This Blog gives vivid description about places of interest in Tamil Nadu to help the the tourists visiting this beautiful and enchanting State.
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Sunday, April 21, 2013
Trichy – General Information
Trichy – General Information
The most famous land
mark of this bustling town is the Rock fort Temple, a spectacular monument
perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to
tower over the old city. It is 325 km south west of Madras. Tiruchirappalli was
the heart of Tamil Nadu, situated at the head of the Kaveri delta. The
Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas chose this city for their feudal wars. The city is
known for its temple architecture.
Trichy (
Tiruchirappalli ):
Location: Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu
Shortly Called: Tiruchi or Trichy
Landmark of the City: Rock Fort Temple
Famous For: Artificial Diamonds, Cigars, Handloom
Cloth, Glass Bangles And Wooden And Clay Toys
Situated
in Tiruchirappalli district, on the banks of the River Kaveri (also spelt as
Cauvery) is Tiruchirappalli, a city known for its educational institutions,
industries, and temples. It is shortly called as "Tiruchi" or
"Trichy".
Trichy
is the district headquarters of the district of Tiruchirappalli and has its
name for tourist attraction. The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil
Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass
bangles and wooden and clay toys.
General Information about Trichy (
Tiruchirappalli ):
» Area: 23.26-sq-kms
» Population: 7,77,890 (1991 Census)
» Latitude: N 10o 16' to 11o22'
» Longitude: E 78o 15' to 79o 16'
» Altitude: 78 metres
» Clothing: Light Cottons
» Languages Spoken: Tamil and English
» STD Code: 0431
» Climate: Tropical
» Temperature Range (deg C):
- Summer- Max. 37.1°C Min. 26.4°C
- Winter- Max. 31.3°C Min. 20.6°C
» Rainfall: 835 mm
» Population: 7,77,890 (1991 Census)
» Latitude: N 10o 16' to 11o22'
» Longitude: E 78o 15' to 79o 16'
» Altitude: 78 metres
» Clothing: Light Cottons
» Languages Spoken: Tamil and English
» STD Code: 0431
» Climate: Tropical
» Temperature Range (deg C):
- Summer- Max. 37.1°C Min. 26.4°C
- Winter- Max. 31.3°C Min. 20.6°C
» Rainfall: 835 mm
Location:
The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichi, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River (also Cauvery) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Lying at a distance of 320 km from Chennai (Madras) and 150 km from Madurai, this Chola Dynasty citadel, known for its profound wisdom of the Sangam Age, still carries the age-old aura about it. The present-day city, with a blend of glorious past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu.
The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichi, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River (also Cauvery) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Lying at a distance of 320 km from Chennai (Madras) and 150 km from Madurai, this Chola Dynasty citadel, known for its profound wisdom of the Sangam Age, still carries the age-old aura about it. The present-day city, with a blend of glorious past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu.
Best time to Visit:
Trichi
enjoys a moderate climate. The maximum temperature during summer is
approximately 37°C, while during winter it dips to a low of 20°C. Therefore,
the best time to visit Trichi is from October to March.
Trichy:
Trichy is a well connected with the major
cities of Tamil Nadu. It has its own aiport, which makes air travel easy to and
from the city. Trivandrum and Chennai are two major cities which have direct
filghts to the city. By road, one can reach Trichy comfortably from Chennai
(320 kms), Ooty (302 kms), Bangalore (345 kms), or Madhurai (142 kms). The
railway station of Trichy lies between Chennai and Madhurai, which are well
connected with the city by road.
Thiruchirappalli Tourist Attractions -
The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for
artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay
toys and is considered to be a major tourist destination in Tamil Nadu.
The most eminent landmark of
Tiruchirappalli is the Rock Fort Temple, a stunning monument perched on a
enormous rocky
The city and its fort, as they stand
today, were constructed by the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of the main
centers around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century
during the British-French resist for supremacy in India.
It is Tamil Nadu's
fourth largest [1City after Chennai,
Coimbatore
and Madurai
with an estimated population of 1,067,915 (as of 2008).
It is situated in the centre of the
state, on the banks of the Cauvery River.
Trichy is a Municipal
Corporation and the administrative
headquarters of Tiruchirapalli
District.
The most famous landmark of Trichy is the
Rockfort temple which is perched on a huge rocky out
crop. The smooth crop was first hewn by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai
who later built the Rock fort temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
Trichy city encompasses Srirangam,
a Vaishnavite
temple and the biggest functioning Hindu
temple in the world. Trichy also contains "ThiruAnaikka" (ThiruvAnaikkaval),
House of Water, one of the five main abodes ("Panchaboodha Sthalam")
of Lord Shiva.
