The Big Temple and Beyond: Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Thanjavur 

Welcome to Thanjavur! Where kings once ruled, artists still thrive, and temples touch the sky. From the jaw-dropping Brihadeeswarar Temple to the charm and colour of Tanjore paintings, Thanjavur is a full-blown cultural experience. And guess what? You don’t have to go far to soak it all in. GReaT Trails River View Resort Thanjavur by GRT Hotels is your comfy, breezy launchpad, just a short drive away from all the historic hotspots.
So grab your camera (and maybe a filter or two) because we’re about to show you the must-visit tourist attractions in Thanjavur that make this place a dream for every history and culture lover out there.

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur’s Crown Jewel

Step into the past—no time machine needed, at the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, lovingly called Thanjai Periya Kovil or The Big Temple. This Chola-era wonder, only around a 15-minute drive from the resort, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterclass in ancient engineering. Built entirely out of granite, it rises with a 66-metre-tall vimana topped by an 80-tonne kalash. And guess what? They got it up there without cranes, pulleys, or even a YouTube tutorial. Honestly, even Google would be like, “I’m not sure, try asking someone else”. So, if you’re ready to be humbled by history and maybe feel a little lazy in comparison, this temple's the place.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace's Thrones & Manuscripts

Continuing the theme of epic grandeur, get ready to walk through history’s VIP lounge—the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Originally built by the Thanjavur Nayaks and then given a royal makeover by the Marathas, it’s a living time capsule of architecture and legacy. Around 14 minutes from the resort, it is a quick drive, rich enough to steal a whole afternoon. Inside, don’t miss the Rajaraja Chola Art Gallery. It’s packed with stunning bronze idols that practically whisper ancient secrets and strike some seriously photogenic poses.
The palace has a sibling that's just as iconic—the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Hidden inside the same complex, this is one of Asia’s oldest libraries—basically Hogwarts for history lovers. From palm-leaf manuscripts to ancient maps, it's a treasure chest of old-school cool.

Royal Palace Museum: Come Face-to-Face with a Giant

If ‘Night at the Museum’ had a South Indian spin-off, the Royal Palace Museum would be the star, and instead of a T-Rex, we’ve got a 28-metre whale skeleton stealing the spotlight. Once the seat of the Maratha rulers, this palace-turned-museum is one of those must-visit places in Thanjavur, packed with royal artefacts, bronze idols, and murals that still pop with colour. Whether you're here for the art, the grandeur, or just to say “I saw a whale indoors”, it’s one more reason to linger a little longer at the Maratha Palace complex.

Rajali Birds Park & Rajarajan Mani Mandapam: Aviary to Archives

Time to flip the script on sightseeing in Tanjore with a visit to Rajali Birds Park—a chirpy little wonderland that’s sure to put a smile on every face in the family. About a 15-minute drive from the resort, this walk-in aviary is like stepping into a Disney film. Here, Macaws pose like influencers, cockatoos gossip in bird-speak, love birds flutter like they’re in a rom-com, and the fluffy rabbits wait for a snack straight from your hand.
Once you’ve high-fived a parrot and bribed a rabbit with a snack, it is time to channel your inner history buff with a quick trip to Rajarajan Mani Mandapam & Museum—just around 4 minutes from the park. This grand memorial was built to celebrate Raja Raja Chola’s 1,000th birthday anniversary—because when you're that iconic, you don’t just get a cake, you get a monument. Step into the museum and you’ll find artefacts, sculptures, and stories that bring the Chola empire to life. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget your phone—these artefacts have been turning heads since a time when 'likes' came in the form of royal nods.

Airavatesvara Temple: Where Temples Hum

Around a 36-minute drive from the resort, Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO-listed wonder from the Great Living Chola Temples, is where history, art, and rhythm come together to create a scene straight out of a timeless epic. It may be smaller than its grand siblings, but it holds a secret: a seven-step granite staircase that sings—each step tuned to one of the seven swaras of Carnatic music. A visit here isn’t just sightseeing; it’s like walking into a beautifully scored chapter of South Indian history.

Vijayanagar Fort & Shiva Ganga Garden: Ruins to Rides

We all have two types of people in our lives: the history-and-heritage lovers, and the crowd who cannot get enough of the present. Vijayanagar Fort is for the former—ancient walls, royal tales, and vintage vibes. Shiva Ganga Garden? That’s for the latter—breezy lawns, a cable car, and laid-back fun. Together, they’re the perfect two-in-one combo, just around a 13-minute drive from the resort. It’s where both personalities meet halfway for the best kind of sightseeing in Tanjore—a little old-world charm, a little fresh-air fun.

Navagraha Temples near Kumbakonam: Celestial Tour

Hop in for a cosmic road trip to the Navagraha temples near Kumbakonam! This nine-stop celestial tour is dedicated to the nine planetary deities, each with its own cosmic swagger. The star of the show is Suryanar Kovil (or Suryanar Temple), dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya, located near the charming town of Aduthurai. What’s cool? This temple is the only one in Tamil Nadu to have shrines for all nine planetary deities! And around 14 km from the resort, you’ll find Chandra Navagrahastalam at Thingaloor, dedicated to the Moon God, Chandra. A perfect start for your planetary pilgrimage before you explore the other temples around Kumbakonam, all within a 60 km radius!

Gangaikonda Cholapuram: One Last Marvel

Already seen Brihadeeswarar and Airavatesvara? Gangaikonda Cholapuram completes the set—and what a finish it is. Around 70 km from the resort, the drive takes you through lush paddy fields, little tea kadais, and sleepy Tamil villages where time seems to slow down. Grab some piping-hot vadai on the way, play your favourite road trip playlist, and make a proper day of it. Quieter than its siblings, but just as majestic, it’s one of those tourist attractions in Thanjavur that feels like a discovery, even if it’s been around for centuries.

After a day of chasing whales and kings, you’ll need a solid reset, and GReaT Trails River View Resort, Thanjavur totally gets the assignment. Wake up to swaying paddy fields, fresh air that smells better than any room spray, and temple bells doing the job of your alarm. Our rooms are spacious enough to do a little happy dance in, and our food? Let’s just say, if you love South Indian flavours, you’re in for a serious treat. The best part? You’re just a short drive away from the ‘Big Temple’ and all the other must-visit places in Thanjavur—plus, there’s always a sweet offer or two to make your stay even better.
Bringing the kids? Planning a couple’s escape? Or maybe it’s just you, your camera, and a curious heart. Either way, we’ve got you. And, if your pet’s giving you that “please take me too” look? Bring them along! We’ve got pet care services, a pet menu (yes, really), and even a park for them to run wild. So come by, slow down, and stay a while—it’s where Thanjavur comes to life.