains. To reach, a visitor walks through a forest path, up a hill, for nearly two kilometres. And then arrives at a river whose bed is like no other! The Stung Kbal Spean River flows here, later merging into the Siem Reap River before its waters reach the Tonle Sap Lake. At Kbal Spean, leveraging sandstone rocks the river passes over, a stretch of about 200 metres of the riverbed has been extensively carved. The patron of this carving was a minister of the Khmer ruler in the 11th century CE, who created a thousand Shiva lingas on the riverbed. Close by are other carvings believed to have been done by hermits who dwelt here – carvings of Brahma, Vishnu atop his celestial serpent, Shiva-Parvati and others. Their intricacy is breath-taking. On one icon of Vishnu lying on Sheshnag, a lotus flower emerges from his navel and has a Brahma carving touching it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A reclining Vishnu icon at Kbal Spean The elaborate carving at Kbal Spean is no mere embellishment, but had a spiritual meaning attached. The Khmers believed that the water flowing into the Tonle Sap Lake near Angkor had been blessed by touching the sacred carvings at Kbal Spean. It is also mentioned that in 1059 CE King Udayadityavarman II consecrated a golden Shiva linga here. Given how much Cambodia has lost in terms of antiquities being looted, perhaps it is a blessing that the Kbal Spean carvings are on a riverbed, else they too could have ended up in a European museum. The list of Cambodia's less-known heritage nuggets can be a long one. The region has emerged from decades of horrific conflict and welcomed visitors. More and more stunning heritage seems to be emerging from the countryside. One hopes that both Cambodia and Thailand can resolve their differences and the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple complexes can also be visited. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a heritage explorer with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Japanese businessman leaves empire behind to become Shiva devotee in Uttarakhand: ‘That dream changed everything'
A 41-year-old Japanese man has traded his business empire for a life of spiritual pursuit in India. Hoshi Takayuki, now known as Bala Kumbha Gurumuni, was once the owner of a successful chain of beauty product stores in Tokyo. Today, he is a saffron-clad Shiva devotee, walking barefoot on a pilgrimage through Uttarakhand. Accompanied by 20 Japanese followers, Mr Takayuki was recently spotted participating in the Kanwar Yatra, carrying holy Ganga water. He also organised a two-day food camp for fellow kanwariyas in Dehradun, offering meals as part of his spiritual service. According to a report in The Times of India, Mr Takayuki's spiritual journey began nearly 20 years ago during a visit to Tamil Nadu, where he encountered Nadi astrology, an ancient Siddha practice involving palm-leaf manuscripts. The reading reportedly revealed that he had lived a past life in the Himalayas and was destined to follow a path rooted in Hindu spirituality. The turning point, however, came in a vivid dream. 'I saw myself in Uttarakhand in a past life. That dream changed everything,' he told TOI. Following this experience, Mr Takayuki gave up his business and adopted a new spiritual identity. He converted his Tokyo home into a Shiva temple and built another shrine soon after. In July, he returned to India to join the Kanwar Yatra. His friend Ramesh Sundriyal, an Indian-origin resident of Japan, shared that Mr Takayuki has also purchased 35 acres of land in Puducherry, where he plans to build a major Shiva temple. An ashram in Uttarakhand is also on the cards. 'I feel deeply attached to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. I believe I spent my past life here and am still searching for my village in the hills,' Mr Takayuki said.
