Visit Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Tanjore is best known for its 1,000-year-old Brihadishwara Temple built by King Rajaraja I and dedicated to the god Shiva. Now a World Heritage Site, its gopurams tower above your approach through its manicured gardens. The architectural achievement is impressive with an 80-tonne granite block capping the 60-metre high inner temple. The Nayak Palace, although rather dishevelled, is also worth investigating for its superb Chola bronze collection and elaborately decorated Durbar Hall.