Wondering what tourist attractions in Thanjavur to visit other than the temples? Here’s the answer.

When most people think of Thanjavur, they immediately picture the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline.

But during my visit, I discovered that Thanjavur is so much more than just its temples. Beyond its rich religious heritage, the city holds a treasure trove of historical landmarks, royal palaces, vibrant art forms, and cultural hubs that often go unnoticed.

From ancient libraries filled with rare manuscripts to serene bird parks teeming with wildlife, Thanjavur has something for every traveler. If you’re looking to explore a different side of this historic city, here are 8 fascinating attractions in Thanjavur that go beyond temples.

Why Visit Thanjavur

Thanjavur, often called the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu,” is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. While it is most famous for its magnificent temples—especially the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple—it offers much more beyond its architectural wonders. A hub of art, literature, and agriculture, Thanjavur is a vibrant destination that reflects Tamil Nadu’s deep-rooted heritage.

The city flourished under the Chola dynasty, which not only built grand temples but also nurtured artists, poets, and scholars. Even today, Thanjavur is synonymous with classical Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam dance, and its signature Thanjavur paintings, known for intricate gold leaf work. The Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest, highlights the city’s literary and intellectual legacy.

Throughout history, Thanjavur was a seat of power for the Cholas, Nayaks, and Marathas, each leaving their mark on its cultural and architectural landscape. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, built in the 17th century, showcases this legacy with its grand Durbar Hall, art galleries, and an imposing arsenal tower. The detailed carvings, frescoes, and royal artifacts offer a glimpse into the city’s regal past.

Beyond its cultural heritage, Thanjavur plays a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s agriculture. Nestled in the fertile Cauvery Delta, the region is known for its vast paddy fields and extensive irrigation networks, making it one of India’s top rice-producing areas. The lush green countryside, dotted with coconut groves and traditional farmhouses, adds to its charm.

The Cauvery River further enhances the region’s scenic beauty, with its banks lined with temples and villages. As the sun sets over the fields, casting a golden glow over temple gopurams, Thanjavur’s landscapes exude a timeless serenity that perfectly complements its historic grandeur.

Tourist Attractions in Thanjavur Other Than Temples

Thanjavur Museum

Visiting the Thanjavur Museum was a fascinating experience, offering a deep dive into the rich heritage of Thanjavur district. Housed in a historic 120-year-old building that once served as the District Collector’s office, the museum beautifully preserves the essence of the region’s cultural and artistic legacy.

The architecture itself, designed in the Saracen style by British architect Robert Chisol, adds to its charm. Opened to the public in January 2023 under the Smart City mission, the museum showcases 10 geo-tagged (GI) artifacts unique to Thanjavur, along with numerous heritage objects. Informational boards detail the district’s specialties, making it an educational experience.

The museum also houses a gift shop from where you can get Thanjavur souvenirs at a reasonable price.

Outside the museum, you will find a toy train which will take you on a ride around the museum premises at Rs. 25 per person. The museum complex also houses a bird’s part withing its complex. Overall, I felt Thanjavur Museum is a great place to spend an evening. We spend some time relaxing on the benches outside the museum late in the evening even after the museum was closed.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time for Thanjavur Museum

The entry fee for an adult at Thanjavur Museum is Rs. 20 and for a child between the age of 5 to 12 is Rs. 10 and free for a child younger than that. You can also purchase a ticket here to watch a 7D show at Rs. 75 per person. You can also purchase a complete audio-guided tour with the 7D show and bird’s park at Rs. 200 per person.

Thanjavur Museum is open to visitors from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Maratha Palace Museum Complex

The top tourist attractions in Thanjavur other than temples are situated in the Maratha Palace Museum Complex.

Walking into the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, or Aranmanai, as known locally, felt like stepping into a bygone era of royalty and history. Though often mistaken as a Maratha-built structure, it was originally constructed by the Thanjavur Nayaks in 1535 and later enhanced by the Marathas after they took control in 1674.

The palace complex is a fascinating mix of grandeur and decay, with its sprawling courtyards, ornate Durbar Hall, and towering Arsenal Tower standing as reminders of its storied past.

One of the highlights for me was the Maharaja Serfoji Memorial Hall, which pays tribute to the scholar-king Serfoji II, and the Royal Palace Museum, which houses exquisite Chola bronzes, weapons, and royal regalia. The Saraswathi Mahal Library, tucked within the complex, is another treasure trove of ancient manuscripts. Climbing the Arsenal Tower, with its steep, narrow staircases designed to thwart enemies, offered a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time for Maratha Palace Museum Complex

The consolidated entry fee for the museums, art galleries, and Sarawati Manah Library in the Maratha Palace Museum complex is Rs. 50 for an adult and Rs. 20 for a child between the age of 5 to 12. There is an additional photography fee of Rs. 50 for the museums and galleries, excluding Saraswati Mahal Library.

The various institutions in the Maratha Palace Museum Complex are open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm with a lunch break at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Tucked within the Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex, the Saraswathi Mahal Library is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom and literary heritage. Dating back to the Nayak period and later enriched by the Marathas, this library is one of the oldest functional manuscript repositories in Asia.

As I stepped inside, the sheer magnitude of its collection left me in awe—over 49,000 palm-leaf manuscripts and rare texts written in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Persian, and Urdu are preserved here. Many of these are handwritten on palm leaves and birch bark, giving a glimpse into the meticulous scholarship of the past.

