3-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Thanjavur and Nearby Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Thanjavur Heritage

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sri Annapoorna

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and filter coffee at this popular local eatery.
INR150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a grand Chola Dynasty temple known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Discover royal artifacts, sculptures, and paintings showcasing Thanjavur’s rich heritage in this well-maintained palace museum.
INR30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Sample authentic Tamil Nadu vegetarian cuisine including meals served on banana leaves in a traditional setting.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

View one of Asia’s oldest libraries containing rare manuscripts and ancient texts, still functional and open to visitors.
INR20, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping for Thanjavur Paintings and Brassware

Explore local shops offering exquisite traditional Thanjavur paintings and brass crafts, perfect for souvenirs.
Free browsing, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grand Sagar

Enjoy an extensive menu of South Indian and North Indian dishes at this well-regarded restaurant in Thanjavur.
INR350, 1h
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Day 2: Temples & Craft Villages

Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sarayu

Start with a fresh South Indian breakfast including pongal and vadai.
INR150, 45m

9:00am

Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Explore this historic temple, often considered an architectural marvel similar to Brihadeeswarar but less crowded.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Check out Bronze Foundries in Swamimalai

Visit traditional bronze casting workshops famous for making exquisite Nataraja statues and other figurines.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch in Swamimalai Local Eatery

Taste authentic Tamil meals freshly prepared by local cooks in the village.
INR100, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram

A UNESCO World Heritage site with magnificent Chola architecture and intricate stone carvings.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Thanjavur & Rest

Relax at your hotel or take a stroll in the evening to soak in the local atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Enjoy a cozy dinner with traditional Tamil recipes and thalis.
INR300, 1h
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Day 3: Village & Culture

Nearby villages near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast comprising South Indian specialities.
INR150, 45m

8:00am

Day trip to Uthiramerur

Explore an ancient village known for its historic inscriptions, temples, and examples of local self-government from the Chola period.
INR20, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Uthiramerur local restaurant

Sample fresh, locally prepared Tamil Nadu meals in a village setting.
INR100, 1h

1:30pm

Cultural visit to local handicraft village

Meet artisans producing handmade crafts and learn about traditional techniques still in practice.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Thanjavur

Head back to Thanjavur city, enjoy some final shopping or sightseeing.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Thanjavur town center

Take a leisurely walk around local markets or parks.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Savor a last night feast of mixed South Indian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR400, 1h
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