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
The two easiest starting points are Thanjavur, about 25 km away, and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), about 80 km west and the site of the nearest airport. Both are well connected to the rest of Tamil Nadu by train and bus. Whichever way you come, the last few kilometres into Varagur are covered by a village bus, a share-auto, or a hired auto or taxi.
From Thanjavur
By road — the simplest option. A taxi from Thanjavur takes about 50 to 60 minutes, and cars are easy to hire near the bus stand or the railway station.
By bus — TNSTC buses run from Thanjavur through the day. The Thanjavur–Kallanai (Grand Anicut) service passes through Varagur, and town buses towards Thirukattupalli and Kandiyur also serve the road Varagur sits on. If nothing is leaving soon, take one of the frequent Thanjavur–Thiruvaiyaru buses and pick up a local bus or share-auto from there. Indicative timings are below.
By train — Thanjavur Junction (TJ) to Budalur (BAL) is a short hop of about 20 minutes on a DEMU, MEMU, or passenger train. From Budalur, an auto covers the last 8 km north to Varagur.
From Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
By train — the most direct way in. Budalur (BAL) sits on the Trichy–Thanjavur line, and a dozen or more trains a day run from Tiruchirappalli (TPJ) to Budalur in roughly 30 minutes. From Budalur, take an auto the last 8 km to Varagur. This skips Thanjavur altogether.
By bus — Trichy–Thanjavur buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes and take about an hour and twenty minutes. From Thanjavur, continue as above.
By air — Tiruchirappalli International (TRZ) is the nearest airport, about 80 km away. From the airport, take a train to Budalur, or a taxi straight to Varagur in about two hours.
From Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam is about 35 km north. Buses are less frequent than from Thanjavur, so a hired car via the Thanjavur–Kumbakonam road is usually the simplest option.
For longer journeys, note that the express trains from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru stop at Thanjavur Junction (TJ), the major railhead in the area; change there for a Budalur passenger train or a road connection.
Bus timings
The Thanjavur–Varagur village-route timetable is not published online. The Thanjavur–Kallanai (Grand Anicut) buses that pass through Varagur, and the town buses towards Thirukattupalli, are best confirmed in person at the Thanjavur New Bus Stand before you set out — the mofussil (village-route) counter there will have the current departures.
The schedule below was last verified in July 2012 and is indicative only.
| 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.
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?
By road, a taxi takes about 50 to 60 minutes. TNSTC buses run through the day — the Thanjavur–Kallanai (Grand Anicut) service passes through Varagur. By train, take a passenger or MEMU service from Thanjavur Junction to Budalur (BAL), about 20 minutes, then an auto for the last 8 km.
How do I reach Varagur from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)?
The most direct way is by train. Budalur (BAL) sits on the Trichy–Thanjavur line, and a dozen or more trains a day run from Tiruchirappalli (TPJ) to Budalur in about 30 minutes; from Budalur, an auto covers the last 8 km to Varagur, skipping Thanjavur. Trichy is also the nearest airport (TRZ), and Trichy–Thanjavur buses leave every 10 to 15 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.