Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)

Tiruchirapalli, more commonly referred to as Trichy, lies 320 km to the south of Chennai, on the banks of the Cauvery. Trichy itself, has a long history, going back to the centuries before the Christian era, when it was a Chola citadel. The Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over the region for short periods. In the 12th century, Cholas were subverted by the Vijayanagar kings of Hampi, who proudly withstood the invading Muslims. Less than fifty years later, the Nayaks of Madurai came to power, constructed the Rock Fort, and firmly established Trichy as the trading city.

Tiruchirappalli now called Trichy is situated on the banks of the Cauvery river. Trichy, the fourth largest city in the state was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. The struggle for power between the Pallavas and Pandyas continued till 10th centuryas the Cholas asserted and assumed the reigns until the deadline of the century.

When this empire collapsed in 1565, Trichy came to be under the rule of the Nayaks of Madurai, the Marathas, the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. But it was under the Nayaks of Madurai that Trichy prospered in its own right and grew to be the city that it is today. The city is a fine blend of the traditions and modern and is built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort there are several churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. With excellent infrastructure facilities Trichy is a good base to see east-central TamilNadu.

 Trichy Places To See

Rock Fort

The view from the fort is spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in rock. Half way up is the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva. It has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period. Tiruvanaikkaval (7 kms.) The temple here has a Siva lingam almost submerged in water, which flows from a subterranean spring in the sanctum sanctorum. The Lord's name Jambukeswarar is derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped Him under the holy Jambu tree.

Srirangam

The most important pilgrim center in the district is located in an island just 5kms from Trichy. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its tributary Kollidam on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganatha Temple.
There are not less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. The 72m high 13-tiered Rajagopuram was built in 1987 and dominates the landscape for miles around, while the remaining 21 gopurams were built between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple

Situated 2kms east of Srirangam, this beautiful Siva temple steals the show from the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its excellent architectural design. 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.

Gangaikondancholapuram (100kms)

The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikondancholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola King Rajendra -I after his victory over the kingdoms in the region of the river Ganges. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesa, a lion-headed well and a stunning piece depicting Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati.

 Trichy Excursion

Grand Anicut(Kallanai) :

(24 kms.) An irrigation dam built across the Cauvery by Karikal Cholan in the second Century AD and strengthened by the British.

 

 

Mukkombu(Upper Anicut) (18 kms.) :

The River Kollidam branches off from the Cauvery here. This is another picnic spot with lush greenery and a park.

Vayaloor(8 kms.) :

Lord Muruga Temple here set amidst lush green vegetation.

Samayapuram(20 kms.) :

Known for Goddess Mariamman.

Viralimalai(30 kms.) :

 The temple of Lord Subramanya is situated on a hillock. There is also a peacock sanctuary.

Sittanavasal(58 kms.) :

 The site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in a rock cave. It is also noted for its pre-historic burial grounds.

Puliancholai(72 kms):

 This is a beautiful picnic spot in the foothills of the Kolli hills.

Kodumbalur(42 kms) :

Also known as Moovarkoil. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil, only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century AD. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajhasamharamurthi, Ardhanariswara, Gangadaramurthi, etc. are masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.

How To Reach Trichy,Tiruchirapalli

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.