Brihadeeswara Temple
A masterpiece of Chola architecture, this granite temple features a 66-meter vimana tower crowned by an 80-ton capstone. Built by Raja Raja Chola I, it demonstrates extraordinary engineering.
Advertisement
✨ Historical Significance
Why Brihadeeswara Temple Matters
Ranked #2 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage, one of the Great Living Chola Temples, Dravidian architectural pinnacle.
Built
1010
Location
India
Advertisement
📅 Plan Your Visit to Brihadeeswara Temple
Best Season
Winter (Oct–Mar)
Recommended months: October to March
Temperature
Average: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 2–4 hours
Entry Fee
$2–$10 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Dress modestly. Some Hindu temples may restrict non-Hindu entry to certain areas.
Getting There
Located in Thanjavur, India. Reach Thanjavur by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Thanjavur center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
Advertisement
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Brihadeeswara Temple
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Hindi, English. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: October to March. E-visa available for most nationalities.
Advertisement
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Brihadeeswara Temple
Everything you need to know before visiting Brihadeeswara Temple.
1Where is Brihadeeswara Temple located?
▼
Brihadeeswara Temple is located in Thanjavur, India. It is ranked #2 in our Top 100 World Temples list.
2When was Brihadeeswara Temple built?
▼
Brihadeeswara Temple was built in 1010. UNESCO World Heritage, one of the Great Living Chola Temples, Dravidian architectural pinnacle.
3What is the best time to visit Brihadeeswara Temple?
▼
The best time to visit Brihadeeswara Temple in India is during October to March. This is the Winter (Oct–Mar) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Brihadeeswara Temple?
▼
Entry fees for Brihadeeswara Temple are approximately $2–$10 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Brihadeeswara Temple?
▼
Plan to spend 2–4 hours at Brihadeeswara Temple. As one of the top-ranked sites in the world, there is plenty to see and explore.
6What should I wear when visiting Brihadeeswara Temple?
▼
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Dress modestly. Some Hindu temples may restrict non-Hindu entry to certain areas.
7How do I get to Brihadeeswara Temple?
▼
Located in Thanjavur, India. Reach Thanjavur by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Thanjavur center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
8Do I need a visa to visit India?
▼
E-visa available for most nationalities. The local currency is Indian Rupee (INR). India is in the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Advertisement
🗺️ Explore More Sites
← Previous in ranking
#1 Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Next in ranking →
#3 Prambanan
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
📍 More in Thanjavur
🏳️ More in India
🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore) (temples #42)
- •Thanjavur Periya Kovil (temples #77)
- •Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai
- •Kailasa Temple (Ellora) in Aurangabad
- •Konark Sun Temple in Konark
Advertisement