Top Things to Do in Thanjavur - Exploring Ancient Temples and Palaces

Have you wondered what treasures there are to explore in Tamil Nadu? Visit Thanjavur, aka Tanjore, a captivating city known for its rich cultural heritage, magnificent temples, and classical art forms. Even a week is not enough to absorb the vast history, architecture, religious significance, and top things to do in Thanjavur. This ancient city was the heart of the Chola Dynasty and still exudes historical grandeur and artistic brilliance.

Today Thanjavur is a modern Indian town with thousands of worshippers flocking to the temples and preserving memories of powerful dynasties that ruled the area. For a hassle-free travel experience, we have listed a wide array of attractions and activities.

Top Things to Do in Thanjavur

Here's a detailed guide to the 10 best Thanjavur sightseeing places and things to do in Tanjore.

• Brihadeeswarar Temple
• Thanjavur Palace
• Sivaganga Park
• Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
• Schwartz Church
• Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall
• Thanjavur Art and Handicrafts
• Sangeetha Mahal
• Visit Local Markets
• Day Trip to Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is built with standard new age design in South Indian style architecture. On entering the temple, visitors are welcomed by the 200-foot main shrine, which stands tall to represent Lord Shiva. During construction, the temple was the largest in India. The temple's inscriptions narrate the rise and decline of the city's fortunes. With multiple stone-carved domes, murals depicting Raja Raja I, and heavy stone statues, Brihadeeswarar Temple comes under the top Tanjore things to do. What's more! The complete structure of the temple is made out of granite. Only made in a short span of 7 years.

Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, the temple features:

• A 216-foot-tall tower (vimana).
• A massive Nandi (bull) statue carved from a single stone.
• Exquisite frescoes and intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology.

Tip: Visit early in the morning or during sunset for a serene experience and captivating photographs.

Thanjavur Palace (Maratha Palace Complex)

A blend of Maratha, Nayak, and Chola architectural styles, the Thanjavur Palace was the official residence of the Maratha rulers. One can walk through the huge halls, observation and arsenal towers, spacious corridors, and a sprawling courtyard. While entering the palace see the large quadrangular courtyard with big gateways on the east and north. The Bell Tower, also known as the Goodagopuram is a 190 ft. eight-storied Vimana-like building situated on the southern side. To make things simple for tourists, the palace is divided into two parts; the first part holds the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Maratha Darbar Hall, Royal Museum and Sangeetha Mahal. The second part constructed during the Nayak period houses the Goodagopuram, Manimandapam, and art gallery. Choose wisely where to visit the best things to do in Tanjore.

Thanjavur Palace is a sprawling complex featuring:

• The Durbar Hall is adorned with grand pillars and artwork.
• The Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf documents, and rare books.
• The Art Gallery showcasing bronze idols and sculptures from the Chola period.

Don't Miss: The 190-foot-tall Bell Tower, offering panoramic views of Thanjavur.

Sivaganga Park

For a relaxing break, head to Sivaganga Park, located near Brihadeeswarar Temple. No matter the season, the park offers a lot of fun for families with kids. It includes terrestrial and aquatic games. A big part of the park is equipped with a collection of mesmerising flowers with birds and animals flocking to the area. On a closer look, find the square water tank believed to have been built by the Chola Dynasty in the 16th sanctuary by the Nayak ruler, Sevappa Nayaka to provide water resources to Tanjore Palace. Boating enthusiasts will be in for fun as the park marks a proper dedicated boating facility with sites of rabbits, deer, ducks and birds gazing around the water body. For kids, a small toy train ride is something every family would want for children.

This lush green park space features:

• A serene pond with boating facilities.
• Play areas for children.
• Refreshing spots for a stroll.

Ideal For: Families and travellers seeking a peaceful escape.

Punnainallur Mariamman Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, the top things to do in Tanjore, include this 17th-century temple, famous for its healing powers and religious significance. Made in 1680 by a Maratha ruler, the temple is a fine example of Dravidian and Maratha architecture. The prime deity inside the temple is made out of sand, so proper rituals are not followed for not damaging the deity. All daily worships are completed with Goddess Vishnu Durga on the pedestal. At certain times of the year gold and silver ornaments are donned by the goddess on specific auspicious days. All devotees can come seeking blessings to get rid of their sorrows. Legends say that King Venkoji Maharaja Chakrapathi had a dream of the idol residing just 5 Kilometres away in the forest, thus building a temple. Since then, people from all over India have visited the temple for enlightenment.

The temple complex is known for its:

• Vibrant festivals and rituals.
• Intricate sculptures and ornate gopurams (tower gateways).

Best Time to Visit: During the Navaratri festival for an immersive cultural experience.

Schwartz Church

Built in 1779 by the Maratha ruler Serfoji II in honour of Danish missionary Reverend Christian Friedrich Schwartz, this Protestant church is a symbol of religious harmony. The serene atmosphere and colonial architecture make it a unique stop. Initially, founded and managed by a German missionary, who devoted his life to the people of India, the church is designed with simple yet elegant, white facades and tall minarets. Over the years, visitors and devotees have made the top things to see in Thanjavur like Schwartz Church a symbol of inter-religious harmony and where people from different faiths come together.

