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Shopping Delights	City Name

content

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		<title>Tiruchirapalli</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
				<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
			<height>65</height>
			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
		</image>

<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
 	<tr>
 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />Tiruchirapalli, fondly called Trichy, is located on the banks of the Kaveri River and has a history that's possibly as old as it gets. Its most visible feature is of course the mammoth sized, actually 83 m high Rock Fort Temple, which in reality is part of a 3500-million-old hill. Another prominent feature includes the Ranganathaswamy Temple, which with its seven-walled complex is almost a small town in itself. As much for its temples, Trichy is a well-known centre for cigars, so much so that it is believed Winston Churchill himself preferred these cigars over the Cuban ones! In fact some of them come with really quaint names - London Calling, Black Tiger, Java Dawson and Churchill. In fact, these made Trichy so famous, that if you look up the word “Trichinopoly” in the Encyclopedia Britannica, it actually means Tiruchirapalli!</td>
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<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
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		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 <tr>
 <td width="23%" valign="top">Climate</td>
 <td width="77%"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
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 <td width="12%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="74%" valign="top">Summer 
 March-June, Hot & tropical 
Temperature - 28.1°C-36.2°C </td>
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 <td colspan="2" height="12"class="body-text"></td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Monsoons 
 Mid-June-September, Reasonable amount of rainfall 
Annual rainfall - 83.5 cms</td>
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 <td colspan="2" height="12"class="body-text"></td>
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	 <tr>
 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top">Winter 
 October to February, Low temperatures & heavy fog 
Temperature - 17.1°C-20.2°C</td>
 </tr>
 </table></td>
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 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Tamil, English, Urdu</td>
 </tr>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">December-March</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Light and comfortable cotton throughout the year</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Moving Around: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">
Local buses are available from the Central Bus Station and Chinthamani Main Guard Gate Bus Station. Tourist taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available. If you feel adventurous, hire a bicycle to explore the city. </td>
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 <tr><td valign="top" class="body-text">Tourist Offices: </td>
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Govt of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office 
Near Central Bus Stand 
Trichy 
Tel: 0431-2460136 
</td>
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TTDC 
Cantonment, Opp Plaza Theatre 
Tourist Bungalow, Trichy 
Tel: 0431-2460136 
</td>
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<item>
	<title>What to See</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-whattosee.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />Rockfort Temple: Almost 2500 years old, the famous Rockfort temple (also called Ucchi Pillayar Koil) is dedicated to two famous Hindu gods - Lord Ganesha as Pillayar and Lord Shiva as Thayumanaswamy. The base of the temple is dedicated to Maanika Vinayakar. These intricately carved temples are situated on the rock, which is over 83 m high and is said to be the oldest in the world. The name 'rockfort' is attributed to the fact that it was used as a military fortification by the Vijaynagar kings and later by the British. 
 
 Between the two temples, the Shiva Temple is the bigger one and has a massive Shivling, and an inner sanctum for Parvati. This temple is beautifully carved and is two-storeyed, complete with exquisite carvings of Gangadhara (Shiva receiving the Ganges in his locks). In fact, in the month of April, the sun's rays fall directly on the lingam - an ethereal sight.
		 
		 The Ganesha Temple is smaller is size and accessible through rock-carved steps, approximately 417 in number. A tough climb, but well worth the stunning views of the city and Srirangam. These temples are worth visiting during
		 
		 
		 
		 Open from: Maanika Vinayakar Temple - 5.30 am-noon, 4.00 pm-9.00 pm (upto 10.00 pm on Fri); 
Thayumanavar Temple: 6.30 am-12.15 pm, 4.00 pm-8.30 pm; 
Uchchi Pillaiyar Kovil: 6.00 am-8.00 pm (open in the afternoon) 
Note - Visit these temples during the temple car festival (April-May), Aadi Pooram Festival (July-August) and the Theppam Festival (May-June). Auto rickshaws are available to a spot up to the Shiva Temple. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the Ganesha Temple
		 
 Ranganathaswamy Temple: Located in Srirangam, this is one of the most revered Vaishanite shrines, dedicated to the reclining Vishnu. Sprawling across an area of almost 156 acres, this is undoubtedly one of the largest temples in India. The temple is bounded by 7 concentric walls, further enclosed by 21 towers. The most striking feature of this temple is the 73 m high and 13-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower), making it one of the largest religious structures in the world. Another marvel of the temple includes the Hall of 1000 Pillars (actually 953 in number). Other than the reclining Vishnu, there are smaller shrines dedicated to other forms of Vishnu, including Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha and Rama; the Sudarshana Chakra shrine pillars is beautifully carved with sculptures of lions and elephants and it is extremely auspicious to light ghee lamps here. Also housed within in a separate shrine for his consort Ranganayaki. Housed within the third prakaram is a room which has the deity's palanquins, chariots and jewels.
		 
		 A particularly not-to-be missed sight is the early morning prayers, when music is played to wake up the lord. Reach the temple by 6.00 am to witness this special activity, when the temple elephant and cow are brought before the lord so he may see them first thing in the morning!
		 
		 
		 Visit the temple during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi Festival, when the beautifully dressed idol of Lord Ranganatha is taken out in a procession. In fact, it is believed that a sight of this is a sure way to attain heaven! Throughout the day, 4,000 sacred Divya Prabandham are also recited. Also, don't forget to sample some prasadam, including the Chakra Pongal (made of jaggery, pulses and rice) and Puliyodarai and Thayir Sadam (rice with curd). 
		 Open from: 5.30 am-1.00 pm, 2.00 pm-9.00 pm; Closed for rituals from 8.00 am-9.00 am, 1.00 pm-2.00 pm, 6.00 pm-7.00 pm 
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed into the main sanctums of Lord Ranganathaswamy and Goddess Ranganayaki. Vehicles are allowed only up to the fourth prakaram. Footwear is not allowed beyond the entry to the fourth prakaram.
		 
		
		 Jambukeshwara Temple: Located near the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwara is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has colourful carvings adorning its external walls and is housed within five walls and seven towers. The main deity is almost submerged in the water flowing from the spring within the temple. It is believed that this lingam was worshipped by an elephant, hence the name Jambukeshwara. 
Open from: 6.00 am-1.00 pm, 3.00 pm-9.00 pm; 6.00 am-8.30 pm on Tue, Fri, Sun, festival days
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed within the main sanctum
		 
		 
		 Samayapuram Mariamman Temple:One of the most visited temples of Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti, made of clay and sand. The goddess is believed to have miraculous curing powers, and hence a peculiar feature of this temple is that it is mandatory to buy silver or steel replicas of various body parts that need to be cured and placed in the donation box. Devotees also offer a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee and raw salt. The Chariot Festival and Float Festival are celebrated with great pomp. 
		 Open from: 5.30 am-9.00 pm
		 
		 
		 Brammapuriswarar Temple:This is another popular Shaivite Temple, dedicated to Shiva as Brahmapureeswarar. It derives its name from the legend that Brahma himself sanctified the 12 Shivalingams in this temple. Also located with the patron deity is his consort Goddess Brahmanayaki. Don't miss the huge monolith of Lord Brahma seated in the lotus position. In fact, the temple tank has blossoms of lotuses and the main tower of the temple is five-tiered. 
		 Open from: 8.00 am-noon, 4.00 pm-8.00 pm
		 
		 
		 Other attractions:Other than the numerous temples, Trichy is also home to the several churches and museums, located mostly near Rockfort Temple. To begin with, visit the house of Robert Clive, today converted to a hotel. The gothic-like church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the French-style St. John's Church are other popular attractions. The Trichy Museum houses some of the most striking antiques of this city. 
		 Open from: Our Lady of Lourdes - 8.00 am-5.00 pm 
St John's Church - 9.00 am-5.00 pm 
Trichy Museum - 10.00 am-5.00 pm (except Fridays); Entry fee: Rs 5 for adults, Rs 3 for children, Rs 100 for non-Indians
		 
		 
		 Grand Anaicut: A popular picnic spot and must-see is the engineering marvel - the only stone dam in the world, the 300 m long Kallanai Dam. 
		 
		 
		 Woraiyur: Better known for its Cigar Factory, head out to Woraiyur if you wish to get your hands some of the best varieties of hand-made cigars.
		 
		 </td>
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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-feasts.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />
Restaurants and hotels are many and they serve well-priced tasty food. For good South Indian breakfast, head to Hotel Femina - their white pongal is especially good. Sangeetha Restaurant at Hotel Aanand serves top-class vegetarian thalis. Vasantha Bhavan Restaurant, in the Abhirama Hotel, located near the state bus stand, is a popular vegetarian place sworn by tourist and locals alike. Especially worth trying is their filter coffee, hot idlis, dosas and puris! Woodlands Restaurant is moderately priced and serves an excellent selection of vegetarian fare, including South Indian and Chinese food. Banana Leaf, located close to the Rock Fort Temple is an intimate eating place with a varied selection of Indian and Chinese dishes. Rustic, rather than gourmet, the food and service is pleasant. Another great place to head out for a bite would be at the Vincent Gardens Restauarnt which has an outdoor setting. This restaurant is one of the few non-vege serving places. Peaks of Kunlun, in Jenneys Residency, serves good Chinese and Continental food. If you're craving from some sweets, head out to Hotel Sangam and Hotel Royal Southern.
	
	Fresh fruit juices and milk shakes are best prepared by the Palamudircholai shops at the Main Guard Gate, the Central Bus Stand, and in Srirangam. For tasty pastries and pizzas park yourself at the Cake Shop. Sri Krishna Sweets in Thiruverumbur is famous for its Mysore Pak madein pure ghee - it actually melts in your mouth! Also taste their piping hot vegetable puffs, vadas and samosas. 
	</td>
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<item>
	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
	<link></link>
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		<![CDATA[
	
	
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 		<td class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />Trichy is a great place to look around for some trinkets and souvenirs. It is especially famous for its handmade cigars and cheroots, available at the Cigar Factory at Woraiyur. Burma Bazaar (closed on Wednesday), Big Bazaar Road and Chinnar Bazaar are busy markets for handicrafts and electronic gadgets. Get your hands on the famous silk clothing of South India at NSB Road, which sells a range of varieties including Saradas and Thaila. Adjacent to the Big Bazaar Road is the Diamond Bazaar Street, which is the gem cutting and jewellery retail centre. Pick up some of the famous Paavai (girl holding lamp craft) and the brass lamps from the shops that line the temples. For a fragrant gift, what can be a better option that to head to the Saathara Street in Srirangam. This is the local flower market and has possibly the largest range of flowers you'd ever see anywhere! Remember, bargaining is a must to ensure you get the best deal!</td>
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<item>
	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />
 One of the most important festivals celebrated during pongal is Jallikattu celebrated at the villages near Trichy. This festival is marked by a session of bull catching and a stick fight called silambattam. This event is a great show of strength and valor and in fact, villages around the place also have special training centres for these martial arts. The Float Festival is celebrated at all major temples here. During this, the patron deities are placed in a flowered boat and set adrift in the water tanks adjoining the temple.
	 
	 Samayapuram Mariamman Festival is an extremely important festival, especially because the goddess Samayapuram Mariamman is believed to be the goddess of the poor. During this, three festivals that are of utmost importance are Poochorithal, Pancha Prakaram and Brahmotsavam. During Poothorithal, flowers are showered in the temple for days for 24 hours. Brahmotsava, celebrated in April witnesses the Float Festival and Car Festival,w hen the goddess is set adrift on a flowered boat and taken out in a wooden car procession. 
	 
	 
	 Allur Jalla Thirthavizha is celebrated mostly by women in the Allur village. During this, women buy cows and calf dolls created by potters and perform pujas, a ritual that goes on for 10 days. Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival is an important Vaishnavite festival celebrated in Srirangam Temple. During this, lakhs of people gather to pray to Lord Renganathar at his temple.
	 
	 
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<item>
	<title>Staying There</title>
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Trichy is full of hotels available at different budgets. Most of the hotels are located around the Central Bus Stand and Cantonment area due to its nearness to the railway station. Most of the hotels have spacious rooms, swimming pools, gymnasium and multi-cuisine restaurants. Not exactly budget, but relatively on the lower end are <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002466&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=SRM+Hotel&hotelClass=3&address1=Race+Course+Road&address2=&city=Trichirapalli&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=620023&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right
">SRM Hotel</a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002331&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Breeze+Residency&hotelClass=3&address1=3%2F14%2C+Mc+Donald%27s+Road&address2=&city=Trichirapalli&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=620001&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right
">Breeze Residency</a>. Both of these are located in the heart of the city and offer quality accommodations. <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002402&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Sangam&hotelClass=4&address1=Collector%27s+Office+Road&address2=&city=Trichirapalli&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=620001&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right
">Hotel Sangam</a> is a four-star hotel also located in the heart of the city and offering a range of amenities.
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<item>
	<title>Getting There</title>
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 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="climate-head">Air:</td>
 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-air.gif" alt="Air" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text">Trichy International Airport is well connected to the rest of India. Hire a taxi to reach your hotel.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Rail: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-rail.gif" alt="Railway" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Trichy is an important breakpoint of the Southern Railway. It connects Tamil Nadu to various parts of India including regions in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Road:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-road.gif" alt="Roadways" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Trichy is well connected by road to the rest of South India by frequent state and private buses that ply between Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Kanyakumari.</td>
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	<title>Trivia</title>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/tiruchirapalli-trivia.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Tiruchirapalli" align="right" />
The origin of the Ranganatha Temple is steeped in several mythological legends. It is believed that Lord Brahma received the idol while in a state of meditation. It was then passed on to Viraja, Vaiswatha, Manu, Ishwaku and finally to Lord Rama, who worshipped it for a long time. However, on return from Lanka post his victory over Ravana, Lord Rama gifted the idol to Vibhishana for his support against his own brother. However, the gods were unhappy with Vibhishana, an asura carrying the idol to his kingdom; hence a plan was laid to take away that idol from him.

While returning to Lanka via Trichy, Vibhishana wished to take a dip in the Kaveri. For this, he handed the idol to Lord Ganesha (disguised as a cowherd boy). As per the plan, Lord Ganesha placed the idol on the ground, thus enraging Vibhishana. Vibhishana then chased the boy who ran over to the rock near the Kaveri River. When he finally caought up with him, he hit the boy on his head. At that, the boy immediately revealed his true identity. Vibhishana immediately apologized and the Lord gave him his blessings after which Vibhishana continued on his way to Lanka.


The ground on which the Ranganathan idol was placed was later covered in deep forests and after a long time, a Chola king chasing a parrot found the idol accidentally. Thus the Ranganathaswamy temple was established as one of the largest temple complexes, and the Rock Fort Temple was created in the very rock where Ganesha escaped Vibhishana.

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