Introduction

Tiruchirapalli, commonly known as "Tiruchi" or "Trichy" is Tamil Nadu"s 4th largest city after Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore. It is situated in the centre of the state, on the banks of the Kaveri River. The most famous landmark of Trichy is the "Rock Fort Temple" which is balanced on a huge rocky out crop. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Trichy city includes Srirangam, a Vaishnavite temple and the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world.

Etymology of Trichy

There are several theories as the origin of the city`s name. Tiruchirapalli is probably named after the three-headed demon Trishira (or "Chira"), who performed penance at the Shiva temple in the city and obtained favours. The city was therefore named after the demon. Another theory says that since there are three peaks in the area, which are occupied by Shiva, Parvati and Vinayaka, the name "Tri-Shikharam" or "Tirisirapuram" arose.

History of Trichy

Trichy was originally a Chola fortress and later, during 1st millennium AD, it was occupied by other south Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas and Pandyas. The Cholas invaded Tiruchirapalli during the 10th Century. The capital of the Early Cholas was near Urayur, the Old Trichy which boasts over 2,500 years of known history and tradition. Later, after the fall of the Chola Empire, it came under the direct control of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty who paid honour to the Vijayanagar Empire. The Rock Fort Temple was a mark of the Nayaks. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli, and back, several times. Trichy was an important town in the days of the later Cholas and of the Nayak kings, and during the early days of the British East India Company. The conquest of Tiruchirapalli by the British East India Company manifested a major step in the British conquest of India.

Historical Edifices at Trichy

Trichy is home to Nagaraj Cholan and many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Karikala Cholan built the oldest manmade dam - "Kallanai", across the Kaveri River about 10 miles from Urayur. There are several beautifully carved cave temples of the Pallava period in Trichy. On the eastern side lies the "Sri Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple", with Lord Ganesha as the main deity. Trichy is famous for its Christian churches and is said to have the greatest number of chapels in India. The most famous are "Holy Redeemer`s Church", "Lourdes Church" and "The Cathedral". Trichy also is famous for one of the oldest "Arcot Nawab Masjid".

Geography of Trichy

The topology of Trichy is almost flat and it lies at an altitude of 78 m above sea level. The Kaveri River and the Coleroon River flows across the city, the latter forms the northern boundary of the city. The river Kaveri flows along west to southeast direction through the city. The soil here is considered to be very fertile and the northern part of the city is greener than other areas of the city. Trichy has a moderate and pleasant climate, with humidity slightly above normal. The city experiences mild winters and humid summers and the timing of the monsoon in this part of the country has recently become unpredictable, with the rainy season commencing from mid-October until early-November and the rains then extending until early or mid-January.

Demography of Trichy

The city`s population is mainly Hindu, and there are sizable Christian and Muslim populations. Tamil is the official language. Other language spoken here is English. The city has a multi-cultural society with a considerable presence of Tamil, English, Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam-speaking population.

Cuisine of Trichy

Trichy cuisine is predominantly South Indian with rice as the main-dish. The city prefers a fairly mild flavour and lunch is usually served in many restaurants on a banana leaf. North Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines are also available. Other types of dishes like "Jalebi", "Mysore Pak" (a sweet made from lentil flour and ghee), "Idly", "Dosa", "Halwa" (a sweet made of milk, wheat, and rice), "Parantha" and "Biryani" are also available in restaurants.

Festivals at Trichy

Besides Pongal, the "Thamizhar Thirunaal", Ugadi, Holi and Onam festivals are celebrated by their respective communities retaining their cultural roots.

Economy of Trichy<

Trichy is a major Engineering hub and Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India. Some major industrial houses are located in Trichy are Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Ordnance Factory, Golden Rock Locomotive Workshop, and Dalmia Cements. Trichy also has exclusive Rotary Air-preheater manufacturer namely GEECO. Trichy is declared to be first with 70% in India, in boiler & windmill manufacturing and fabrication. Agro-based industries are also present around Trichy city, especially along Coimbatore road and Chennai. Manachanallur is famous for its numerous rice mills supplying polished rice all over Tamil Nadu and outside is located about 7 km from Main Guard gate.

Education at Trichy

Trichy is an excellent base for education. Tiruchirapalli has schools and colleges that are hundreds of years old. Notable educational institutions of Trichy include the National Institute of Technology, Bharathi Dasan Institute of Management, Anna University Trichy, Bharathi Dasan University and the Government Law College. St. Joseph`s College is another important institution in Trichy.