Things to do in Schwartz Church:

• Great place for meditation and prayer.
• Take part in different programmes and initiatives by the church committee.

Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall

Located within the palace complex, the hall is dedicated to the Maratha King Serfoji II. A private museum opened to the public in 1997, is home to unique items collected by King Serfoji II such as crystal articles, paintings, armour, ivory, silver, marble-based furniture, and glassware displayed for public viewing. Not only is the museum open for the public to relish the things on display but also to absorb the Maratha culture, literature and architecture. The top things to do in Tanjore include visiting the underground passage located near Sardar Mahal which was used by the Royal family. Also if you want to look at the best things to see in Thanjavur, don’t miss the rare portrait of Kanchi Sankarachariya made out of grains, an unequalled artwork of India displayed at this hall.

It's a treasure trove of:

• Ancient coins, manuscripts, and royal artefacts.
• Insights into the Maratha legacy in Thanjavur.

Thanjavur Art and Handicrafts

Thanjavur, a religious small town turned into a cultural hub, all thanks to its tallest temple and the vast heritage of the Chola Kings. Likewise, the handicrafts in Thanjavur have gained a phenomenal presence among buyers. With getting a GI tag for traditional Indian craft products, shoppers are in for a delight. Renowned for famous Thanjavur paintings depicting the Nayak Dynasty rulers, as well as subjects of gods and goddesses painted on a wooden plank, the art style is influenced by the history of the region. Dancing clay models could become a centre point for home décor with colourful dolls made out of terracotta aligned with traditional bobbleheads, where the head oscillates in rhythmic motions. Lastly to witness the best things to do in Thanjavur, check out vendors selling art plates handcrafted with silver brass, bronze and copper. Otherwise, musicians choose the Thanjavur Veena made out of a mature jackfruit tree. So, get swayed by the positive shopping experience.

Don't miss the things to see in Thanjavur markets:

• Tanjore Painting Workshops to witness artisans at work.
• Shops selling handcrafted brassware and sculptures.
• Visit the south main street of Thanjavur to buy the Saraswati Veena.
• For a wide variety of handicrafts, Poompahar is the most well-known merchant.

Where to Buy: The handicraft stores near the palace or in the city market.

Sangeetha Mahal

A splendid acoustically designed hall within the palace complex, Sangeetha Mahal once hosted royal musical performances. It's an architectural gem where you can appreciate the craftsmanship and acoustics. A prime attraction of music lovers, the place is known for its architectural splendours supporting its acoustic properties. What’s interesting, the Mahal is built in a way that deflects the sound waves and is devoid of excess amplification. Moreover, the magic of sound deflection comes from the water pool in front of the stage. Nonetheless, perforations on the walls and roof create a unique balance of sound. A visit to the Sangeetha Mahal is among the best things to see in Thanjavur as it makes you feel the acoustic brilliance of the hall that can accommodate 1000 audience members during dance festivals and concerts.

Fun facts about Sangeetha Mahal:

• No entry fee
• Timing: Open all days of the week
• The palace has a vaulted roof with four pankahs and chandeliers.

Visit Local Markets

For authentic Tanjore things to do visit the markets in the area that create great memorabilia of the city. The markets are flooded with traditional crafts dolls, historical paintings and silk clothes. There are four main markets to visit, which are: Keelavasal Market, Serfoji Market, Subramaniya Swami Koil Market, and Amarar Swaminathan Market. Out of the four Subramaniya Swami Koil Market is the most popular among tourists, with over 100 shops maintained for over 100 years. Housing high-precision quality handloom textiles and furniture retailers the place is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Explore Thanjavur’s bustling markets for:

• Handmade jewellery, silk sarees, and traditional crafts.
• Local street food like Thanjavur Thalicha Idli and Paal Payasam.

Day Trip to Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Thanjavur, this site features another spectacular Chola-era temple. The historic Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple holds the marvellous legacy of the Chola period. It derives its name from the Gangaikonda Cholapuram town, which was the capital for 250 years. As one of the oldest temples in South India, it is listed as one of the “Great Living Chola Temples” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main temple tower stands 55 metres tall while imposing various sculptures with rich grandeur of art. Tourists are greeted by the 11-foot-tall Nandi made of limestone placed 200 metres away from the temple building.

Upon entering, you’ll find yourself walking through the pillars to meet the main God - Lord Shiva. That's not all! Once you exit the area, find huge statues of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva in a man-woman manifestation, Lord Shiva-Parvati blessing Rajendra Chola, A dancing Natrajar, Lord Ganesh and a lot of inscriptions on the sidewalls. Something to be experienced up close for the top things to see in Thanjavur.

The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is known for:

• Its beautiful carvings and sculptures.
• A massive Shiva Lingam and its stunning architectural details.
• Seek blessings from mother Durga in the form of a 9-year-old pretty girl killing Mahishasura.

Best Time to Visit Thanjavur

• October to March offers the best weather for sightseeing.
• Festival Season (especially Pongal in January and Navaratri) is ideal for cultural immersion.

Thanjavur is a city that weaves together history, art, and spirituality. From majestic temples to vibrant markets and serene parks, book a Thanjavur tour package before visiting. If you're looking to explore the top things to do in Thanjavur the heart of Tamil Nadu's cultural legacy, this is the perfect destination.