Trichy Tour

Tiruchirappalli, better known by its shortened form Trichy, is a heady jumble of magnificent fort-temples, vibrant bazaars, British churches and Cheroot cigars. This ancient bastion of the Cholas was taken over by the Pallavas, captured by the Mughals, retrieved by the Vijaynagar Empire and then lead to prosperity & fame by the Nayaks of Madurai. Later, Trichy was ruled by the Marathas &the French before being colonized by the British.

Major Attractions of Trichy

Rock Fort Temple
Perched high on a massive rocky outcrop, believed to be one of the oldest rock formations in the world, the spectacular Rock Fort Temple lords the skyline of Trichy. Though the Pallavas & Pandyas carved small shrines on the south side of the rock, it was the calculating Nayaks who exploited this naturally blessed site for tactical use. Very little remains of the fort but it?s three temples- Manikka Vinayakar Temple at the foothill, Thayumanaswamy Temple midway, and Uchchi Pillaiyar Koil at the top. The panoramic views from the top are simply incredible.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, this Vishnu temple was built by Azhwar saints between the 6th and the 9th century. Extending over an area of around 156 acres, this Dravidian styled temple boasts of 7 layers of enclosures with walls & Gopurams at each level. The highest Gopuram, Rajagopuram, is 73m and has 13 storied.

Jambukeshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this stunning Dravidian temple was built by the Chola kings in 2nd century AD. Its exquisite stone carvings, depicting tales from Indian mythology, are a fine specimen of craftsmanship of that era.

Erumbeeswarar Temple
Roosting on an 18m high hill, this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built during the reign of the Cholas. The temple has a low two-tiered Gopuram and is built in a fort-like fashion. The temple was used for fortification by the French during Carnatic wars.

Kallanai Dam
This ancient dam, built by the Chola kings in 2nd century AD, is one of the oldest dams in the world. Surrounded by tranquil greens, the area serves as a popular picnic spot.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Built on the lines of its namesake in France, this Gallo-Catholic styled Church was constructed in 1840 AD. Neo-Gothic spires, beautiful murals, a garlanded statue of Virgin Mary and, a Church bell at the height of 90m are the major features of this imposing structure.

Other Attractions

• Vayalur Murugan Temple
• Puliancholai Falls
• Art Museum
• Kandal Cross Shrine
• Chayavaneashwara Temple
• St. John?s Church

Fairs and Festivals in Trichy

• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Paradise Festival) ? Temple festival at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Temple Chariot Festival, Trichy.

Shopping in Trichy
Trichy?s markets are loaded with artificial diamonds, metal ware, wooden artifacts, paintings, pottery and stone carved objects. One thing to be bought for sure is Trichy?s cigar known as Cheroot.

Best Time to Visit
Trichy is best visited in winter months from October to March.

How to Reach
By Air- Tiruchirappalli International Airport connects Trichy to major cities in Indian and some select destinations in South-east Asia.
By Rail- Tiruchchirappalli Junction connects the city with the rest of the country by a network of direct & express trains.
By Road- A well-developed network of roads and highways connect Trichy with the major cities in the region.

This bustling city takes you through impressive temples & churches that mark its place in the sands of time. A mishmash of various Deccan dynasties and the French & British colonial influence; Trichy Tour is indeed a walk through many cultures & traditions.