If you’re looking for a destination to travel for recreation, religious or leisure purposes with family or friends, Tiruchirappalli in the state of Tamil Nadu is an appropriate place to go to. The city has lots of spots to explore and enjoy from forts and temples to huge dams and beautiful hills. Here are seven spots that I think you shouldn’t skip during your Trichy trip.
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A view of Mukkombu Dam[/caption]1. Mukkombu Dam- This dam is located around 18 km. west from main Trichy city. Also known as Upper Anaicut dam, it has a well-groomed park with luxuriant greenery which makes it an excellent picnic spot. The dam is built at a point where Kollidam River bifurcates from the Cauvery River.[caption id="attachment_7630" align="aligncenter" width="613"]
A snap of the Brahmapureeswarar Temple complex[/caption]2. The Brahmapureeswarar Temple- Since this is a temple of Lord Brahma who is rarely worshipped due to a mythological curse; it holds a great reverence among Hindus. Constructed in Dravidian architectural style, the temple is located at Thirupattur village. There are 12 Shiva lingams installed in the temple along with a separate shrine of Lord Brahma sitting in a meditative pose. I would also highly recommend that you meditate in front of the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras.[caption id="attachment_7631" align="aligncenter" width="644"]
A stream flowing at Puliyancholai[/caption]3. Puliyancholai- For those who get a kick out of hills and forests, Puliyancholai is a must visit. Located on the foothills of Kollimalai hills at Thuraiyur, it has a perennial stream which is a popular attraction. From here, you can also plan a trek to Agasa Gangai waterfalls on the top hills which gives you an incredible view of rocks, caves and forests.[caption id="attachment_7632" align="aligncenter" width="643"]
Main entrance of Samayapuram Mariamman Temple[/caption]4. The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple- This temple lies in Samayapuram municipality just seven km. away from Trichy city. The chief deity of the temple, Mariamman, is considered the younger sister of Perumal (Lord Vishnu) as per Hindu mythological beliefs. Her idol kept in this temple is made up of sand and clay. The passages, walls and roofs of the temple are beautifully painted with pictures of many Hindu goddesses. Since the goddess is believed to have massive powers over curing illnesses; the temple attracts devotees all over India. While visiting, don’t forget to buy tiny metallic replicas of body part(s) that need healing and ‘mavilakku’, a famous local sweet dish.[caption id="attachment_7633" align="aligncenter" width="642"]
Ucchi Pillayar temple located atop the rock[/caption]5. The Malaikottai Temple- Popular as the Rock fort or Ucchi Pillayar temple, it is situated in the heart of Trichy city. The temple stands at a height of 83m balanced atop the rock. The way to temple passes through an eye-catching local market. The different shrines of deities within the temple are accessed through steep steps carved on the rock. These steps offer striking views of Trichy city, Cauvery and Kollidam Rivers. The temple holds an important mythological relevance as it is considered to be constructed where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibishana. The ancient rock architecture created by Pallavas is now protected by ASI, Archealogical Survey of India. To feed your excitement, you can also visit a small ASI supported museum of rock statues located at the foot of the rock.[caption id="attachment_7634" align="aligncenter" width="662"]
Outside look of Banana Leaf Restaurant, Rock fort[/caption]6. Banana Leaf Restaurant- After returning from the tiring trip of Rock fort temple, don’t forget to eat at one of the best dining destinations of Trichy, Banana Leaf. It’s a multi-cuisine restaurant situated at the opposite side to the main entrance of Rock fort. The South Indian and Chettinadu cuisines are the specialties of this restaurant. Try anything from a chicken biryani to mushroom noodles and you’re likely to return again. The food and service are good at Banana Leaf. I can bet the ambience, taste and hospitality will impress you.[caption id="attachment_7635" align="aligncenter" width="675"]
Grand Gopums (towers) of Srirangam Temple[/caption]7. The Srirangam Temple- Last but not the least, the Srirangam temple, also called as Ranganathswamy Temple, is the most famous temple of the city. In fact, the city is well known in the world because of this temple. The temple holds a significant importance among the believers of Hinduism and its other ideologies as well. Installed in Dravidian architectural style, this grand temple comprises shrines of many deities, pillar halls, and an art museum within the complex. As main deities, it has idols of different incarnations of Lord Perumal (Vishnu). According to mythological beliefs, the temple is located where Lord Vinayaka had put the Ranganathswamy idol on the ground taking from hands of King Vibishana. The temple is generally packed with visitors, priests, devotees round the year, especially in Tamil months of Adi and Thai. However, the government has made considerable arrangements for the outside visitors for food and lodging.Plan your tour to experience this beautiful city and bring the peace and pleasure of these spots back to home.
