Tiruchi
itself has a long history dating back to the centuries before
the Christian era when it was a Chola citadel. During the
first millennium AD, it changed hands between the Pallavas
and Pandyas many times before being taken by the Cholas
in the 10th century AD. When the Chola Empire finally declined,
Tiruchi passed into the hands of the Vijayanagar kings of
Hampi and remained with them until their defeat, in 1565
AD by the forces of the Deccan Sultans.
The city and its fort, as they stand today, were built by
the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of the main centers around
which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century
during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India.
Rock Fort Temple : The Rock Fort temple
complex in Tiruchirappalli is a collection of three temples
- the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill,
the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the
Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam
is a rock cut temple on a hill and is the most prominent
landmark in Tiruchirappalli that can be reached by a flight
of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple At Srirangam :
Located 7-km from Trichy is Srirangam, the abode of the
Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord
Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha, the largest in India,
is of particular reverence to all Hindus. Srirangam is also
listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, or temples representing
the planets.
Viralimalai Sanctuary : Viralimalai is
a small town situated at a distance of 30-km from Tiruchirappalli
and 40-km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan
temple and the Peacock sanctuary. The town is bestowed with
a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan
temple.
How
to Get There
Domestic
Airport:
Tiruchirappalli has an airport (5-km) from the city.
Various airlines connect Tiruchi with Chennai, Sharjah,
Kuwait and Colombo.
Road:
Tiruchi is well connected by road with important places
of South India. City bus service, tourist taxis, auto rickshaws
and cycle rickshaws are available for local transportation.
Rail: Tiruchi is an important junction
on the Southern Railway. It connects Chennai, Thanjavur,
Madurai, Tirupati, Tuticorin and Rameshwaram on the metre
gauge, and Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, Kannyakumarai
and Mangalore on the broad gauge.
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