Tamil Nadu Tourism - Trichy

Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is located at the head of the fertile Kaveri Delta. This city is named after the fierce three headed demon Tirusira, who attained salvation after being slain by Lord Shiva. The history of thiscity is interwoven with the political fortunes of the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayakas and finally the British. Today, it is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and also one of the major industrial and trade centres of south India.

Festivals of Trichy is unique in their conception and stand out among the rest of the Indian festivals such as Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Garuda Seva, Flower Festival and the Car Festival. Though it is an industrial city, tradition, culture and religion flows through the veins of the city. It is a flourishing commercial center, well-known for its culture and tourism importance. Trichy is famous for its cheroots, brassware, jewellery, Tanjore plates, silks, carpets, musical instruments, artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.









¤ Tourist Attractions of Trichy

* Gunaseelam Vishnu Temple
Gunaseelam Vishnu temple is located in the banks of Cauvery in Trichy-Salem route around 15 km from Trichirappalli. Gunaseelam Vishnu Temple is one of the oldest and important vaishnav temples in south India. Gunaseelam is considered as south Tirupathi and people give their offering that they used to offer to Lord Balaji at Tirupathi. People consider Gunaseelam as a place with sanity and have the power to cure physical and mental illness. Due to this belief, mentally ill people are taken to Gunaseelam temple and kept there until they become normal. Gunaseelam is located in the midst of beautiful coconut groves and green paddy fields

* Kallanai Dam
Kallanai Dam is one of the oldest irrigation dams in the world built around 2000 years ago. It was built across the river Cauvery by the Chola King, Karikal Valavan. The main purpose of building Kallanai was to divert the Cauvery water for irrigation in the Tanjavur delta. Kallanai has a strong foundation and solid structure. Due to its stubbornness it is still in excellent condition and is used as a major irrigation dam in Tamilnadu. Kallanai has become model for many modern day dam constructions due to its strong engineering characters. Due to its engineering marvelous Sir Arthu Cotton studied this dam extensively before constructing the Kollidam Dam across the river Coloron a tributary of Cauvery.

* Mukkombu
Mukkombu is a beautiful picnic spot located in the outskirts of Trichirappalli in a distance of 18 km from the city. Mukkombu has various tourist attractions such as amusement park, children’s garden, sports facilities, fishing facilities, etc. Thousands of people come here with their family members on week ends to celebrate their holidays. The upper dam constructed across the river of Cauvery and Kolladam is an added attraction. Boating and fishing is conducted in the upper uncut. We can reach the other bank of Cauvery by crossing the dam. With its cool atmosphere and green surroundings Mukkombu serves as a perfect picnic destination for thousands of people in the neighboring districts.

* Jambukeswara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Jambukeshwara temple is situated 2 kms east of Srirangam and 10 kms from Tiruchirapalli. The temple is named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water.

* Ranganatha Temple (Srirangam)
Srirangam is a small town located 9 kms North of Tiruchirapalli city and is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is one of the largest temple complexes ofTamil Nadu comprising an area of 148 acres. The Ranganatha temple complex as it exists today has evolved over a period of four centuries. The temple originally constructed in 10th century has undergone extensive reconstructions during the period of Nayaka rulers. The temple complex is dominated by 21 gopuras with walls defining its seven enclosures. The most magnificent part is the spacious Thousand-Columned Mandapa, where images of Ranganatha and his consort are worshiped during festivals.

* Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes
At the base of the Rock Fort is the Teppakulam Tank surrounded by vegetable and flower markets. To the west of this tank lies the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Built in 1812, this church has carved doors and glass windows. The marvelous architecture makes it one of the worth visiting sites in Tiruchirapalli.

* Puliyancholai Falls
Puliyancholai is one of the beautiful natural spots located in the foothills of Kollimalai about 72 km from Tiruchirapalli. Puliyancholai is fully surrounded by verdant greeneries and tamarind groves. Due to its cool climate and its natural stream Puliyancholai draws tourists through out the year. A stream flows across the forest where lots of medicinal herbs grow. Due to this the stream contains medicinal qualities and serves as a natural spa. People from the neighboring districts visit Puliyancholai especially to take bath in the stream water. Akaya Gangai is a beautiful fall located in the Kollimalai hills. People assemble here on the18th day of Tamil month of Aadi to pray the water god. It is advisable to swim here.

