Thanjavur

Thanjavur is an old Chola capital and home to the 10th-century Brihadeshwara Temple that is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple has a huge gopuram (pyramidal gateway) that rises 63 meters high above the landscape, as well as fortified walls, a moat and a dome that was cut out of a single piece of granite. The dome weights some 81,000 kilograms. During the time of the temple's construction, a 6 km long ramp was built out of earth, to haul the dome into place. The carvings on the temple were inspired by Saivites, Vaishnavaites and Buddhism and there are also some interesting frescoes. A large Nandi (Siva's bull) stands in the courtyard.

In the Old Town of Thanjavur is an interesting art gallery. It is housed in the labyrinthine palace and has an exhibition of ancient statues.

There are several hotels and restaurants in town. Thanjavur is 1950 km south of Delhi. More Chola temples can be found in the towns around Thanjavur. Thirukandiyur is 10 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvaiyaru 13 km, Kumbakonam 40 km and Tiruvarur 55 km.