Thanjavur (Tanjore) is famous for Tanjore Silk, Tanjore Painting and obiviously The Big Temple (Brihadeshwara Temple).
This temple is 1000 year old and architecture wise quite different from other South Indian Temples.
Temples in south generally having Big Gopuram (Gates) and small Vimanam(Temple Tower). But this temple is having so big tower that you can see that from 4-5 kms away.
Temple tower is tallest in south india and made of Granite.
This temple is of Shiva and Lingam is huge 18 ft in length and 25 ft in circumference. People say because of lingam, king was forced to built this big temple.
The Nandi facing the lingam is also second biggest in India after Nandi in Lepakshi.
Temple architechture is maintained by Govt of India and no Camera charges.
There are many more small temples within the complex out of which Parvati Temple and Murugan Temple is important one.
Reaching Tanjore is quite easy , it is just 56 kms away from Trichy (Tiruchurapalli). My suggestion hire a cab for a day in Trichy , go around Trichy in morning and same day evening
cover Tanjor.
Beside temple you can visit Tanjore Palace which is just 2 kms away from the temple site.
Inside Temple there is Durbar Hall, Sangeetha Mahal , Saraswati Mahal, Church etc.
After visiting Palace and Temple you can go for shopping mainly silk and paintings.
Night stay is not required you can return back to Trichy.
Trichy is big city and hotel accomodation is quite good.
Temple timing in evening is 3.30 to 9.30 and Palace timing morning 9.30 to 6.30.