Weekend Road Trip from Bangalore to Thanjavur: A Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Drive and Explore

Bangalore to Thanjavur, India on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Start from Bangalore

Begin your road trip early in the morning to avoid city traffic and make the most out of your day. The drive is approximately 360 km and will take around 7-8 hours with breaks.
INR0, 10 hours including stops

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Sairam’s Ruchi

Stop at Sri Sairam’s Ruchi on the Bangalore-Mysore highway for a hearty South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee to energize your journey.
INR150 per person, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple (optional detour)

If time permits, make a short detour to visit this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its splendid Dravidian architecture.
INR0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Sri Shanthi

Stop for lunch at Hotel Sri Shanthi in Thanjavur, a popular place to enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine including thali meals and traditional dishes.
INR300 per person, 1 hour

3:30PM

Check-in and rest at hotel in Thanjavur

Relax and freshen up at your accommodation preparing for the cultural tour tomorrow.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brihadeeswarar Temple, known for its magnificent architecture and historical significance. The temple is open till 7 PM during summer.
INR40 per person, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu dinner at Hotel Gnanam, famous for its delicious vegetarian meals and friendly atmosphere.
INR250 per person, 1 hour
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Day 2: Heritage and Culture

Thanjavur, India on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel featuring local delicacies and South Indian staples.
Included with stay or approx INR150, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace complex and its art gallery showcasing exquisite Chola bronzes, murals, and artifacts, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR40 per person, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at Saraswathi Mahal Library

Visit Asia’s oldest library located within the palace complex housing ancient manuscripts and rare books. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR20 per person, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch with fresh dosas, sambars and chutneys at this highly recommended local eatery.
INR200 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Schwartz Church and Big Temple Museum

Discover the heritage and architecture at Schwartz Church and explore the museum adjacent to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, open until 5 PM.
INR20 per person, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore local markets

Stroll through Thanjavur’s vibrant markets known for Tanjore paintings, handicrafts, and silk sarees – perfect for souvenirs.
Free / Shopping as per purchase, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Bhavani

End your day with a delicious meal featuring Chettinad cuisine and other local specialties at Hotel Bhavani.
INR300 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Return Drive

Thanjavur to Bangalore, India on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before preparing for the return journey to Bangalore.
Included or approx INR150, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive towards Bangalore

Start the drive back to Bangalore, taking care to stop for breaks and refreshments to ensure a safe journey.
INR0, 7-8 hours including breaks

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Mayura in Kumbakonam

Break for lunch at Hotel Mayura Kumbakonam, known for its authentic South Indian food including adai, idli, and thalis.
INR250 per person, 1 hour

5:00PM

Arrival in Bangalore

Reach Bangalore by early evening, marking the end of your satisfying cultural road trip filled with history, architecture, and cuisine.
INR0
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