18 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Tiruchirappalli

At a distance of 1 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Trichy Railway Junction, 62 km from Thanjavur, 145 km from Madurai & 327 km from Chennai, Srirangam is well known for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered the first among 108 prominent Vishnu temples and also one of the popular Tamilnadu tourist places.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India, constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE.

This temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Trichy Railway Junction, The Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on a large rock with a height of 85 meters.

Pallavas built the initial temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position and designed it as a fort. There are 344 steps carved out of rock lead to the top. The fort complex has witnessed fierce battles between Madurai Nayakas and Bijapur, Carnatic and Maratha forces. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars, helping lay the foundations of the British Empire in India. The Rockfort is the most prominent landmark of the city.

There are three Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, the Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple, Thayumanavar Temple and the Manikka Vinayakar Temple. The Manikka Vinayakar Temple is located at the foot of the hill, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Manikka Vinayakar is the patron deity of the Trichy.

The Ucchi Pillayar Temple is a 7th century Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh .....

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At a distance of 2.5 km from Srirangam Temple and 11 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Thiruvanaikoil or Thiruvanaikaval, is famous for Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas around 1800 years ago on Srirangam Island.

Thiruvanaikoil Temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples known as Panchabhoota Sthala representing element of water. The sanctum has Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu lingam (water lingam). The sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara has an underground water stream and one can see water coming out of that stream all the time. The presiding goddess is Devi Akilandeswari Amman.

According to legend, Parvathi performed penance in the form of Akilandeswari in the Jambu forest. She made the lingam out of the water of river Kaveri, installed it under the Venn Naaval tree evolved out of Saint Jambu and commenced her worship. Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana.

According .....

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At a distance of 1 km from Samayapuram Bus Stand, 11 km from Srirangam, 19 km from Trichy, 66 km from Thanjavur & 317 km from Chennai, Sri Mariamman Temple situated at Samayapuram on NH-45 is one of the popular temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Sri Mariyamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The main deity in the sanctum is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead the abishekam is done to the small stone statue in front of it.

According to legend, the present deity was at the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and one of chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused him illness and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. It is a common belief that such local deities have immense powers and they must always be satisfied by proper offerings and sacrifices.

According to history, King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi built the present day temple in .....

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At a distance of 35 km from Trichy, Sri Brahmapureeswar Temple is one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Brahma situated at Thirupattur. While this is predominantly a Shiva temple, it is very closely associated with Lord Brahma. Devotees believed that a person can change his fate by seeking blessings at Brahmapureeswarar Temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Brahmapureeswarar in the form of a Swayambu Lingam. He is called Brahmapureeswarar since he changed the destiny of Brahma. There are seven enclosures leading to the sanctum. Every year in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) for three days, the sunlight falls directly on the presiding deity. It is a miracle that the sun rays cross the seven entrances and fall directly on the lingam.

Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Brahma Sampath Gowri, situated adjacent to Sri Brahmapureeswarar shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lord Brahma in meditative pose sitting on a lotus. The idol of Lord Brahma is magnificent .....

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At a distance of 19 km from Srirangam and 26 km from Trichy, Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple is a famous Vishnu temple situated in Gunaseelam. Also known as Abhimana Sthalam, it is located on the banks of River Cauvery.

Gunaseelam Temple is famous for curing mentally challenged people. Devotees bring the mentally challenged people to the temple and keep in the temple premises for 48 days. At the end of the 48 days it is believed that their illness is cured by the grace of the Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathi.

According to legend, Gunaseelar Rishi after his darshan at Tirupathi, came here and begged the Lord to come and stay in his ashram on the banks of Cauvery River. The place came to be known as Gunaseelam after his name.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the presiding deity Prasanna Venkatachalapathi in standing posture. The image is depicted with four hands, one showing Abhaya mudra other three are carrying Gatha, Conch and Chakra. There are carvings .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Vekkali Amman Temple is an important pilgrimage centre dedicated to of Goddess Parvathi. It was the seat of early Cholas situated in Woraiyur.

The presiding deity in this temple is found facing towards north. It was believed by the ancient kings that Gods and Goddess facing north will bless the kings with victory in the battle. Hence all the ancient kings used to pray Vekkali Amman before leaving to the battle field.

The sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Vekkali Amman. The major feature of the temple is the absence of roof over the sanctum. The idol of Vekkali Amman is seen in a seated posture. She is seen holding a trident, udukkai, a rope and Akshaya patra in her four hands. The temple has a golden chariot which is 9.75 ft high, made of 10.5 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver.

