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Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple)

Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple)

heritage site · Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur, once Tanjore, sits in the fertile Kaveri delta and is dominated by the Brihadeeswarar Temple — the 'Big Temple'.

State
Tamil Nadu
Type
Heritage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
2+

Thanjavur, once Tanjore, sits in the fertile Kaveri delta and is dominated by the Brihadeeswarar Temple — the 'Big Temple'. Commissioned in 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Raja Raja I, it is one of the grandest granite temples ever built and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built from interlocking granite blocks, its 66-metre vimana tower is capped by a single stone block said to weigh around 80 tonnes, and the courtyard holds one of India's largest Nandi bull statues.

When to go

October to March, when the winter weather makes the open stone courtyards comfortable to walk.

Why visit

Finished in 1010 and still the most impressive thing the Cholas built. The vimana is sixty-six metres of interlocking granite in a river delta that has no granite in it — every block was hauled here. Go late in the afternoon, when the tower throws its shadow across the courtyard.

Cultural notes

This is the foundational core of the UNESCO World Heritage Great Living Chola Temples, and it sits at the centre of how the region sees itself. Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music and the casting of bronze icons all grew up around it, and Thanjavur holds a GI tag for its gold-leaf paintings.

How to reach

The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 55 km away. Thanjavur has its own railway station with links to Chennai and Madurai, and regular state transport buses and taxis run on the delta highways daily.

Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple) in 2 days

See the full itinerary

2 days in Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple)

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Day 1

Day 1

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Day 1

Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Thanjavur Maratha Palace

Day 1

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Day 1

Art gallery of Chola bronzes

Art gallery of Chola bronzes

Day 2

Day 2

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Day 2

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Day 2

Thanjavur painting & craft shopping

Thanjavur painting & craft shopping

Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple) guide & itineraries

Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple) is perfect for

heritagespiritualfamily

What & where to eat

tiffin

Local mess

tiffin

Dosa, idli, vadai and degree coffee

Filter coffee

Local mess

Filter coffee

Dosa, idli, vadai and degree coffee

Thanjavur banana-leaf meals

Thanjavur banana-leaf meals

Classic thali in the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu

Kootu

Kootu

Tamil vegetable specialities

Ennai Kathirikai

Ennai Kathirikai

Tamil vegetable specialities

payasam

payasam

Traditional sweets and pudding

Thanjavur sweets

Thanjavur sweets

Traditional sweets and pudding

Chettinad meals (nearby)

Chettinad meals (nearby)

Spicy regional non-veg

Nearby getaways

Tiruchirappalli (Srirangam)

~1 hr

Kumbakonam

~40 min

Chidambaram

Chidambaram

~2 hrs

Things to do

How to spend your time in Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple).

Great Living Chola Temples circuit

Great Living Chola Temples circuit

Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara nearby

Popular attractions

The places in Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple) most people come for.

Central Vimanam Tower

Central Vimanam Tower

Attraction

Thanjavur Royal Palace Complex

Thanjavur Royal Palace Complex

Attraction

See all attractions

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Brihadeeswarar Temple famous?

It is a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Chola architecture, built around 1010 CE, with one of the tallest temple towers in India.

How many days for Thanjavur?

1-2 days for the temple, palace and the nearby Great Living Chola Temples.

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