Exploring Thanjavur in One Day

1. 8:00 AM: Brihadeeswarar Temple
   Start your day by visiting the stunning Brihadeeswarar Temple. Built in the 11th century, this marvel of Dravidian architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest temple in Thanjavur. Learn about the temple's history and admire its intricate carvings and artwork.
   Time spent: 2 hours
   Distance from previous: 0 km
2. 10:30 AM: Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum
   Located near the Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the Kings who once ruled the city. Marvel at the palace's stunning architecture, and explore the various exhibits within the museum that showcases artifacts, art, and other items from the Maratha period.
   Time spent: 1.5 hours
   Distance from previous: 1.5 km (10 mins by car)
3. 12:00 PM: Thiruvaiyaru
   Take a break from the city and drive to the nearby village of Thiruvaiyaru (11 km from Thanjavur). This quaint village is famous for its connection to the great composer Thyagaraja, and his music festival is held here every year. Visit the Thyagaraja temple and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
   Time spent: 1 hour
   Distance from previous: 11 km (30 mins by car)
4. 1:30 PM: Tanjore Hi Restaurant
   Refuel your energy with a delicious meal at the well-known Tanjore Hi Restaurant in Thanjavur. Offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, this popular restaurant is a must-visit for foodies.
   Time spent: 1 hour
   Distance from previous: 11 km (30 mins by car)
5. 3:00 PM: Saraswathi Mahal Library
   Established during the rule of the Nayaks (16th century), the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur is one of Asia's oldest libraries. With a collection of over 60,000 manuscripts in different languages, including Tamil, Sanskrit, and Telugu, this library is a treasure trove of knowledge.
   Time spent: 1 hour
   Distance from previous: 1 km (5 mins by car)
6. 4:00 PM: Thanjavur Art Gallery
   Wrap up your day of exploring by visiting the Thanjavur Art Gallery. A must-visit for art enthusiasts, this gallery exhibits a wide range of paintings and crafts of Thanjavur, including the famous Tanjore paintings.
   Time spent: 1 hour
   Distance from previous: 1 km (5 mins by car)

Time and Costs Estimates

• Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum (1.5 hours, INR 100 for Indian Nationals, INR 1000 for foreigners)
• Thiruvaiyaru (1 hour, Free)
• Tanjore Hi Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Saraswathi Mahal Library (1 hour, Free)
• Thanjavur Art Gallery (1 hour, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 600 (excluding transport)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore the nearby town of Kumbakonam, which is famous for its temples and scenic beauty. If you have less time, you can skip the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Thanjavur Art Gallery. It’s best to start your day early to beat the crowds and avoid the heat, especially during the summer months. Plan your transport in advance, and don't forget to carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.