Trichy

Introduction

Trichy is a city in Tamil Nadu that is very popular among tourists and pilgrims for its ancient temples that put on display the magnificent architectural styles of a bygone era. Housing a plethora of temples dedicated to various deities of varying sizes and architectural styles, Trichy is an important pilgrimage site and also a mouth-watering prospect for architecture enthusiasts.

Trichy is one of the oldest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu and has a rich history. From the 3rd century BC, it was ruled by the Cholas until the Pandyas conquered it. Then it went under the reign of Allaudin Khilji. Then came the Vijayanagar rulers, who ruled it until the 1530s. Then the Nayaks took over, and they were followed by a long string of rulers from different dynasties, ending with the British. All the changing dynasties left their imprint on the city and carved it into its present-day state.

Details

Trichy holds a place of importance in India’s cultural context. Though it is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, the city also houses a substantial Muslim population, which upholds India’s diversity.

The city celebrates various festivals, with the most notable ones being Pongal, a harvest festival in January, Aadi Perukku, and Eid. On the last day of the Pongal festival, Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport, is played, which attracts viewers from across neighboring states. Gem-cutting, leatherwork, and textile weaving are the popular arts in the region.

Places of Interest:

Rock Fort Temple: The ancient Trichy Fort temple lies at the heart of tourism in the city. Located on top of a small hill, to visit the temple, you have to climb over 40 stone-cut steps barefoot. The location is a culmination of temples at various heights built during various periods, but one thing they all share in common is the importance they have in Hindu culture.

On your climb, you will first encounter the Thayumanaswamy temple after climbing 200-odd steps. This is the largest temple in the Trichy Fort and has a gold-topped tower. After that comes the 6th-century Pallava Upper Cave Temple, followed by the Uchipillayar Temple. From the Uchipillayar temple, you will get a stunning view of the city beneath. On your way down, you will see the 8th-century lower temple cut out of a rock.

Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple: The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, said to be the biggest temple in India, is the marquee destination of Trichy tourism. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit this mammoth temple every year. This temple houses forty-nine shrines dedicated to Lord Ranganatha. Inside the temple, you need to pass through seven gopurams to see the idol of Lord Ranganatha, the first one being one of the tallest temple towers in Asia.

Though pilgrims flock to the place every year to see the idol, it is not the only attraction of the temple. The temple also has an art museum displaying stupendous pieces of bronze and ivory and the tusks of expired temple elephants. The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple also provides glorious semi-panoramic views of the surroundings.

Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara and Akilandeswari Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is flocked by pilgrims from all over the country to get a glimpse of the Shiva Lingam issuing trickles of water non-stop. This liquid-themed temple also houses a shrine dedicated to Akilandeswari.

Most tourists visit the temple around noon when there is a procession between the shrines of Jambukeswara and Akilandeswari involving the temple elephant.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple: The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi and is a very popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Thousands of tourists throng the temple, especially on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, as they are considered holy days of the deity, in search of protection against all evils.

Vayalur Subramaniaswamy Temple: This temple, built by the Cholas during the 9th century, is an extremely popular pilgrimage site. The temple houses a beautiful pond in its front section and is surrounded by lush green fields. Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped here. The twelve days of Vaisakhi attract huge crowds to the Vayalur Subramaniaswamy Temple.

Lourdes Church: Lourdes Church is another major attraction in this religious city. This Roman Catholic basilica, devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes, dates back over a century and is thronged by visitors and devotees throughout the year.

Nearby Attractions:

Karaikudi: Housing the Chettinad Palace, known as one of the Seven Wonders of India, and several Important Hindu temples like the Perumal Temple and the Shri Sivan Kovil, Karaikudi is a must-visit for tourists. The Athangudi village, famous all over the country for its unique hand-made terracotta tiles, is also close to Karaikudi and an attraction for tourists.

Tranquebar: Tranquebar is another popular tourist attraction near Trichy, India, thanks to its Danish establishments and wonderful panoramic views of the sweeping waters of the Bay of Bengal. Fort Dansborg, located on a rocky beach, is one of the iconic locations in Tranquebar. Some other attractions of the place are the Old Danish Cemetery, the Zion Church, and the Ziegenbalg Museum complex.

Kumbakonam: Kumbakonam is a place near Trichy that boasts of housing a plethora of temples that are renowned for their exquisite architecture and reserve an important place in the history and culture of the region. Some of the must-visit temples in Kumbakonam are the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, the Nageswaran Temple, the Sarangapani Temple, and the Airavatesvara Temple.

Tanjore: Tanjore or Thanjavur, a town near Trichy, is one of the highlights of Tamil Nadu tourism. The place boasts the Great Living Chola Temples which have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The place also has the imminent Brihadeeswara Temple and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, which is the place where the rulers of Tanjore lived and is a popular tourist destination.

Other Attractions:

Vekkali Amman Temple-Woraiyur: The Vekkali Amman Temple, located in Woraiyur, serves as an attraction for tourists in Trichy, India. The specialty of this temple is that it does not have a roof, and whatever the weather, the Moolavar is always under the open sky. The temple is renowned for conducting many festivals, with the biggest one being the Sarva Chandi Homam in August.

Viralimalai Murugan Temple: Located on top of a rock between Madurai and Trichy, the Viralimalai Murugan Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. A major attraction of the temple is the peacocks that are seen in abundance near the temple. Another major attraction of the temple is its unique offering to its deity-a cigar.

Where to stay:

Ramyas Hotel: The Ramyas Hotel in Trichy, India, is just what you need to make your tour even more memorable. Ramya is a reputed name in India’s hospitality sector, and this hotel has a formidable reputation in the city. Their hospitality services are top-notch, and the hotel provides easy access to all forms of transportation. The hotel’s in-house multi-cuisine restaurant offers you various dining options, while its bar is lively.

Svatma Tanjore: Talking of high-quality lodging options in Trichy, India, Svatma Tanjore is another name that resonates with the city’s tourism. This heritage luxury resort is known for its home-like vibe, spas, yoga sessions, and high-quality vegetarian local cuisine prepared by expert chefs. The comfort, combined with the professionalism of the staff, makes the stay memorable. Ore is another name that resonates with the city’s tourism. This heritage luxury resort is known for its home-like vibe, spas, yoga sessions, and high-quality vegetarian local cuisine prepared by expert chefs. The comfort, combined with the professionalism of the staff, makes the stay memorable. Staying in Svatma Tanjore means that you immerse yourself fully in the region’s culture and heritage.