Trichy Useful Info

Trichy Useful Info

Tourism related Associations, Clubs etc., & their contact Details

Associations, Clubs etc.,	Contact Details
Airport Enquiry (Board)	2420321
Indian Airlines: (Airport):	2341063, 2341601 Booking: 2480233
Air India	2481400
Srilankan Airlines	2460844, 2462381, 2467953, 2467957
Railway Enquiries	131 & 132, 246136
Auto	English: 1361, Tamil: 1362, Hindi: 1363
Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation	2415551
Central bus Stand, SETC	2460992, 2460680
Chatram Bus Stand,TNSTC	2700993
Foreigner’s registration Office	2420217
Passport Office	2707605, 2707203, 2716836
Art & Culture	94431-53144
State Institute of Hotel	2500660,2501383
Management & Catering	Fax : 2500960
Technology Thuvakudi	Website: www.sihmct.com & E-mail: sihmct2sify.com
District Forest Office	2422165(for trekking in Tiruchy region)
State Archeology Department	Office : 2467789 & Govt. Museum : 2708809
Kalaikaveri College of Fine Arts	2460678 Fax:0431-2411345
BHEL	2520311
Amala Ashram, Srirangam	2431489, 2432208
Annai Ashram (Sri Aurobindo Society)	2616743 & 2430817
Science & Adventure Club
Ramanan	2254175
Riffle Club	2702507
RR Sabha	2704736
Youth Hostel	2421508
Bharathidasan University	2407071(3 lines) Fax:2407045
YMCA	2792664
YWCA	2460643
Tourist Office, Thanjavur	04362-230984
Tourist Office, Madurai	0452-2334757
Archaeological Survey of India Tanjore	04362-230826
Forest Research Centre, Mukkombu	2614566

Travel Agents

S.K.Air Travels

102/103, KANCHANA TOWERS SHOPPING COMPLEX,
13-F, WILLIAMS ROAD,
TRICHY - 620 001.
Off     : 2460912 / 2468567
Res   : 2457472
Mob : 98424-62231, 3117010
Emai :skats1@rediffmail.com
            skats@eth.net

Victry Travels

101, KANCHANA TOWERS SHOPPING COMPLEX
WILLIAMS ROAD
TRICHY - 620 001.
Off      : 2401239 / 2411344
Mob    : 98424-23347, 98940-14677
Email : vicktry@rediffmail.com

Aero Travels India Pvt.Ltd.

JENNE PLAZA
GROUND FLOOR
5A, BARATHIYAR SALAI
TRICHY - 620 001
Off       : 2401500
Res    : 2401800
Mob    : 3118788
Email : aerotravels@bsnl.net
             aerotravels2000@yahoo.co.in

Dolphin Air Services Pvt. Ltd

13-A, WILLIAMS ROAD
3RD FLOOR SUNDARAM ARCADE
OPP. CENTRAL BUS STAND
TRICHY - 620 001.
Off     : 2410098 / 2410097
Mob : 3104292

Apsharaa Travels

10, KANCHANA TOWERS SHOPPING COMPLEX,
13-F, WILLIAMS ROAD,
TRICHY - 620 001
Off       : 2419963
Res     : 2413313
Mob   : 98424-70041
Email : apsharaatravels@hotmail.com

ABC Travels

CITY TOWER
NO.1, ROYAL ROAD,
NEAR HOTEL GAJAPRIYA
CENTRAL BUS STAND
TRICHY - 620 001
Off       : 2410041 ( 4 Lines)
Mob   : 98424-70178, 98432-27878
Email : abctravels@hotmail.com
             abctravels@eth.net

Pavithram Tours & Travels

NO.5, KANCHANA TOWERS SHOPPING COMPLEX,
13-F, WILLIAMS ROAD,
CONTONMENT,
TRICHY - 620 001.
1. International Tour Organizer.
Off       : 2412070
Res     : 2743393
Mob   : 94431-25030
Email : pavithraraja@yahoo.com

