Best Places to Visit in Thanjavur – Explore Temples, Palaces & Culture

1. Gangaikonda Cholapuram 

This place is a wonder as far as architectures are concerned and has been built by the Chola empire which is said to be the greatest empire of India. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was, once upon time, the Chola empire capital city for close to two century. This is one of the magnificent eras spot and gets a particular sane significance in the Thanjavur historical background. Built by Chola King Rajendra to celebrate his victory of Pala Dynasty. Today, this city has converted into a small town where Lord Shiva Temple is an instance of grandeur that makes it a best place to visit in Thanjavur in one day.

• Location: Tamil Nadu 612901

• Timings: 6:00 AM-12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

2. Shiva Ganga Garden 

Set within the borders of the fort of Vijayanagar, is this pretty garden one of the principal attractions to explore excluding the places to visit in Thanjavur than temples. In middle of the ancient ruin of fort is this beautifully planned and well-kept garden which is one of the famous places in Thanjavur. There is also a kuwar (a square tank) located inside the Siva Garden constructed during 16th century rulers. This was used to supply water to the Tanjore Palace and is used even today as the water has a sweet taste.

• Location: W Main St, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613 007

• Timings: 7:00 am till 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm

3. Vijayanagar Fort 

Located at a distance of 2 km, one of the famous tourist spot in Thanjavur is Vijayanagar fort. The fascinating structure of the fort was constructed by the Nayaks and the Maratha’s during the year 1550 AD. Inside the fort Tanjore palace, Sangeetha Mahal, art gallery and a library is located. Alongside this, Shiva Ganga garden is also located in the fort complex which gives it a hint of beauty. One of the must-visit places to visit in thanjavur for couple, this is surely going be in your one of preferred place for your next trip.

• Location: Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007

• Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 Pm

4. Thanjai Mamani Koil 

This place is a combination of three Vishnu temples called as the Divyadesam. One of the 108 such temple premises present in India, it has got great importance among the local people. Tourists every year visit the temple and with one experience get to see the three abodes of lord Vishnu.

• Location: Rajakrisnapuram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001

• Timings: 7.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. & 5.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.

5. Chandra Bagwan Temple 

Sacred to the holy moon god, this becomes one of the temples to which a great importance is attached in the heart of the worshipers. Located at a distance of 25 km from here, this temple is a favorite among those who believe that as per horoscope, they suffer from the ill effects of the Moon.

• Location: Thingaloor, Tamil Nadu 612204

• Timings: NA

6. Schwartz Church 

This is one of the oldest church in India constructed by Maratha king Sarfoji II. In his reign, he met Prussian Lutheran missionary Rev Friedrich Schratwz and later converted to be his disciple. To commemorate their brotherhood, the Maratha ruler wanted to build this around the year 1779.

• Location: For, Sivaganga Garden,, Thanjavur, Indian Nadu

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

7. Swami Malai Temple 

One of the top places to see in Thanjavur in two days, this impressive temple plays an important role amongst the producible people of South India. This too is one of the Arupadaiveedu and an one of the six abodes of Murugan. It is said that the temple was built over the ground upon which Lord Murugan absorbed and transmitted universal knowledge to his father.

• Location: 10, Vatampokki Street, Taluk, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612 302

• Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

8. Saraswathi Mahal Library

Saraswathi Mahal Library is one more among our list of places to visit in Thanjavur. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the Saraswathi Mahal Library is reckoned to be one of the significant libraries of India, and is being present there for ages. Established around 16th-17th century by Nayak rulers, this place was later populated by the Maratha king Serforji II. On the inside of which there is a vast collection of arts, maps. Paintings and manuscripts.

• Location: E Main St, Rajakrishnapuram, Thanjavur, Madras 613001

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Lunch: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Wednesday and National Holidays off)

9. Alangudi Guru Temple

located in the southern part of India and regarded as one of the tourism destination in Thanjavur city, is lies in between cauvery, vennaru and kolidam rivers. Being a temple of considerable religious value this place is featured in numerous fairy tales. The responsive deitty is Abathsahayeswarar who swallowed the poison of Vasuki Nag. Besides this, this temple is also dedicated to Devguru Brihaspati which is known as planet Jupiter.

• Location: Sivan S St, Alangudi, Tiruchirapalli Dt, Tamil Nadu State PIN 612801

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

10. Our Lady of Sorrows Church

For the much-needed and deserved peace and serenity, visit one of the most popular Church Tourist Places in Tanjore, namely, Our Lady Of Sorrows Church. The greatest activity is observed in the third decade of September, since during this time the annual car celebration takes place. This is true because the festival aims at not only serving people but at also uniting them, regardless of the faith and religion.

• Location: Mappillai Naicken Patty, Tamil Nadu 613403

• Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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