Tourist City in Trichy

The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River (also Cauvery) in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located at a distance of 320 km from Chennai (previously known as Madras) and 150 km from Madurai (the temple city), this Chola Dynasty citadel, noted for its profound wisdom of the Sangam Age, still wears the age-old glory around it. Today, the city with a blend of glorious past and divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu.

Viralimalai Sanctuary
Viralimalai is a small town situated about 30 km from Tiruchirappalli and 40 km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock sanctuary. The town is blessed with a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple.

Sittanavasal
About 58 km from Trichy is Sittanavasal, a site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in a rock cave. Many of them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can be seen on the ceiling of the Ardhamandapam.

Government Museum
Situated at Thirukokarnam, the museum is located near the Pudukkottai station, at a distance of 40 km from Trichy. The rare collections in the sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical Records, etc., are very interesting.

Kudumianmalai
Kudumianmalai temple is located at a distance of 25 km from Trichy. The presiding deity is Lord Sikhagireeswara. There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall within the temple.

Rock Fort Temple
The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a collection 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. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and is the most noteworthy landmark in Tiruchirappalli that can be reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.

Kodumbalur
Kodumbalur is 36-km from Pudukkottai and 42-km from Tiruchirappalli. Also known as "Moovarkoil", it was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. Boodhi Vikramakesari built these temples in the 10th century AD. The architecture of the temple is outstanding among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanariswara, Gangadaramurthi, etc. are interesting masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.

Sri Ranganathaswami Temple At Srirangam
The temple of Ranganatha, the largest in India, is of particular significance to all Hindus. At a distance of 7 km from Trichy, Srirangam is the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Srirangam is also listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, or temples representing the nine planets of the solar system.

Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple
Situated 2 km east of Srirangam, this beautiful Shiva temple is a fine example of excellent architectural design. The temple is named after the elephant, which is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as Water.

Getting There

Air : The Tiruchirappalli airport is located 5 km from the city. Indian Airlines connects Trichi with Chennai, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Colombo.

Rail : Trichi is an important junction on the Southern Railway. It is connected to all the major cities of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Road : Trichi is also well connected by road with important places in South India.

Location : In the south Indian State of Kerala, on the high ranges of the western ghats.
Tourist Attractions : Viralimalai Sanctuary, Sittanavasal, Government Museum, Kudumianmalai, Rock Fort Temple, Gangaikondan Cholapuram, Kodumbalur, Sri Ranganathaswami Temple At Srirangam, Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple, Avadayar Koil, Gunaseelam, St. John's Church, Elakurichi, Avur
Best Buys : cheroots, cigars, handicrafts, brassware, jewelry and carpets. Trichy is famous for variety of fresh and colourful flowers.
Best Hangouts : Viralimalai Sanctuary
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Dindigul - 93 km, Karur - 69 km, Manapparai - 37 km, Pudukkottai - 50 km, Thanjavur - 48 km
When to Visit : September to May