Also referred to as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyr, the Brihadisvara temple located in Thanjavur is a monument and a place of worship of historic importance. The design of the main temple is not vague but intricate. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is in a city that is known to house temples of significance in Tamil Nadu. Built by Raja Raja Chola I of the Chola dynasty, the temple has been standing for over a thousand years and represents an architectural style that is called Dravidian. Just the piece of structure on the top of the temple weighs 80 tons and the entire temple is said to have been built using over 60 tons of granite. Tamil Nadu a beautiful destination to explore our past cultural heritage with all the amenities of the present.

Location: Thanjavur

Known for: Its gigantic structure, intricate design and architectural significance and for being over a centuries old

How to Reach: Tiruchirappalli is the closest airport to Thanjavur and takes about 3 hours by road from the airport. There are both buses and cabs that you can take from Tiruchirappalli and will cost you approximately Rs. 150 per person by bus and approximately Rs. 3000 for a cab ride.

Cost: NA

Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Any Precautions: As much as it might stand for architecture and design, it is a place of worship. Dress conservatively. The place is really hot during summers. So remember that you have to walk barefoot all through the temple premises. So time your visit around the early mornings or evenings when it is manageable to walk. Carry adequate water and maintain silence. Do not write on the temple walls as they have inscriptions that are over 1000 years old. Wear light yet conservatively.

Type: Temple