Chennai: Time travel isn’t possible yet but Thanjavur Tourism Promotion Council‘s weekend tours offer the next best thing. Walk the path of Vanthiyathevan, the Chola-era spy and adventurer, on the Spy’s Trails. Explore ancient routes, witness the grandeur of the Chola empire, discover Thanjavur’s traditional crafts and take in the landscapes of Tamil Nadu’s rice bowl.
Launched in Nov last year by Thanjavur collector P Priyanka Pankajam, the tours cater to all age groups. The great Chola circuit tour is held on the first Sunday of every month, followed by the handicraft tour on the second, the agro tour on the third, and the Ponniyin Selvan trail on the fourth. The handicraft tour covers 10 GI-tagged products.
The Ponniyin Selvan trail begins at Veeranarayanan Lake in Cuddalore district and covers key historical locations including Udaiyarkudi, Kadambur, Kudanthai, Thirupurambayam, Nathan Koil, Pazhaiyarai, Udaiyalur, and ends at Thanjavur. Participants must register and arrive in Thanjavur, from where organizers take care of their journey, said S Muthukumar, coordinator, Thanjavur Tourism Promotion Council.
The Chola empire heritage tour, held on the first Sunday of every month, begins at the Thanjavur Big Temple and includes visits to historic sites such as Thiruppalanam, Thiruvaikavur, Thirupurambiyam battlefield, Swamimalai bronze statue workshop, Thiruvalanjuli, Darasuram, Ottakoothar Memorial, Chola Palace, Patteeswaram Panchavanmadevi School, Pazhayarai Vadathali, Pazhayarai Keezhthali, Udayalur and Pullamangai.
Participants will gain insight into the Chola Empire, its architecture, sculpture, painting, warfare and worship practices. The tour runs from 7am to 7pm and costs 1,500, covering air-conditioned transport and meals, Muthukumar added.
Every Saturday is dedicated to children. The first Saturday features 12 heritage walks within Thanjavur city, the second Saturday hosts talks on Thanjavur by scholars, the third offers a handicraft workshop, and the fourth showcases folk arts. “Our goal is to recreate history for children to experience,” said Muthukumar.
Tourists who have attended the tours are enthusiastic. “We get to understand Tamil Nadu’s history, especially about the Cholas, in depth. More tours like this should be introduced,” said Pradeep, a participant of the Chola tour from Chennai.
Those interested can register at https://thanjavurtourism.org/registration/ or via WhatsApp at 9489129765.