Tiruchirapalli (variously spelt Tiruchirappalli, Thiruchirapalli, Thiruchirappalli, Trichi and Trichy) is at distance of 150 km from
Madurai. The fourth largest city of
Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirapalli is located on the banks of the river
Cauvery. During the medieval period, Tiruchirapalli was a strong hold of the
Cholas,
Pallavas,
Pandyas and
Vijayanagara rulers. With some marvelous temples and colonial churches, Tiruchirapalli’s fame rests in as a pilgrimage town. Tiruchirapalli is also an industrial hub.
Point of interests are the
Rock Fort temple, St John's and Lourdes churches, Natarwala Darga, Srirangam Island which houses the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruvanaikkaval Jambukeshwara Temple and government museum. The nearby attractions are Vayalur, Narthamalai, Grand Anaicut (Kallanai), Mukkombu (the Upper Anaicut), Viralimalai, Thanjavur, Sittannavasal, Pudukkottai, and Kolli Hills.
The major festivals are Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadesi, Garuda Sevai, Flower festival and Car festival celebrated in the last week of December and the first week of January. The Float Festival (March-April) held at the Teppakulam tank is a treat to the eyes with skillfully lit floats sailing all over the tank.
An industrial nerve center, Tiruchirapalli produces artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles, and wooden and clay toys. Many industries such as Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Heavy Alloy Penetration Project (HAPP), Government Ordinance Factory, and the Golden Rock Railway Work Shop are located here.
Tiruchirapalli has a population of over 0.8 million. It is the headquarters of
Tiruchirapalli District and has an area of 146.90 sq km. Common languages spoken are English and Tamil.
Tiruchirapalli Airport is 7 km south of city center. Tiruchirapalli is an important railhead of the Southern Railway.
National Highway 45 passes through Tiruchirapalli.