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Thanjavur, India

Top things to do in Thanjavur

18 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Brihadeeswara Temple
Religious site5

Brihadeeswara Temple

1,541 reviews

The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur (Tanjore) is a masterpiece of South Indian architecture and one of the greatest temples in India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crowning achievement of the mighty Chola dynasty.

Brihadeeswara Temple

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Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Thanjavur?

Brihadeeswara Temple draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Thanjavur, with 1,541 of them, rated 5.0 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Planning your trip to Thanjavur? See where to eat, build a Thanjavur itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Religious site5

Brihadeeswara Temple

64 reviews

A magnificent 11th-century Chola temple and UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its towering vimana and intricate stone carvings.

Religious site
Religious site4.5

Bangaru Kamakshi Temple

16 reviews

Ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Religious site
Religious site

Great Living Chola Temples

A UNESCO cluster of three Chola temples, including Brihadisvara, showcasing Dravidian architecture at its peak.

Religious site
Religious site

Punnainallur Mariamman Temple

A vibrant temple dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, famous for its annual festival featuring fire walking and colorful processions.

Religious site
Religious site

Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple

This Vishnu temple is famed for its legend of liberating a sage from a curse, featuring unique iconography and a serene tank.

Religious site
Religious site

Brihadisvara Temple

A towering 11th-century Chola temple, UNESCO-listed, famed for its massive granite vimana and intricate sculptures.

Sight
Sight

Neelagiri

A scenic hillock near Thanjavur offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains and temples.

Religious site
Religious site

Odhanavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchotruturai

A serene Shiva temple set in a tranquil village by the river, known for its peaceful ambiance and ancient architecture.

Religious site
Religious site

Punnainallur Kothandaramar Temple

Dedicated to Rama holding a bow, this historic temple features a unique idol and intricate Chola-era architecture in Thanjavur.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood

Vallam

A historic suburb of Thanjavur known for its ancient temples and proximity to the city center.

Religious site
Religious site

Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam

A major Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam, renowned for its towering rajagopuram and intricate Dravidian architecture.

Museum
Museum

Saraswathi Mahal Library

One of Asia's oldest libraries, housing over 65,000 rare manuscripts and books in multiple languages, including palm-leaf manuscripts and medieval illustrated works.

Religious site
Religious site

Thanjai Mamani Koil

A prominent Vishnu temple in Thanjavur, known for its unique iconography and association with the Sri Vaishnava tradition, featuring a rare standing Vishnu image.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood

Thanjavur

A historic city in Tamil Nadu, known for its Chola temples, royal palaces, and vibrant arts scene.

Religious site
Religious site

Kandeeswarar Temple, Kandiyur

An ancient Shiva temple with a towering gopuram and Chola-era inscriptions, offering a glimpse into medieval Tamil architecture.

Religious site
Religious site

Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi

One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, this ancient Shiva temple in Thiruvedhikudi features a revered lingam and Chola architecture.

Religious site
Religious site

Adisvaraswamy Jain Temple, Thanjavur

An ancient Jain temple featuring exquisite stone carvings and a serene atmosphere, dating back to the 9th century and dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinatha.