|
|
|
Swamimalai: This is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Subramanya and is only 6 kms from Kumbakonam and 32 kms form Thanjavur. A few families of artists live here even today to pursue the traditional art of bronze casting. The skill of the Chola artists, who lived here 1000 years ago, still pulsates in the deft fingers of the Swamimalai artists. Tranquebar Besides a Danish Church, there is an ancient castle here built in 1620 A.D. Thirukandiyur It is only 10 kms from Kumbakonam and has the temples of Brahma and Harshavimochana with exquisite sculptures. Thiruvaiyaru This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is associated with Saint Thyagaraja, one of the musical trinity. It is close to Kumbakonam being only 13 kms away. Saint Thyagaraja attained samadhi here and a music festival is held in his honour in the month of January, every year. Darasuram It is famous for its Airabateshwar Shiva temple with beautiful sculptures. It is also a silk weaving centre. Manora 66 kms from Tanjore. Is noted for its 8-storey victory tower built by Raja Serfoji in 1814 A.D. Velangkanni Here is a renowned church dedicated to Virgin Mary. 95 kms away, this church attracts a number of devotees from all over the country. Nagore This is a famous pilgrim centre for Muslims. It has a Dargah for Hazrat Meeras Sultan Syed Shahaddul Hameed - a great Muslim Saint. It is at a distance of 80 kms from Tanjore. Apart form the Dargah, Nagore has two ancient Hindu temples one dedicated to Shiva and the other, to Vishnu. Nagore is connected by rail and bus to Thanjavur. |
Thirubhuvanam 8 kms from Kumbakonam is the 8th century Shiva temple and is an important specimen of temple art. It is a well-known silk weaving centre too. Vedaranyam This is a pilgrim centre associated with the belief that Shiva and Parvati appeared in bridal attire before Sage Agastya. Festivals are celebrated here with great pomp in the Tamil months of Thai and Adi. Nagapattinam It is an important port in Tamilnadu, lying between Velangkanni and Nagore. It has a temple dedicated to Nagaraja. Thiruvarur The Head Quatres of Thiruvarur District, situated at the junction of Mayuram and Nagore-Thanjavur railway lines. This temple conducts the biggest car festival and attracts a number of devotees from all parts of the state. It is also famous as the birthplace of saint Thyagaraja. Point Calamere It is also known as 'Kodikarai' and is an ideal beach resort. It is situated at northern point of Palk Bay. It is also well known for its migratory water fowls - particularly flamingoes. Karaikal: It was once a French settlement and is 163 kms from Pondicherry. Today it is a famous pilgrim centre on account of Karaikkal Ammayar Koil. Tirunallar 5 kms from Karaikkal, this ancient temple is dedicated to Shanishwara or Saturn. It is among the very few temples of Lord Shanisvara. Shani Peyarchi festival is celebrated once in 2 ½ years. |
