The Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur is one of the most splendid example of Chola architecture. It was built in 1010 by the Chola emperor Raja Raja.
It is one of the few monuments in South India with World Heritage listing ( it is part of 'The Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO site, which also includes the temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, both of the latter are much less famous and seldom visited by tourists) and is therefore well-known and well-kept, unlike some of the other less famous monuments in South India.
Locally known as the 'Great Temple', it is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style of architecture and displays some truly exquisite carvings and frescoes. The temple is best seen in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun bathes the sandstone walls in a glowing orange colour.
The temple stands within a fort and is surrounded by pleasant well-tended grounds where it is easy to spend a while just gazing at the hundreds of magnificent stucco figures that adorn the walls. Some of these figures have some coulour left and are truly exquisite.