Visit Varagur
Varagur sits in the Cauvery delta in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, about 25 kilometres from Thanjavur town. The Kudamurutti river — a tributary of the Cauvery — runs past the village. The two principal temples, Sri Venkatesa Perumal Kovil and Sri Maha Kailasanatha Swamy Kovil, are on the village’s main street.
Where is Varagur?
The village is at 10.842516° N, 78.998362° E. There are several places in Tamil Nadu called Varagur; the one this site is about is in Thanjavur district, not Karur or Tiruvarur.
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How to reach Varagur
From Thanjavur
Thanjavur is the closest large town and the easiest place to start from. The road journey is about 50 to 60 minutes. State Transport buses run between Thanjavur and Varagur through the day; private taxis are easy to hire from Thanjavur for the same trip.
From Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam is about 35 kilometres north of Varagur. The journey from Kumbakonam goes via the Thanjavur–Kumbakonam road. Buses are less frequent than from Thanjavur; a hired car is usually the simplest option.
From Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
Tiruchirappalli is about 80 kilometres west. Most visitors travelling from longer distances fly into Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), then take a taxi or a train to Thanjavur before completing the last leg to Varagur. There are direct buses from Trichy to Thanjavur every few minutes.
By train
The nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction (TJ). From there, continue to Varagur by bus or taxi as described above. Major express trains from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore stop at Thanjavur.
Bus timings
Bus timings between Thanjavur and Varagur have not changed dramatically over the years, but the schedule below was last verified in July 2012. Please verify locally before you travel.
| Depart Thanjavur | Arrive Varagur | Depart Varagur | Arrive Thanjavur |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:10 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:30 AM | 7:30 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 1:20 PM | 2:20 PM | 2:50 PM | 3:50 PM |
| 6:20 PM | 7:20 PM | 7:50 PM | 8:50 PM |
| 9:20 PM | 10:20 PM | 10:30 PM | 11:30 PM |
Temple timings
The Sri Venkatesa Perumal Kovil opens in the morning and evening for darshan. Hours shift during festivals. Please confirm timings locally before you plan a visit — small temples in the delta vary their schedules by season and by ongoing utsavams.
When to visit
The most active time of year is the Uriyadi festival, which usually falls in August or September depending on the Tamil calendar. The festival runs for ten days, beginning on the day after Avani Avittam (Yajur Upakarma) and concluding with the Anjaneya Urchavam. Other major occasions include Sri Rama Navami, Akshaya Thrithiyai, and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
If you want a quiet visit, the months outside Aadi–Avani (the Tamil months that fall roughly in July–September) are calmer. The delta is most pleasant from November to February, when the weather is cooler.
Accommodation
Most visitors stay in Thanjavur and make Varagur a day trip. Thanjavur has a range of options from heritage hotels (around the Big Temple) to small lodges. During the Uriyadi festival the temple trust provides accommodation and meals for devotees — write to varaguronline at gmail dot com in advance if you would like to be considered.
Driving directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Varagur?
Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India, about 25 kilometres from Thanjavur town. Coordinates: 10.84° N, 78.99° E.
How do I reach Varagur from Thanjavur?
The Thanjavur–Kumbakonam road passes near the village. Buses run between Thanjavur and Varagur; the road journey is about 50 to 60 minutes.
What are the temple timings?
The temple opens for darshan in the morning and evening. Times shift during festivals — please confirm locally before travelling.
When should I visit?
The Uriyadi festival, around Krishna Astami (August–September), is the most active time. Other major occasions include Sri Rama Navami, Akshaya Thrithiyai, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and the Maha Kumbabhishekam observances.