* Rock Fort Ganapathi Temple
This temple is 83m height and this is the oldest rock in the world dating around 3.800 million years. This makes it earlier than the Himalayas. The rise of it is a thrill and is an actual attraction with the temple at the pinnacle. 344 steps lead to the peak of the temple. This fort was significant as it contributed the British Empire to lay its foundations in India. The Uchipillaiyar Koil is at the peak of the rock and is completely dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. A tank is sited at the rock fort foot. During the float festivals this tank is flocked by people. Robert Clive lived adjacent to the tank. The rock fort is believed to be 2 billion years old and materials such as quartz and feldspar used in manufacturing glass and ceramic are found in this formation of the rock.

* Samayapuram Amman Temple
This temple is located 20kms north of Trichy town. The goddess Maariamman is believed to be the goddess of power. This temple is filled by devotees on Sundays, Fridays and Tuesdays. The Mavilakku Mavu is the common offering. This is made of Jagery, rice flour, dal and ghee. Mariamman is worshipped as it is allied with health and prosperity. A strong belief is that this deity cures small pox as well as chicken pox. This temple has individual shrines for processional images of Mariamman and moolavar. The Annual festivals such as Thai Poosam are a very special occasion when devotees throng the temple.

* Sri Rangam Ranga Nathar Temple
This is the districts significant pilgrim centre. Srirangam is encircled by the Cauveri River and by Kollidam, a tributary on both the sides. This temple dates back to the 14th century and numerous rulers have contributed in the temple construction such as Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Hoysalas. The southern side gopuram is the largest measuring 73m and was completed in 1987. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The entire place is fascinating with bazaars. You have to fetch a ticket to have a panoramic view of the entire temple. Festivals such as Vaikunda Ekadasi fall in the middle of December and is celebrated with grandeur. There is a temple museum having many historic valuables.

* St Joseph's Church
St. Joesph’s Church is one of the oldest churches in India. This beautiful church is located near Teppakulam in the heart of the town. The famous Maingaurd Gate that witnessed many historical events during the colonial rule is located near by. St. Joesph’s Church was built by Schwartz in 1792 with the support of British garrison officer’s funding. British used St. Joseph’s Church for spreading Christianity. St. Joesph’s college and high school is located within the campus of St. Joesph’s Church. St. Joesph’s college is a world famous educational institution and has produced many distinguished personalities including former Presidents of India R. Venkataraman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

* Thiruvanaikkoil Temple
This is the revered temples of Lord Shiva. It signifies the Panchaboota Stalams namely, wind, water, fire, earth, and space. It is believed that the Akhilandeswari was with great fury originally, and Adi Sankaracharyar transformed it to peace. Lord Vinayaka and Subramanya shrines face Akhilandeswari. This temple was of immense significance to the Chola kings as they constructed it. This is an extensive temple of 18 acres with towering gopurams, ornate mandapams, and 5 prakarams. An Ekapada Trimurthy image signifying the unanimity of Brahma, Vishnu as well as Shiva is in this temple. Annual festivals such as Pankini Bhrammotsavam, Aadi Pooram, and Vasanta Utsavam are great features of this splendid temple.

* Vayalur Murugan Temple
This is a well known and the oldest shrine of Lord Kartikeya built by the Chola rulers. The idols are very striking and beautiful. In this shrine the Natarajar image is spectacular as both his legs touch the ground. The significant feature of this temple is that everything is distinct and carries great mythological significance. This is situated 9 kms from Trichy towards the west. The temple is amidst green fields and hence acquired the name Vayalur With rivulets crossing the fields and coconut palms this temple gives a very peaceful feeling. In this temple Lord Shiva is referred as Agnishwarar. Facing this temple is a pond called Sakthi Tirtham constructed by the Sulayudham of Lord Muruga.

* Vekkaliamman Temple
Tiruchirapalli is often called as temple town as large numbers of temples are located in and round the city. Vekkliamman Temple is an important temple situated at Worriyur, the seat of famous Chola kingdom. This is a unique temple as there is no roof above the presiding deity unlike all other temples. It is believed that Goddess Vekkaliamman has saved the people of Tiruchirappalli from the sand rain and asked the devotees not to build a roof for her temple unless all the people in Trichirappalli get roofs for living. There are poojas conducted on daily basis. During Tuesdays and Fridays special poojas are conducted large number of people attend visit this temple during these days.

* Viralimalai Murugan Temple
This temple is situated in Pudukkottai District at Viralimalai . Lord Muruga is at the top of the hill. He is seated on a peacock associated with Valli and Devasena. This temple is assumed to have been existed prior to 15th century. Six times puja is performed. Cigar is a distinct offering done to this deity during pujas. From the foot of the hill steps are there to reach the temple with many mandapas for rest. A water tank called Saravana Poigai is sited on the southern foot of the hill. On the east is a shrine of goddess Maikannudaiyal and it is a practice to visit this goddess first and then Lord Muruga.