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born in Thiruvanaikaval and his
house has been preserved as a museum.
Geography and climate:
The topology of Trichy is flat. It lies
at an altitude of 78 m above sea level. The river Kaveri (also called Cauvery) and the river Coleroon
(also called Kollidam) flows here, the latter forms the northern boundary of
the city. The river Cauvery flows along WNW-SSE direction through the city.
There are a few hills located within the
city, the prominent among them are Golden Rock, Rock Fort, and the one in Thiruverumbur.
There are few reserve forests along the river Cauvery, located at the west or
the north-west of the city. The southern and the south-western part of the
district is dotted by several hills which are thought to be an offset of the Western Ghat
Mountain range—the soil here is considered to be very fertile. As two rivers
flows through the city, the northern part of the city is greener than other
areas of the city.
Trichy has a moderate and pleasant
climate, with humidity slightly above normal. The city experiences mild winters
and humid summers. The timing of the monsoon in this part of the country has
lately become unpredictable, with the rainy season starting from mid-October
until early-November and the rains then extending until early or mid-January.
Summer temperature : 41.10°C
(maximum) 36.40°C (minimum)
Winter temperature : 21.31°C
(maximum) 18.60°C (minimum)
Demographics:
As of the 2008, Trichy had a population
of 10,62,015. Males constitute 49.97% of the population and females 50.03%.
Trichy has an average literacy rate of 91.45%. Male literacy is 94.17% and
female literacy is 88.73%. In Trichy 9.59% of the population is under 6 years
of age.
The city's population is predominantly Hindu (with both Saivaite
and Vaishnavaite), and there are sizable Christian
and Muslim
populations. Sikhs
and Jains
also are present in smaller numbers.
Tamil is the official language. The
dialect of the Tamil language spoken here is usually 'Neutral', with a blend of
Kongu Tamil.
Madurai Tamil may be heard as one travels through the eastern and
southern-eastern boundaries of the city. One may also hear elangai / Sri Lankan
Tamil spoken in some pockets of the city. Other language spoken here is
English.
Tiruchirapalli served as the headquarters
of the South-Indian Railways (which was renamed later 'Southern Railways', with
Madras/Chennai as the headquarters) during the pre-independence era, for a few
years. Anglo-Indians, many of whom worked in the 'South-Indian Railways',
started settling in 'Golden Rock-Township' and 'Crawford' located within the
city, during that time.
Culture:
The city has a multi-cultural society with
a sizeable presence of Tamil, English, Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, and
Malayalam-speaking population. The city projects a calm outlook and is
considered to be friendly toward tourists.
One may experience typical Anglo-Indian,
Andhra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu cuisines here.
In addition to Pongal, the Thamizhar
Thirunaal, Ugadi, Holi & Onam are festivals celebrated by their respective
communities retaining their cultural roots.
People living in Tiruchirapalli district
have a rich ancient cultural heritage. The city served as the centre of fine
arts since sangam literature. Uraiyur, the old name of Tiruchirapalli city, was
the capital of early Cholas.
Here lived a number of great Tamil Scholars and contributed to the Tamil
literature. People living here even today speak Tamil mostly what is being used
in written form than any other people living in other parts of Tamil Nadu.
Cuisine:
Trichy cuisine is predominantly South
Indian with rice as the main-ingredient. The city prefers a fairly mild
flavour, with variations to suit the local palette. Lunch is usually served in
many restaurants over a banana leaf.
North Indian, Chinese and Continental
cuisines are also available. Jelebi, idly, dosa, halwa (a sweet made of milk,
wheat, and rice), parotta and biryani are popular among the locals.
Economy:
Trichy is a major engineering hub and
energy equipment and fabrication center of India.
BHEL --- Bharat Heavy Electriclas Limited
Bharat Heavy Electriclas Limited (BHEL)
is ranked among the leading Power Plant Manufacturers in the world. At
TIRUCHIRAPALLI, the High Pressure Boiler Plant of the Bharat Heavy Electricals
Limited (BHEL) was setup in 1963. Now, it is one of the foremost manufacturing
facilities within BHEL and it has 3 major plants namely, High Pressure Boiler Plant,
Seamless Steel Tube Plant and Boiler Auxiliaries Plant
BHEL is the first state-owned company to
acquire ISO 9000 certification during 1993 for all its operations. Further it
has been accredited to ISO 14001 Standard.
It is having a very big Housing colony,
with all facilities including good educational facilities, on the NH-67, just
in front of the main factory.
BHEL --- Tiruchirappalli was set up
during the period of K.Kamaraj, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the
statue of K.Kamaraj is there at the entrance of the Colony main Gate.
