Tiruchirapalli is the fourth largest city of Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at the center of the State. Trichy city is the corporation and administrative head quarter of Tiruchirapalli district. The name of Tiruchirapalli originated as a tribute to a Jain monk called `Chira`. There is also belief that the city was named after a three-headed demon `Trishira`, who performed penance at the Shiva temple here obtained boons.

History
Uraiyur, was a part of the present day Tiruchirapalli, was the capital city of Cholas from 300 BC onwards. After that it is ruled by various dynasties including Pallavas, Hoysulas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Rulers, Mughal, Nayakas and French before coming in the hands of Britishers.Till Indian independence Tiruchirapalli was ruled by Britishers.

Geography
Tiruchirapalli is located at 10 to 11-30`N latitude and 77-45` to 78-50`E altitude. Total area of elevation is 279 ft. The maximum temperature of Tiruchirapalli is 32°C and minimum is 20.6°C. The annual rainfall of the city is 746.8mm.

Economy
There are so many Industrial houses in Tiruchirapalli. BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited) is one of the major industries of India situated in this city. This industry is among the Navratna Industries of India. Numbers of small-scale industries are emerged mostly in the areas of Thuvakudi and Mathur. Now the city is advanced with number of software companies, which is producing a large number of employments for its people.

Government
Mayor is the head of the Tiruchirapalli Municipal Corporation. Who maintains all the day-to-day activities of the Tiruchirapalli Corporation.

Transport
By Air: Trichy has an international airport about seven-kilometer from the city.

By Rail: Trichy is the hub of Southern railway operation to connect this central part of TamilNadu to various parts of India.Trichy railway junction has five branches leading to Madurai, Rameswaram, Erode, Tanjore and Chennai.

By Road: Trichy is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu, by private and government bus services.

Demographics
As per 2001 Census, Tiruchirapalli had a population of 2,418,366. Males constitute 50% and the females constitute 50% of the total population. 10% of the population is under six year of age. The district has an average literacy rate of 79.16%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy rate is 85% and female literacy rate is 80%.

Culture
Tamil is the main spoken language in Tiruchirapalli.
Festivals of Tiruchirapalli
Jallikattu is an important festival celebrated during the Pongal time. It is mere bull catching celebration in Suriyur Manama and in few villages around Trichy. Stick fights function named as Saliambattam is also celebrated during this festival. All these functions are considered as a symbol of prestige and a symbol to show themselves as a jack of all traders.

Samayapuram mariyamman Festival- Samayapuram mariyamman is given prime importance because she is believed as the Goddess of poor people. This festival is celebrated through out the year with three main festivals named as Poothorithal, Pancha Prakaram, and Brahmotsava.

Poothorithal is the festival celebrated in Chittirai month at which large volumes of flowers from all over the places in and around Trichy showered for all the 24 hours a day.

Brahmotsava is celebrated in the month of April. During this festival devotees from different country performs prayer and give their offerings as a reciprocation of the things they earn with love and grace of goddess mariamman. A Float and a Chariot festival also celebrated during this Brahmotsava. And the other main festivals are Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Garuda Sevai, Flower festival and Float festival.

Visiting places of Tiruchirapalli: -

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple: - This temple is just seven kilometer away from Trichy.Lord Ranganath Swami is another form of Lord Vishnu. This is one of the largest temple of India.

Rock Fort Temple- The Rock Fort Temple is the collection of three temples. The Manikka Vinayakar temple, the UchhiPillayarKoyil and the Taayumaanavar Koyil temple.

Tiruvanaikkaval: - It is also called Jambukeswara temple, where Lord Shiva is worshiped. The temple is named after an elephant, which is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water.

Viralimalai Sanctuary: - Viralimalai is a small town located about 30 kilometer from Tiruchirapalli. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock Park.

Gangaikondan Cholapuram: - Gangaikondan Cholapuram is at a distance of 100 km from Trichy. Rajendra I, a Chola ruler established this place as his capital city and built a beautiful temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

St. John`s Church: - This church was built in the year 1812. It is an excellent setting of marvelous architecture.

Natharvali: - This is one of the famous Dargahs of India. In Kanduri festival, all the three religions Hindu, Muslim and Christian assemble to pay their homage and warm respects to Baba Natharvali.

Kallani: - Kallani is one of the greatest engineering marvels of India. The Grand Anaicut built by Karikalan Chola in the second century A.D. to harness the waters of the Cauvery river. The dam is made of stone and 329m long and 20 m wide and till now it is very strong. This is also a picnic place now days.

Mukkombu: - Mukkombu is a beautiful excursion centre, just 18 kilometer from Tiruchirapalli.

Museum: - Museum is located in Rani Mangammal Mahal, Trichy. The museum is opened all the weekdays except Friday.

Education
Tiruchirapalli is also considered as an Educational town. It has schools and colleges of hundred years old. The prominent educational institutions of Tiruchirapalli are Bharathidasan University, the National Institution of Technology, Trichy RSK Higher Secondary School, Champion Anglo Indian Higher Secondary High School, The Government Law College, and K.A.P.V Govt. Medical College, Trichy.