A historic city dating back 2500 years, before the birth of Christ, Tiruchirappalli located on the banks of the Cauvery River is one known for its spectacular temples, churches and educational institutes and of course culture and heritage!
Once the stronghold of the mighty Cholas a highly acclaimed dynasty of South India, it later fell to the Pallavas and consequently to the Pandavas. Though the two dynasties fought over it, till the 10th century, it was subsequently taken over by the Cholas, and finally by the Nayaks of Madurai who established this city into a trading port. Post the British rule, this city was first taken over by the French and then by the British. Today a commercial hub, it is also Tamil Nadu’s fourth largest city offering some wonderful attractions left behind by the various dynasties that ruled it over various period of time.
Referred as Trichy, this town has over 90 temples built by the various dynasties that ruled it over different periods. The main landmark of the city however is the Rock Fort, located on the shores of the Kaveri and the two 7th century temples here, one dedicated to Lord Shiva (the destroyer in the Hindu trinity), the other to Lord Ganesha, perched atop a colossal rock formation dating back to 3.800 million years!
A climb of 344 steps will not only take you to the Uchipillaiyar Koil temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) but will also leave you with a breathtaking view of the city. Though the Uchipillaiyar temple is smaller, at a height of 83 m above sea level, one can get a stunning view of not just Trichy, but also Srirangam from here.
For those who can’t make it to the top, situated halfway to the top is the Thatymanaswamy Temple. A stunning temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the bigger of the two, housing a huge lingam (a projection of the rock itself), a separate chamber for goddess Parvati, a 100 pillar hall and a gold covered Vimana. A tank at the foot of the Rock Fort is an interesting visit especially during its Float festival.
Other important temples here include the Sriranganathaswami Temple, 7 km away from Trichy. One of India’s most famous pilgrim sites, the seven walls of this gigantic temple encloses the entire town. While there are twenty one gopurams (towers) within this town; at 73 m this temple dating back to the 14th century devoted to Lord Vishnu is the largest temple with works on it contributed from the various different dynasties that once ruled here.
6 km off Srirangam is Thiruvanaikkaval, another well known Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli, where the Lingam also known as Appu lingam is worshipped by Sri Jambukeswara, the presiding deity. On reaching here one can hear the most interesting legend behind this temple; this temple is also known for its excellent Dravidian architecture.
Dating back to the 15th century, the Viralimalai Murugan Temple is another temple situated atop a hill, dedicated to Lord Muruga and his consorts Valli and Devasena. Also seen here is a shrine of Goddess Maikannudaiyal, which one visits before visiting the Viralimalai Murugan Temple. Another attraction  are the many peacocks spotted here.
Not only is the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple here associated with health and wealth, but it is also famous as locals believe this deity has powers to cure diseases such as chicken pox and small pox.
At Gangaikondacholapuram one can find another exquisite temple, the Brahadeeswarar temple constructed by the Chola King Rajendra – I after his victory over other kingdoms. Sculptures found here include that of a dancing Ganesh, a huge Nandi, and  king Rajendra being crowned by Shiva and Parvati.
A replica of the Basilica of Lourdes, the Church of our Lady of Lourdes here is an interesting visit for its architecture and wonderful stained glass paintings depicting scenes from the Bible . Besides this 100 year old church, another ancient and beautiful church here is the St. John’s Church that dates back to 1821 and the St. Joesph’s Church which dates back to 1792 (which is also one of India’s oldest churches).
 Trichy is also home to Natharvalli Dargah, the tomb of Baba Nathavali, a great Islamic saint.
A treasure trove here is the Museum, that houses various treasures such as sculptures of various gods, paintings, palm leaf manuscripts, fossils, tolls belonging to various periods (Megalithic, Paleolithic and Neolithic), coins and more.
Travelling with kids? Try Mukkombu, a beautiful picnic spot, 18 km from here known for its toy park, beautiful gardens, toy trains, merry-go-round, boating and angling.
Other  interesting excursions  here include the Ponnaniyaru Dam, Kudumiyanmalai for its exquisite Shiva Temple and sculptures, Kolli Hills for its Sri Arappaleeswarar Temple and tribal products, Manora, an eight storeyed tower built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to celebrate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. At 72 km from the city, it also served as a light house.
80 km from here is Panchamalai, a green hillock where tourists can enjoy  some wondrous treks amidst streams and falls. Puliyanacholai is another scenic picnic area filled with trees and streams. A waterfall here called the Akaya Gangai is known for its medicinal value.
Though a little further away, it makes a wonderful excursion for tourists visiting Trichy, Narthamalai is known for some of India’s oldest stone temples. The 9th century Pallava Cave Temple and the Vijayalaya Choliswaran temples each exhibiting some majestic sculptures of Lord Vishna, dancers, and other gods.
Sittanavasal at 58-km from Trichy is known for its ancient rock caves, the Jain monastery here is  known for fine paintings, and inscriptions dating back to the 9th century, while relics and burial urns dating back to the 7th century have also been unearthed here.
While traditional handicrafts of Tamil Nadu are available here in abundance, look out for artificial diamonds, glass bangles, paintings, pottery, stone carvings, handloom cloth, cigars and clay toys. Woraiyur is famous for its handloom sarees and handmade cigars (even enjoyed by Winston Churchill)!
A town best known for its giant rock hewn temples and Dravidian architecture, Trichy is a city rich in history and myth and more, one which will enthrall you thoroughly with its beauty.