Discovering the Ancient Marvels of Thanjavur in 10 Days

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Thanjavur
    Thanjavur Airport is 15 mins (6.2 miles) from the city center

    Check into hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's an awe-inspiring architectural marvel that will leave you spellbound.

  2. Day 2: The Chola Dynasty Trail
    Travel time: about 5 hours

    Start early to explore the ancient city of Kumbakonam, the birthplace of the Chola dynasty, and visit the famous Airavatesvara Temple and the Mahamaham tank. Later, pay homage to the art of painting at the Chola Fresco Paintings at Swamimalai and visit the Darasuram Temple.

  3. Day 3: Discovering the village life
    Travel time: about 2 hours

    Visit the quaint village of Adhanur which is known for its silk weaving and pottery making. Get hands-on experience by trying them out. Then head to Uppiliappan Temple to witness the beauty of the deity architecture. In the evening spend some time in Pattukkottai one of the musical villages of Thanjavur.

  4. Day 4: Off the beaten track
    Travel time: about 1 hour 15 mins

    Start your day by visiting the Alangudi Guru Temple. Then head to the Mangrove Forest Sanctuary to experience a peaceful boat ride. Afterward head to Thiruppurambiyam and stroll through the lush green paddy fields.

  5. Day 5: Captivating Temples
    Travel time: about 45 mins

    Start your day by visiting the Pandurangan Temple situated in a small village called Sathanganadu. Then head to famous Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple and explore the temple complex, which was built in the 11th century and holds immense historical and architectural significance.

  6. Day 6: Arts and Crafts
    Travel time: about 1 hour

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery to experience the rich culture and tradition of Thanjavur. Then head to the Kranthi Handicrafts store, famous for its brass and bronze works of art.

  7. Day 7: Coastal delights
    Travel time: about 2 hours

    Head to the ancient port city of Poompuhar and visit the beautiful Poompuhar Beach. Later, visit the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, known for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture.

  8. Day 8: Cultural Extravaganza
    Travel time: about 1 hour 30 mins

    In the morning, explore famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple known for its Dravidian architecture. Afterward, head to the Thanjavur Art Plate Museum to see the beautiful hand-painted plates. In the evening, witness a spectacular Bharatanatyam Dance Performance at Kattaikkuttu Sangam and get an insight into the Tamil Culture.

  9. Day 9: The Ancient Wonders
    Travel time: about 1 hour

    Visit the beautiful Gangaikondacholapuram Temple and explore the temple complex built by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century. Later, visit the Ayyanar Kovil known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

  10. Day 10: Farewell to Thanjavur
    Travel time: about 15 mins

    On the last day, visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Then head to the airport and bid adieu to this ancient city with memories to cherish a lifetime.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple (2-3 hours, ₹250/person)
  • Airavatesvara Temple (1 hour, ₹50/person)
  • Mahamaham tank (30 mins, Free)
  • Chola Fresco Paintings (45 mins, ₹20/person)
  • Darasuram Temple (1 hour, ₹250/person)
  • Adhanur (3 hours, Free)
  • Uppiliappan Temple (1 hour, ₹20/person)
  • Alangudi Guru Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Mangrove Forest Sanctuary (1 hour 30 mins, ₹50/person)
  • Thiruppurambiyam (2 hours, Free)
  • Pandurangan Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple (1 hour, ₹250/person)
  • Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (2-3 hours, ₹50/person)
  • Kranthi Handicrafts (1-2 hours, ₹500-2000)
  • Poompuhar Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Chidambaram Nataraja Temple (1 hour, ₹250/person)
  • Madurai Meenakshi Temple (2-3 hours, ₹50/person)
  • Thanjavur Art Plate Museum (1 hour, ₹50/person)
  • Bharatanatyam Dance Performance (2 hours, ₹500-1000)
  • Gangaikondacholapuram Temple (1 hour, ₹250/person)
  • Ayyanar Kovil (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹3,440-4,440/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Living Chola Temples, also known as Brihadeeswarar Temple Complex that consists of three iconic temples including Peruvudaiyaar Kovil, Airavateshwarar Temple, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. You can also take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the lush green paddy fields of Thanjavur for a unique experience. If you have less time, consider dropping the Thanjavur Palace, Pattukkottai, and Saraswathi Mahal Library from the itinerary.

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