Thanjavur & Trichy: great Chola temples: 3-day itinerary

3 daysBest time: Oct–MarHeritagePilgrimage

Day 1

7:30 AMBrihadisvara TempleUNESCO site; come back at dusk when the stone glows Map
10:30 AMThanjavur Maratha PalaceRoyal halls, a bell tower and an art gallery Map
12:00 PMSaraswathi Mahal LibraryOld library of palm-leaf manuscripts in the palace Map
4:00 PMSchwartz Church18th-century church beside the Sivaganga park Map

Day 2

8:30 AMAiravatesvara Temple, DarasuramFinely carved Chola temple, also a UNESCO site Map
10:30 AMAdi Kumbeswarar TempleKumbakonam's best-known temple Map
3:00 PMGangaikonda Cholapuram TempleRajendra Chola's grand temple amid quiet lawns Map

Day 3

8:00 AMKallanai DamAncient stone dam across the Kaveri Map
9:30 AMRanganathaswamy Temple, SrirangamHuge temple town with seven walls; allow three hours Map
2:30 PMJambukeswarar TempleShiva temple linked to water, close to Srirangam Map
4:30 PMRockfortClimb the rock-cut steps for a sunset over the city Map

What a 3-day trip to Thanjavur costs

Budget: about ₹2,800–₹6,000 per person
Mid-range: about ₹7,000–₹14,800 per person
Comfort: about ₹16,300–₹32,300 per person

A rough estimate for 2 adults sharing a room: stay, food, local travel and entry tickets, from typical price ranges (not live prices). Getting to Thanjavur is not included.

Use this plan

Pick your dates in Turkart. It adds the train booking reminders, permits, checklist and group expenses for you.

Start with this plan

Timings are suggestions. Check opening days, permits and road conditions before you travel.