Best time to visit
October to February. Summers are hot; the Chola heritage festival season is winter.
Ideal duration
1 day
How to reach
Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (60 km). Thanjavur Junction is well connected by rail; Chennai is about 340 km by road.
Thanjavur: Brihadeeswarar and Chola heritage. Book a comfortable cab or a curated tour package with experienced local drivers.
Places to see
Top attractions
- 1
Brihadeeswarar Temple
UNESCO Great Living Chola Temple from 1010 CE
- 2
Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery
Chola bronze sculptures
- 3
Saraswathi Mahal Library
rare palm-leaf manuscripts
- 4
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
the next Chola capital, 70 km
Travel tips
- Best light for photos at the temple is early morning
- Buy Thanjavur paintings and bronze crafts from authorised emporiums
- Combine with Kumbakonam temples for a full heritage circuit