About Thanjavur
Thanjavur (Tanjore) is a UNESCO-heritage spin where the 11th-12th-century Brihadeeswara Temple stands tall alongside the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Maratha palace and rich cultural traditions of veena, painting and metal-work. A perfect origin for one-way taxi rides to Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Trichy and Karaikudi.
Railway stations: Thanjavur Junction (TJ)
Best time to visit: Nov–Feb (cooler, great for heritage sightseeing); weekends busy with pilgrims.