Things To Do
in Tanjore
Tanjore (Thanjavur) is a historic city in Tamil Nadu known for its towering Brihadeeswarar Temple, classical music and rich artisan traditions. It was the political and cultural capital of the Chola dynasty and still showcases exquisite bronze sculpture, Tanjore painting and royal architecture. The surrounding countryside is fertile Kaveri Delta farmland, producing rice, sugarcane and classical rural scenes.
Visitors come for heritage, crafts and a relaxed, small-city South Indian experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. As you wander through the temple complex, take in the grandeur of the massive vimana and the serene atmosphere that surrounds it. Don’t forget to capture the morning light illuminating the temple’s golden dome, a sight to behold.
After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, delve into the Tanjore Royal Palace, where you can explore the art gallery showcasing exquisite Tanjore paintings and artifacts from the Chola dynasty. Stroll through the palace grounds, appreciating the blend of Indo-Mughal architectural styles. Make sure to visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, filled with ancient manuscripts and texts.
As the sun sets, head to the local market to experience the vibrant culture of Tanjore, where you can shop for handicrafts, silk sarees, and traditional jewelry. Enjoy a delectable dinner at a nearby eatery, sampling local dishes like Chettinad chicken curry or dosa. Conclude your day with a cultural performance, possibly a classical dance show, to immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of the region.
Begin your morning by visiting the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning architecture and intricate stone carvings. Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies.
After lunch, make your way to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, which showcases the grandeur of the Chola dynasty's architectural prowess. Explore the temple's massive stone sculptures and the peaceful surroundings that reflect its historical significance. Engage with local guides who can share fascinating stories about the temple's rich heritage.
Return to Tanjore in the evening and stroll along the streets, absorbing the local lifestyle and culture. Visit a local tea stall to enjoy a refreshing cup of masala chai while chatting with friendly locals. As night falls, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in a traditional South Indian thali dinner.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2–5 |
| ☕Cup of filter coffee | $0.30–1.50 |
| 🚕Auto-rickshaw short ride (2–5 km) | $0.50–2 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $25–60 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.20–0.70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Chola-era heritage and UNESCO-listed architecture
- Strong artisan traditions (Tanjore painting, bronze work) and hands-on cultural experiences
- Compact historical core that's easy to explore
- Affordable food, shopping and accommodation
- Hot and humid summers can be uncomfortable for sightseeing
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern tourist amenities compared with larger cities
- Public transport is basic—some attractions require private hires
- Language barrier possible outside tourist spots if you don't speak Tamil
- "வணக்கம் (Vanakkam)" - Hello / Greeting
- "நன்றி (Nandri)" - Thank you
- "இது எவ்வளவு? (Idhu evvalavu?)" - How much is this?
- "குடைச்சல் எங்கே? (Toilet enga irukku?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "சிறு தமிழ் தெரியும் (Siru Tamil theriyum)" - I know a little Tamil
Places to Visit in Tanjore
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Chola-era temple with monumental vimana, detailed sculptures and dramatic light/shadow—excellent for sunrise/sunset shots and architecture photography.
Palace courtyards, antique rooms and the library's manuscript stacks provide atmospheric interior and cultural photos.
Historic dam and riverine landscapes offer pastoral scenes, local fishermen and golden-hour reflections—good for wide landscapes and rural life.
Colorful markets, brass shops and Tanjore painting studios are great for candid street and craft photography (ask permission before close-ups).
Fields around the city capture the Kaveri Delta's agricultural life—ideal for low-light silhouettes and misty morning shots during winter months.
Food in Tanjore
Tanjore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A generous plate of rice with sambar, rasam, vegetable curries, papad and pickles—available at many local restaurants and temple-side messes.
Must-Try!
Staples for breakfast or any time of day—look for crispy paper dosa or soft idli served with chutneys and hot sambar.
Tangy, spiced tamarind rice often sold at markets, temples and as a tiffin item—easy to carry for day trips.
Traditional sweets prepared during festivals; adhirasam is a jaggery-and-rice-based fried sweet commonly found in sweet shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling lanes near the temple selling fresh produce, snacks like sundal, vada and murukku, plus spice and sweet shops—try local snacks and pick up ingredients.
Small stalls serving idli, dosa, sweet pongal and filter coffee popular with devotees and visitors; ideal for inexpensive, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temple premises, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow signs for photography or restricted areas.
Greet with 'Vanakkam' and use the right hand for eating or giving/receiving items; avoid public displays of affection and be polite with elders.
Always ask permission before photographing people—some temple rituals or interiors may prohibit cameras.
Safety
Tipping in Tanjore
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: round up restaurant bills or leave 5–10% in more formal places; tip auto-rickshaw drivers small amounts or round up fares; tip guides and drivers INR 100–500 depending on service and duration.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used—carry small notes for markets and temples. UPI and mobile wallets are common in shops and restaurants; credit/debit cards accepted at medium-to-large hotels and outlets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, daytime temperatures commonly 33–40°C (91–104°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Intermittent rain and thunderstorms; humidity remains high. Some rural roads can be muddy—carry a light rain jacket and plan conservatively for outdoor trips.
One of the wetter periods for Tamil Nadu but often pleasant in Tanjore; temperatures moderate and evenings are cooler—good time for sightseeing and photography.
Most pleasant time to visit with mild days (20–28°C / 68–82°F) and comfortable mornings—ideal for walking, temple visits and outdoor activities.
Tanjore at Night
Hiking in Tanjore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Not a strenuous hike but pleasant riverside walks and shoreline exploration near the historic dam—ideal for sunrise/sunset photography.
About 60–75 km away: a small hill with ancient Jain cave paintings and a short climb—combines heritage with a light walk.
Around 55–70 km by road: urban climb with panoramic views over Trichy; doable as a half-day outing from Tanjore.
Airports
How to reach Tanjore by plane.
Main airport serving Thanjavur region, about 55–65 km (1.5–2 hours by road) with domestic and some international flights; taxis and buses connect to Tanjore.
Major international hub about 300+ km away (5–7 hours by car or a domestic flight to Trichy then drive); useful if connecting from abroad with more flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population—many families are engaged in agriculture, temple service, arts and crafts.
Skilled caste and community groups known for Tanjore painting, bronze casting, zari work and musical traditions.
Established communities with mosques and churches contributing to the cultural mix and local commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Tamil Nadu—played in streets, schools and clubs; local matches draw community interest.
Traditional contact sport popular at the grassroots level with community tournaments and school competitions.
Silambam (stick-fighting) and other traditional arts are practiced and demonstrated occasionally as cultural performances.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tanjore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available and varied—many temples and local eateries serve pure vegetarian meals; inform staff about preferences for dairy.
Vegan options exist but can require specifying no ghee, curd or buttermilk; stick to plain rice, vegetable curries, rasam and chutneys after checking ingredients.
Rice-based dishes make it easier to avoid gluten; avoid wheat-based items like certain sweets and breads—ask about batter ingredients for dosas if highly sensitive.
Carry clear notes about severe allergies (nuts, seafood) in Tamil/English; small eateries may not have full ingredient lists.