Tanjore or Thanjavur, 55km east of Trichy is the home of Chola bronze sculptures, rated to be the finest bronze sculptures in the world. Most heritage tourists, who want a glimpse of these Chola bronze sculptures, hit the heritage trail of Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram aand Swamimalai. During the period of Rajaraja I (985-1012 A.D), a grand number of ninety temples were built in the northern part of Thanjavur. As great patrons of art, the Cholas, later the Nayaks and marathas, Thanjavur flourished as a cultural rich town of artisans, sculturers, musicians, Bharathanatayam dancers, literary poets and scholars.