Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, completed in 1010 CE by the Chola king Rajaraja I, is a cornerstone of Thanjavur history and a masterpiece of Dravida architecture. Popularly called the Big Temple, this main Thanjavur temple has a 66-metre shikhara topped by an 80-tonne capstone, a millennia-old engineering mystery. The interior holds India's largest Shiva lingam and Chola frescoes, making it the top of all Thanjavur tourist places. Located in Thanjavur district and UNESCO-inscribed in 1987, it remains a marvel.

The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, located in the heart of Thanjavur district, was originally constructed in the 16th century by the Thanjavur Nayaks and later expanded by the Bhonsle Marathas who ruled from 1674 to 1855. This vast complex forms an essential chapter in Thanjavur history and stands among the most significant Thanjavur tourist places beyond the famous Thanjavur temple of Brihadeeswarar. The palace complex includes the grand Darbar Hall with its richly painted ceiling, the imposing seven storey Maratha Tower, the renowned Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery displaying remarkable bronze masterpieces. Visitors often combine this site with temple visits while travelling via the nearest Thanjavur airport connection through Trichy.