Also named as Tanjore, Thanjavur rose to significance during the reign of the Cholas, who made this city their capital. It became a major cultural and heritage city of India towards the end of the eighteenth century. Today, it is broadly known as the Rice Bowl of South India, as it boasts a lot of paddy yields and sugarcane. This town houses the ancient Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), constructed by Raja Chola I around the 10th century. Stunning Chola Temples, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Sivaganga Park, Schwartz Church, and Royal Palace Museum are some of the must-visit attractions in the city.

Top Reasons to Visit Thanjavur

• To visit the 11th century Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the finest examples of Chola architecture.
• To see a Bharatanatyam recital.
• To visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the most significant repositories of ancient Sanskrit.
• To visit Sivagangai Poonga, one of the first amusement parks in the state.
• To shop for Tanjore paintings and dolls.