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Trichy or Tiruchi or Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery lies in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Trichy has a rich cultural heritage. A bustling commercial centre, Trichy is renowned for its khadi industries, diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth and glass bangles. Trichy is a city known for its educational institutions, industries, and temples.

The most popular tourist destinations in Trichy are Rock Fort temple, Gangaikondan Cholapuram, Sri Ranganathaswami temple and Avur. Trichy is also known for its Float Festival. The Viralimalai sanctuary, situated at a distance of about 30 km from Pudukkottai. The Murugan temple is also an important tourist site. The Kudumianmalai temple is another tourist spot.

Sightseeing at Trichy -

Rock Fort Temple : The Rock Fort temple complex in Trichy is a collection of three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and is the most remarkable landmark in Tiruchirappalli that can be approached by a flight of steps en-route to the famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.

Sri Ranganathaswami Temple : At Srirangam Situated 7km from Trichy is Srirangam, the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha, the largest in India, is of particular veneration to all Hindus. Srirangam is also listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, or temples representing the nine planets of our solar system.

Viralimalai Sanctuary : Viralimalai is a small town located about 30 km from Tiruchirappalli and 40 km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock Park. The town is blessed with a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple.

Tiruvanaikkaval : or Jambukeswara Temple Situated 2 km east of Srirangam, this beautiful Shiva temple steals the show from the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its excellent architectural design. The temple is named after the elephant, which is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as Water.

Gangaikondan Cholapuram : Gangaikonda Cholapuram is located in Udayarpalayam Taluk (also spelt as Taluka) of Perambalur district, at a distance of 100-km from Trichy. Rajendra I, a Chola ruler established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital city and built a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from the gigantic Nandi, there are some eye-catching sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and an amazing piece depicting Rajendra being crowned by Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Best Season to Visit : Through out the year.

Reaching Trichy -

• Air : Trichy has an airport (5-km) from the city. Various airlines connect Tiruchi with Chennai, Sharjah, Kuwait and Colombo.
• Rail : Trichy or Tiruchi is an important junction on the Southern Railway. It connects Chennai, Thanjavur, Madurai, Tirupati, Tuticorin and Rameshwaram on the metre gauge, and Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi , Kannyakumarai and Mangalore on the broad gauge.
• Road : Trichy is well connected by road with important places of South India. City bus service, tourist taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for local transportation.

Shopping in Trichy -

Trichy is a shoppers paradise as it is popular for its cheroots, cigars, handicrafts, brassware, jewelery and carpets. Trichy is famous for variety of fresh and colourful flowers. If really keep interest in flowers, you can get some from the Flower Bazaar at the Saathara Street in Srirangam. It is the epicentre of wholesale and retail dealers. Also, it has been a meeting ground for horticulturists from a number of villages in Trichy and neighbouring districts.

Another place which will captivate you here is the 128 years old Gandhi Market, which is the nerve centre of trichy's trade. It always pulsates with activity.