Tiruchirappalli

Town and Fort of Trichinopoly p.302

The tank and Rockfort Trichinopoly

Tiruchirapalli1955

Aerial photograph of Srirangam Island between Kaveri and Kollidam rivers

Trichy Skyline South Blossoms Rooftop Aug22 R16 06237

Aerial view of Tiruchirapalli 1

Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, is a major tier II city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the fourth largest municipal corporation and the fourth largest urban agglomeration in the state. Located 322 kilometres (200 mi) south of Chennai and 374 kilometres (232 mi) north of Kanyakumari, Tiruchirappalli sits almost at the geographic centre of the state. The Kaveri River flows to the north of the city, and the city itself is an important educational, commercial, and industrial hub.

History

Tiruchirappalli's history dates back to before the Christian era when it was a Chola kingdom. The city has been ruled by various major South Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Nayak Dynasty, and the British. The Chola dynasty, which was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India, has left a lasting legacy in the form of the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, which is one of the most revered temples in Hinduism.

Geography

Tiruchirappalli is situated in central Tamil Nadu, on the plains of the Kaveri delta. The topography of Tiruchirappalli is almost flat, with a few isolated hillocks rising above the surface, the most prominent of which is the Rockfort. The city is known for its unique geographical feature, the Rockfort or Ucchi Pillayar Temple, a massive outcrop of rock that soars 83 meters (272 ft) above the surrounding landscape.

Economy

The economy of Tiruchirappalli is diversified, with industrial, agricultural, and service sectors contributing to its growth. The city is known for its engineering equipment manufacturing and fabrication industries. The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) plant in Tiruchirappalli is one of the leading public sector engineering companies in India. The presence of a large number of energy equipment manufacturing units has earned the city the title of "Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India".

Education

Tiruchirappalli is an important educational centre in Tamil Nadu. The city is home to several institutions of higher education, including the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NITT), one of the premier engineering institutions in India, and Bharathidasan University, which offers a wide range of courses in arts, science, and management.

Culture

The culture of Tiruchirappalli is a blend of tradition and modernity. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and has been a melting pot of various cultures due to its long history of invasions and trade. The Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, the Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval, and the Rockfort are not only important religious sites but also significant cultural landmarks.

Transport

Tiruchirappalli is well connected by road, rail, and air. The Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the second largest airport in Tamil Nadu and provides both domestic and international connectivity. The city's railway station is one of the busiest in Tamil Nadu, providing extensive rail connectivity to various parts of India. Tiruchirappalli is also well connected by a network of national and state highways, facilitating easy road transport.

Tourism

Tourism is an important part of Tiruchirappalli's economy, with the city being home to many historic temples, monuments, and churches. The Rockfort, Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, and Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval attract a large number of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.