Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating architecture dating back to the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a giant 13-foot Nandi statute. It is an excellent place for photography enthusiasts and history lovers.
Also known as the Nayakar Palace, the Thanjavur Royal Palace is a well-maintained structure that dates back to the 16th century. You can see a rich display of artefacts, including weapons, clay figurines, porcelain, and textiles.
The Tamil University Museum has a lovely collection of artefacts ranging from bronze statues to palm-leaf manuscripts. If you are interested in Tamil culture and history, this is an excellent place to visit.
The Schwartz Church is a serene Anglican Church built-in 1779 that still exudes the grandeur of colonial architecture. It is named after Reverend Friedrich Schwartz, a missionary to South India and Sri Lanka, whose devotion is well-renowned till this date.
The Thanjavur Art Gallery is a well-stocked museum with an impressive array of bronze and stone statues. It offers a fascinating insight into the rich art and architecture of the region and the Cholas, the erstwhile dynasties that ruled the region.
If you have more time, you can also explore the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which has an extensive collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. If you are interested in local cuisine, you can try the famous Thanjavur Vegetarian restaurant or the Bangalore Aahar restaurant. If you have less time, you can skip visiting the Thanjavur Art Gallery and the Schwartz Church, but they are still worth a visit if you can manage the time.