A view of Mukkombu Dam[/caption]1. Mukkombu Dam- This dam is located around 18 km. west from main Trichy city. Also known as Upper Anaicut dam, it has a well-groomed park with luxuriant greenery which makes it an excellent picnic spot. The dam is built at a point where Kollidam River bifurcates from the Cauvery River.[caption id="attachment_7630" align="aligncenter" width="613"]
A snap of the Brahmapureeswarar Temple complex[/caption]2. The Brahmapureeswarar Temple- Since this is a temple of Lord Brahma who is rarely worshipped due to a mythological curse; it holds a great reverence among Hindus. Constructed in Dravidian architectural style, the temple is located at Thirupattur village. There are 12 Shiva lingams installed in the temple along with a separate shrine of Lord Brahma sitting in a meditative pose. I would also highly recommend that you meditate in front of the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras.[caption id="attachment_7631" align="aligncenter" width="644"]
A stream flowing at Puliyancholai[/caption]3. Puliyancholai- For those who get a kick out of hills and forests, Puliyancholai is a must visit. Located on the foothills of Kollimalai hills at Thuraiyur, it has a perennial stream which is a popular attraction. From here, you can also plan a trek to Agasa Gangai waterfalls on the top hills which gives you an incredible view of rocks, caves and forests.[caption id="attachment_7632" align="aligncenter" width="643"]
Main entrance of Samayapuram Mariamman Temple[/caption]4. The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple- This temple lies in Samayapuram municipality just seven km. away from Trichy city. The chief deity of the temple, Mariamman, is considered the younger sister of Perumal (Lord Vishnu) as per Hindu mythological beliefs. Her idol kept in this temple is made up of sand and clay. The passages, walls and roofs of the temple are beautifully painted with pictures of many Hindu goddesses. Since the goddess is believed to have massive powers over curing illnesses; the temple attracts devotees all over India. While visiting, don’t forget to buy tiny metallic replicas of body part(s) that need healing and ‘mavilakku’, a famous local sweet dish.[caption id="attachment_7633" align="aligncenter" width="642"]
Ucchi Pillayar temple located atop the rock[/caption]5. The Malaikottai Temple- Popular as the Rock fort or Ucchi Pillayar temple, it is situated in the heart of Trichy city. The temple stands at a height of 83m balanced atop the rock. The way to temple passes through an eye-catching local market. The different shrines of deities within the temple are accessed through steep steps carved on the rock. These steps offer striking views of Trichy city, Cauvery and Kollidam Rivers. The temple holds an important mythological relevance as it is considered to be constructed where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibishana. The ancient rock architecture created by Pallavas is now protected by ASI, Archealogical Survey of India. To feed your excitement, you can also visit a small ASI supported museum of rock statues located at the foot of the rock.[caption id="attachment_7634" align="aligncenter" width="662"]
Outside look of Banana Leaf Restaurant, Rock fort[/caption]6. Banana Leaf Restaurant- After returning from the tiring trip of Rock fort temple, don’t forget to eat at one of the best dining destinations of Trichy, Banana Leaf. It’s a multi-cuisine restaurant situated at the opposite side to the main entrance of Rock fort. The South Indian and Chettinadu cuisines are the specialties of this restaurant. Try anything from a chicken biryani to mushroom noodles and you’re likely to return again. The food and service are good at Banana Leaf. I can bet the ambience, taste and hospitality will impress you.[caption id="attachment_7635" align="aligncenter" width="675"]
Grand Gopums (towers) of Srirangam Temple[/caption]7. The Srirangam Temple- Last but not the least, the Srirangam temple, also called as Ranganathswamy Temple, is the most famous temple of the city. In fact, the city is well known in the world because of this temple. The temple holds a significant importance among the believers of Hinduism and its other ideologies as well. Installed in Dravidian architectural style, this grand temple comprises shrines of many deities, pillar halls, and an art museum within the complex. As main deities, it has idols of different incarnations of Lord Perumal (Vishnu). According to mythological beliefs, the temple is located where Lord Vinayaka had put the Ranganathswamy idol on the ground taking from hands of King Vibishana. The temple is generally packed with visitors, priests, devotees round the year, especially in Tamil months of Adi and Thai. However, the government has made considerable arrangements for the outside visitors for food and lodging.Plan your tour to experience this beautiful city and bring the peace and pleasure of these spots back to home.
