Trichy
Tiruchirapalli is situated in the Tiruchirapalli district in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of River Kaveri. The city is called as Trichy or Tiruchi in short. It is well known for its educational institutions, industries and temples. The place is a popular tourist destination. The place is an upcoming commercial center in the state and it is very famous for artificial diamonds, Cigars, Handloom cloth, wooden and clay toys and glass bangles.
The most famous landmark of Trichy is the Rock Fort temple. It is a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop. It rises abruptly from plain to tower over the old city of Trichy. The Nayaks of Madurai built the city of Trichy and the fort of Trichy. It was one of the main centers around which Carnatic wars were fought in the 18th century.
Some prime attractions of Trichi are the Viralimalai Sanctuary, Sittanavasal, Government museum, Kudumianmalai. The Viralimalai Sanctuary is very famous as a peacock sanctuary. There is also a famous temple, Murugan temple in the sanctuary premises. Sittanavasal is a site of an ancient Jain monastery. There are some fine frescos in the rock cave. Many paintings are typical of the 19th century and have beautiful pictures of animals, ducks, people gathering lotus flowers, dancers, etc. the inscriptions here date back to 9th and 10th century. There are also some pre-historic burial sites around Sittanavasal which are very important in Historic terms.
The government museum at Thirukokarnam has some very rare collections of things related to geology, Anthropology, Paintings, Zoology, Epigraphy and historical records.
Places of worship or the popular temples in Trichy are many. The Rock Fort Temple complex consists of three temples, the Manikka Vinayakar temple, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil and the Shivastalam temple. The Shivastalam temple is a rock cut temple and is a landmark of Trichy. Gangaikondan cholapuram has a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are beautiful sculptures like the huge Nandi, Dancing Ganesha, Lion headed well and a stunning Rajendra being crowned by Lord Shiva and Parvati. Koduumbalur has some temples that belong to the 10th century. The architecture of these temples is unique and the sculptures are interesting masterpieces. The temple of Muchukundeswara is an excellent specimen of the early Chola period. Other important temples in Trichy are the Sri Ranganathaswami Temple at Srirangam is the largest temple of Lord Vishnu in India. It is also a navagraha sthals or temples representing the planets. Tiruvanaikkaval temple has excellent architectural designs. This beautiful Shiva temple is called after the elephant who worshipped Lord Shiva here. The lingam here is under the Jambu tree, partially submerged in water.
There are some churches in Trichy which you should visit. St.John's church was built in 1812. The doors of this church open and convert it into an airy pavilion. The ancient church at Elakurichi is very popular and is known as Veeramamunivar. One more church at Avur is ancient.
There are many fairs and festivals of Trichy. The float festival celebrated at the Rock Fort Temple is a popular one. There are other festivals like the flower festival, car festival, sittanavasal and others to name a few.