¤ About Trichy
Located
in the central part of Tamil Nadu, Trichi also known as Tiruchirappalli is
one of the important places to visit in the state. Situated on the banks of
the river Cauvery, Trichi is also an important base point to visit some of
the most important religious and historical destinations of the state.
Trichi is characterised by many temples, churches and a large number of
scenic spots. You can also have a look at an 83 m high rock fort regarded as
one of the oldest in the world (approximately 3,800 years old) and many
other exquisite sculptures in and around the city. Trichi also has a sound
history of many years and the city is also called the citadel of the
Pandyas, Cholas and the Nayakas. All these make Trichi a must visit
destination in the state of loving and hospitable people. Trichi has a
number of sites within the close proximity of the city, that you can visit.
Most of the sites here hold great historical importance. Rock Fort Temple,
an enchanting temple unique in its own way makes a must visit site of
Trichi. Moreover, the Tiruvanaikkaval temple which is famous for its Siva
lingam and the seven gopurams are the other pilgrimage sites to visit in
Trichi.
Tiruchi itself has a long history dating back to the
centuries before the Christian era when it was a Chola citadel. During the
first millennium AD, it changed hands between the Pallavas and Pandyas many
times before being taken by the Cholas in the 10th century AD. When the
Chola Empire finally declined, Tiruchi passed into the hands of the
Vijayanagar kings of Hampi and remained with them until their defeat, in
1565 AD by the forces of the Deccan Sultans. The city and its fort, as they
stand today, were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of the main
centers around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th
century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of Trichy» Viralimalai Sanctuary - Viralimalai
is a small town situated at a distance of 30-km from Tiruchirappalli and
40-km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock
sanctuary. The town is bestowed with a large number of wild peacocks, which
roam around the Murugan temple.
» Sittanavasal -
Located at a distance of 58-km from Trichy is Sittanavasal, a site of an
ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in a rock cave. Many of
them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely
detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a
pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscriptions dating back to the
9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can be seen on
the ceiling of the Ardhamandapam. There are many pre-historic burial sites
around Sittanavasal and among the relics unearthed are burial urns, cists
and Kurangupatarai.
» Government Museum -Situated
at Thirukokarnam, the museum is located near the Pudukkottai station, at a
distance of 40 km from Trichy. The rare collections in the sections of
Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy,Historical Records,
etc., are very interesting. The museum is open on all days except Mondays.
»
Kudumianmalai - Kudumianmalai temple is located at a distance of
25-km from Trichy. The presiding deity is Lord Sikhagireeswara. There are
beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall within the temple.
¤
ShoppingTrichy is famous for its cigars and cheroots. Amongst
handicraft are brassware, handloom textiles, pith models of temples and Rock
Fort, wood and clay toys, jewellery, ornamental carved brass and copper
plates inlaid with silver (Tanjore plates), brassware, silks, carpets and
musical instruments.
¤ Cigars, Handloom Saris, Pith models
etc. are available at the Big Bazaar street. Following are some of the
popular places to shop in Trichy:
¤ Khadi Kraft, opposite Railway
Station, Junction Road (open on all days except government holidays)
Poompuhar Sales Emporium, near Main Guard Gate
¤ Ramjee & Co.,
Andal Street, Near Fort (for Veena, Violin and other musical instruments)
¤ Saraswati Stores, Alimal Street
¤ Kannan & Co.,
Big Bazaar Street (for Indian musical records).
¤
AccomodationAccommodation is available at the luxurious, middle
class and small budgeted hotels, lodges, and the railway retiring rooms in
Trichy. The TTDC offers a wide range of hotels, motels and youth hostels for
a comfortable stay. Besides, there are a number of unclassified hotels and
lodges available.
Trichy
