Sights

Explore Thanjavur

The Chardham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimage journeys in India, dedicated to the worship of Hindu deities. It involves visiting four sacred shrines located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan region. The Chardham Yatra is considered a spiritual journey, and it is believed that visiting these four temples can bring salvation and remove the cycle of birth and death (moksha).

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Thanjavur

5 Days 6 Nights
Thanjavur: Brihadeeswarar Temple,Thanjavur Royal Palace, Vijayanagar Fort,Alangudi Temple

Days Plan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Thanjavur's Historic Sites

  • Morning:
    • Arrive in Thanjavur and check into your hotel.
    • Start with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time admiring the intricate architecture and the massive central dome.
  • Afternoon:
    • Head to Thanjavur Royal Palace, explore the Art Gallery, Sculpture Museum, and the Maratha Durbar Hall.
    • Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest libraries, known for its ancient manuscripts and books.
  • Evening:
    • Stroll through the Thanjavur Market and shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and Tanjore paintings.

Day 2: Temples and Spiritual Sites

  • Morning:
    • Visit Vijayanagar Fort, explore the fort complex, and visit the temples within, including the Sundareswarar Temple.
    • Head to Shivaganga Tank, a tranquil spot with a small temple, perfect for some peaceful reflection.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Alangudi Temple, dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), and spend time learning about its spiritual significance.
    • Head to Sarangapani Temple, another important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Evening:
    • Attend the evening prayers or aarti at the Brihadeeswarar Temple or any other local temple to experience the spiritual vibe of Thanjavur.

Day 3: Day Trip to Kumbakonam

  • Morning:
    • Take a day trip to Kumbakonam (about 1.5 hours from Thanjavur).
    • Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Nageswarar Temple (famous for its connection to Lord Shiva).
    • Stop by the Kumbakonam Art Gallery to explore local artwork and crafts.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Thanjavur for a relaxed evening.

Day 4: Exploring Surrounding Villages and Nature

  • Morning:
    • Visit Pudukkottai (about 45 minutes from Thanjavur) to explore its historical forts and temples.
    • Visit the Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple and the Pudukkottai Fort for a unique experience.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Viralimalai Bird Sanctuary nearby, which is home to thousands of migratory birds, particularly peacocks.
    • Head to Kothamangalam for a quiet and peaceful experience in nature.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Thanjavur for the night.

 

Day 5: Relaxing and Shopping

  • Morning:
    • Spend your morning exploring the Brihadeeswarar Temple Complex in more detail or visit any local temples you missed earlier.
    • Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery for more insights into the region's artistic traditions.
  • Afternoon:
    • Shop for Tanjore paintings, textiles, and local crafts at the Thanjavur Handicraft Emporium.
    • Enjoy a peaceful lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Evening:
    • Head to Sundaraperumal Temple for evening prayers or simply to enjoy the ambiance.
    • Depart for your onward journey or relax before heading to the airport or train station.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Thanjavur

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

"Our trip to Thanjavur was incredible, thanks to Salt and Sea Adventure! The itinerary was thoughtfully curated, covering the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Thanjavur Palace, and even a visit to the Tanjore Art Gallery. The team was professional, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. We were able to truly experience the rich culture and history of this beautiful city. Highly recommended!"

—Ravi & Priya Kumar, India

"Salt and Sea Adventure turned our family trip to Thanjavur into a memorable one! The guided tours were informative, and we got to explore historical sites, local art, and unique temples with ease. They also helped us discover local cuisine and traditions, making the trip extra special. The attention to detail was impeccable, and everything was organized perfectly. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!"

— Sanjay Verma, United Kingdom

"Our journey to Thanjavur was an absolute delight, thanks to Salt and Sea Adventure. Their local expertise made a huge difference — we got access to hidden gems like Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Danjore Art Studio. The trip was well-paced, with comfortable transport and knowledgeable guides. It’s rare to find a travel company that combines such excellent service with real cultural immersion. We’ll definitely book with them again!"

—Anita Singh, India

Best Time to Visit:

  • The ideal time to visit Thanjavur is during the winter season (October to March) when the weather is pleasant, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This period is perfect for exploring the city’s magnificent temples, especially the Brihadeeswarar Temple, and enjoying cultural events.

    Avoid visiting during the summer (April to June) due to extreme heat or the monsoon season (July to September), as heavy rains may disrupt outdoor activities.

How to Reach:

  • By Air:Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (60 km).
  • By Train: Thanjavur Junction is well-connected to Chennai, Bangalore, and other South Indian cities.
  • By Road: Thanjavur is accessible via national and state highways.

Importance of Thanjavur:

Thanjavur, known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu”, is a cultural and historical hub. It was the Chola dynasty’s capital, famed for its Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned for Tanjore paintings, Carnatic music, and agriculture, it blends architectural brilliance with artistic and economic significance.