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Maratha Palace (Thanjavur)

Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur Palace

The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex in Thanjavur is the official residence of the Bhonsle family
Maratha Palace (Thanjavur)
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex in Thanjavur is the official residence of the Bhonsle family
map

January

18.5 - 32.2 °C

February

19.0 - 35.6 °C

March

19.8 - 38.7 °C

April

22.2 - 40.4 °C

May

24.0 - 41.1 °C

June

23.1 - 41.2 °C

July

22.8 - 39.4 °C

August

22.5 - 38.7 °C

September

22.3 - 36.8 °C

October

22.8 - 35.5 °C

November

20.0 - 33.1 °C

December

19.1 - 31.2 °C

Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

Nearest Railway Station :

Thanjavur Railway Station (TJ)

Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

A regal tapestry woven through time

Nestled in the heart of Thanjavur, a city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Big Temple, lies a magnificence that often gets overshadowed, the Thanjavur Palace. This regal edifice, located within the Big Fort complex, is a harmonious blend of architectural styles that narrates the tale of two dynasties, the Nayaks and the Marathas, who left an indelible mark on the region's history. The palace's origins can be traced to the last Nayak ruler, Vijayaraghava Nayakka, who initiated its construction between 1633 and 1674 CE. Over the next two centuries, the Maratha rulers expanded and embellished the structure, resulting in a unique architectural fusion where buildings from different eras merge seamlessly across the complex. 

Architecture that’s stood there for centuries

Visitors are awestruck by the palace's grandeur, from its expansive corridors to its intricately adorned durbar halls featuring Ramayana paintings. The towering observation towers, including the partially lightning-struck Madamaligai or 'Bell Tower', command attention. Throughout, ornate rooms showcase vibrant frescoes, creating a mesmerising blend of architectural and artistic splendor. The Arsenal Tower stands guard, while the enchanting Sangeetha Mahal beckons visitors. While the British captured the city and palace in 1855, shifting many valuables to Tiruchirappalli in 1863, the Thanjavur Palace complex now stands preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site. Though often overlooked by travellers due to the Big Temple's fame, this regal marvel rewards those who linger with a journey through Thanjavur's storied past. 

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Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

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Treasures of a bygone era

For those seeking a glimpse into Thanjavur's golden age, the Art Gallery beckons with its exquisite bronze icons and glass paintings adorned with gold foil and gems. However, the crown jewel is the Saraswathi Mahal Library, a repository of knowledge that pays homage to the Maratha scholar-king Serfoji II. Its shelves house rare palm leaf manuscripts dating back to the 3rd-4th century BCE, alongside Tamil, Sanskrit, and South Indian literary treasures. One can easily spend an entire day here, exploring the Art Gallery treasures, immersing in the profound library, ascending observation towers for panoramic vistas, and experiencing the symphony of Nayak and Maratha architectural legacies.

Beyond the palace

The iconic Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India towers over the landscape with its immense vimana (tower) that stands at an astounding 216 feet. The Schwartz Church, built in 1779, is a serene Lutheran church renowned for its intricate wooden carvings and the final resting place of the revered German missionary, C.F. Schwartz. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, a separate palace built by the Marathas in the 17th century, houses an impressive bell that once weighed over 7 tons.

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