Thanjavur is known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It was the capital of Cholas. With rich cultural heraitage, Thanjavur is full of temples most important is the Big Temple or Periya Kovil in tamil. The deity is Sri Brahadeeswar. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola, in the year A.D 1010. The height of the temple tower or vimanam is 216 ft height.
The huge Nandhi statue at he entrance of the temple is carved out of single stone.
Manora: This eight storied tower known as 'tholla kaadhu mandapam' locally was built by Maratha King Serforji in the 1814.
SARASWATHI MAHAL LIBRARY: Sarasvati Mahal Library is one of the few medieval Libraries that exist in the world.The Encyclopaedia Brittanica mention this as "the most remarkable library in India. " Started as a Royal Palace Library during the Nayak Kingdom over Thanjavar (1535-1673 A. D.). later developed by Marata Kings. There are nearly 47,000 manuscripts in palm leaves. A small museum is situated in the library to y displaying various rare artifacts.Rare manuscripts, books, beautifully decorated Thanjavur style of paintings in paper, wood, glass and canvass, illustrated manuscripts like Gaja Sastra, Asva Sastra, Mythological paintings, Botonical specimen paintings, Military costumes, Ramˆyana in miniature paintings, Rare maps, sketches and prints are displayed in this museum.
Thanjavur Maratha palace: originally constructed by the Nayaks, later it became the residence of Maratha Kings.
Bangaru Kamakshi: Bangaru Kamakshi Temple is one of the popular religious sites in Thanjavur.The idol of Bangaru Kamakshi is made of pure gold. Bangaru means god in Telugu