What to See:
Rock Fort Temple
The Rock Fort Temple, as the name suggests, is built out of a massive rock. The zenith of the temple is reaches through a flight of 437 steps. The Thayumanaswamy Temple, located halfway, is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It has a 100 pillared hall and a golden Vimana. Non Hindus are prohibited from entering the Temple.
Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple)
Also known as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, this temple is among the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated at a distance of 6 Kms from the city, this temple is surrounded by 7 rectangular walled courtyards. It has 21 Gopurams and is probably the largest temple complex in India.
Vayaloor
Located on the outskirts of Tiruchirapalli, Vayaloor has a small Lord Muruga temple, in the midst of lush green vegetation.
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 sanctum sanctorum.
St. John's Church
The St. John's Church turns into an airy pavilion when its doors are opened. Built in 1812, the architecture and the setting of the church nake it an alluring sight not to be missed.
Grand Anicut (Kallani)
An irrigation dam built scross the Cavery by Karikala Cholan in the 2nd century A.D. This picnic spot is 24 kms from Thiruchinapalli.
Viralimalai
30 kms from Tiruchinappalli and 40 kms from pudukottai is the temple of Lord subramanya situted on a hillock and is said to have existed before the 15th century A.D. There is also a peacocok sanctury here.
Elakurichi
Elakurichi is famous for its ancient church built here by the famous Catholic Missionary Constantine Joseph Beschi popularly known as Veeramamunivar.
Narthamalai
A place of historical importance. The earliest structural stone temple circular in shape built by the Mutharaiyars and a cave temple are located here. The pre-historic burial grounds and the Kadambarmalai temple here are also worth visiting
Sittannavasal
It is the site of an ancient Jain monastery with finefresco paintings in a rock cave. The place is also noted for its pre-historic burial grounds.
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Thanjavur to Trichy drive
Driving from Thanjavur the first landmark crossed is Trichy University a grand piece of architecture. Before the city is the Rock Fort temple a boulder of giant propotions perched on top of a hill with images carved into it. Climb the 400 odd steps from the enterance to the summit. On the way is a tunnel said to lead to Thanjavur now sealed. Srirangam temple is sprawled over a large area, on an island as the Cavuery flows on both sides. It houses the image of the sleeping Vishnu along with the mortal remains of Sri Ramanuja Acharaya. The other excursions from the city are Vayaloor (20 kms), Garnd Annicut (40 kms), Viralimalai (60 kms), Sittannavasal (150 kms).
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Around Tiruchirapalli
Grand Anicut (Kallanai) (24 km): An ancient dam built by Karikala Chola across the river Cauvery in 2 AD.
Mukkombu (Upper Anicut) (18 km): A wonderful picnic spot, where the river Kollidam branches off from the Cauvery.
Vayaloor (8 km): The site of a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Samayapuram (20 km): Famous for its shrine to goddess Mariamman.
Viralimalai (30 km): A temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya is perched atop a hill. It is also the site of a peacock sanctuary.
Sittanavasal (58 km): The site of an ancient Jain monastery with exquisite fresco paintings in a cave. It is also noted for its pre-historic burial grounds.
Narthamalai (37 km): An unusual temple, circular in shape, is probavbly one of the first structural stone temples. A cave temple is also to be found here.
Elakurichi: The site of an old church built by the renowned Catholic missionary, Constantine Joseph Beschi.
Puliancholai (72 km): A fine picnic spot, it is located in the foothills of the Kolli range.
Kodumbalur (42 km): A small town famous for its shrines.
Avudayar Kovil: The site of a fine ancient Shiva temple. It is noted for its fascinating life-size sculptures.