Align Air Travels

NO.4, 1ST FLOOR
15A, Mc. DONALDS ROAD
CONTONMENT
TRICHY - 620 001
Off       : 2400870
Mob   : 98431-51429, 98430-79991
Email : alignair@yahoo.com
             9843079991@bplmobile.com

Good Luck Air Services and Consultancy

108/62, SHANU COMPLEX,
MADURAI ROAD,
TRICHY - 620 008.
Off       : 2720257, 2720113
Res    : 2791280
Mob    : 98420-10558
Email : kaja1280@yahoo.com    

M/S. Sunshine Travels

5, Siva Complex, 13-C, Royal Road, Tiruchy-1.
Ph.No.2411486 / 2417049 Fax: 2417142
E-mail   : sunshinetry@eth.net
website : www.sunshinetravels.org

M/s Bright air Travels

A 68 St Joseph's College building,
Chatram bus stand ,
Tiruchirappalli -600 002.
Phone no-2715450,2715451,2703886.

M/s Evershine Air travels (P) ltd

65A super bazaar,
Singarathope,
Tiruchirappalli -620 008.
Phone no 2700222,2703533,2703008.

M/s Galaxy Air Travels (P) ltd

1,2,&3 Kanchana Towers,
13F Williams road,
Tiruchirappalli -620 001.
Phone 2414126,2412272,2465112,2464495.

M/s Leo Travel (P) ltd

Hotel Sevana complex,
5 Royal road,
Tiruchirappalli -620 001.
Phone no 2411444,2411314, FAX-2411454

M/s Lakshmi Travel Agency

64 Singarathope ,
Tiruchirappalli -620008.
Phone no 2701436,2700063,2704930.
6. M/s Naveen Air Travels (p)ltd,
YVD Complex, Chatram bus stand,
Tiruchirappalli - 620 002
Phone No.2701726, 2703740, 2700310

M/S. Rocktown Air Travels(P)Ltd.,

III Floor, V.s.S.M. Complex,
54, W.B. Road, OPP: Devar Hall,
Tiruchirappalli -620 008.
Ph.No.2706428 / 2707302

M/s. Tiruchy Air Shine Tours & Travels (P) Ltd.,

T.E.LC Shopping Complex,
596, I Floor, Madurai Road, Tiruchirappalli - 620 001.
Ph.No.2411789 / 2410229

M/s. UCAL Travels

93, Williams Road, Cantonment, Tiruchirappalli-1.
Ph.No.2415270 / 2465450 / 2411460

Trade Express, Air Travel Agents

I Floor, TAB Complex,
32-B, Williams Road, Tiruchirappalli-1.
Ph.No.2414388 Fax: 2400687

Associated Tours Madras(P)Ltd.,

Reliance Appartments,
No.4, VOC Road, Cantonment,
Tiruchirappalli - 620 001.
Ph.No.2412142, 2412152 Fax: 2412152

National Travel Service

G.S.A Kuwait Airway
Juman Centre
4, Bharathidasan Salai, Tiruchirappalli.

M/S. Naveen Air Travels (P) Ltd.

23 & 24 I st Floor, YVD Complex
Chatram Bustand. Trichy.620 002
Email : naveen2@eth.net

Sri Chakraa Travels

147, SUPER BAZAAR
SINGARATHOPE
TRICHY - 620 008
Off    :2704005
Res :2231550
Mob :98424-74005

Lima Travel Agency

9, KANCHANA TOWERS
13-F, WILLIAMS ROAD,
CANTONMENT,
TRICHY-620 001
Off :2465454, 2418394
Res : 2483048
Mob : 94431-56445

Website Information

Airport Authority

www.airportsindia.org.in
Email :abt_try@hotmail.com

Indian Airlines

www.indian-airlines.com
www.indian-airlines.nic.in

Srilankan Airlines

www.srilankan.aero

Transport

www.tn.gov.in/transport

Southern Railway

www.southernrailway.org   
www.srailway.com

Southern Railway Booking

www.irctc.co.in

 Office Email Address

Ø  District Collector,Trichy:  collrtry@tn.nic.in

Ø  Project Officer, DRDA,Trichy:  drdatry@tn.nic.in

Ø  Corporation Commissioner,Trichy:  try_tricorp@sancharnet.in

Ø  D.D.Health,Trichy: ddhstry@hotmail.com

Ø  Animal Husbandry, Trichy:  anh@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Divisional  Forest Officer,Trichy:  dfotry@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Conservator of Forest,Trichy:  cftry@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  G.M. District Industries Centre,Trichy:  gmdictry@yahoo.com

