Thanjavur is famous for the Brahadishwara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century. The Brahadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple is one of India’s most spectacular temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are several historical sites in the region including the Vijayanagara Fort, containing a palace that was expanded by the Maratha King Serfoji II with an armoury, a bell tower and the Saraswathi Mahal Library which has over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper. Also built by Serfoji II is the Manora Fort, a monumental tower, situated about 65 km away from Thanjavur.