Rich in historical past that witnessed various kingdoms ruling Tiruchirappalli including those of the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Delhi sultanate, Vijayanagar and Nayaks of Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, known as Trichy in popular parlance, is a famous city of India and brims with several historical and cultural delights to savour. Located on the banks of the banks of the Cauvery river, the city is also known for the great temple of Srirangam, situated in an island just 5 km from the city. Today Trichy is also an embodiment of modern aspirations. A favourite excursion from Trichy is a 58 km drive to the temple town of Thanjavur, known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswarar Temple, the crowing jewel of Chola architecture.
The most famous of the attractions of Trichy is the hill fort on an 83m high rock. One has to take about 450 steps to reach the top of the fort which houses the shrine of Ucchi Pillayar Koil, dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. From the temple one can have a panoramic view of Trichy.
The Thayumanaswami temple or Mathrubutheswarar, the rock's biggest shrine, consists of a 100-pillar hall and a tower covered with gold. You can also find a beautifully carved rock-cut cave temple built by the Pallavas dating back to the sixth century AD
One of the greatest Vaishnavite shrines, the Srirangam temple or the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. One of the ancient shrines of the world, the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple finds mentions in glowing terms in the scared texts of the Alvars, the twelve Tamil Vaishnavite hymnodists. Located in the island of Srirangam, created by the Cauvery river, the shrine is four km north of Tricby spread on an area of 156 acres of land. Srirangam
The most famous Shiva temple in Trichy, the Tiruvanaikkaval temple, also known as Jambukeswarar shrine, is an ancient temple dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era. It is located in Srirangam adjacent to Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Arulmigu Saptharisheeswara Temple, Arulmigu Vekkalaimman Temple, Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple and Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman Temple are the famous temples in and around Trichy,
Located is in the middle of the Trichy city, the St. Lourdes Church was built in 1812. It is known for wonderful architecture. St. Joseph’s Church and St. John’s Church are other popular churches in and around Trichy.
Located some 18 km from Trichy, Mukkombu is the place where the River Kollidam branches off from the Cauvery and makes a beautiful picnic spot for its stunning scenic beauty.
An irrigation dam built across the Cauvery river by the great Chola ruler of the Sangam age Karikala Chola in the second Century AD and renovated by the British, the Kallani Dam or The Grand Anaicut is the oldest dam in the world. It is 24 km from Trichy.
58 km from Tiruchirappalli, Sittanavasal is the site of an ancient Jain monastery with its fine cave paintings.
In the foothills of the Kolli hills Puliancholai is known for its scenic falls and is 72 km from Trichy.
100 km from Trichy is located Gangaikondancholapuram where the Brahadeeswarar temple, built by Rajendra Chola (1012-1044 AD), the son of the great Chola king Raja Raja, is a major attraction. Named after Rajendra Chola, also called Gangaikondachola, Gangaikondancholapuram must be visited for exploring the Dravadian art and architecture which reached their pinnacle during the Chola rule.
Most of the hotels in Tiruchirappalli are located in close proximity to the Central Bus Station, which can be reached by taking a short stroll from Trichy Junction railway station.