Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

The Royal Palace and Art Gallery of Tanjavur enchants with its impeccable cascading architecture and numerous historical relics. Seven different sections present artifacts that demonstrate the lush lifestyle of various royal families. See the impressive Durbar Hall - a multi-column hall, painted in bright natural colors and exquisitely decorated from top to bottom. Visit the Saraswati Library, which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts about Indian plants and animals, world atlases, medieval books and much more. You can also admire the intriguing sculptures of Chola made of bronze and stone, but the real highlight is near the tower: a massive whale skeleton.