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Attractions in Tiruchirappalli
Sri
Ranganathaswamy Temple -
Located 7-km 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 reverence
to all Hindus. Srirangam is also considered
one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, or temples representing
the planets.
Rock Fort
- The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli
is a collection of three temples - the Manikka
Vinayakar temple at the foot |
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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 prominent landmark
in Tiruchirappalli that can be reached
by a flight of steps on the way to the
famous Ucchi Pillayar 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.
St. John's Church - Built in
1812, St. John's Church has louver doors which
open to convert it into an airy pavilion. This
church has a memorial plaque in honor of Bishop
Heber, one of India’s best known missionary
bishops, who died in Trichy in 1826.
Viralimalai Sanctuary - Viralimalai
is a small town situated at a distance of 30-km
from Tiruchirappalli and 40-km from Pudukkottai.
It is well-known 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.
Sittanavasal - Located at a
distance of 58-km from Trichy is Sittanavasal,
the site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine
fresco paintings in a rock cave. Many of them
are characteristic of the 9th century Pandyan
period and include exquisitely detailed pictures
of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses
from a pond and two dancing figures. There are
also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and
10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th
century can be seen on the ceiling of the Ardhamandapam.
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Quick Getaways near Tiruchirappalli
Tiruvanaikkaval -
The Jambukeshwara temple, here, is dedicated to Shiva,
and it houses five concentric walls, and seven gopurams.
Legend has it, that an elephant once worshipped the
Lord, under the holy Jambu tree, hence the name Jambukeshwara.
The principal deity is the Shiva lingam, almost submerged
in water, which flows from the subterranean spring,
in the chamber.
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Viralimalai
- 30 km away lies a temple dedicated to Lord
Subramanya perched atop a hill. It is also
the site of a peacock sanctuary.
Sittanavasal
- The site of an ancient Jain monastery with
exquisite fresco paintings in a cave. Situated
58 kms away, it is also noted for its pre-historic
burial grounds.
Narthamalai - An exceptional
temple, circular in shape, Narthamalai,
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37 kms away is probably one of
the first structural stone temples.
Events in Tiruchirappalli
The Float Festival celebrated during the months
of March-April at the Rock Fort Temple draws crowds
in huge numbers. Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadasi,
Garuda Seva, Flower Festival and the Car Festival
(December-January) are the other main festivals celebrated
at Srirangam.
Trichy also has quite a few places
offering opportunities for shopping. It is especially
famous for its cigars and cheroots. Amongst handicrafts
are brassware, handloom textiles, pith models of temples
and Rock Fort, wood and clay toys, jewellery, ornamental
carved brass and copper plates inlaid with silver
(Tanjore plates), brassware, silks, carpets and musical
instruments.
Getting There Away to Tiruchirappalli
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Tiruchirapalli
has an airport (5-km) from the city. Various
airlines connect Tiruchi with Chennai, Sharjah,
Kuwait and Colombo. |
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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. |
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Tiruchi is well connected by
road with important places of South India. |
Getting
Around in Tiruchirappalli
City Bus service to all
places of tourist interest from Central Bus Station
and from Chinthamani Main Guard Gate Bus Station.
Tourist Taxis, Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws
are also available.
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