Ø  Chief Educational Officer,Trichy:  ceo@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Central Prision,Trichy:  cptry@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Womens Prision,Trichy:  wptry@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Senior Regional Manager,TNCSC,Trichy:   tncsc@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Tamilnadu Slum Clearance Board,Trichy:  tnscb@trichy.tn.nic.in

Ø  Horticulture Department,Trichy:  horttry@trichy.tn.nic.in 

Tourist Information Centre of Trichy                                 

Ø   Tourist Information Counter, Government of Tamil Nadu, Trichy Railway Junction.

Ø  Tourist Information Counter, Trichy Airport.

Ø  Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office

Ø  Williams Road, Cantonment, Trichy

Nearby Cities of Trichy

Ø  Dindigul - 93 km

Ø  Karur - 69 km

Ø  Manapparai - 37 km

Ø  Pudukkottai - 50 km

Ø  Thanjavur - 48 km

Shopping in Trichy

Trichy is famous for its cigars and cheroots. Amongst handicraft are brassware, handloom textiles, pith models of temples and Rock Fort, wood and clay toys, jewellery, ornamental carved brass and copper plates inlaid with silver (Tanjore plates), brassware, silks, carpets and musical instruments.

Ø  Cigars, Handloom Saris, Pith models etc. are available at the Big Bazaar street.

Following are some of the popular places to shop in Trichy:

-        Khadi Kraft, opposite Railway Station, Junction Road (open on all days except government holidays) Poompuhar Sales Emporium, near Main Guard Gate

-        Ramjee & Co., Andal Street, Near Fort (for Veena, Violin and other musical instruments)

-        Saraswati Stores, Alimal Street

-        Kannan & Co., Big Bazaar Street (for Indian musical records).

Fairs & Festivals of Trichy

The Float Festival celebrated during the months of March-April at the Rock Fort Temple draws crowds in huge numbers. Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Garuda Seva, Flower Festival and the Car Festival (December-January) are the other main festivals celebrated at Srirangam

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Paradise Festival), held in mid-December, is a famous festival of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The major attraction of this festival is the recital of the Vaishnavite text called Thiruvaimozhi before the image of Lord Vishnu. 

History of Trichy

History of Trichy

Etymology:

There are several theories as the origin of the city's name. One is that Tiruchirappalli was named after the three-headed demon Trishira (or "Chira") who performed penance at the Shiva temple in the city and obtained favors. The city was therefore named after the demon. Another theory states that since there are three peaks in the area, which are occupied by Shiva, Parvati and Vinayaka, the name Tri-Shikharam or Tirisirapuram arose. The legend says that Shiva in the guise of a woman attended to the call of a devotee in labor; hence he is called as Matrubhuteswarar (Matru means mother, Bhuteswar is another name of Siva meaning 'king of ghosts') or Taayumaanavar in Tamil.

Perhaps Tiruchirappalli is a shortened form of Thiru Sri (CHI) Ranganathan PALLI, reflecting the sleeping posture of Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam. Or, as another belief says, perhaps the name started out as Thiru Javvandhipuram (Place of Marigold Flowers): chevvanthi being the Tamil name for the marigold flower that still grows in abundance in and around the region, and puram which means a dwelling-place.

The name Tiruchirappalli is the combination of three words Thiru + Chira + Palli, meaning the 'School Chira'. In Thayumanavar Temple in Rock fort, the pictures depict that there was a saint called 'Chira', who established a school ('Palli' in Tamil) near that area and taught. Hence the name Chira Palli or Tiruchirappalli, Thiru is a honoric prefix for the saint Chira.