A number of small scale industries have
also sprung up in Trichy, mostly around Thuvakudi
and Mathur.
Leather tanneries are located on the way
to Pudukottai.
Viralimalai,
considered an industrial suburb on Madurai
road has the factories.
Manachanallur
has numerous rice mills supplying polished rice all over Tamil Nadu and outside
and is located about 7 km from Main Guard gate.
The economy of the city is driven to a
certain extent by IT/ITES companies encouraged by the support from state
government. A dedicated stretch of land has been identified and developed to
increase the state's share in national IT/ITES exports.
Infosys is eyeing Tiruchirapalli for its
expansion.
Transportation:
Roadways:
Trichy is well connected to various parts
of Tamil Nadu, by private and public bus services. There are 2 Bus Stands at
Tiruchirappalli, as explained below:
Chathiram, Chinthamani,
Main Guard Gate Bus Stand
The Chathram (Main Guard Gate) bus stand,
near Rock Fort temple, runs local and mofussil (City-to-Town) bus services which
connect people to nearby towns and villages such as Thuraiyur,
Perambalur,
Ariyalur,
Cuddalore
so and so.....
Bus services are frequent, once in every
two to five minutes, you will get a bus of your destination.
Central / Main Bus Stand
The central bus station runs long
distance services to major cities and states of South India such as Tanjore,Chennai,
Madurai,
Coimbatore,
Bangalore,
Tirunelveli,
Nagercoil,
Tirupathi,
Salem, Erode, Pudukkotai,
Dindigul,
Rameswaram,
Theni,
Tindivanam,
Hosur,
Vellore
also well-connected Karnataka, Andhra and Kerala through private charter and Luxury
buses.
One can get buses from Trichy to almost
any part of the state, due to its geographical location in the center of Tamil Nadu.
Other Transport Facilities
The State-run DCTC town buses cover areas
from Trichy to Pudukkottai, Manapparai, Musiri, Viralimalai and Vallam.
Private and public buses connect Trichy
to all parts of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Government introduced the
Share -Auto scheme in the year 2001.
The city has a very wide network of city
buses and mini buses.
National Highways passing
through Tiruchirappalli
On the road infrastructure front, with
the completion of highway projects in Tamil Nadu state. Trichy will have four
track highways from the city branching to destination Chennai, Madurai,
Nagappattinam and Coimbatore. The four-laning of Chennai-Trichy should be
completed in 2010 and also Trichy-Madurai would be completed at the same time.
The widening of Trichy-Tanjore, Trichy-Karur and Trichy-Rameswaram should also
be completed in 2 years.
Trichy is connected by major National
Highways which connect
Railways:
Trichy is a hub of Southern Railway
(India). Southern
railway connect this central part of Tamil Nadu to various parts of India,
notably regions in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
West Bengal,
Maharashtra,
Karnataka,
Delhi,
and Madhya Pradesh.
Trichy Railway Junction has five branches
leading to Madurai,
Rameswaram,
Erode,
Tanjore
and Chennai
and currently there are 4 platforms in operation. Platform no 5, 6, 7 is under
gauge convertion which is to be finished at the end of 2009.
Trichy is one of the busiest railway
junction in India. It has more than 200 train crossings per day in its division.
It also has the record of a railway station to have broadgage next to Chennai.
The Electrification between Villupuram
and Tiruchchirappali is completed and service would be
inaugrated soon. The double line is also approved for the same section works
will be starting soon.
This division has the press which
supplies the printed unreserved ticket for Tamil Nadu railway stations. The
railway station code for Trichy Junction is TPJ.
Trains Originating from Trichy
Pallavan Express,
Howrah Express, Rockfort Express, Ernakulam Tea Garden Express,
Mayiladuthurai Express are the important trains originating from Trichy.
Trains Passing through Trichy junction
The other important trains passing
through Trichy junction are Kanyakumari Express, Tamilnadu Sampark Kranti
Express, Tirukkural Express, Ananthapuri Express, Pothigai Express,
Nellai Express, Pandian Express, Mysore-Mayiladuthurai
Express, Cape-Howrah Express, Chennai-Mangalore Express, Pearl City Express, Guruvayur Express, Jan Shatabdi
Express, Nagercoil-Mumbai Express, Vaigai express,
Sethu Express, Madurai-Jammutawi link Express, Pandian Express,
Madurai-Lokmanya Tilak express, Nagercoil Express.
Other than Express trains there are more
number of Passenger Trains which connects the Trichy with the nearest town
frequently.
