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Tiruchirapalli

Temple at TiruchirapalliTiruchirappalli or Trichy is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery.It is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu and is named in the memory of a fight Lord Shiva had with a three-headed demon named Trisiras. It is a flourishing commercial center, well-known for its culture and tourism importance. Trichy is also famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.

This city was earlier ruled by the Cholas and later by the Pallavas. Trichy is a perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernity established around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city is also home to many great Tamil scholars who have contributed significantly to the Tamil literature.

Major Tourist Attractions In Trichy

Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is an important commercial and tourism destination. Here one can find plenty of attractions, that lures innumerable tourists to this city. Some of the important tourist destinations include, the Rock Fort Temple, a complex in Tiruchirappalli which comprises of three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill.

Another attraction is Viralimalai, a small town situated about 30 km from Tiruchirappalli. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock sanctuary. About 58 km from Trichy is Sittanavasal, a famous site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in a rock cave. Kudumianmalai temple is located at a distance of 25 km from Trichy.

There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall within the temple. The Sri Ranganathaswami temple at Srirangam is the largest in India. It is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Trichy and is the dwelling of the Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple, situated 2 km east of Srirangam, is a beautiful Shiva temple, a fine example of excellent architectural design.

Excursions

There are quite a good number of excursions destinations nearby Trichy. These destinations have many attractive places to visit. Some of these destinations are the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) situated around 24 kms away from. It is an irrigation dam built across the Cauvery by Karikal Cholan in the second century AD and was strengthened by the British. Mukkombu (Upper Anicut) another enchanting destination is situated about 18 kms from Trichy. The River Kollidam divides itself from the Cauvery here.

At Mukkombu, another picnic spot with lush greenery and a park is found. Vayaloor located almost 8 kms away from Trichy is the venue of Lord Muruga Temple, set amidst lush green vegetation. Samayapuram is situated about 20 kms. away and is known for Goddess Mariamman. Puliancholai, is situated about 72 kms away from Trichy and is an exotic picnic spot located in the foothills of the Kolli hills.

Kodumbalur situated about 42 kms from Trichy, is also known as Moovarkoil. There are three shrines of Moovarkoil, out of which only two exist now. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajhasamharamurthi, Ardhanariswara, Gangadaramurthi, etc. are masterpieces of art. Another nearby destination is the Muchukundeswarar temple built in the early Chola period.

Festivals

Tamil Nadu is a place where culture and traditions have flourished. Trichy is no exception, where some exciting festivals are celebrated like Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Garuda Sevai, Flower Festival and Car Festival at Srirangam, during the months of December and January. Float Festival at Rock Fort is celebrated during the months of March - April. At Samayapuram Mariamman Temple another important festival called Poochorithal festival is celebrated.

Reach Tirchirapalli

By Air : Trichy has an airport about 5 kms from the city. Indian Airlines connects Trichy with Chennai, Sharjah, Kuwait and Colombo.

By Rail : Trichy is an important junction on the Southern Railway. It connects Chennai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Madurai, Tirupathi, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, Quilon and Rameswaram on the metre gauge and Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, Kanyakumari and Mangalore.

By Road : Trichy is well connected by road with important places within the state and with the rest of the country.

Local Transport : At Trichy the city bus service is available, that provides services to all places of tourist interest from Central Bus Stand and from Chinthamani - Mani Guard Gate Bus Stand. Tourist Taxis, Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws are also available.