Rock Fort Temple
This temple crowns a massive outcrop of rock, that soars 83 meters upwards, from the surrounding plains. It is reached by a steep flight of 437 steps, cut into the rock. Halfway up is the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a 100-pillared hall, and a Vimana, covered with gold. On the southern face of the rock, are several beautifully carved, rock-cut cave temples, of the Pallava period. Non - Hindus are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum, at the summit. Built by the Nayaks, who were the founders of the city, 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.
Sri Rangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple)
This temple, 6 kms north of the city, is among the most revered shrines to Lord Vishnu in South India, and probably, the largest temple complex in the country. Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, this 13th century temple has 21 gopurams. The town, and the temple, are set on a 250-hectare island in the Cauvery, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The temple is very well preserved, with excellent carvings, and numerous shrines to various gods, though the main temple is dedicated to Vishnu.
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.
Samayapuram
Samayapuram Maariamman Temple is situated just 20 kms north of Tiruchirappalli town.The Maariamman Temple here, is dedicated to Goddess Maariamman. The offerings are in various forms, the most common being the Mavilakku Mavu made of jagery, riceflour, dhal and ghee.
Vayaloor
Vayaloor is located on the outskirts of Tiruchirapalli. It is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga located at a scenic spot set amidst lush, green vegetation.
St. John's Church
Built in 1812, this Church has louvered doors, which when opened, turns the church into an airy pavilion. Its excellent setting and marvelous architecture, makes it a site worth visiting.
Natharvalli
Dargah Baba Natharvali was named as Muthaharudeen at first. He descended from his throne crowing his brother, Syed Jalaudeen and undertook holy pilgrimage for propagation of Allah's glory according to Islamic tenets. This a part with his 900 kalandars, he set foot in Tiruchirapuram, which s now known as Tiruchirappalli. He led a pious saintly life with his kalandars in a flower garden in Tiruchirappalli. Saint Baba Natharvali's body was laid to rest in a place where it was once a Easwaran temple in a room. Constructed with four doors according to Vedic sastras and seppulingam is a witness to ghee lamp burning near the grave of Baba. The saint breathed his last on the 15th of the month of Ramzan in Hijiri 417 and with a view to remember this day, the first 17days in the month of Ramzan every year Kanduri Urs is celebrated in a highly grand scale it is a unique feature to see Muslims, Hindus and Christians assemble to pay their homage and warm respects to Baba Natharvali on the eve of the Kanduri festival and seek his graceful blessings.
Kallanai
Kallanai is one of the greatest engineering marvels of India. The Grand Anaicut built by Karikalan Chola in the 2nd century A.D. to harness the waters of the Kaveri. Made of stone, the dam is 329 m long and 20m wide and still very much in use. Additions have been made in the form of a road bridge on top of the dam. This is also a good picnic spot.
Mukkombu
Mukkombu is a beautiful excursion centre, just 18 kms from Tiruchirappalli on the river banks of Cauvery and Kollidam. This place is called upper dam. It is an attraction for the tourists and also for the people of all ages by its park, greenish garden scince park,toy train,merry go round, fishing facility, and boating facility.
Museum
Museum is located in Rani Mangammal Mahal near Super bazaar, Trichy. The museum will be open on all days except Fridays. Time 10.00 to 17.00 Hours. Entrance fee for Adults Rs.5, for Children Rs. 3, for Students Rs.2 and for Foreigners Rs.100. There are sculpures like Mahavirar, Buddha, Vishnu, etc. It has fossil, pre-history megalithic, Paleolithic and Neolithic tools, Earthern moulds for metals, inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts, insects, reptiles, birds, mammals. Ancient sculptures like thirumal crawling Krishna, Thirumal with consorts, Devi, Durga, Saint Manickavasagar, Nataraja and Chandra Sekar are here. Tribal model of pachamalai hills, Thanjavur painting, Coins of Ancient India, etc are also on display here.
Kodaikkanal
Perhaps one of the most famous hill stations in South India, its famous for its cool climate, vast greenery and large waterfalls. The Kodai Lake, one of the largest in the area, is famous for its boat rides, offered at a nominal rate to all tourists. A flock of horses give joy rides to tourists making it a hill station worth visiting.
Udhagamandalam
Popularly known as Ooty, it houses some of the largest botanical gardens. Its flower show held yearly makes the popular hill station the major tourist attraction it is.
Madurai
The second largest city in Tamil Nadu, it is one of the major commercial and cultural hubs of the state. It can be easily reached both by bus and rail, and is at a journey of 3 hours from the city. It houses the famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, world famous for the architectural marvels of its Gopurams.
Coimbatore
A journey of around 4-5 hours will take you to this city, often called 'The Poor Man's Ooty', due to its cool weather. It is also a commercial centre of the state housing a number of textile mills giving it the name 'The manchester of The South'. Coimbatore, is on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills above the Noyil River. Principal industries of Coimbatore include the processing of coffee and vegetable oils, leather tanning and the manufacture of textiles. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (1971) is here. Near the city is the Temple of Perur, an important Hindu religious shrine.
Yercaud
A scenic hillstation, at a journey of four- and- a- half hours from the city, it is famous for some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region and for waterfalls that wind their way through the mountains providing a source of profound joy to all. Yercaud is situated 1,500 metres high from mean sea level. Yercaud is a small hill station on the Eastern ghats. Its has a cool climate, temperature never rises above 30 º C and dip below 13 º C . It is famious for Coffee plantations and Silver oak trees. It is a good place for trekking, boating in the Lake, Anna Park, Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat, Pagoda Point (also known as Pyramid point), Servaroyan Temple, Kiliyur Waterfall and Montfort School.
Mettupalayam
At a journey of an hour from Coimbatore, it houses the famous Black Thunder water theme park. This complex is full of various fun filled water games and rides which offers an ideal escape from the hot weather that often engulfs the area.
Salem
Salem is the focal point of the surrounding agricultural area, and a major handloom-weaving centre. Industries located in the city include the manufacture of textiles, cotton and silk clothing, and chemicals. Iron ore deposits and magnesite deposits are nearby.
