Introduction

The ancient temple town of Kumbakonam makes for a great day trip from Thanjavur, about 40 kilometer (25 miles) away. Kumbakonam receives a huge influx of Hindu pilgrims from across the country, particularly South India. A lot of visitors come here only for the Mahamaham festival celebrated with great pomp every 12 years in the month of Masi (February-March) at the Mahamaham tank in the city. Devotees by the thousands take to the streets, and head for a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank. You can’t miss the frenzy at this time of the year.

Ardent history fans too find a way to Kumbakonam, an erstwhile capital of the great Chola kings in the 7th century, who lavished it with Dravidian architectural marvels by way of temples. Adi Kumbheswarar temple, Someswarar temple and Nageswara Swami temple are very popular with the locals. Ideally set at the confluence of Arasalar and Cauvery Rivers, Kumbakonam has its share of green spaces, a generous spattering of architectural temples, residential structures, a colorful street life, and an air of serenity despite the bustle surrounding a pilgrim town.

You can also add a trip to Swamimalai, a sylvan hamlet tucked away on the shores of a tributary of the Cauvery River, some five-odd kilometer west of Kumbakonam. It is known for being one of the six ‘padai veedugal’ or battle camps of Lord Murugan. The ancient village temple is perched atop a hillock, and has the locals visiting it through the day. Legend has it that Lord Murugan, also called Subramanya, initiated his father, Lord Shiva with the ‘Pranava Mantra’. The temple is walking distance from the bus stand, and a couple of kilometer from the railway station.

Special Attributes

An ancient town full of architectural temples.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress up conservatively as Kumbakonam is a temple town.

Connectivity

Private taxi

Enjoyed by

History Lovers, Art Lovers, and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. It can get sultry in the afternoon, so carry along your sunshades and sunscreen lotion.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Begin early in the day so that you can explore the temples and other places of interest, and return to Thanjavur by day-end.

Type of site

City Tour