By Supriya Chackingal

When I made up my mind in the very last hour to travel to Trichy for my friend’s wedding, little did I
know of the amazing experience that awaited me .It is so true that there is a larger force out there who
has all our plans ready even before we are aware. How else could I explain the last minute changes to
my travel plan, and the airline not loading my baggage, which meant I had a whole day to myself at
Trichy , before visiting the airport at midnight to collect my “ delayed” baggage.

Let us not get into the hassles one faces with certain domestic airlines. Come to think of it, maybe
that will indeed be my next article!! Anyways, the marriage party left about noon and being left alone
in the hotel for the entire day, I decided to step out to explore the city. From what I heard,
Sri Ranganathaswamytemple was by far the most famous and well known temple which one had to visit.
The temple was about 2 km away from Trichy in Srirangam, I hired an autorickshaw and there began my
journey to one of the most breathtaking and beautiful temples I have ever set my eyes on.

As we approached the entrance of the temple, I could see the huge ‘Gopuram’ , which towered over the
small shops set up around the temple, that basically sell ‘Puja’ items like flowers, coconuts, lamps etc….

I walked into the temple in awe, and from that minute onwards was transported to a different world
altogether, an experience which moved me beyond words. As I walked around the different deities and
offered my prayers, a young man walked up to me and speaking broken but decent English, asked me
if I would be interested in knowing the history of the temple , and he would take me around the entire
temple. I welcomed the suggestion, curiosity having taken over me.

The temple comprises of 7 concentric walled sections and 21 gopurams.The main gopuram is claimed to
be the tallest in India, being 72 meters tall. It is believed that the coast of Sri Lanka can be seen from the
top of this gopuram. The temple rests on a 600 acre island surrounded by the rivers Kaveri and Kolladam
(Coleroon). The temple has the reclining idol of Lord Vishnu known as Ranganathar with Goddess
Lakshmi ( Ranganayaki) at his feet.

Every nook and corner of the temple had a history and a fascinating story associated with it, the
animated description of the guide made it all the more interesting. I had to literally run to catch up
with him, he was extremely fast and was concerned since it was getting dark and he wanted to get the
most of this visit before the temple closes for the day. I could easily write a book if I had to recite all the
stories, and who knows maybe one day I actually will.

It had started to rain and the entire experience was beginning to overpower me. The guide’s parting
words were that there are stories of many who have landed at the doors of the temple penniless and in
pain, and crying out in despair, only to return back in a few years , stronger and in control of their lives.
Such is the miracle of this place.

The droplets of rain, the smell of incense sticks and karpuram and thiruneer, the glow of the velakku….
I closed my eyes and could feel the tears streaming down my face as I just gave in to the moment . Yes I

would come back here, I was sure of it.

What I have shared above is an experience of just one temple that I visited, that came about unplanned
There are many more wonders in Trichy… For those with the traveler’s spirit, take a day off and step into
this marvelous town and share your experience with us. Bangalorexpo will guide you on how to plan
your trip accordingly

TO GET THERE– Tiruchirappalli international airport is around 4 km away from the city. A number of
leading airlines operate to this busy airport, which has flights covering both domestic and international
destinations.

Trains are frequent and Trichy is connected to most of the major cities around like Chennai, Trivandrum,
Bangalore, Mumbai etc…

One can also take buses (Private & Public transport) which are many in number, and transit between
Trichy and the towns around.

The wise ones (Ahem, Like me….!!!) would also take the autorickshaw option to go around. A bit of
bargaining may be required on the fare, knowing Tamil would be an added advantage!!

Explore - Trichy is a mix of the traditional and contemporary.

For the spiritual types!!

•Thiruvanaikkaval Jambukeshwara Temple - 6 km from Trichy. A different temple in the fact that
the deity is a form of water, and the Shiva Linga is partly immersed in water. A holy spring arises
from beneath this.

•Uthmar Koil - One of the very few temples where all three Hindu mythology gods Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva reside.

•Gunaseelam – 18 Km from Trichy. Deity is Lord Venkateshwara and this temple is known to have
miraculous curing of the mentally challenged.

•The Rockfort Temple – The name is one factor that sets this temple aside from the rest. The
temple rests on an 83 m slab of rock. The name arises since the temple was used for military
fortification by the vijayanagar emperors and then British rulers. Deities are lord ganesha and
lord shiva. It is a mind blowing architectural wonder.

•Samayapuram Amman Temple – 20 km from Trichy. Deity is “Samayapuram Mariamman”
known to be Lord Vishnu’s sister is the deity.

•Viralimalai Murugan Temple – 25 km from Trichy. Famous temple of lord Murugan and one gets
to see plenty of peacocks around. Offering of Cigars is yet another astonishing ritual.

•St Joseph’s Church- A Roman Catholic Church which is a replica of the “Our lady of Lourdes
church” in France.

•Thiruvellarai -27 km from Trichy. The temple rests on a mountain 100 feet high, of white rocks.

For the chill out types!!

Mukkombu - 18 km from trichy. A scenic tourist spot for a perfect day with the family.

Puliyancholai - A green hideout around a pretty waterfall. On the Foot hills of Kollimalai - Kolli hills near
Thuraiur. The small stream that runs across the forest is said to have exceptional medicinal qualities. So
do not forget to take a dip here !!!

For the serious explorers!!

Government Museum – 40 KM from Trichy.

Narthamalai – 25 km from Trichy.Famous for rock cut temples.

Kallanai - a 2000 yr old dam built on the river Kallanai, (an offshoot of the Cauvery River) . An
engineering marvel.

When? Plan your trip to Trichy around November to March when the weather remains pleasant and
cool.

Bangalorexpo: Travel tip of the day

Make sure your Digicam is charged, you wouldn’t want to miss clicking away all these
spectacular sights, After all it has to make way to your Facebook album isn’t it?

Is there a place you are planning to visit and you want to know more? Let us know at bangalorexpo.com,
so we can be of help!

Signing off… Supriya Chackingal.