Sandwiched between two great rivers of southern India, Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The town is a place for the lovers of history and those seeking to understand India's cultural roots and Hinduism.
The town is also known for its grand festival called Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every twelve years at the Mahamaham Tank. The town is one of the oldest in Indian history, and known for its famed temples, Chola heritage and also for its marvelous educational institutes.
Kumbakonam is connected by rail with almost all important cities and towns of south India. Regular express trains from places like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirapalli ply to and from Kumbakonam. Passenger trains from nearby places like Thanjavur are also available.
Located in the tropical area and the Deccan region of the country, Kumbakonam has the typical tropical climate, with pleasant winters and hot and dry summers. The monsoons are accompanied with moderate rains and erratic shower spells, thus making the time one of the suitable time to pay a visit. The summers are hot and largely uncomfortable for one to visit the place.
Kumbakonam is one of the oldest towns in Tamilnadu and is famous for its Mahamaham festival. In the 7th Century it was the Capital of Chola Kings. Kumbakonam, the famous temple town of South India, is picturesquely located amidst the two rivers, Cauvery & Arasalar.
Kumbakonam is the temple city of South India situated in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The city is famous for the Mahamaham festival that is celebrated once in 12 years in the Mahamaham tank located in the heart of it. The town has also been well - known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. The town is famous for brass vessels. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surrounding it. Betel leaves are cultivated more in Kumbakonam since it is also called as Kumbakonam Vettrilai (in Tamil).
Kumbakonam is a busy, dusty commercial centre, nestled along the Cauvery River some 37 Kms northeast of Thanjavur. There are many tourist places to visit in Kumbakonam. Dozens of temples are scattered around the town and this is a good base to visit the superb Chola temples nearby, or to head east to the coastal towns of the Cauvery Delta.