Tanjore or Thanjavur is a city of great prominence in terms of art, religion, and architecture. The cradle of the Tanjore style of paintings, the city is one of the most visited ones in Tamil Nadu It has many monuments, and the Brihadishwara Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, is the most spectacular. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace gives a great insight into the cultural history. Other major tourist drawing places include the Gangaikonda Cholapuram, The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library, and Swami Malai Temple.