The temple is conducting the Sarva Chandi Homam for the past 23 years in the month of Avani (August / September), 5 day festival in .....

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At a distance of 750 m from Viralimalai Bus Stand, 28 km from Trichy and 43 km from Pudukkottai, Viralimalai Murugan Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya located in the town of Viralimalai in Pudukkottai District.

Built by Aditya Chola in 9th century, this temple is located in the heart of the Viralimalai town. The temple lies on the Viralimalai hill, hence the town takes the name of the hill. This hill is small and rocky and there are 207 steps to reach the temple. On the way to the top, there are beautiful mandapas for devotees to rest.

The surroundings of this temple is filled with thick vegetation. This temple is specially known for the peacocks that are found in plenty. Within the premises of the temple, there is a statue of Kashyapa and Narada Muni along with several sculptures of Arumugan and Arunagirinathar on its pillars. At the foot of the hills the water tank called Saravana Poigai. On the eastern side there .....

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At a distance of 500 m from Vayalur Bus Stand and 10.5 km from Trichy Railway Junction, Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in Vayalur is one of the famous temples of Lord Murugan in Tamilnadu.

This temple was built by Cholas in 9th Century. Later Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar helped a lot to renovate this temple. This temple is also known as Kumara Vayalur, Adi Vayalur, Vanni Vayalur and Agnishwaram.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Subramanian along with his consorts Valli and Devayani is seated on a peacock. Behind the main sanctum sanctorum, there is a temple for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva here is said to be a Swayumbu lingam known as Agniswarar. Adjacent to Agniswarar is the shrine for his consort Sri Adi Nayaki and is known as Munnilai Nayaki. One of the special features about Lord Nataraja idol here is it has both its legs placed on the ground.

According to mythology, Lord Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Muruga created a tank here with his weapon to worship his parents. .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Thiruverumbur Railway Station and 13 km from Trichy, Sri Erumbeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This temple is one of the group of shrines built by Aditya Chola along the banks of River Cauvery, to commemorate his victory over Pandyas during Tirupurambiyam Battle in 885 CE. The temple has several inscriptions from the Chola period dating back to the 10th century. The temple has been declared à protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temple enshrines Erumbeeswarar, another form of Lord Shiva as the presiding deity along with his consort Saurabhya Kudalaambal. This temple is built on a 60 ft high hill called as Malai Kovil and can be accessed by a plight of steps. Lord Shiva in this temple is believed to be self manifested. As it is a sand Lingam, no abhishekas are performed here.

According to the legend, there lived a demon Tharukasura, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, but was against .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Sevinthipatti, 39 km from Gunaseelam, 34 km from Namakkal, 95 km from Erode, 65 km from Trichy & 354 km from Chennai, the ancient and famous Thalamalai Perumal Temple is situated on a unique rock on the peak of Thalaimalai Hill. It is a renowned Vaishnava temple.

This hill gets its name because it resembles the head of a person. This hill is also known as Siragiri. The presiding deity of the temple is Nallendra Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. One can find shrines of Venkatachalapathy, Alamelu Mangai Thayaar, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Sri Devi, Bhudevi, Lord Anjaneya, Garudazhvar, and Karupanna Swami. If one takes a holy dip in the Kannimar Sunai and pray to Lord Nallendra Perumal, they would be void of the bad effects of Lord Shaneeswar. This temple was built by Madurai Nayaks.

There is a spring called Ramar Sunai with water flowing all the time. Devotees walk around on a narrow path around the temple for pradakshinas. People strongly believe that going .....

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At a distance of 0.5 km from Uthamarkoil Railway Station and 15 km from Trichy, Uthamar Temple also known as Purushottamar temple, Thirukkarambanoor or Bhikshandar Kovil, situated in Uthamarkoil village is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu.

According to a legend, Brahma became very arrogant because he was the creator. This made him feel superior to Shiva. Brahma once visited Kailasam to meet Shiva. Parvathi, the wife of Shiva got confused and performed pooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. Lord Shiva plucked off one head of Brahma to avoid the confusion between the two. This resulted .....

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At a distance of 0.5 km from Thirunedungalam Bus stand, 12 km from Thiruverumbur and 25 km from Trichy, Sri Thirunedungalanathar Swamy Temple is a Shiva Temple. Lord Shiva in the temple is a believed to be self incarnated. The Lord here is also called Nithya Sundareswarar. The rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity for three days in Tamil month of Aadi (July/August).

The temple is facing west with its two enclosures with temple tank situated near the entrance. The Shrine of Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivayani is situated in the complex. At the southern end, shrines of Saptha Kanniyar, Ayyanar, Varadharaja Perumal are situated.

