With so many vibrant cities in India to travel to, tourists often overlook Tiruchirappalli. It has been so because it is known as the "Manchester of South India", and not many people want to visit an industrial city. But this western Indian city hides many beautiful gems for a tourist to explore, and it is time you start planning your trip.
The Pallava rulers built this ancient landmark. The complex includes two temples dedicated to Shiva (a Hindu god) and one dedicated to Ganesha (the Hindu god representing wisdom and learning). Visitors can climb up steep steps to see views of Trichy from above. This landmark also offers an up-close view of various carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Tiruchirappalli is famous for its local markets that sell various items from food grains to clothes and other goods. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables and even spices at these markets. The main market in the city is called Kothandaraman Market, which sells everything from food grains to clothes and footwear. Another interesting market is Anbu Thangal Market which sells toys, sports equipment and more.
The Teppakulam tank is a large lake built by the British in 1805 as part of their irrigation system. It's one of the most popular attractions in Tiruchirappalli and offers some great views of the city from across the water. You can even rent paddle boats on this lake if you want to get out!
The Government Museum in Tiruchirappalli has an alternative of artifacts from prehistoric times until after the British left India. There are statues, inscriptions, relics of the Pallava Empire, Buddhist sculptures, and many more items that illustrate the history of this part of India. This is a great place to get an idea of what was happening here over thousands of years!
Several churches in Tiruchirappalli are worth seeing. St. Michael's Church and St. Peter's Church are the most famous. These were built by the British during colonial times and are located right next door to each other. They're both beautiful examples of church architecture and worth visiting if you're interested in seeing how they looked when they were first built.
The Colonial Cemetery is one of my favorite places in Tiruchirappalli because it gives me a chance to step back in time and imagine what this city was like nearly two centuries ago. Located just outside of town, it contains several graves of British officers who died during their service in India. It's also where many locals come to pray for blessings or seek spiritual guidance from these powerful spirits who once lived among them so long ago!
If you're looking for a great way to explore the cultural side of Thiruchirappalli, look no further. There's something here for children and adults alike. So pick a few things on this list, get on your feet, and discover the city of multiple hills!