Tiruchirappalli is a citadel of Tamil history offering a mix of ancient history effortlessly intertwined with the modern day society.

Trichy or Tiruchirappalli is the fourth largest city in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. According to Hindu mythology the three headed demon Trishira did penance and acquired special powers in this city and hence it was named Thiruchiappalli. Trichy even to this date continues to serve as a historical and cultural flag bearer of Tamil Nadu.

A package tour of South India usually features Trichy owing to its historical and cultural significance.

History of Trichy

Trichy is counted as one of the oldest cities in India with the earliest records of human settlement dating back to the 2nd century B.C. The Cholas ruled this city between the 3rd century B.C and the 3rd century A.D.  Uraiyur located on the outskirts of Trichy served as their capital. With the fall of the Chola Empire, Trichy fell into the hands of mighty Pallavas whose reign lasted from 1216 to 1311. Towards the end of their rule they were attacked and defeated by Malik Kafur. His army plundered and looted the city. The idol of Lord Ranganatha in the holy temple of Srirangapatnam was secured from this plunder by covertly moving it out of the city premises. The Vijayanagar Empire and the Madurai Nayaks were successive rulers before the British East India laid claim to this land.

Tourism in Trichy

As is the case with other cities in Tamil Nadu, temples are an integral part of Trichy. The most prominent amongst them is the imposing Rock Fort temple. Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, this rocky outcrop is situated 83m above sealevel. The south side of this cliff is adorned with several beautifully carved cave temples dating back to the Pallava period.

Another temple of historical and religious significance is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatnam. Noted as being the largest temple in the world it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is noted for its architectural splendor comprising of 21 gopurams, 7 rectangular courtyards and some exquisite carvings as well innumerable shrines.

Other noteworthy temples include the Somarasam Pettai Mariyamman Kovil , Iyappan Temple, Samayapuram, Thiruvanaikkaval, Vekkaliyamman and Vayalur Murugan Kovil.

The Eastern Ghats close by can offer a nice quiet holiday. You can choose to visit Kolli hills, a hill station situated on the Pachaimalai hills which in interspersed at numerous locations by the river Cauvery. The low ranges offer a pleasant climate all year round and its relative obscurity ensures that it retains much of its virgin beauty.

You can also choose to visit the Anna Planetarium at Guttupet, not very far from the main city. The Kollam pond best suited for an idyllic evening. Home to birds such as ducks and kingfisher it is located in Crawford.

The river Cauvery is on the largest rivers in Tamil Nadu and offers some breathtaking scenery which doubles up asan  ideal picnic spot. Trips to Grand Anaicut, Puliancholai and Viramalai are quite common.

While on a tour of South India, ensure that Trichy features in your travel itinery. It is sure to give you a glimpse of South Indian culture, history and architecture.