Visiting Tiruchirappalli: Rockfort, Srirangam and Kallanai

Tiruchirappalli, usually called Trichy, is near the middle of Tamil Nadu and easy to reach from most of the state.

• Tiruchirappalli is 322 km south of Chennai, almost at the geographic centre of Tamil Nadu.[1]
• The Rockfort is the highest of the hillocks that rise above the city, and has rock-cut cave temples from the reign of the Pallava king Mahendravarman I.[1]

Srirangam is a temple town on an island in the river, now part of the city. Allow at least half a day.

• West of the city the Kaveri river splits into two streams, the Kaveri and the Kollidam, forming the island of Srirangam.[1]
• The Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is dedicated to Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu. The temple and temple town cover 155 acres, with 21 towers in seven concentric enclosures.[2]
• Its outer tower, the rajagopuram, is about 73 m (240 ft) tall and was completed in 1987.[2]
• The Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval, dedicated to Shiva, is among the city's most prominent monuments.[1]

The old dam is a short drive out of the city along the river.

• The Kallanai dam across the Kaveri, about 18 km from Uraiyur, was built by Karikala Chola in the 2nd century AD.[1]

• Climb the Rockfort early or late in the day; the steps are exposed to the sun.
• Dress modestly for the temples, and expect to leave footwear outside.
• A day rental covers the Rockfort, both temples and Kallanai with the same car.
• Check temple timings with official sources, especially around the December–January festival at Srirangam.