The Trichy city comprises the following
railway stations:
Station name
|
Station code
|
Tiruchirapalli Junction
|
TPJ
|
Tiruchirapalli Town
|
TPTN
|
Tiruchirapalli Fort
|
TP
|
Tiruchirapalli Palakkarai
|
TPE
|
Ponmalai
|
GOC
|
SRGM
|
|
TRB
|
|
UKV
|
|
VLDE
|
|
Punggudi
|
PUG
|
Pichchandarkovil
|
BXS
|
Kumaramangalam
|
KRMG
|
Mandurai
|
MAND
|
Lalgudi
|
LLI
|
Manjattidal
|
MCJ
|
Muttarasanallur
|
MTNL
|
Airways:
Trichy has an international airport about
eight kilometres from the city, which operates flights to Indian cities,
territories, and neighbouring countries including Malaysia,
Singapore,
Sri Lanka
and the Gulf
by Air Asia,
Indian Airlines, Air India Express,
Srilankan Airlines, Mihin Lanka,Kingfisher Airlines,Paramount Airways.
Trichy airport is the second largest airport in Tamil
Nadu next to Chennai to get international connectivity to Colombo (Srilanka) in
1981. Nowadays, flights are operated to Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
Plans are being made to upgrade it to a fully
fledged international airport in the next three years. The extended runway
(8000ft) was commissioned and further expansion to 12500 ft has started. The
new terminal building is opened in 2009. Two aero bridge are opened to use.
This is the second airport in Tamil Nadu to get it next to Chennai.
An new Air Traffic Control Centre is also being planned to be constructed to
cope up with growing air traffic in the region.
Various airlines including Malaysian airlines, Oman Air,
Air Arabia
will soon operate international flights. Kingfisher Airlines has stopped the service to Bangalore
which is expected to resume soon. Air India Express
made Dubai and Singapore flights a daily service
Airlines
and Destinations
|
|
Domestic
|
|
Carrier
|
Destination
|
Indian
Airlines
|
|
Air-India
Express
|
Chennai
|
Kingfisher
Airlines
|
Chennai
|
Paramount
Airways
|
Chennai
|
International
|
|
Carrier
|
Destination
|
AirAsia
|
|
SriLankan
Airlines
|
|
Air-India
Express
|
|
Indian
Airlines
|
|
Mihin
Lanka
|
Colombo
|
Silk
Air
|
Singapore
**
|
Administration
The city is a Municipal Corporation. It
also serves as the headquarters of the district with the same name. The city is
headed by a Mayor, under whom are the Deputy Mayor and several councilors
elected by people representing administrative wards; as well as a corporation
Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city.
The city has one Member of Parliament
representing the Trichy constituency, pudukkottai parliamentary constituency
has been mearged with trichy and few regions are mearged with other constituncy
for administrative reasons. Both Tiruchi (East) and Tiruchi (West) assembly
constituencies are part of Tiruchirappalli (Lok
Sabha constituency).
The district is headed by the District
Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal
in Trichy/Tiruchirappalli. The city has seen moderate to high development in
spite of funds constraint.
The city's police force is headed by the
City Police Commissioner of the rank of IPS. One of the 5 Central prisons of
the state is located here.
Education:
- Considered an educational city,
Tiruchirapalli has schools and colleges that are hundreds of years old. St. Joseph's College (SJC) is one of
the important and the oldest institution in Trichy, with more than 160+
years of its presence. College Road in Chatram has three colleges and five
schools, including St. Joseph's College.
- Notable educational institutions
from the city include: National College, Trichy; Bishop Heber College, Trichy; Jamal Mohamed College the National Institute of
Technology, Trichy (formerly known as REC Trichy — Regional Engineering
College), Anna University Trichy, Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Bharathidasan University, the Government Law College and K.A.P Viswanatham
Government Medical College.
- The Indian Institute of Management is scheduled to
open in Trichy by 2009-2010.[6]
- Former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam
and writer Sujatha
Rangarajan
(Rangarajan) studied here. R. Venkataraman, another former
President of India also had his education in Trichy.
- Campion Anglo Indian School and
R.S.K Higher secondary school are prominent schools in the state.
Health-care:
The city has numerous hospitals. Apart
from the Government hospital, several multi-facility hospitals function in the
city. The district's health department is one of the best in terms of
implementing government-initiated healthcare schemes.
Rare surgical procedures have taken place
in some of the hospitals in the city. The polio eradication programme is heavily assisted by various NGOs and
clubs in the city. It also has many sidhdha/unani/ayurveda/homeopathic clinics.
Fast pace of economic development with
the increase in the health awareness have led to the growth of the healthcare
industry in the city. The city stands next to Chennai in Tamilnadu for
affordable and quality healthcare deliveries of high-standards.
