Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, is a historic city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of the Cauvery River, it is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant economy. The iconic Rockfort Temple, perched on a massive rock, offers breathtaking views of the city and is a major pilgrimage site. Trichy is also home to the grand Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. The city is an important educational and industrial hub, hosting institutions like the National Institute of Technology (NIT) and major industries, including BHEL. With a blend of tradition and modernity, Tiruchirappalli is a significant center for tourism, trade, and education in South India.
1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Spanning 156 acres, it features 21 majestic gopurams, including the 237-ft Rajagopuram. It is the foremost of the 108 Divya Desams and a key Vaishnavite pilgrimage site. Known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and grand festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, the temple is a spiritual and cultural landmark of Tamil Nadu.
Location : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is located in Srirangam, an island town in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam is open daily at the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
2. Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple
The Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Tiruvanaikkaval, near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Jambukeswarar and Goddess Akilandeswari, this temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas (five elemental shrines), representing the element of water. It is believed that the temple was originally built by the Chola dynasty and later expanded by various other rulers.
Location : The Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple is located in Tiruvanaikkaval, about 5 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : The Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple is open to devotees during the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting the Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple.
3. Sri Ayyappan Temple
The Sri Ayyappan Temple in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Located near the Tiruvanaikkaval area, it attracts devotees seeking blessings for well-being and spiritual growth. The temple follows the traditional style of worship seen at Sabarimala, especially during the Mandala season (November to January). It’s a peaceful spot for pilgrimage and devotion.
Location : The Sri Ayyappan Temple is located in Tiruvanaikkaval, near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : The Sri Ayyappan Temple in Tiruchirappalli is open during the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting the Sri Ayyappan Temple in Tiruchirappalli.
4. Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort
Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort is a historic landmark in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, known for its massive rock hill and stunning views of the city. The fort, with origins dating back to the 3rd century BC, features the Uppiliappan Temple at the top and the Taayumaanavar Temple at the base. Visitors can climb 437 steps to reach the top, making it a popular spot for both history and photography.
Location : Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort is located in the heart of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort is open to visitors during the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : The entry fee for Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort is typically as follows:
🔸 Adults: ₹10
🔸 Children: ₹5
5. Kallanai
Kallanai, also known as the Grand Anicut, is an ancient dam built by King Karikala Chola in the 2nd century CE on the Cauvery River. Located in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, it is one of the oldest dams still in use. The dam is about 330 meters long and was originally built for irrigation. It remains an important historical and functional water management structure, showcasing the engineering skills of the Chola dynasty.
Location : Kallanai (Grand Anicut) is located near Thanjavur, about 15 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : Kallanai (Grand Anicut) is an open historical site, and there are no specific timings for visiting.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Kallanai (Grand Anicut).
6. Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tiruchirappalli is a historic church dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Known for its Gothic architecture, the church features a replica of the Lourdes Grotto. It is a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes in February, attracting devotees for prayer and blessings.
Location : Our Lady of Lourdes Church is located in Puthur, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tiruchirappalli is open for visitors and worshipers during the following timings:
🔸 Morning Mass: 6:00 AM
🔸 Evening Mass: 6:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tiruchirappalli.
7. Sri Thayumanavar Temple
Sri Thayumanavar Temple in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Thayumanavar. Located near the Rock Fort, the temple is known for its Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures. The main deity is believed to have appeared in response to local prayers. The temple also has shrines for Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Murugan, making it an important spiritual site in the region.
Location : Sri Thayumanavar Temple is located in the Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort area, in the heart of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : Sri Thayumanavar Temple is open during the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting the Sri Thayumanavar Temple in Tiruchirappalli.
8. Vayalur Arulmigu Murugan Saamy Temple
Vayalur Arulmigu Murugan Saamy Temple is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, located about 10 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. The temple is set on a hill and is known for its serene atmosphere and spiritual significance. It also houses shrines for Goddess Valli and Deivayanai. Major festivals like Thai Poosam and Skanda Sashti attract many devotees to the temple.
Location : Vayalur Arulmigu Murugan Saamy Temple is located in Vayalur, about 10 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing : Vayalur Arulmigu Murugan Saamy Temple is open during the following timings:
🔸 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔸 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting the Vayalur Arulmigu Murugan Saamy Temple.
Famous Food In Tiruchirappalli
1. Paruppu Podi with Hot Rice
Paruppu Podi with Hot Rice is a simple yet delicious dish commonly enjoyed in Tamil Nadu, including Tiruchirappalli. Paruppu podi (also known as dal powder) is a dry mix made from roasted lentils, typically toor dal, and seasoned with spices like red chili, cumin, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. When served with hot rice, a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) is often added to enhance the flavour.
Ingredients : toor dal, urad dal, chana dal and spices
2. Vazhaipoo Vadai
Vazhaipoo Vadai is a popular South Indian snack made from banana flower (vazhaipoo), mixed with lentils, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a delicious and nutritious variation of the traditional medu vadai, where the banana flower adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Ingredients : banana flower, toor dal, urad dal and spices
3. Chettinad Chicken
Chettinad Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich use of spices and herbs. This dish is often enjoyed with rice, parotta, or dosa. The Chettinad cuisine is renowned for its bold, spicy flavors and complex masala blends, and this chicken dish is a perfect example of that.
Ingredients : Chicken, onion, tomatoes and spices
4. Karuvadu Fry
Karuvadu Fry is a popular and flavourful South Indian dish made with dried fish (Karuvadu), which is marinated in a blend of spices and fried to crispy perfection. This dish is widely enjoyed in Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal regions. The dried fish used adds a unique smoky flavor, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Ingredients : karuvadu, onion, tomatoes and spices
5. Uthappam
Uthappam is a popular South Indian dish similar to a thick, savory pancake made from a fermented idli/dosa batter. It is often topped with a variety of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and carrots. Uthappam is soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, making it a delightful breakfast or snack option. It is usually served with sambar and coconut chutney.
Ingredients : Idli/dosa batter, onion and tomatoes
