Tiruchirapalli or Trichy as it is popularly known has a long history that pre-dates the Christian era. It was originally a Chola citadel and later during 1st millenium AD, it was occupied by other south Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas and Pandyas. The Cholas regained control over Trichy during the 10th century. Later, after the fall of the Chola empire, it came under the direct conrol of the Nayak kingdom of Madurai who paid tribute to the Vijayanagara empire. The Rock fort temple, the most famous landmark in Trichy was built by the Nayaks of Madurai[1].
Tiruchirapalli city is home to Nagaraj Cholan and many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Uraiyur(also pronounced as Oraiyur), the Old Tiruchy has over 2,500 years of known history and tradition. It was the capital of the early Chola kings. The oldest human-made dam, Kallanai, was built by Karikala Cholan across the river Kaveri (also Cauvery) about 10 miles from Uraiyur.
Trichy was an important town in the days of the later Cholas and of the Nayak kings, and during the early days of the British East India Company. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli, and back, several times. The conquest of Tiruchirapalli by the British East India Company marked a major step in the British conquest of India.
Rockfort along with Cauvery river bridge
One famous landmark in Tiruchirapalli is the Rock Fort, a large outcrop of rock of 83 metres high. It is the only such outcrop in the otherwise-flat land of the city, and because of it Trichy is also called Rock City. On top of the rock is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to the Indian god Vinayaka (Ganesha), from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirapalli. The temple was also used as a military fort by the Nayaks for some time.
On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully-carved cave temples of the Pallava period. On the eastern side is Sri Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple, with Ganesha as the main deity. A large-sized Ganesha and depictions of other rare deities can be seen in this temple, which hosts festivals every year during the Vinayaka Chathurthi (birthday of Ganesha). Many Carnatic musicians have given concerts in this famous shrine. Around the rock temple is a busy commercial region, specializing in textiles, known as Chatram. The Main Guard Gate is flooded on festive occasions such as Diwali, Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, and Pongal.
Trichy is famous for the number of Christian churches it contains -- it is said to have the greatest number of chapels in India. The most famous are Holy Redeemer's Church (Sagayamatha Koil), Lourdes Church, and The Cathedral.Trichy also is famous for Arcot Nawab masjid (one of the oldest) , with its large water storage tank (Ahil)
Tiruchirapalli city is home to Nagaraj Cholan and many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Uraiyur(also pronounced as Oraiyur), the Old Tiruchy has over 2,500 years of known history and tradition. It was the capital of the early Chola kings. The oldest human-made dam, Kallanai, was built by Karikala Cholan across the river Kaveri (also Cauvery) about 10 miles from Uraiyur.
Trichy was an important town in the days of the later Cholas and of the Nayak kings, and during the early days of the British East India Company. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli, and back, several times. The conquest of Tiruchirapalli by the British East India Company marked a major step in the British conquest of India.
Rockfort along with Cauvery river bridge
One famous landmark in Tiruchirapalli is the Rock Fort, a large outcrop of rock of 83 metres high. It is the only such outcrop in the otherwise-flat land of the city, and because of it Trichy is also called Rock City. On top of the rock is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to the Indian god Vinayaka (Ganesha), from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirapalli. The temple was also used as a military fort by the Nayaks for some time.
On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully-carved cave temples of the Pallava period. On the eastern side is Sri Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple, with Ganesha as the main deity. A large-sized Ganesha and depictions of other rare deities can be seen in this temple, which hosts festivals every year during the Vinayaka Chathurthi (birthday of Ganesha). Many Carnatic musicians have given concerts in this famous shrine. Around the rock temple is a busy commercial region, specializing in textiles, known as Chatram. The Main Guard Gate is flooded on festive occasions such as Diwali, Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, and Pongal.
Trichy is famous for the number of Christian churches it contains -- it is said to have the greatest number of chapels in India. The most famous are Holy Redeemer's Church (Sagayamatha Koil), Lourdes Church, and The Cathedral.Trichy also is famous for Arcot Nawab masjid (one of the oldest) , with its large water storage tank (Ahil)
