Country | India |
Population | 1022518 |
Area | 167.23 km2 (64.57 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 10.8155, 78.69651 |
Highest elevation | 81 m (266 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Tiruchirappalli, often referred to as Tiruchi or Trichy, is a prominent city in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its rich history and strategic location. As the administrative center of Tiruchirappalli district, it stands as a significant tier II city in southern India.
Geographically, Tiruchirappalli is situated roughly 322 kilometers south of Chennai and 374 kilometers north of Kanyakumari, almost at the geographic heart of Tamil Nadu. The city covers an area of 167.23 square kilometers and, as of the 2011 census, had a population of 916,857. It’s positioned near the Cauvery Delta, where the Kaveri River splits into two, with the island of Srirangam now a part of the city.
Historically, Tiruchirappalli boasts a rich past, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It has been under the rule of various dynasties, including the Cholas, Mutharaiyars, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Nayak Dynasty, Carnatic state, and the British. The city played a pivotal role during the Carnatic Wars between the British and French East India companies in the 18th century.
The city’s landscape is dotted with historic landmarks, such as the Rockfort Temple, which offers stunning views over the city. The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, is the largest functioning temple globally, while the Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval is the largest temple dedicated to Shiva. The town of Uraiyur, the early Chola capital, is now a neighborhood within Tiruchirappalli.
Tiruchirappalli is renowned for its educational institutions, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Tamil Nadu National Law University (NLU), and Government Medical College. These institutions contribute significantly to its reputation as an educational hub.
Economically, the city is notable for its industrial sector, with major units like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Golden Rock Railway Workshop, Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli (OFT), and High Energy Projectile Factory (HEPF) contributing to its industrial landscape. The presence of numerous energy equipment manufacturing units has earned it the nickname “Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India.” The city also has a historical connection to the Trichinopoly cigar, a brand of cheroot that was widely exported to the UK in the 19th century.
Tiruchirappalli is a key transportation hub, with the Tiruchirappalli International Airport offering direct flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It is also an important road and railway junction, further cementing its role as a crucial city in Tamil Nadu.
With a reputation for being one of the cleanest cities in the state and the fifth safest for women in India, Tiruchirappalli stands out for its livability and quality of life, reflecting its rich heritage and modern advancements.
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