Explore Thanjavur: A Historical and Cultural Journey through Tamil Nadu

Day 1: Heritage and Temples

Thanjavur, India on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sree Ariya Bhavan

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at this well-known local eatery that opens from 7:00am to 10:00am.
INR100, 1h

9:30am

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning Chola architecture and ancient murals. The temple is open daily from 6:00am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
INR40, 2h

11:45am

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Visit the adjacent palace complex featuring intriguing artifacts, traditional paintings, and the royal history of the Chola dynasty. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
INR20, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Sathars

Enjoy a hearty lunch of biryani and South Indian specialties at this popular local restaurant, open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR250, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library

Discover one of Asia’s oldest libraries housing rare palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts. Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
INR30, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll in Thanjavur Market

Explore the vibrant local market known for Thanjavur paintings, silk sarees, and handicrafts. An ideal spot for souvenir shopping and interacting with locals.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gnanam

Dine on authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine with specialties like spicy Chettinad chicken and vegetable kurma. Open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR300, 1h30m
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Day 2: Culture and Surroundings

Thanjavur, India on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Junior Kuppanna

Enjoy fresh tiffin items and South Indian coffee to fuel your day. The restaurant opens at 7:00am and closes at 11:00am.
INR120, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Visit this impressive temple complex about 70 km from Thanjavur, built by the Chola dynasty. A perfect excursion to experience grand Dravidian architecture.
INR50 for entry, plus transport approx INR500, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery near Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Stop by a nearby local restaurant to enjoy simple Tamil Nadu thali meals, ideal for a quick and authentic taste.
INR150, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Thanjavur

Travel back to the city to rest or freshen up before evening plans.
Included in earlier transport, 1h30m

6:00pm

Attend Classical Dance or Music Performance

Experience a Bharatanatyam dance or Carnatic music performance at a local cultural center or auditorium. Check schedules locally as performances are usually held in the evening.
INR200, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Adayar Anantha Bhavan

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring vegetarian South Indian cuisine and sweets. This place is well known and open till 10:30pm.
INR200, 1h
View Hotel Availability