The library was significantly expanded by Maharaja Serfoji II, a great patron of learning, who also introduced the cataloging system. One of the most fascinating sections was the audio-visual gallery, where rare portraits of Thanjavur’s rulers, along with their contributions to literature and arts, are displayed.

This library isn’t just a historical relic; it continues to be an active center for scholars studying ancient Indian literature, science, and medicine. For any history enthusiast, a visit here feels like unearthing the intellectual brilliance of the past.

Audio Visual Show Timings at Saraswathi Mahal Library

The audio-visual show at Saraswati Mahal Library runs a 20 minutes show on the history and cultural significance of Thanjavur. The show timings are at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Sangeetha Mahal

Stepping into the Sangeetha Mahal, or the Hall of Music, I could almost hear the echoes of the past—where legendary musicians and dancers once performed before the Thanjavur kings. This acoustically designed hall, built during the Nayak rule and later enhanced by the Marathas, showcases the advanced knowledge of sound engineering in ancient India.

Despite its grand dimensions, the hall was structured to ensure that even the softest musical note could reach every corner without losing clarity.

One of the most captivating aspects of Sangeetha Mahal is its resonance properties—it is said that the walls and ceilings were designed to amplify and enhance the sound naturally. The elegant pillars and intricately carved ceilings add to the royal ambiance, transporting visitors back to an era of cultural splendor.

Today, it serves as an exhibition space, but imagining a grand Carnatic performance or a Bharatanatyam recital here is enough to send shivers down the spine. For lovers of classical arts, this hall stands as a symbol of the deep-rooted musical traditions of Thanjavur.

Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery

The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery is an absolute delight for art and history enthusiasts. Located within the Thanjavur Palace complex, this gallery is home to one of the finest collections of Chola bronze sculptures, stone carvings, and ancient artifacts. Walking through its halls, I was mesmerized by the graceful Nataraja statues, exquisite depictions of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and other deities, sculpted with intricate detailing that reflects the artistic brilliance of the Chola era (9th–13th century).

One of the most striking exhibits was the collection of bronze idols, showcasing the famed lost-wax casting technique that Chola artisans mastered centuries ago. The delicate features, expressive postures, and lifelike fluidity in these statues make them some of the most celebrated artworks of South Indian history.

In addition to sculptures, the gallery also houses beautifully carved temple artifacts, paintings, and inscriptions that narrate the grandeur of the Chola dynasty.

For me, visiting this gallery felt like stepping into a sacred space where every artifact tells a story of devotion, artistic mastery, and the enduring legacy of Tamil culture.

Rajali Birds Park

Nestled in the serene landscape of Thanjavur, Rajali Birds Park is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. The name “Rajali” refers to the majestic Indian Grey Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), a bird that frequently visits the region. The park is home to a diverse range of resident and migratory birds, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.

During my visit, I was captivated by the sight of elegant pelicans, vibrant kingfishers, painted storks, herons, and a variety of other wading birds thriving in their natural habitat.

One of the best times to visit is during the winter months, from November to February, when flocks of migratory birds arrive, transforming the park into a bustling avian sanctuary. The park is designed to offer visitors a peaceful retreat with well-laid walking trails, bird observation towers, and shaded seating areas.

Beyond birdwatching, the park also promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts. It serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about the importance of wetland ecosystems and bird conservation. For anyone seeking a tranquil experience amidst nature, Rajali Birds Park is a must-visit gem in Thanjavur.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time for Rajali Birds Park

The enry fee for Rajali Birds Park is Rs. 150.

Rajali Birds Park is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Manimandapam

The Manimandapam in Thanjavur is a magnificent memorial dedicated to Maharaja Serfoji II, one of the greatest Maratha rulers of Thanjavur. Known for his contributions to literature, arts, and education, Serfoji II played a crucial role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. As I approached the memorial, its grand structure and intricate architectural details immediately caught my attention.

Inside, the memorial hall showcases a collection of historical artifacts, rare manuscripts, and paintings that highlight Serfoji II’s patronage of the Saraswathi Mahal Library and his advancements in various fields, including medicine, linguistics, and music. The exhibits also feature the Maratha ruler’s efforts in modernizing Thanjavur through infrastructure projects, water conservation, and educational reforms.

A highlight of the Manimandapam is its bronze statue of Serfoji II, standing in regal splendor, reminding visitors of his lasting legacy. Walking through the hall, I felt a deep appreciation for his visionary leadership and dedication to knowledge. The memorial is not just a tribute to a ruler but a window into the golden era of Thanjavur’s history.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time for Manimandapam

Manimandapam is open from 10:00 am to 8: 00 pm and the entry fee is a nominal Rs. 5 per person. There are some additional charges for specific rides.

Winding Up: Tourist Attractions in Thanjavur Other Than Temples

Thanjavur is a city where history, culture, and art seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable travel experience. While the temples here are undeniably magnificent, my journey through the palaces, museums, and art galleries revealed a whole new perspective of this royal city.

Whether you’re drawn to its Maratha heritage, exquisite paintings, ancient libraries, or natural beauty, Thanjavur offers countless ways to immerse yourself in its rich past. So, the next time you visit, take a step beyond the temple corridors and uncover the lesser-known gems that make Thanjavur truly special.