Tiruchirappalli is a city of 1 million inhabitants in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also called Trichy (slightly shorter and easier to remember) and is best known for the famous Rock Fort and the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple. From this rock, you have a great view of the city and its surroundings. Another major attraction of the city is the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. This temple is so big (and green) that it can easily be seen as its own ‘city’.
Are you planning a visit to Trichy? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of this city in southern India? In this travel guide, I tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best sights and discover the city’s best accommodation. A history-rich visit to Tiruchirappalli starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Tiruchirappalli Reisgids
What would you like to know about Tiruchirappalli?
Practical information & Travel Tips
Exploring history in Tiruchirappalli?
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? The best time to visit Tiruchirappalli is from November to March. During these months the temperature is most pleasant. It then averages between 20 and 25 degrees. There is also the least rainfall during these months. A visit during the period June to early November is not recommended because of the high probability of rain.
- How many days? The main attractions can be seen within 1 day. The Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and Rock Fort are the main attractions of the city. You can also visit some colonial buildings. If you don’t have much time, set aside at least a day to visit this city in the state of Tamil Nadu.
- Accommodation? Looking for a hotel or hostel? The best place to stay is in the heart of the city, the Singarathope district. Here you are within walking distance of the famous Rock Fort and the old town.
- Tours & Tickets? Trichy’s two main attractions are the Rock Fort and the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. The latter attraction is on the other side of the river, so for that you’ll need a tuktuk or the bus to get there.
- Transport? Both the train station and bus station are located south of town. Tiruchirappalli airport is also south of downtown.
History – What makes Trichy historically interesting to visit?
Trichy, as the city is also called, has a number of interesting sights, including the Rockfort. Although Trichy is not known to many Dutch people, it is still a must to visit the city during your trip through South India. Indeed, Tiruchirappalli has a special history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Incidentally, the city used to be called Trichinopoly. According to scholars, this means something like ‘holy city‘.
For example, Uraiyur, now a district in the city, was once the capital of the early Chola Empire (300 BC / 300 AD). The Cholas belonged to one of the 4 major dynasties that ruled the area in Tamil Nadu’s history. Thus, Uraiyur was also called ‘the citadel and center of the Cholas‘. Now, by the way, the district is called Woraiyur and you will find a number of interesting temples here.
But the most important attraction is the Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort. This rock formation in the center of the city is among one of the oldest in the world. It is estimated to be 3.8 billion years old. The temple complex was first built in 580 AD during the Pallava Dynasty (275-882). During the Madurai Nayaka dynasty (1529-1746), it took its current form.
Finally, in Trichy you will find the largest temple complex in India, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. It originated through the ages, but historians say it began in the 1st century BC. It is now on UNESCO‘s provisional World Heritage List. Along with the Rockfort, a number of temples and colonial buildings, it is among the city’s main attractions.
Top 5 Places to visit in Tiruchirappalli
Looking for the best sights to see in Tiruchirappalli? Here’s a list of the best tips & ideas.
1. Visit Rock Fort and enjoy the view of the city and surroundings
Right in the center of Trichy you will find the main attraction of the city: Rock Fort. Built on an 83-meter-high rocky hill, this fort has an impressive history. It dates back to 580 AD and was built to defend the city against invaders. You will also find a number of impressive temples. And from the highest temple you have a beautiful view of Tiruchirappalli and its surroundings.
2. Go to the Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest temple complex in India
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is located north of Trichy on an island in the Kaveri River. It is considered a city within a city. In fact, this is the largest temple complex in India. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnoe and is said to be over 2,500 years old. Many different festivals take place here every year. For example, the festival Margali in the months of December and January already attracts more than 1 million visitors. The temple can be reached by bus or by train (Srirangam stop).
3. Make a historic walk through the old town
In addition to the beautiful Rock Fort, you can simply take a stroll through the downtown area past a number of historic buildings. These include the beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes Church from 1881, the Teppakulam Mandapam Temple and the Main Guard Gate. This gate was the entrance to Rock Fort and is the only one remaining. These sights can be found west of Rock Fort within walking distance of the Tiruchchirappalli Fort train station.
4. See the beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes church
In the center of the city you will find this beautiful church. It dates back to 1881 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. It is among one of the oldest churches in the city and is built in Gothic architectural style. The main tower is 67 meters high and the building is painted in white and maroon. Every year, the Lourdes Festival takes place on Feb. 11. In fact, on this day, the first apparition of Mary to Bernadette took place on Feb. 11, 1858.
5. Explore the temples of the Uraiyur district, once the capital of the Cholar Empire
Uraiyur district, better known as Woraiyur is a district west of the center of Tiruchirappalli. In fact, this used to be the capital of the Cholas (300 BC- 1200 AD). The Chola Empire was one of the three most important empires in the history of the state of Tamil Nadu. Now you will find mostly ancient and historic temples, including the Panchavarnaswamy Temple, Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, Thanthoneeswarar Temple and Vekkali Amman Temple. For example, the Azhagiya Manavala Perumal temple is said to have been built before the 7th century….
Accommodation – Where to stay in Tiruchirappalli ?
Tiruchirappalli belongs to one of the cities where very few tourists go. Still, there are plenty of hotels where you can stay. Real hostels for backpackers are a bit lacking in the city, though. The best place to stay is downtown around Rock Fort. The main sights are around this major attraction. Another place to stay is around the bus station, in the south of the city. From here all buses leave for the main attractions, including Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Looking for accommodation in Tiruchirappalli? Book your Hotel of Hostel here!
Transport – How to get there?
Tiruchirappalli International Airport is located 10 kilometers south of the city. It is mainly used for domestic flights, but also has a few international destinations. A bus will get you into the city center.
The main bus station is Tiruchirappali Central Bus Stand 3 kilometers south of Rock Fort. From here, buses leave for the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and the city center with its famous temple on the Rock. A little further south is the city’s train station with trains to Chennai, Kanyakumari and Bangalore.
Plan your trip to Tiruchirappalli & India
- Accommodation? Hotel via Booking
- Things to See and Do? Tickets & Tours via GetYourGuide
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets via 12go.Asia
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
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