The joy of renting a car is that you can go where you want, when you want. Make full use of your newfound freedom by experiencing all that there is to do in Kumbakonam. It’s just 19 miles away. Brahma Temple, Sarangapani Temple and Sani Bhagawan Temple alone make the drive out worth it. The locals will also probably point you in the direction of Thanjavur, 40 miles away. If you only have time for one thing here, let it be Thanjur Brihadishwara Temple. (But we’d also recommend Maratha Palace and Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery.)