Thanjavur’s major attractions include the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Royal Palace Complex, and the historic Saraswathi Mahal Library, showcasing the city’s rich Chola architecture and cultural heritage. Visitors also enjoy Sivaganga Park, vibrant Tanjore art galleries, and ancient churches that highlight the region’s artistic and historical significance.
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple)
- Popularity: Very High
- Avg. Time Spent: 1–2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
- Activities / Things to Do: Explore Chola architecture, watch rituals, photography, heritage walk
- Best Time to Visit: Oct–Mar
- Secret Tips: Visit at 6 AM for no crowd; golden hour gives best photos
2. Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Art Gallery
- Popularity: High
- Avg. Time Spent: 2–3 hours
- Entry Fee: ~₹50
- Activities / Things to Do: Museum tour, bronze sculptures, tower climb, history exploration
- Best Time to Visit: Nov–Feb
- Secret Tips: Hire a local guide; visit late afternoon for best lighting
3. Saraswathi Mahal Library
- Popularity: High
- Avg. Time Spent: 1–2 hours
- Entry Fee: ~₹50
- Activities / Things to Do: Rare manuscripts, maps, historical archives
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours
- Secret Tips: Photography restricted—confirm; avoid big bags
4. Royal Palace Museum
- Popularity: Medium
- Avg. Time Spent: 1 hour
- Entry Fee: ~₹20–₹50
- Activities / Things to Do: Antique displays, royal relics, paintings
- Best Time to Visit: Winter season
- Secret Tips: Check timings—museum often closes early
5. Shivaganga Park
- Popularity: Medium
- Avg. Time Spent: 1 hour
- Entry Fee: ~₹10
- Activities / Things to Do: Walks, boating, kids’ play area
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings
- Secret Tips: Sunset is best; avoid mid-day heat
6. Schwartz Church
- Popularity: Low–Medium
- Avg. Time Spent: 30–45 min
- Entry Fee: Free
- Activities / Things to Do: Calm visit, colonial architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Nov–Feb
- Secret Tips: Best early morning for silent atmosphere
7. Thanjavur Art Plate & Painting Centres
- Popularity: Medium
- Avg. Time Spent: 1–2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free (shopping optional)
- Activities / Things to Do: Learn Tanjore painting, buy souvenirs
- Best Time to Visit: All year
- Secret Tips: Bargain politely; verify authenticity
8. Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Popularity: Medium
- Avg. Time Spent: 1 hour
- Entry Fee: Free
- Activities / Things to Do: Spiritual visit, local culture
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
- Secret Tips: Best on weekdays to avoid rush
Table of Major Attractions in Thanjavur
| No. | Attraction | Popularity | Avg. Time Spent | Entry Fee | Activities / Things to Do | Best Time to Visit | Secret Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) | Very High | 1–2 hours | Free | Explore Chola architecture, watch rituals, photography, heritage walk | Oct–Mar | Go at 6 AM for zero crowd; visit during golden hour for best photos |
| 2 | Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Art Gallery | High | 2–3 hours | ~₹50 | Museum tour, bronze sculptures, tower climb, historical exploration | Nov–Feb | Hire a local guide; go late afternoon for better lighting |
| 3 | Saraswathi Mahal Library | High | 1–2 hours | ~₹50 | View ancient manuscripts, maps, historical archives | Morning hours | Photography restricted—confirm first; avoid carrying big bags |
| 4 | Royal Palace Museum | Medium | 1 hour | ~₹20–₹50 | Antique displays, royal relics, paintings | Winter season | Check museum timings—often closes early |
| 5 | Shivaganga Park | Medium | 1 hour | ~₹10 | Walks, boating, kids’ play area | Evenings | Visit at sunset; avoid mid-day heat |
| 6 | Schwartz Church | Low–Medium | 30–45 min | Free | Calm visit, colonial architecture | Nov–Feb | Best visited early morning for serenity |
| 7 | Thanjavur Art Plate & Painting Centres | Medium | 1–2 hours | Free (shopping optional) | Learn Tanjore painting, buy souvenirs | All year | Bargain politely; verify authenticity |
| 8 | Punnainallur Mariamman Temple | Medium | 1 hour | Free | Spiritual visit, local culture | Early mornings | Best on weekdays to avoid rush |
Transport Info – Nearest Hubs
Nearest Bus Stop
- Thanjavur city central bus terminal (near the palace/temple area)
Nearest Metro
- No metro service currently; nearest major rail hub: Thanjavur Junction railway station.
Nearest Railway Station
- Thanjavur Junction (in city)
Activities & Things to Do
- Watch daily rituals and light during sunset at Brihadeeswarar Temple.
- Explore rare manuscripts and talk to the librarian at Saraswathi Mahal Library.
- Take guided tour of Maratha Palace, view Chola bronzes, climb tower for view.
- Try local arts: Tanjore painting shops, learn about bronze casting workshops in city.
- Enjoy local Tamil cuisine near the temple precincts in banana-leaf style.
Best Time to Visit
- Generally October to March is best for Thanjavur (cooler, less humidity).
Image Gallery of Thanjavur
YouTube Video of Thanjavur
Secret Tips for Tourists/Visitors
- Wear modest clothing for temple visit; remove footwear before entering sanctum.
- Carry water and hat/sun‐protection – afternoons can get hot.
- If you’re a photography enthusiast, carry extra battery; early morning/late afternoon give best lighting.
- Visit lesser-known areas of the palace complex for quieter moments.
- At the library, avoid large bags; some areas may restrict access to manuscripts.