Visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Saraswati Library, Palace And Gallery In Thanjavur

The Cholas established a powerful monarchy in the 9th century AD at Thanjavur and in its surroundings. They enjoyed a long, eventful rule, lasting for four and a half centuries with great achievements in all fields such as military conquest, efficient administration, cultural assimilation and promotion of art. The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: the Brihadeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadeswara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple at Thanjavur is a great example of the rich Chola architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Besides beautiful wall sculptures, the temple also has some exquisitely painted frescoes.

The museum is located within the Thanjavur Royal Palace that was the official residence of the Bhonsle dynasty that ruled over Thanjavur from 1674 to 1855. The museum has preserved various items like paintings, manuscripts and statues from the temples of Thanjavur. The beautiful stone sculptures of the Pandya, Chola, Nayaka and Pallava periods are added attractions at the museum.

It is one among a few medieval libraries existing in the world. It is an unparalleled repository of culture and an inexhaustible treasure house of knowledge built up by successive dynasties of Nayaks and the Marathas of Thanjavur. It contains very rare and valuable collections of manuscripts, books, maps and paintings on all aspects of Art, Culture and Literature. The Encyclopaedia Britannica in its survey of the Libraries of the world mentions this as "the most remarkable Library in India". Once your tour will be finished you will be driven back to fixed point / your hotel.