The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture. The height of the temple tower is 216 feet, making it one of the tallest in the world. The temple's architecture and intricate stone carvings are sure to capture your family's imagination. Be sure to allocate enough time to explore all the temple's nooks and crannies thoroughly.
The Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery & Rajaraja Chola Art Museum is a historic palace-turned-museum that serves as a reminder of the region's grandeur. It features a collection of rare art, including bronze and stone sculptures and old paintings. Your family will love viewing these ancient pieces of artwork and discovering their connection to the region's rich cultural heritage.
The Punnainallur Mariamman Temple is a widely popular Hindu temple devoted to Goddess Mariamman. It's believed to be one of the oldest temples in Thanjavur and is unique with its stone-built mandapams and its natural surroundings. You can offer your prayers to the presiding deity and take a stroll around the property with your family.
The Grand Anaicut Canal is a beautiful canal situated near Thanjavur that offers a scenic boat ride. The canal's length is about 42 km, with lush green paddy fields and sugarcane plantations lining both sides of it. You can take a boat trip with your family and enjoy the beautiful landscape view while relaxing. It's an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Schwartz Church is a historical church situated inside Fort Palace, also known as Ziegenbalg/Amali Castle. It was built-in 1779 and awarded the laurel de chêne by Napolean's Orders of Chivalry. It's the only church in India that has the complete Bible carved out on stone slabs. You can take a tour inside the church and admire the beautiful carvings with your family.
If you have extra time in Thanjavur, you can also visit the Sivaganga Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained gardens in Thanjavur. Another place that you can visit is the Kumbakonam, which is a town that is just an hour's drive from Thanjavur and is known for its temples, brassware, silk sarees, and vibrant culture.
If you're tight on time, you can skip visiting the Punnainallur Mariamman Temple and instead plan to spend more time at the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery & Rajaraja Chola Art Museum.