Normally the place names ends with 'Palli' refers the ancient devotional place of Jains (Samanar). Rocky caves in many places occupied by them. 'Palli' means not only school, it means resting place.

History:

Woraiyur, a part of present day Tiruchirappalli, was the capital city of Cholas from 300 B.C. onwards. This is supported by archaeological evidences and ancient literatures. There are also literary sources which tell that Woraiyur continued to be under the control of Cholas even during the days of Kalabhra interregnum (A.D. 300 - 575).

Later, Woraiyur along with the present day Tiruchirappalli and its neighboring areas came under   the control of MahendraVarma Pallava I, who ascended the throne in A.D. 590. According to the inscriptions till A.D. 880, this region was under the hegemony of either the Pallvas or the Pandyas. It was in A.D. 880; Aditya Chola brought a downfall to the Pallava dynasty. From that time onwards Tiruchirappalli and its region became a part of Greater Cholas.  In A.D. 1225 the area was occupied by the Hoysalas. Afterwards, it came under the rule of later Pandyas till the advent of Mughal Rule.

Tiruchirappalli was for some time under the Mughal rule, which was put to an end by the Vijayanagar rulers. The Nayaks, the Governors of Vijayanagar Empire, ruled this area till A.D. 1736. It was Viswanatha Nayaka who built the present day Teppakulam and the Fort. The Nayak dynasty came to an end during the days of Meenakshi.

The Muslims rules this region again aid of either with the French or the English armies.

For   some years, Tiruchirappalli was under the rule   of   Chanda Sahib and Mohamed Ali.   Finally the   English   brought Tiruchirappalli and other areas under their control. Soon after the area was ceded to East India Company as per the agreement at the eve of the Karnatic war, Tiruchirappalli district was formed under the Collectorship of Mr. John (Junior) Wallace in 1801. The    district was then under the hegemony of British for about 150 years till the independence of India.

Tiruchirappalli was originally a Chola citadel and later, during 1st millennium AD, it was occupied by other south Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas and Pandyas. The Chola's regained control over Tiruchirappalli during the 10th century. Nearby Urayur was the capital of the Early Cholas. Later, after the fall of the Chola empire, it came under the direct control of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty who paid tribute to the Vijayanagar empire. The Rock Fort temple, the most famous landmark in Tiruchirappalli, was built by the Nayaks. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirappalli, and back, several times.

The city is home to Nagaraj Cholan and many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Urayur, the Old Tiruchy, has over 2,500 years of known history and tradition. It was the capital of the early Chola kings. The oldest human-made dam, Kallanai, was built by Karikala Cholan across the Kaveri River about 10 miles from Urayur.

Trichy was an important town in the days of the Later Cholas and of the Nayak kings, and during the early days of the British East India Company. The conquest of Tiruchirapalli by the British East India Company marked a major step in the British conquest of India.

One famous landmark in Tiruchirapalli is the Rock Fort, a large outcrop of rock, 83 metres high. It is the only such outcrop in the otherwise-flat land of the city, and because of it Trichy is also called Rock City. On top of the rock is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vinayaka (Ganesha), from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirapalli. The temple was also used as a military fort by the Nayaks for some time.

On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully-carved cave temples of the Pallava period. On the eastern side is Sri Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple, with Ganesha as the main deity. A large-sized Ganesha and depictions of other rare deities can be seen in this temple, which hosts festivals every year during the Vinayaka Chathurthi (birthday of Ganesha). Many Carnatic musicians have given concerts in this famous shrine. Around the rock temple is a busy commercial region, specializing in textiles, known as Chatram. The Main Guard Gate is flooded on festive occasions such as Deepavali, Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, and Pongal.

Trichy is famous for the number of Christian churches it contains -- it is said to have the greatest number of chapels in India. The most famous are Holy Redeemer's Church (Sagayamatha Koil), Lourdes Church, and The Cathedral. Trichy also is famous for Arcot Nawab masjid (one of the oldest), with its large water storage tank (Ahil) .

Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul

Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul

Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres (200 km2) situated 25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul and 40 km (25 mi) from Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. There are many high hills in the area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai. Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends.

The Ghat section begins with a forest check post and the area is surrounded with many farms. Over the uphill drive of 14 kms, the atmosphere changes slowly from dry deciduous forest to semi-green forest. The hairpin bends offer a panoramic view of the hills and one can have a full view of Dindigul town and the rock fort from the third and fifth hair pin bends. The temperature starts falling as one climbs up further and after 10th hairpin bend, the change is palpable.

A watch tower on 17th hairpin bend provides a spot to halt for a while and relish the scene of lush green forest cover below. The 18th hairpin bend leads to a sleepy village called Sirumalai Palaiyur and one can also glimpse posh bungalows on the way. The hill contains a small waterfall as well.

After reaching this place, Entry Fees are levied for Bikes and Cars entering Sirumalai. For Bikes – Rs 10 and Car – Rs 25 are charged. Best time to visit – 3pm to 6pm. At that time you can feel the coolness of the air better. There are No petrol bunks available at the Sirumalai. Since the journey is short, two wheelers itself are more comfortable to travel, rather than travelling through the car. It is better to travel through bike and enjoy the environment and open air. Sirumalai is famous for Jackfruit and Sirumalai Banana (Malai Vaazhaipazham in Tamil) cultivation.

The cool air makes Sirumalai a perfect hill retreat and the mild fragrance of wild flowers and the forest is truly an enthralling experience. Sirumalai consists of the villages of Anna Nagar, Sirumalai Palaiyur, Sirumalai Puthur, Agasthiarpuram, Thenmalai Ooradi, Kadamankulam, Velanpannai, Thalakadai, Thavittukadai, and Ponnurukki. People here are involved in agricultural activities mainly with crops like lemon, coffee, pepper and plantain cultivations.

Man-made fires on the hills have destroyed medicinal plants and threatened the fauna habitat. Fires are often set to promote vegetation growth used for animal fodder, clear land for cultivation, or improve access to timber.

As the hill retreat is yet to develop fully, travellers are advised to take necessary provisions uphill. Besides, the place also offers a perfect trekking experience. Sirumalai is home to more than 5,000 families live on these hills. They use country horses as a source of transport in order to bring produce to the villages, from where they are then moved in small trucks and buses to the nearby Dindigul town.

The climate is special here and suits most people. It is a pleasant place, facilities like hospitals or boarding facilities for tourists are scarce. There are a few proposals to create a park and boarding facilities for tourists. The inhabitants, mostly people from various tribes speak Tamil.

It's sad that 500 acres belonging to the Horticulture Department remain under-utilized. Only one-fifth of the area has been used to raise eucalyptus, silver oak, lemon and black pepper.

Climate

Sirumalai Weather is tropical in nature. Summers are dry and hot and the temperature reaches upto 40 ºC. Sirumalai Weather during winters is generally cool and the temperature is around 20 ºC.

History

The hill finds mention in the Tamil classics such as the Silappadikaram. Kannagi is believed to have stayed here when she came to Madurai. Sirumalai is also mentioned in the Ramayana.

Legend has it that when Hanuman returned from Sri Lanka, carrying the Sanjeevi Hill, a piece of it dropped here and it came to be known as Sirumalai. Ancient books on Ayurveda cite Sirumalai as being home to many medicinal plants. Siddha medicine is said to have been developed in these hills by the sages a thousand years ago.

Places of Interest

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/03/sirumalai-hills-places-of-interest.html

Sirumalai Banana

The Sirumalai plantain is famous in the locality. The famous Sirumalai banana is slowly disappearing due to disease, which scientists have been unable to prevent. The famous Sirumalai banana, popularly known as ‘Malai Vazhai' and used in the ‘Panchamirtham' made in the Palani temple, is grown here. Sirumalai hills bananas are exported to Foreign countries from past.

