Start your day with a serene morning stroll at the Sivaganga Park. This well-maintained park is spread across four acres and features several varieties of trees, plants and flowers. There is a large pond in the center of the park, where you can rent a pedal boat and enjoy the scenery. Afternoon is a great time to have a picnic on the lush green lawns, or you can grab a snack from the park's canteen. In the evening, the park is illuminated with colorful lights, making for a magical atmosphere for a relaxing evening walk.
Spend a day in the wild at the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. This protected area is home to several species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and painted storks. You can also spot blackbucks, spotted deer and wild boars on the wildlife safari. The sanctuary has a watchtower from where you can spot migratory birds, and the beach nearby is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. Make sure to carry enough water and food since there are no eateries inside the sanctuary.
End your trip with a visit to the Kothanda Ramar Temple, situated on the banks of River Cauvery. This ancient temple, built by the Chola kings, is dedicated to Lord Rama. The intricate carvings on the temple walls and pillars are a treat to the eyes. The temple has a peaceful atmosphere perfect for meditation and introspection. In the evening, attend the aarti, where you can witness the priests performing traditional rituals. There are several food stalls outside the temple complex, where you can try local delicacies like Kalyana Murungakai Curry and Thavala Adai.
If you have time, you can also visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is closed on Mondays and opens from 6 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm on other days. Another option is the Schwartz Church, built by the Dutch in the 18th century. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm. If you want to take a break from nature, you can visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum, which has a vast collection of artifacts from the Chola period.
To maximize your fun, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city. Thanjavur is relatively flat, and cycling is a great way to avoid traffic and see the city at your own pace. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Kumbakonam, which is famous for its temples and filter coffee. The town is around an hour's drive from Thanjavur.
For a unique experience, you can take part in a traditional art workshop at the Tanjore Painting Village. Here, you can learn about the art of Tanjore paintings, which originated in Thanjavur during the Maratha period. You can also try your hand at pottery making, which is another popular activity in the village.