TRICHY

Rock Fort

Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort also called as Malaikottai is an historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock situated in the midle of the town . The entire temple complex rises to a height of 83 metres . Rock Fort situated in the center of the town is a major landmark in the town  and it is visible from a long distance. This is also a major tourist spot in Tamil Nadu among which the most famous being the Pallava era Ganesa temple and the Nayaka era fort.The Pallavas initially built this temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position and designed it again.

The entire Rock Fort temple complex mainly comprises of three temples, namely the Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil and the Thayumanavar Koyil.Uchhi Pillayar Koyil is reached by a step flight of 437 steps cut into the rock.Hallway up is the  Thayumanavar swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a 100 pillared hall, stone made chains and a Vimana.

From Rock Fort, we will get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark, Srirangam,Cavery River,Thiruvanaikaval Kovil.The monument is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.

Srirangam

Srirangam is an important pilgrimage centre and also exclusive vaishnavate landmark. Srirangam area is an tiny island surrounded by river cauvery and Coleroon (kolidom) on its either side. It is situated at a distance 7 km from Trichy main junction. The entire island Srirangam is some 600 acres broader. The Renganatha swamy temple seen here has a history for about 5000 years. The seven huge walls of these temples have enclosed the streets of this entire island. This temple’s fame is because of the rajagopuram which is the highest tower  in south India was built in 1987.There are also 21 gopurams around the Temple were built from 14th to 17th centuries.

Due to the famous temple, Srirangam has a thriving economy based on tourism. Devotees come from all parts of India and abroad. The number of devotees to the town increases greatly during the festivals like Vaikunda Ekadesi which falls on the Tamil month of Marghazi.

Jambukeswara Temple

An important place of worship for saivates located at Thiruvanaikaval, very nearer to Srirangam. The main deity of the temple is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Lord shiva is seen in a form of linga and he is partially submerged in water.The Sivan sannathi was made very small.  Archeological surveys prove that this was built in the same time when Renganatha swamy temple was built. A holy place which has five walls around and seven gopurams. Only hindus are allowed in this temple.

Samayapuram Kovil

This temple situated at a distance 20 km from Trichy. The deity here is called “samayapuram mariamman”. This Goddess is believed to be the sister of Lord Vishnu. It is in National Highway-45 (Trichy- Chennai Highway).

It is believed by the devotees that the Goddess has enormous powers over curing illnesses .Devotees  buy small metallic replicas, made with silver or steel, of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box.Offerings of raw salt is also made to the Goddess by the rural devotees.

Vekkali Amman Kovil

The very famous Vekkali Amman Temple situated at Urayur, Trichy. The deity here is goddess “Vekkali Amman”. There is no roof for the deity here which holds some legendary stories. A legend says that a fire blessed with divine powers defeated an elephant battle so, the name of this place is also called as Kozhimangalam. A dominant importance for this place is that, it was the capital city of ancient Chola rulers.The word Urayur in Tamil literally means “the residence”. Urayur was an ancient Chola city with a fortress and city wall on the southern banks of the river Cauvery.

Viralimalai

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. On the way to the mountain, there is an Arumugan sanidi in a mandapam called Sandana kottam. And there is a Sannidi for Idumban and also for Meenakshi Sundaresar which is carved inside a single rock . There are 207 steps to reach the temple. In the prakara, Vinayagar, Dakshina murthy, Agasthiar, Arunagirinathar, Sandigeswarar and Bairavar are there.

The Moolavar Viralimalai Murugan is with six faces and twelve  hands, sitting on Peacock. On the two sides Valli and Deivayanai are there.

Mukkombu

Mukkombu also called as Upper Anaicut is a wonderful picnic spot where the River Kollidam ( Coleroon) branches off from the River Cauvery.It is 18 kilometer from Trichy City.

Grand Anaicut

Grand Anaicut also called as Kallanai Dam,. It is 15 kilometer from Trichy City.It was built by the Chola king Karikalan around the 2nd Century BC ^. And it is considered one of the oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world, which is still in use.The Kallanai is a massive dam of unhewn stone, 329 meters (1,080 ft) long and 20 meters (60 ft) wide, across the main stream of the River Cauvery.