Tiruchirappalli is situated on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is 320 kms. from Madras. This city was a Chola citadel during the Sangam Age. The Pandyas and Pallavas Held Sway over this region for short Periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th Century. Today Tiruchirappalli is a blend of history and tradition-a pilgrim center as well as a thriving commercial city.

PLACES TO VISIT TIRUCHIRAPPALLI:-

Rock Fort
The view from the fort is spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in the rock. Halfway up is the Sri thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva. It has a 100 -pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold.On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period.

Tiruvanaikkaval (7kms.)
The temple here has a Sivalingam almost submerged in water, which flows from asubterranean spring in the sanctum. The Lords name Jamukeswarar is derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped him under the holy Jambu tree.

Srirangam (10kms.)
The Ranganathoswamy Temple is the nucleus of the temple town of Srirangam. The town and the temple are set on a 250-hectare island in the cauvery, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The 13th Century temple has 21 gopurams (towered entrances) and is surrounded by seven concentric walls, within which the town is located. The temple complex is very well preserved and has beautiful carvings and poainted walls and celings. The temple is oopen from 6.15 to 13.00 hrs. and from 15.00 to 20.45 hrs. Government Museum: It is located on Bharathiyar Road. Bronze and stone sculptures are on display here. Admission free on all days from 9.00-17.00 hrs. (exept Friday) (lunch break: 12.30-14.00 hrs.)

Grand Anicut (Mallanai) (24 kms.)
An irrigation dam built across the Century AD. And strengthened by the Bristish.

Mukkombu (Upper Anicut) (1kms.)
The River Kolidam branches off from the cauvery here. This is another picnic spot with lush greenery and a park.

Vayaloor (8kms.)
There is a Lord Muruga Temple here set amidst lush green vegetation.

Samayapuram (20kms.)
Known for its Goddess Mariamman.

Viralimalai (30kms.)
The temple of Lord Subramanya situated on a hillock. There is also a peacock sanctuary.

Sittannavasal (58kms.)
Sittannavasal is the site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in arock cave. It is also noted for its pre-historic burial grounds.

Narthamalai (37kms.)
The earliest structural stone temple, circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and a cave temple are sited here. Elakurichi: is famous for the ancient church built by famous Catholic Missionary, Constantine Joseph Beschi, popularly known as Veeramamunivar.

Puliancholai (72kms.)
Puliancholai is a beautiful picnic spot in the Kolli Range.

Kodumblur (42kms.)
Also known as Moovarkoil, only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century AD. The Ardhanariswara, Gangadaramurthi, etc., are masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Vchola period.

Avudayar Kovil(94kms.)
This ancient Athmanathaswamy temple here contains graceful life-size sculptures and is noted for its zephyr (granite roof) work. This temple was built in the 10th Century AD.