Being the 4th biggest city in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli is also known as Trichy or Tiruchi. Tiruchirappalli is one of the famous weekend getaways in Tamil Nadu that not just enthralls you with the wide range of churches and temples it has, but also with the exclusiveness of all these places. Dotted with many monuments and temples, Tiruchirappalli is known to be a haven for history lovers and Hindu pilgrims. This city offers a sacred and tranquil environment ideal for relaxing and observing the great influence of culture. Tiruchirappalli, for nature lovers, has some attractions that are present in the shape of a dam and a waterfall. A trip to this magnificent place will ensure that you’re regenerated and revitalized.
Tiruchirappalli was historically referred to as “Trichinopoly.” Its shortened forms including “Tiruchi” and “Trichy” are commonly used by the people. As per C.P. Brown, a Telugu scholar, Tiruchirappalli was a derivative of Chiruta-palli. However, Arthur Coke Burnell and Orientalists Henry Yule doubted that this name might have been derived from inspiration on the rock that was carved in nearly 16th century. In that, the name was inscribed as Tiru-ssila-pali referring to a “Holy Rock Town.” Some other scholars have recommended that this name refers to “holy little town.”
As per the Hindu mythology, the city Tiruchirappalli got its name from Trishira, the 3-headed demon, who mediated to please Lord Shiva to get favors from him.
According to medieval history, Tiruchirappalli is among the oldest cities of Tamil Nadu. The earliest settlements of this city date back to the 2nd millennium BC. Tiruchirappalli’s medieval history starts with the rule of Mahendravarman I, the Pallava King, who ruled entire South India during 6th century AD. He was the one who constructed the various rock-cut-cave shrines in the Rockfort. After the Pallavas downfall, the city was annexed by Medieval Cholas in the 8th century and they ruled it till the 13th century. Tiruchirappalli was captured by the Pandyas after Cholas declines and they ruled from 1216 to 1311 until their defeat by Malik Kafur. Tiruchirappalli from 1311 trough to 1378 was ruled by Madurai and Delhi sultanates. The Vijayanagar Empire had its rule over this area from 1378 to the 1530s. After the fall of the Vijayanagar empire, Madurai Nayak Kingdom started to assert Independence. Tiruchirappalli was made the capital by Kumara Krishnappa Nayaka of Madurai Nayak Kingdom during 1616-1634 and 1665-1736. Meenakshi, the last ruler of Madurai Nayak committed suicide and Chanda Sahib conquered this place from 1736 until 1741. Murari Rao, the Maratha General administered this place between 1741 and 1743. After than Nizam of Hyderabad was handed over this city by Rao. During the 2nd Carnatic War, Chanda Sahib again sieged Tiruchirappalli. After the victory of the British in the war, Wallajah took over this place. He proposed to rename the city as Natharnagar after Nathar Vali, the Sufi saint, who resided here in the twelfth century AD.
In July 1801, Carnatic Kingdom was captured by the British. During Company Raj and British Raj, Tiruchirappalli flourished as the most imperative city in India. As per the 1871 census, Tiruchirappalli was the second biggest city after Madras in the presidency. This place was famous among the British for its exclusive Trichinopoly cigars. Tiruchirappalli was the headquarter of South India Railway Company until its shift to Madras in the 20th century.
During the era of pre-Independence, Tiruchirappalli played a very active role. It was the home to many non-violent protests and strikes during the Quit India Movement. In 1928, it was the base point for South Indian Railway Strike, in 1930 for Vedaranyam Salt March, in 1938, for the anti-Hindi agitation and in 165, for Madras Anti-Hindi Conference. After Independence of India, Tiruchirappalli remained the part of Madras that was renamed as Tamil Nadu later on in 1969.
Below is the list of some of the best places to visit in Tiruchirappalli. Visiting them will offer lifetime memories to cherish:
Witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset: The Rock Fort Temple complex offers a perfect sunset and sunrise viewing destination with an alluring view over this city. Visit this place either at dusk or at dawn and rest assured to view the most charming scenes that this place can offer.
Temple Visit: There is no dearth of temples in Tiruchirappalli. Moreover, when you are in this city you cannot stop yourself from visiting these architecturally beautiful temples.
Witness Exotic Butterflies: Visit Tropical Butterfly Conservatory, one of the largest butterfly conservatories of Asia to witness the natural breeding ground of butterflies. You will come across more than 100 different butterfly species.
Shopping: Tiruchirappalli is a well-recognized shopping spot in Tamil Nadu. Textiles, fake diamonds, and cigars are a few popular things that you can purchase here.
Tiruchirappalli is located 133 km away from Madurai, 212 km away from Coimbatore, 334 km away from Chennai, and 57 km from Thanjavur. The Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the airport that serves the city. It is located 5km away from the center of the city. The city has its own railway station as well. It is known as Tiruchi Junction and is an imperative train station for every nearby place.
Tiruchirappalli is worth exploring with both family and friends for its peaceful delights and scenic beauty that will leave you mesmerized!