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Three-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Thanjavur in June 2023

  1. Day 1: Brihadeeswarar Temple
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Thanjavur Junction

    In the morning, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will see one of the largest temples in India, built during the Chola dynasty. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the temple. For lunch, head to the nearby Sathars for a delicious South Indian meal. In the afternoon, visit the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery to learn more about the history of Tamil Nadu. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance at the Natraj Auditorium.

  2. Day 2: Thanjavur Royal Palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library
    15 minutes (3 km) from Brihadeeswarar Temple

    Spend the morning exploring the Thanjavur Royal Palace, also known as the Maratha Palace. Admire the architecture and visit the museums inside. Then, head to the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses thousands of rare manuscripts and books. Have lunch at the nearby Hotel Parisutham. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful Sivagangai Park and enjoy the greenery. In the evening, head to the Millennium Park for a musical fountain show.

  3. Day 3: Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and Airavatesvara Temple
    1 hour 30 minutes (65 km) from Thanjavur Junction

    On the last day, take a day trip to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the architecture and learn about the history of the Chola dynasty. For lunch, stop by Sri Akshaya Bhavan for some delicious vegetarian food. In the afternoon, visit the Airavatesvara Temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temple and its intricate carvings. In the evening, head back to Thanjavur for a relaxing dinner at the Hotel Gnanam.

Recommendations

When in Thanjavur, don't miss out on visiting the local markets, such as the Old Bus Stand Market and the Gandhi Market, to experience the local life and shop for souvenirs. You can also take a side trip to Kumbakonam, a town known for its temples and filter coffee. To maximize your fun, try to attend a local festival or fair, such as the Pongal festival in January or the Aadi Perukku fair in August. Finally, make sure to try the local cuisine, especially the traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like dosa, idli, and vada.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Natraj Auditorium (2-3 hours, INR 200-500)
  • Thanjavur Royal Palace (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Saraswathi Mahal Library (1-2 hours, INR 10)
  • Sivagangai Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Millennium Park (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Airavatesvara Temple (2-3 hours, INR 10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 370-920
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