It is believed that worshipping the Lord here for 8 Fridays continuously with lighting ghee lamp improves physical beauty of a person. Lord Siva's consort is called as Mangala Nayagi here with four hands in standing posture facing south. Worshipping her continuously for nine Tuesdays during Rahu Kaalam lighting ghee lamp in lemon provides .....

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At a distance 20 km from Pudukkottai and 58 km from Trichy, Kudumiyanmalai Shikanathar Temple is a rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva situated on a massive hillock. This ancient temple with its unusual inscriptions and prominent sculptures is under the control of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

The presiding deities of the temple are Lord Shikhanathar and Goddess Akhilandeshwari. There is a cave temple carved on the foothill of Kudumiyanmalai, locally known as Melaikkovil. The Kuduminatha temple is built around 10th century by the Cholas. It was later extended by the Pandyas and Vijayanagar Kings. The temple has a thousand pillared mandapa. In the mahamandapa, the sculpture of Narasimha tearing out the entrails of Hiranayakasipu captures attention. The Rati and Manmadha figures are noteworthy for their attention to detail. The Siva in dancing posture pose is a masterpiece.

The temple property was auctioned in 13th century, Thiru-k-kaariyaan Magal Umaiyal Nachiar, .....

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At a distance 42 km from Pudukkottai, 36 km from Trichy, 39 km from Thanjavur & 363 from Chennai, The Malayadipatti Rock-Cut temples are situated on granite hillocks, south of the Malayadipatti village, also known as Thiru Valattur Malai.

There are two temples in Malayadipatti, one for Lord Shiva and the other for Lord Vishnu. Both temples are situated on the same hillock. Built in 8th century by Pallavas, the Shiva temple is older than the Vishnu temple. Constructed by Kuvavan Sathan, the Shiva temple is named as Vakeeswarar, according to epigraphic notes. This temple, popularly known as Alathurthali is situated towards the eastern side of the granite hill.

This temple consists of rock-cut mandapa. The sanctum is built on eastern end in cubical form cut inside the mandapa. In later period, a compound wall enclosing the cave and the front mandapa were built. The pillared mandapa has statues of Ganesha and Muruganalong with Nandi. The entrance gateway is guarded by figures .....

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At a distance of 1 km trek from Sri Arappaleeswarar Swamy Temple at Ariyurnadu, 55 km from Namakkal, 92 km from Salem, 138 km from Trichy and 400 km from Chennai, Agaya Gangai or Akasa Ganga waterfall is located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Akasa Ganga is an enchanting 300 feet waterfall formed on River Aiyaru. The fall is enclosed with the dense forest which increases its charm and grandeur. It is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by the mountains on all sides. The picturesque landscape created by the water fall is an ideal destination for the nature lovers.

The location is ideal for trekking and the breeze is pleasant. The water of the falls is considered to contain medicinal properties due to the varieties of medicinal herbs grown across the forest which makes it a natural spa. People here believe that taking bath in the water cures many diseases. Owing to this attribute, people from nearby areas take bath in the water so as to cure their diseases. On the .....

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At a distance 50 km from Namakkal, 76 km from Trichy & 340 km from Chennai, Puliyancholai is a scenic spot on the foothills of Kolli Hills. It is a forest region splashed with a small stream and covered with lush green foliage and tamarind groves. The place is a favorite haunt among the tourist throughout the year to enjoy bathing in natural springs.

The Puliancholai falls is a terrace waterfall which appears like a stream of water that cascades through rocky terrain. Puliancholai is known for its scenic beauty located on the foot hills of kolli hills. It is a thick forest region, best suited for trekking and other adventurous activities.

Located far away from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas, this place offers you a quite escape from busy city life. There is a Shiva Temple which is situated about 12 km inside the thick forest. Devotees come here to trek up to Shiva temple in June and July.

Accommodation of provided by two resorts situated near the falls. The .....

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At a distance 50 km from Namakkal, 87 km from Salem, 135 km from Trichy & 395 km from Chennai, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Semmedu is the headquarters for the Kolli hills. These hills are part of lie at an elevation of 1000 to 1300 m and cover an area of approximately 280 sq km. The Kolli Hills have 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills from Namakkal side. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.

The Mountain is named Kolli Malai after the Goddess Ettukkai Amman (Kolli Paavai). According to legend, the sages chose Kolli hills when they were looking for a peaceful place to do their penance. However, the demons invaded the hills to disrupt the penance when the sages began their rituals. The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who according to the myth, chased away the demons.

Trekking at Kolli Hills is a popular activity. Trekking to Agaya Gangai .....

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