Tour of Brihadeeswara Temple, Royal Palace and Saraswati Library in Thanjavur

• Admission fees • Two bottles of mineral water for each person • Guide who speaks English and is familiar with the local area • Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle • Pickup and drop-off at the hotel

• Meals and beverages, unless noted otherwise • Tips (optional)

• Infants must be seated on an adult’s lap. • Not advisable for individuals with spinal injuries. • Not suitable for those who are pregnant. • Not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular issues. • Participants should possess at least a moderate level of physical fitness. • Adult fares apply to all participants. • Confirmation will be sent within 48 hours of your reservation. • Children under 15 must be with an adult. • A fair amount of walking is required. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are strongly suggested. • Attire restrictions at the temple include no shorts or sleeveless tops. Knees and shoulders must be covered for all visitors. • At the time of booking, provide the name and gender as it appears on the passport, along with the passport number, expiration date, and country of issue. Please bring the passport on the day of the tour. • Temple hours are from 06:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, while palace visiting hours are from 09:30 to 16:30.

To receive a full refund, cancellation must occur at least 24 hours prior to the designated departure time.

Pickup is provided from your accommodation in Thanjavur.

• Pickup will be from a designated location or hotel to begin sightseeing. The Chola dynasty established a significant monarchy in the 9th century AD in Thanjavur and its surrounding areas. Their reign lasted over four and a half centuries, marked by notable accomplishments in military dominance, effective governance, cultural integration, and the advancement of the arts. The Great Living Chola Temples, constructed by the rulers of the Chola Empire—which covered all of South India and nearby islands—include three prominent temples from the 11th and 12th centuries: the Brihadeswara Temple in Thanjavur, the Brihadeswara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram. The Thanjavur temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exemplifies the exquisite Chola architectural style. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and features intricate wall sculptures as well as beautifully painted frescoes. • The museum is housed within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, which served as the official residence for the Bhonsle dynasty from 1674 to 1855. It showcases various artifacts including paintings, manuscripts, and statues from the local temples, with impressive stone sculptures from the Pandya, Chola, Nayaka, and Pallava eras being notable highlights. • The library is among the few remaining medieval libraries in the world and serves as a unique cultural resource and a vast treasury of knowledge compiled by the successive dynasties of the Nayaks and Marathas of Thanjavur. It holds rare and valuable collections of manuscripts, books, maps, and artworks covering various aspects of Art, Culture, and Literature. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes it as "the most remarkable Library in India" in its global survey of libraries. At the conclusion of the tour, transportation will return you to the designated pickup point or your hotel.