Chennai to Thanjavur by Urbania
The Brihadeeswarar "Big Temple" — a thousand-year-old Chola masterpiece and UNESCO site — anchors a delta circuit of art, bronze and the famous Thanjavur dolls.
A glimpse from our recent trips across this route.
01The Route
Getting there
Via Ulundurpet and Trichy on NH38/NH83 — combine with Kumbakonam's Navagraha temples if you have a third day.
Top highlights
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple)
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library
- Thanjavur Art Gallery bronzes
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Sangeetha Mahal
02Suggested Itinerary
The 2-day plan we recommend
A starting point — swap halts, add temples, extend a day.
Day 1: drive via Trichy (optional Rockfort halt), evening at the illuminated Big Temple
Day 2: morning Big Temple darshan in soft light, palace and art gallery, return to Chennai
Add a day for the Kumbakonam–Darasuram–Gangaikonda Cholapuram triangle to complete all three Great Living Chola Temples.
03Fare Estimate
Chennai to Thanjavur — all five variants
Estimates at minimum billing. Final quote in writing before you pay.
| Urbania variant | Seats | Rate | Billed kms* | Estimated fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Urbania | 12 / 14 / 16 Seater | ₹38/km | 700 km | ₹26,600 |
| Premium Urbania | 12 / 15 Seater | ₹45/km | 700 km | ₹31,500 |
| Luxury Urbania | 9 / 10 Seater | ₹55/km | 700 km | ₹38,500 |
| Luxury Urbania — Massage Seats | 9 / 10 Seater | ₹60/km | 700 km | ₹42,000 |
| Ultra Luxury Urbania | 8 / 9 Seater | ₹65/km | 700 km | ₹45,500 |
*Billed kilometres = actual round-trip distance or 300 km × 2 days, whichever is higher (≈700 km round trip). Driver bata, toll, parking and permits extra at actuals. Final quote shared in writing before booking.
04Nearby Routes