Located in the heart of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest temples in India, filled with intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the temple and can join a guided tour to learn about its rich history. (Estimated time: 2 hours)
11:30AM: Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery
Located a short distance from the temple, the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for experiencing the city's culture. It is a maze of wooden corridors, courtyards, and halls, housing a wide array of sculptures, paintings and artifacts. (Estimated time: 1.5 hours)
Distance from Brihadeeswarar Temple: 500m, Estimated time: 10 minutes walk
1:00PM: Hotel Gnanam
A popular restaurant located near the shopping area, serving a wide variety of South Indian and North Indian cuisines. This is a great spot for lunch, where you can enjoy delicious food within your budget. (Estimated time: 1 hour)
Distance from Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery: 650m, Estimated time: 13 minutes walk
2:15PM: Schwartz Church
Located near the historic street of Thanjavur, the renowned church was built during the 18th century by a Danish missionary. It showcases a unique blend of European and Indian architecture. (Estimated time: 45 minutes)
Distance from Hotel Gnanam: 1.8kms, Estimated time: 20 minutes by taxi
3:15PM: Tamil University Museum
The museum is a short taxi ride from the church and houses artifacts and manuscripts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil region. The exhibits include sculptures, paintings, coins, and palm-leaf manuscripts. (Estimated time: 1 hour)
Distance from Schwartz Church: 2.9kms, Estimated time: 15 minutes by taxi
4:30 PM: Grand Anaicut
Located on the Kollidam River, this is an ancient dam built by the Chola dynasty. It is considered to be one of the most significant engineering feats of ancient India and is an excellent spot for photography and relaxation. (Estimated time: 1 hour)
Distance from Tamil University Museum: 8.2kms, Estimated time: 20 minutes by taxi
Time and Cost Estimates
Brihadeeswarar Temple (2 hours) - free admission
Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery (1.5 hours) - INR 100
Hotel Gnanam (1 hour) - INR 500 for a family of four
Schwartz Church (45 minutes) - free admission
Tamil University Museum (1 hour) - INR 100
Grand Anaicut (1 hour) - free admission
Total Estimated Costs: INR 700
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby Sivaganga Park and Aalangudi temple. For an extended stay, visit the Great Living Chola Temples in the nearby town of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.
0
PDF Share PostCopy URL
Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
AI-assisted, human-reviewed