Health Organizations at Trichy

Trichy is also a well known hub for health organizations. Apart from the Government hospital, several multi-facility hospitals function in the city. Various NGOs and clubs in the city heavily assist the polio eradication programme. Trichy also has many Siddha, Unani, Ayurveda and homeopathic clinics. Fast pace of economic development with the increase in the health awareness have led to the growth of the healthcare industry in the city.

Temples in Trichy

Trichy was originally known as Tiruchirapalli, named after the three-headed Asura Tirusiras. According to Puranas he obtained a boon after worshipping Lord Shiva here. The rock is said to have been flown down from Kailash following an altercation between Adi Sesha and Vayu. Hence Trichy is also revered as Dakshina Kailash.

Padal Petra Sthalams: River Cauvery which flows through Trichy and Thanjavur districts, has on its banks as many as 274 Shiva temples along its course. Famous Shaivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar, popularly known as Naalvar, had visited these temples and sung in praise of the Lords. Of these, 160 shrines, including Trichy, Kumbakonam, Thirunageswaram, Thiruvalanchuzhi and others on the southern bank are noteworthy. On the northern bank, 63 Shiva temples have this special significance attached. These include Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruvaiyaru, Chidambaram, Sirkali, Vaitheeswarancoil and others.

Thayumanavar Temple: This ancient rock cut Shiva temple is visited by thousands round the year. The Lord is popularly known as Thayumanavar. According to a legend He disguised Himself as mother to help a poor woman at the time of her delivery.

Rock Fort Temple: The temple on top of this rock enshrines Sri Vinayaka, popularly known as Uchi Pillayar. The temple commands a panoramic view of the entire city below and river Cauvery. Before climbing the hill, pilgrims pay obeisance to Manicka Vinayagar at the foot of the hill.

A local legend connects Uchi Pillayar with the famous Srirangam Temple. When Vibhishana was carrying the Ranga Vimanam to Lanka, Vinayaka intervened in the guise of a Brahmachari boy and placed the Vimanam on the ground which got rooted. Vibhishana got angry and chased the boy. He ran to the summit and transformed himself as Lord Vinayaka.

Tourism in Tiruchirapalli or Trichy

Temples, mosques, historical buildings on one hand and the beauty of the nature with a tint of riverside splendour on the flip side of it defines the South Indian beauty of nature and human magnificence-- Tiruchirapalli. Tourism in Tiruchirapalli or Trichy has got a name because of its scattered natural beauty. Due to the immense industrial growth, the city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys. Tiruchirapalli is located 320 km from away Chennai and lies on the banks of the Kaveri River; it is the fourth largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Tiruchirapalli : The pilgrimage tourism in Tiruchirapalli starts with visiting the most famed Vaishnavite temple, Shirangam. This temple is said to be one of the biggest and most popular temples in India. There is also a temple which is equally famous and is considered to be one of the five main abodes of Lord Shiva, Shivite temple. But the most important construction in Trichy is the oldest man made dam named Kallanai that was built by Karaikala Chola across the river Kaveri. Apart from that, the Rock Fort and Pallavas temples are some other attractions in Tiruchirapalli. Among the other temples, there is Rock Fort Temple which 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. A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built in the Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is located in Udayarpalayam Taluk of Perambalur district, at a distance of 100-km from Trichy. The history depicts that Rajendra I, a Chola ruler established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital city.

Some other well known temples that are regarded as the grandeur of the city include Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple, The Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, the Mathrubutheswarar etc. There are more temples at Vayalur (8 km) and Viralimalai (30 km), a circular temple at Narthamalai (37 km) and an old church built by Constantine Beschi in Elakurichi. Moreover, as the city is the centre of various religious establishments, some churches, mosques, Jain monasteries etc are located in different places of the city. Among the few other religious buildings the name of Gangaikondam Cholapuram can be named as this is built by a Chola king after he conquered states in Gangetic plains. It has a lion head well, a dancing Ganesh and a panel with the king being crowned by Shiva and Parvati and Prasanna Venkateswara temple. There are 10th century temples at Kodumbulur (42 km) and an ancient Jain monastery with a pre historic burial ground and rock-cut caves with frescoes at Sitanavassal (58 km). Some of the most visited churches of this place are located at Elakurichi, a place famous for the ancient church built by the famous Catholic Missionary, Constantine Joseph Beschi, popularly known as "Veeramamunivar", at Avur which is famous for an old church constructed by Father John Venantius Bouchet. St. John`s Church with surrounding cemetery and one of the famous Dargahs of India is Natharvali where all the three religions Hindu, Muslim and Christian assemble to pay their homage and warm respects to Baba Natharvali during Kanduri festival.

