Highlights
About Tiruchy
Built by the Madurai Nayaks back in the 1700s, Tiruchy has always been a hot spot for travelers. With many places to see and explore, this place also offers an amazing shopping experience to the shopaholics. One can shop for beautiful artificial diamonds, glass bangles, cigars, clay toys and much more here. The Kalaani Dam is a perfect place to visit for the history buffs. The Puliyancholai Falls are enthralling which is sure to excite all the nature lovers. With a lot of temples including Rock Fort Ganapathi Temple, Samayapuram Amman Temple, Sri Ranga Nathaswamy Temple, St. Lourdes Church, Vekkaliamman Temple and Viralimalai Murugan Temple, Tiruchy is a pilgrimage destination calling for the religious flocks.
Places To See
Velankanni ChurchAlso known as Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, the church was a thatched chapel during the mid-sixteenth century. It was granted the status of basilica in 1962. Masses are given in Tamil, Malayalam and English during the day.
Akilandeshwari TempleThe ancient temple is believed to have been built during the Chola reign. Inscriptions found on the walls can be traced to the Chola period. Even though the temple is more than 1800 years old, regular maintenance has ensured that it remains in good condition. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati performed penance here.
Samayapuram Mariamman TempleThe temple attracts hordes of devotees who come here to make offerings of sweets to the presiding deity. Special pujas are held on Tuesdays Fridays and Sundays. In the months of April and May, a car rally is also organized here. The Flower Festival is also organized in February or March.
Srirangam templeThe temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshiped here as Lord Ranganatha. Exemplifying Dravidian style of architecture, the temple finds mention in the DivyaPrabandha, a literary canon penned by the Alvar saints.
The Gunaseelam TempleThe temple is set on the banks of the River Kaveri and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The belief goes that the temple is blessed with supernatural powers and can cure mentally disabled children.
Viralimalai Murugan TempleThe temple enjoys a scenic setting on top of the Viralimalai hill. You need to climb 207 steps to reach to the shrine. The surrounding orchards add to its scenic environs. Several rites and rituals are performed here including that of offering a cigar to Lord Dandayudhapani.
Things To Do
Velankanni beachThe beach enjoys a quaint setting and offers a lovely social vibe. Apart from the sun, sand and sea you can look forward to a bustling shopping experience with shops offering everything from DVDs and wax replicas to trinkets and souvenirs. Photo studios and eateries also find space here. Swimming is a common activity though there are many who simply come here to enjoy a family picnic.
Mukkombu DamThe dam has been built on the rivers Kaveri and Kolladam. The presence of an amusement park, children’s park, fishing and sports complex has ensured its popularity with the visitors.
Kallanai DamConstructed over River Kaveri, the dam is believed to have been built in the first century by the Chola dynasty rulers. It is the oldest water body which is still being used today. The dam takes its name from the stone, Kallanai, which has been used in its construction.
