Trichy Rockfort
The 83 meter high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century B.C. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars and according to an inscription mainly contributed to lay the foundations of the British Empire in India Atop the rock is the Uchipillaiyar koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Trichy. A flight of steps leads to the mathrubutheswarar or Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. Below the Siva temple are two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. At the foot of the Rock Fort are a tank and a pavilion which are used furring the float festival of the temples. Near the tank is the house where Robert Clive lived. The fine sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum. Open on all clays except Mondays and Government Holidays from 8 am, to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ph: 0431-270462
Kallanai Dam
Not far from the island is one of the greatest engineering marvels of India. The Grand Anaicut built by Karikalan Chola in the 2nd century A.D. to harness the waters of the cauvery. Made of stone, the dam is 329 m long and 20 m wide and still very much in use. Additions have been made in the form of a road bridge on top of the dam. This is a good picnic spot.
Planetarium
5 Km from Trichy. Anna Science Centre/Planetarium is located on Pudukkottai Road, near Airport . Programmed in Tamil and English versions are shown daily. Time: In Tamil 10.30am, 1.00pm, and 3.30p.m. In English 11.45a.m., 2.15p.m. and 4.45p.m. Ph: 0431-2331921.
Srirangam Temple
Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakata Kshetras ) of Lord Vishnu. Sri Renganatha Swamy temple, established in a 156 acre land, is a great vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples. This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. The enclosures are guarded by thick and huge rampart walls. There are 21 magnificent and huge towers. This temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. This temple underwent many changes during the rule of Cholas, Cheras, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar kings and Nayak of Madurai. The temple is located 12 kms From Central Bus Stand and 5 kms from Chathiram Bus Stand. Trichy. Government and private bus services is available to reach Srirangam.