Thanjavur Maratha Palace travel guide

Built

From around 1550

Built by

Thanjavur Nayaks, extended by the Marathas

Ideal time needed

2 to 3 hours

Nearest railway station

Thanjavur Junction

Nearest airport

Tiruchirappalli

What to see

The tallest structure is the eight-storey tower on the south side, often called the arsenal tower, which rises to about 190 feet and served as a lookout over the surrounding plains. A second, six-storey tower built by the Nayaks, known as the Mada Maligai, is linked by tradition to worship of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Two durbar halls, used by the Nayak and Maratha kings to hold court, have painted ceilings and carved pillars.

• Arsenal tower
• Mada Maligai (Nayak tower)
• Nayak and Maratha durbar halls
• Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Royal museum
• Art gallery of Chola bronzes

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Started by the Nayaks and greatly enlarged by the Maratha king Serfoji II, this library holds tens of thousands of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi and other languages, along with old maps, books and paintings. A small museum section shows some of the rarer pieces to visitors.

Art gallery

Part of the palace houses an art gallery with a fine collection of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures gathered from temples in the region. Allow time for it; many visitors say it is the best part of the complex.

Tips for your visit

The complex is spread out, and separate tickets are sometimes charged for different sections, so keep small change handy. Plan two to three hours and combine it with the Brihadeeswarar Temple. Some sections close on certain weekdays or for restoration, so check before you go.

How to reach

Thanjavur Junction railway station is a short auto ride from the palace. Tiruchirappalli International Airport is about 60 km away. Buses connect Thanjavur with Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Kumbakonam, and we can arrange a car for a day of Thanjavur heritage sights.

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