Start off the day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site and marveling at the 1000-year-old Dravidian architecture.
Estimated time at location: 2 hours
Distance from next location: 1 km
11:30AM: Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery
Visit the palace that dates back to the Nayaka period and see the vast collection of art and artifacts from the Chola and Nayaka period.
Estimated time at location: 1.5 hours
Distance from next location: 2.5 km
1:30PM: Hotel Parisutham
Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Thanjavur's most famous restaurants. They offer an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes including the famous Chettinad cuisine.
Estimated time at location: 1 hour
Distance from next location: 3 km
2:30PM: Sivaganga Park
Take a relaxing stroll in this beautiful park that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park also houses a popular aquarium
Estimated time at location: 1 hour
Distance from next location: 750 m
4:00PM: Schwartz Church
End the day by visiting the oldest protestant church in India, built by the Dutch missionaries in the 18th century. The unique architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit place in Thanjavur.
Estimated time at location: 1 hour
Time and Costs Estimates
Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours, free entry)
Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (1.5 hours, INR 50 for Indian Adults, INR 10 for Children)
Hotel Parisutham (1 hour, INR 400 for two people)
Sivaganga Park (1 hour, INR 10 entry fee per person)
Schwartz Church (1 hour, free entry)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 470 for two people
Useful tips
If you have more time, you can visit other famous temples in the region like the Airavateswara Temple and Chandra Bagawan Temple. For a fun-filled evening, you can also visit Punnainallur Mariamman Koil, a popular shrine for locals.
If you have less time, consider skipping Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery. It is not wheelchair-friendly and requires a lot of walking. Also, make sure to carry sunscreen and drinking water as the days can get pretty hot and humid.