Chennai To Tanjore Road Route Map

Introduction

Chennai to Tanjore is a road trip that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. The route covers a distance of approximately 350 km and takes about 6 hours to complete. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip and explore the best of what Chennai to Tanjore has to offer.

Top Attractions

Brihadeeswara Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks of Tanjore. The temple is renowned for its towering gopuram, intricate carvings, and stunning architecture. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Tanjore.

Thanjavur Palace

Thanjavur Palace is another historical landmark that is worth a visit. The palace was built by the Nayaks and later renovated by the Marathas. It is now a museum that houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and relics from the past.

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Saraswathi Mahal Library is a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents. The library is home to over 30,000 palm leaf manuscripts and is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and culture.

Hidden Gems

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. The town was once the capital of the Chola dynasty and is home to several ancient temples and monuments. It is a great place to explore if you are interested in history and architecture.

Sri Rangam Island

Sri Rangam Island is a small island located in the Kaveri River near Trichy. The island is home to several ancient temples and is a great place to explore if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Orathanadu Bird Sanctuary

Orathanadu Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem for bird watchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to several species of migratory birds and is a great place to explore if you want to get close to nature.

Food Scene

The food scene in Chennai to Tanjore is a mix of traditional South Indian cuisine and street food. Some of the must-try dishes include dosa, idli, vada, pongal, sambar, and rasam. For street food, head to the local markets and try out the various snacks and chaats on offer.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Chennai to Tanjore can be explored on a budget. Some of the budget-friendly tips include traveling by local buses or trains, staying in budget hotels or homestays, and eating at local eateries and street food stalls.

Outdoor Adventures

Pulicat Lake

Pulicat Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake that is perfect for boating and bird watching. The lake is home to several species of birds and is a great place to explore if you want to get close to nature.

Rock Climbing at Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai is a popular destination for rock climbing. The town is located at the foothills of the Annamalai hills and offers several rock climbing trails for all levels of climbers.

Family-Friendly Activities

Amusement Parks in Chennai

Chennai is home to several amusement parks that are perfect for a family day out. Some of the popular parks include MGM Dizzee World, VGP Universal Kingdom, and Queens Land.

Butterfly Park in Srirangam

The Butterfly Park in Srirangam is a great place to visit with kids. The park is home to several species of butterflies and offers a unique experience for kids and adults alike.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Thirumanancheri Temple

Thirumanancheri Temple is a unique temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is renowned for its rituals and is a great place to explore if you want to experience the local culture and traditions.

Kumbakonam Market

Kumbakonam Market is a bustling market that offers a unique shopping experience. The market is known for its textiles, handicrafts, and food products.

Natural Wonders

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is a beautiful natural wonder that is home to several species of flora and fauna. The forest is perfect for a boat ride and offers a unique experience for nature lovers.

Yercaud Hills

Yercaud Hills is a scenic hill station located near Salem. The hills offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys and are a great place to explore if you want to get away from the city.

Vibrant Nightlife

The nightlife in Chennai to Tanjore is limited. However, some of the popular bars and nightclubs include 10 Downing Street, Gatsby 2000, and Blend.

Local Markets

The local markets in Chennai to Tanjore offer a unique shopping experience. Some of the popular markets include Koyambedu Wholesale Market, Ranganathan Street in T.Nagar, and Chinnakadai Veedhi in Kumbakonam.

Beaches and Mountains

Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach is a popular beach located near Chennai. The beach offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal and is a great place to relax and unwind.

Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills is a scenic hill station located near Namakkal. The hills offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys and are a great place to explore if you want to get away from the city.

Cultural Immersion

The culture in Chennai to Tanjore is a mix of Dravidian, Tamil, and Maratha cultures. Some of the popular cultural experiences include visiting the various temples and monuments, attending a classical music concert, and watching a traditional dance performance.

Art and Music Scene

Chennai to Tanjore has a vibrant art and music scene. Some of the popular art and music events include the Margazhi Music and Dance Festival, the Chennai International Film Festival, and the Tanjore Painting Exhibition.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore the various attractions in Chennai to Tanjore. Some of the popular walking tours include the Chennai Heritage Walk, the Tanjore Temple Walk, and the Kumbakonam Walk.

Architectural Marvels

Chennai to Tanjore is home to several architectural marvels that are worth a visit. Some of the popular marvels include the Brihadeeswara Temple, the Thanjavur Palace, and the Airavateswara Temple.

Historical Sites

Chennai to Tanjore is steeped in history and is home to several historical sites. Some of the popular sites include the Brihadeeswara Temple, the Thanjavur Palace, and the Gingee Fort.

Biking Routes

The Chennai to Tanjore route offers several biking routes that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the popular routes include the Chennai to Mahabalipuram route, the Trichy to Thanjavur route, and the Yercaud to Salem route.

Wellness Retreats

Chennai to Tanjore offers several wellness retreats that are perfect for a relaxing vacation. Some of the popular retreats include the Ayurvedic Retreat at Kovalam, the Yoga Retreat at Rishikesh, and the Meditation Retreat at Goa.

Adventure Sports

Chennai to Tanjore offers several adventure sports activities that are perfect for adrenaline junkies. Some of the popular activities include rock climbing at Thiruvannamalai, trekking at Kolli Hills, and paragliding at Yelagiri.