Best Tourist Places in Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu, India

Best Tourist Places in Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu, India

Tiruchirapalli also known as Trichy is a popular city and the district headquarters of Tiruchirapalli District in the India state of Tamilnadu located about 326 kms southwest of state capital Chennai. Tiruchirapalli physically sited at 10°48′18″ N latitude and 78°41′08″ E longitude and is positioned at an altitude of 88 meters. The Pin Code of Tiruchirapalli is 620001.

Tiruchirapalli covers an area of 146 sq. km. and shares its borders with Salem district in the north, Karur district towards West, Sivaganga district to the south, Madurai district on the southwest and Thanjavur District on the east.

Because of the larger manufactures of commercial equipments Tiruchirapalli is popularly termed as ‘The Power Tools Fabrication Capital of India’. Also Tiruchirapalli is home to several top industries include Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli, Golden Rock Railway Workshop and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. Bharathidasan University and Anna University of Technology are the prime universities of Tiruchirapalli.

Etymology and History of Tiruchirapalli:

Tiruchirapalli was earlier known as Trishirapuram gets its name from the combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Trishira’ means ‘three heads’ and ‘Puram’ means ‘town’. Another theory states that the name Tiruchirapalli derives from ‘Chiruta-palli’ means ‘little town’.

Cholas Dynasty ruled Tiruchirapalli during the 14^th century, followed by Cholas, several dynasties ruled Tiruchirapalli including the Delhi Sultans, Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore Dynasty, French and the British East India Company.

Food, Culture and Shopping in Tiruchirapalli:

Tiruchirapalli is locally called as Tiruchiite. Tiruchirapalli is a temple town houses numerous famous temples like Vayalur Murugan Temple, Vekkaliamman Temple and Kulumandi Amman Temple. The natives celebrate Aadi Perukku, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Tamil New Year and Pongal with great enthusiasm.

Carnatic music is very famous in Tiruchirapalli. Also the locals have the knowledge about textile weaving, leather-work and gem cutting. The wooden idols of Hindu gods and goddesses are available at affordable cost in the local shops and during the fairs.

Food at Tiruchirapalli is similar to other regions of Tamilnadu and the nearby states. Idiyappam, uthappam, paal paniyaram are the popular vegetarian dishes and Chicken Biryani, Chicken Kabab and mutton curry are the special non vegetarian dishes in Tiruchirapalli.

How to reach Tiruchirapalli?

Tiruchirapalli is well connected with two important cities of the state Chennai and Coimbatore through National Highway 45 and National Highway 67. There are frequent buses to main cities accessible from Tiruchirapalli City Bus Stand.

Tiruchirapalli is served by Tiruchirapalli International Airport with flights to South-East Asia and the Middle East countries situated 5 km away from the heart of the city. Tiruchirapalli Town Railway Station is placed just few kms away from the city.

Places to see in Tiruchirapalli:

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the major attraction of Tiruchirapalli spread over an area of 156 acres. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Elaborated gateway, 21 Gopurams and a corridor with 1000 pillars are the interesting facts of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The tower of the temple heights 196 feet.

Rock Fort:

Rock Fort is a prime magnetism of Tiruchirapalli and is believed that this fort is more than 2000 years older. The fort is home to a temple of Lord Ganapathi named as Uchipillaiyar Koil. The temple has idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh. The water tank near temple is also a must see.

St. John’s Church:

St John’s Church is an ancient historical church constructed by British in 1812. It is well known for its stunning architecture and is at near proximity with another top attraction, St. Joseph’s Church.

Murugan Temple & Sanctuary:

Murugan Temple and Sanctuary are located about 30 km from the heart of Tiruchirapalli. This temple is devoted to Lord Muruga and the statues of Kashyapa and Narad Muni are well designed. There are plenty of peacocks seen near Murugan Temple.

Other top tourist attractions in Tiruchirapalli are: