Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli, commonly called Trichy, is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Tiruchirappalli district. It lies on the banks of the Cauvery River in central Tamil Nadu, about 320 kilometers southwest of Chennai. The city is known for its historic monuments, educational institutions, and as a regional commercial hub.

Historically, Tiruchirappalli has been inhabited since ancient times and figured prominently under the Chola and Pallava dynasties. Notable landmarks include the Rock Fort, a rocky outcrop that houses the Temple of Ucchi Pillayar (Ganesa) and the Vidyashankar temple at the top; and the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Other important temples include the Jambukeswarar at Thiruvanaikkaval. The city also features colonial-era forts and churches.

Education and economy: Tiruchirappalli is an educational hub with several universities and institutes, including the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy), Bharathidasan University, and the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Tiruchirappalli (IIIT-T). The city supports engineering, manufacturing, and information technology, with a growing services sector.

Transport and demographics: The city is a major rail junction and road hub, served by the Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station and national highways. It has Tiruchirappalli International Airport with domestic and limited international flights.

Culture: Tamil is the predominant language; the city hosts cultural events and classical arts tied to its temples, with annual festivals at Srirangam and Rock Fort.