Nature Tourism in Tiruchirapalli : The tourism in Tiruchirapalli involves enjoying the nature tours which are exclusively different from the other parts of the country. It provides a soothing effect on mind and body and the tourists feel can a celestial urge in the lap of the nature. One of the most visited places is Viralimalai Sanctuary which is famous for a large number of wild peacocks, Puliancholai waterfall in the foothills of the Kolli hills etc. Not only the magnificent creations of the ancient eras have a great impact on the mind of the tourists, but the natural scenic beauty also had a good influence on tourists. The Eastern Ghats range has a pleasant climate and many parts of the hills are heavily wooded and create a pristine beauty of nature. Even Kollam pond, is a large water-body located in Crawford that lies along the Trichy-Madurai Railway line. The pond is home to different types of bird varieties including ducks and Kingfisher.

Leisure Tourism in Tiruchirapalli : Tourism in Tiruchirapalli is incomplete without the leisure tourism in the city. To enjoy leisure tourism, the tourists visit to some places that are highly acclaimed for their technological supremacy and the marvelous concept of creativity. The most famous attractions of this place are the Grand Anicut, a 2nd century dam across the Cauvery.

Shopping in Tiruchirapalli : Tiruchirapalli is reckoned as the paradise of a shopper`s paradise. Some items are well admired in the city and are found in abundance in the city. Some famous items of this city that are of tourist`s interest include cheroots, cigars, handicrafts, brassware, jewelry and carpets. Trichy is famous for variety of fresh and colorful flowers too. Traditional handicrafts of Tamil Nadu, woodcrafts and items created by weaving display a rich tradition of the city. Baskets, mats made out of bamboo, cane, grasses, reeds and fibers make good shopping. There are some Government run emporia and private shops which are the most favored shopping destinations of the tourists. Apart from the shops, some places like Big Bazaar Road and Chinnar Bazaar are good places where shopping can be a pleasure. Colorful assortment of artifacts and bustling streets are something that will catch the fancy of the visitors.

Visiting Information on Tiruchrapalli : Tiruchrapalli has a comfortable connective transportation with the airlines, railways and roads. So in all the three ways one can reach Tiruchirapalli without much difficulty.

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

By Rail: Tiruchrapalli is an important junction on the Southern Railway so 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. As the bus transportation along with availabilities of taxis, autos and other local vehicles, the main city of Tiruchirapalli is well connected with other cities.

Along with a swift and smooth journey to Tiruchirapalli, the city also provides luxurious, middle class and small budgeted accommodations. Decorated in contemporary fashion, the hotels of Tiruchirapalli provide excellent room service with the best services of telephone, bathroom, air conditioning and cable television. Most of the hotels of Trichy offer standard rooms, double rooms, executive rooms, deluxe villa and presidential suites for the accommodation of its guests. Besides, there are a number of lodges available. Many hotels in Trichy also have in-house restaurants, coffee shop, BBQ facilities and bar. A common feature of a majority of the Tiruchirapalli hotels is the travel desk. Tourists willing to tour in Trichy can contact the travel desk of the hotels that are known to offer guided tours to the adjoining areas.

Tourism in Tiruchirapalli is supposed to be one of the most enjoyable travels for those who want to make a visit to a place of historical importance that has the evidences of religious unity along with some of the superb arts on the temples and mosques created. In addition to that the tour allows the travellers to indulge in the natural beauty of the vicinity.

Visiting Places in Trichy

Trichy is one of the beautiful places of Tamil Nadu. Some of the visiting places of Trichy are given here.

Rock Fort of Trichy : This fort is an important landmark of Trichy. It is an 83 metre (237 ft.) high rock that is the only projection in the otherwise flat land of the city. This is probably the oldest rock in the world as old as the rocks of Greenland. The Himalayas are quite young rocks compared to its age.

One can see many fascinating temples with brilliant architecture in it. Some of them are the Thayumanavar temple, a Siva shrine in the middle and a Ganesa temple at the top called `Uchipillaiar Koil`. There are two Pallava cave temples, one on the way to the Pillaiar Koil and the other in the northwest end of the street around the hill. Here, the presiding deity is the Thayumanava Swami temple, which is a projection of the rock itself. There are total 437 steps cut into a tunnel through the rock, which lead to the deity. In this temple, there is a 100-pillared wall and a vimanam covered with gold. The Pallava king Mahendra Varman built this cave temple in the 6th century A.D. There is a beautiful carving of Gangadhara inside the temple. One can see the whole city from the Uchipillaiar Koil.

