Thanjavur Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Thanjavur

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Brown Spring Home Stays

1091/2 Manambu Chavdy 1 | Thanjavur, 613001, IN

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Vihaasam Homestay

Medical College Road | Thanjavur, 613001, IN

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3B2HK Orange Homestay - near Big Temple

9 Rajaji Road | Thanjavur, 613009, IN

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Naadi Nest - 2 Bed Room Service Apartment

Thanjavur District Near Vishnu Hospital Pudhukottai Road | Thanjavur, 613005, IN

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Blue Bell Banquet Halls & Home Stay Backpackers Hostel

203 Medical College Road 203 Medical College Road Near Mangalapuram Bus Stop | Thanjavur, 613007, IN

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Hyders Mahal & Hotel

168/4g Medical College Rd Raja Rajan Nagar | Thanjavur, 613002, IN

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DESHADAN CHOLA

265/1 Ammanpettai Road Vediyapuram Po Narasanayagipuram | Thanjavur, 613205, IN

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The Emerald

Stella Mary Nagaropp Auxillium School Puthukottai Main Road | Thanjavur, 613007, IN

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Tamil and English

Local currency

INR (INR)

Local time

08:44 (GMT+5)

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Near Brihadeeswarar Temple

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Appreciated for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Thanjavur Kootanchoru Millet Dosa Filter Coffee Jigarthanda

When to visit Thanjavur

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January Busiest: Oct-Mar

Jan

85

Pleasant, dry
Feb

80

Pleasant, dry
Mar

65

Hot, dry
Apr

50

Very hot, dry
May

45

Very hot, dry
Jun

55

Hot, humid
Jul

55

Hot, humid
Aug

60

Hot, humid
Sept

65

Hot, humid
Oct

70

Monsoon begins
Nov

60

Heavy monsoon
Dec

80

Pleasant, monsoon ends

85

Jan Pleasant, dry

80

Feb Pleasant, dry

65

Mar Hot, dry

50

Apr Very hot, dry

45

May Very hot, dry

55

Jun Hot, humid

55

Jul Hot, humid

60

Aug Hot, humid

65

Sept Hot, humid

70

Oct Monsoon begins

60

Nov Heavy monsoon

80

Dec Pleasant, monsoon ends

Things to do in Thanjavur

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Thanjavur 2.5 hrs

Marvel at the colossal Chola architecture and intricate carvings of this UNESCO site.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Grand Anicut (Kallanai Dam)

outskirts 2.5 hrs

Witness one of the world's oldest water-diversion structures, still in use.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Schwartz Church

Near Palace 0.5 hrs

Visit a serene 18th-century church built by a Danish missionary.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

Thanjavur 2.5 hrs

Explore royal history, see Chola bronzes, and admire Thanjavur paintings.

Indoors Good for children

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Thanjavur 1.5 hrs

Discover ancient manuscripts and rare books in one of Asia's oldest libraries.

Indoors

Shopping for Thanjavur Paintings & Dolls

Main Bazaar 2 hrs

Browse exquisite Thanjavur paintings, unique dancing dolls, and local handicrafts.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Taste Local Tamil Cuisine

City Center 1.5 hrs

Savor authentic South Indian vegetarian thalis, dosas, and filter coffee.

Indoors Good for children

Thanjavur itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Thanjavur — First-Timer Highlights

Uncover the timeless grandeur of the Chola dynasty and the vibrant artistry of Tamil Nadu.

This 3-day itinerary is perfectly crafted for first-time visitors eager to explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites and rich cultural heritage of Thanjavur. Dive into the architectural marvels, ancient arts, and living traditions that define this historic city, offering a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to its unique charm.

3 Days 12 Stops

See the full plan