Trichy is only city other than Chennai
have made the heart transplation surgery successfully in Tamilnadu.
Trichy is also a preferred healthcare
destination to the population from nearby towns and districts.
Media and communication:
Dailies
The city has two major English dailies, The Hindu
and The New Indian
Express. Tamil language
dailies include Dina Malar, Dina Thanthi,
Dina Mani
and Dinakaran
with two other dailies Tamil Murasu
and Malai Malar published in the evening.
Radio Station
A short wave radio station is operated by
All India Radio, with most programmes in Tamil, English
and Hindi. A FM station AIR FM Rainbow
operated by All India Radio with the programmes in Tamil, English and Hindi,
Also a other Private FM Stations Hello FM 106.4Mhz (Malar Publication), Suryan
FM 93.5Mhz (SUN Network) and Holly Cross (Educational) Operated in this City.
Television
Television relay started in 1985 from
Delhi Doordarshan. In 1986, after inception of a repeater
tower at Kodaikanal, telecast from Madras Doordarshan
commenced. Television reception is through DTH or by Cable, while
"Doordarshan" reception is still available using an external antenna.
Telecom
Trichy has an excellent communication
infrastructure, with the major cellular/broadband service providers involved
in. Telecom services BSNL (Second Largest Electronic Exchange in Tamilnadu),
VSNL
(TATA Indicom), Reliance, Vodafone,
Airtel,
Aircel
and BPL
available are by Landline, CDMA and GSM. Fiber optic
cables were laid in 2001, improving internet access.
Entertainment:
- Zoo:
A Zoological Park has been proposed to
be set-up in Trichy soon.
- Theme Park:
A Water-theme park proposed by Trichy
City Corporation is to come-up in Anna Nagar soon.
Also another theme park promoted by a
private company is under construction near Kudamuratti river within Trichy city
limit.
- List of Theaters
in Trichy
Cinema
Theatres
|
Location
|
Features
|
Kalaiyarangam
|
Central Bus Stand
|
A/C, Qube Digital, 70MM
|
Maris
|
Fort Station
|
A/C, DTS, 70MM
|
Cauvery
|
Palakkarai
|
A/C, DTS
|
Sona
|
Central Bus Stand
|
A/C, DTS
|
Mega Star
|
Thillai Nagar
|
A/C, DTS
|
Ramba
|
Chatram Bus Stand
|
A/C, Qube Digital
|
Mina
|
Central Bus Stand
|
A/C, DTS, 35MM
|
Venkatesha
|
Tiruvanaikovil
|
A/C, DTS
|
Maris Rock
|
Fort Station
|
A/C, DTS
|
Oorvasi
|
Chathram Bus Stand
|
A/C, 35MM
|
Star
|
Thennur Terminal
|
A/C, DTS
|
Ramakrishna
|
Thennur
|
DTS
|
Maharani
|
E.B.Road
|
70MM
|
Urvashi
|
Chatram Bus Stand
|
70MM
|
Rukmani
|
Woraiyur
|
70MM
|
Aruna theatre
|
Ramalinga Nagar
|
70MM
|
VVV theatre
|
Ponnagar
|
70MM
|
Notable people:
Some prominent people from Trichy
include:
- Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (Sir CV Raman)
, Indian physicist and Nobel laureate in physics (Nobel Prize-winning physicist)
- Meenakshi
Sundaram Pillai born in Adavattur near Somarasam Pettai (4 km west of
Trichy) who contributed to Tamil Literature during the 17th century
- K.
A. P. Viswanatham Pillai, (Fondly remembered as Ki. Aa. Pe), a great Tamil
writer
- Akilan, author, Tamil
scholar, Sahitya Akademi Award recipient
- Sangitha
Kalanidhi Clarinet A.K.C. Natarajan
- Kalaimamani
Clarinet A.K.C. Venugopal
- Sujatha
Rangarajan,
writer
- Hema Malini, actress
- Lalgudi
Jayaraman,
violinist
- Kavingnar Vaali, Tamil poet and
lyricist
- M.
K. Thiyagaraja Bhagavatar, first superstar of Tamil cinema (MKT as he was
popularly known was born in MAyuram, which stands for the first initial in
his name)
- A. R.
Murugadoss,
Tamil Film Director.
- Prasanna, Tamil Film Actor
- Iravatham Mahadevan, famous epigraphist, specializing on the
Indus script and Early Tamil epigraphy.
- Dr.
Vijayanandan, famous doctor and fourth dental surgeon of Trichy.
- James Vasanthan, music director
- G.M.Vridhachalam
, Famous Lawyer
- Vanitha
Rangaraju
Ramanan, OSCAR award winner in 2004