Nadirshah Mosque of Trichy : This mosque is situated to the west of the city. This mosque contains the remains of Nawabs Mohammed Ali and the headless body of Chanda Sahib who were the principal cause for the Carnatic Wars. Lots of devotees belonging to all faiths visit here being attracted by the tomb of saint Babbayya Nadir Shah.

Srirangam temple : The term `Rangam` means island and Srirangam is the island between Cauvery and Kollidam. Sri Ranganatha is lying here on his Adi Sesha (snake) couch. Seven large enclosures and 21 majestic gopurams surround the main sanctum of Sri Ranganatha here. Ranga Vilasam and Seshagiri Royal Mandapam are situated on the south of the temple with marvellous sculptural splendour. The main deity is preserved within the first Corridor. The vimanam shaped like Omkara is plated with gold. As per the legends, it is said that the temple existed buried under the sand. But, again as per other evidences, the Chola King Dharmavarman constructed this temple.

Vaikunda Ekadasi festival is very famous in this temple. At that time, the Paramapada Vasal (Paradise Gate) is opened and lakhs of pilgrims rush to enter it as it is believed that one who enters here will reach Vaikunta after death.

Thiruvanaikkaval temple : This is a Siva temple and is in the same island of Trichy on the other side of the railway line. This is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam (five elements) and it is called Appu (water) Lingam. Here, the water element is represented. The deity is in water. The lingam here is surrounded by a perennial subterranean spring.

This temple has a peculiar practice as per which the priest wears a woman`s dress while performing the midday puja. The presence of Eka-Pada-Tirumurthi in which the trinity Siva, Vishnu and Brahma are combined in one is another peculiar feature of this temple.

There are five enclosures in this temple of Trichy and the walls reach a height of 35 ft. There are also numerous sculptures of rare beauty, which can be seen everywhere in the temple. There is a figure of a nomadic gypsy with her palm-leaves woven basket in the temple. It is near the sanctum of Sri Sankara.

Samayapuram Mari Amman Koil : This is a very well known temple near Thiruvanaikkaval. It is said that the grace of Mari Amman turned an illiterate fool into a poet here. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day.

Vayalur : Vayalur is situated 8 kms from Trichy. There is a famous Murugan temple here amidst bushy green fields. Sri Kripananda Variar, the famous devotee of Lord Muruga built the gopuram of this temple.

Mukkombu : It is a very beautiful spot, suitable for picnic. It is about 18 kms from Trichy. The route is filled with green-carpeted fields. The river Cauvery branches off into Kollidam (Coleroon) in this part of Trichy. A beautifully organised park can also be seen here. A barrage also exists here, which is called Upper Anaicut.

Thiru Erumbur : It is situated 10 kms from Trichy. It is famous for an ant (erumbu), who worshipped Lord Siva and got bliss. There are 3 prakaras or enclosures, one down the hill and the other two up the hill in this temple. This is a Chola period temple. The beautiful sculpture of Gangalamurthi is a very attractive structure here.

Thiruvellarai : It is about 15 kms from Trichy. This place is famous for its Pallava cave temple and a strange swastika well belonging to the period of Dantivarman.

Pullamangai :  This place is situated near Trichy and is famous for an early Chola temple built by Parantaka I. This temple has beautiful sculptures. Brahmapuriswara is the presiding deity of Pullamangai. The Chola sculptures of this temple have various contain those of the ganas or demons that worship Siva. These are carved with minute details, expressive faces, pot-bellied in fantastic poses. These structures can be seen mainly on the roof of the Ardha Mandapam. The attractive sculptures found here include that of Brahma, Lingodhbhava, Dancing Siva and eight-armed Durga.

Elakurichi : Here, one can see the famous church built by the well-known. Catholic missionary, Constantine Joseph Beschi, popularly known as Veeramamunivar. He has done yeoman service to Tamil. The first modern Tamil dictionary called `Chathur Agarathi` was compiled by him.

Besides, there are several other churches, colleges and missions of 1760`s here. Trichy has excellent infrastructural facilities. Hence, it can be a convenient place to see east-central Tamilnadu.