For things to do in Thanjavur in one day, build your route around Brihadishwara Temple, the Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex and, if time allows, Sivaganga Park. The temple and palace are about 1 km apart, so you can visit them in sequence before deciding whether to add the park.
- Start: Brihadishwara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and the Big Temple.
- Next: The palace complex, about 1 km from the temple.
- Optional finish: Sivaganga Park.
- Timing: Temple darshan hours are given in morning and evening blocks; palace and gallery hours differ.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01Start with Brihadishwara TempleBrihadishwara Temple is a strong first stop for a Thanjavur one-day itinerary, with its Chola-era history…
02Continue to the palace complexThe Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex is about 1 km from Brihadisvara Temple.
03Add Sivaganga Park if time allowsSivaganga Park can round out the day after the temple and palace, particularly if you have time left in…
04Check opening times before setting outCheck the official site before you go, since opening hours and holiday closures can affect how you order…- 05FAQsIt is also known as Brihadisvara Temple, Peruvudaiyar Kovil and the Big Temple.
Start with Brihadishwara Temple
Brihadishwara Temple is a strong first stop for a Thanjavur one-day itinerary, with its Chola-era history and a complex of shrines, towers and halls. Chola king Rajaraja I commissioned the temple, which was completed in 1010 CE.
For more on the temple’s history and visitor details, use this Brihadishwara Temple guide when planning your stop.
Look for the main vimana, Nandi shrine, mandapas, gopurams, inscriptions and frescoes as you make your way through the complex.
From Hotel Yagappa, a hotel in Thanjavur, the temple is about 29 minutes on foot or 13 minutes by car. Darshan hours are 6:00 am–12:30 pm and 4:00 pm–8:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
Continue to the palace complex
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex is about 1 km from Brihadisvara Temple. The palace dates to the 14th century; the Nayaks and Marathas each built part of it, and the Maratha royal family resides there.
Corridors, halls, decorated rooms, observation towers, frescoed walls and ceilings, an underground tunnel and carvings are among the palace features. Palace hours are 9:00 am–6:00 pm.
The Palace Art Gallery is another part of the complex, with bronze icons, stone sculptures and other artworks. Its hours are 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm, and it is closed on national holidays. Saraswathi Mahal Library is also within the campus and open to the public.
Its hours are 10:00 am–1:00 pm and 1:30 pm–5:30 pm, or 10:00 am–5:00 pm; closure days are Wednesdays and government holidays, or Wednesdays and Saturdays. Its history and campus sights are covered in this Thanjavur Palace, Library and Art Gallery guide.
Add Sivaganga Park if time allows
Sivaganga Park can round out the day after the temple and palace, particularly if you have time left in your schedule. Keep it as an optional stop rather than rushing the earlier visits; the temple and palace hours create the main timing constraints.
For details to help plan a park visit, see this Sivaganga Park visit guide.
Check opening times before setting out
Check the official site before you go, since opening hours and holiday closures can affect how you order the palace complex stops. The temple has a midday break, while the Palace Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library have separate hours and closure days.
For a practical sequence, begin with the temple, continue to the palace complex, then fit in Sivaganga Park if your timing allows. Check the relevant official pages for current visitor arrangements before setting out.
FAQs
What is Brihadishwara Temple also called?
It is also known as Brihadisvara Temple, Peruvudaiyar Kovil and the Big Temple.
How far apart are Brihadishwara Temple and the palace?
The temple and palace are about 1 km apart.
When is the Palace Art Gallery open?
The hours are 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm. The gallery is closed on national holidays.