Activities

The salubrious climate round the year makes Sirumalai a perfect heat-buster for city-slickers. The hill is divided into three main regions — Sirumalai, Sirumalai Pudur and Agasthiar Malai — inhabited by 5,000 families. Walk along the periphery of the forest in Agasthiar Malai and you discover it's a storehouse of herbs. There is ample scope for trekking here. For adventure-seekers, trekking routes are marked through the forests that are home to a variety of birds and animals. The Selvi Koil Point offers a beautiful view of Dindigul and the Chinnamalai town below.

The farming methods are completely organic here on these hills. The place is cheap and convenient compared to other hill stations. It is 1,200 metres high and spreads over 60,000 acres. A third of this greenery is private revenue land on which they grow coffee, cardamom, black pepper, banana and lemon. Sirumalai will be declared a reserved forest area soon, which means restricted entry. Rosewood trees, besides silver oak, nellikai and katakai trees, grow in these thick forests. Another important thing to be noted is many rare herbs are available in Sirumalai hill. Hence, Sirumalai hill is very popular among the Siddha medical practitioners.

In the region of Sirumalai, the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place & people believe that the siddhas (monks) are living since ancient days. Also the area surrounded with lot of medicinal herbs and plants. The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan Temple) is located in the mountain which can be reached within 45 minutes climbing over the valley. Thenmalai is yet to be connected with road. Bisons, Deer (Kada Maan) and forest goat (kelai adu) and so many birds and small animals can be seen in this jungle.

Boating on the Sirumalai Lake is one activity within the area. Since there are mountains, hiking, mountaineering and trekking are also encouraged. This place is also a haven for bird watchers. You can spot more colourful flowers and herbs in the wilderness than within the gated property. In the land belonging to the Sericulture Department, Mulberry is raised on 10 acres, and two lakh tonnes of cocoons are produced annually.

It's impossible to miss the sounds of Nature — the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects keep us company as we walk down a winding road that takes us to a privately constructed artificial lake where boating is being promoted. It is noon, and suddenly the place is enveloped in fog and the lake and the horizon seem to merge. There is a chill in the air, reducing visibility to 50 metres.

Best time to Visit

The climate is moderate throughout the year because of the height and the dense forest. It is generally misty in the mornings and evenings.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Sirumalai is limited to only two resorts, though economical. However, there are hotels in Dindigul and Madurai that will suit every pocket.

For Hotel Details, Please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/03/sirumalai-hills-hotels-list.html

Travel tips

- One can travel 25 kms from Dindigul to reach Sirumalai and from Madurai; the place can be accessed through Natham

- The 14 km Ghat section has 18 hairpin bends and every bend offer a panoramic view

- There is a small private boat club in Sirumalai Palaiyur, open on weekends and in the evenings on week days

- Visitors can travel across the quaint villages and small hotels offer food and fruits like Sirumalai plantain and jack fruits

- Make sure to carry necessary medicines as there are no medical shops or hospitals facilities here

- Vehicles should be refueled either in Dindigul or in Natham as there are no petrol bunks on top

- A Shiva temple at Agasthiarpuram and a Pandian-era temple at Thenmalai are special attractions.

- Most of the area is used for cultivation of plantain (banana) which is famous all over Tamil Nadu and foreign countries for its special taste.

Connectivity

Sirumalai is 25 kms from Dindigul by road and 40 kms from Madurai and 401 kms from the state capital, Chennai. There are buses and taxies from Madurai and Dindigul.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is at Dindigul which is about 20 km away from Sirumalai. Dindigul is well connected to the rest of the state.

By Road:

Sirumalai is located at a distance of 25 kms from Dindigul by road and 40 kms from Madurai. The place can be accessed through Natham Private Taxis for Sirumalai Sightseeing is easily available. Sirumalai Hills are well connected to Madurai & Dindigul by Bus.

By Air:

Nearest Airport is at Madurai which is 86 Kilometers from Sirumalai and is connected to major Indian cities.