Tiruchirapalli, commonly known as "Tiruchi" or "Trichy" is Tamil Nadu"s 4th largest city after Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore. It is situated in the centre of the state, on the banks of the Kaveri River. The most famous landmark of Trichy is the "Rock Fort Temple" which is balanced on a huge rocky out crop. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Trichy city includes Srirangam, a Vaishnavite temple and the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world.

Etymology of Trichy
There are several theories as the origin of the city`s name. Tiruchirapalli is probably named after the three-headed demon Trishira (or "Chira"), who performed penance at the Shiva temple in the city and obtained favours. The city was therefore named after the demon. Another theory says that since there are three peaks in the area, which are occupied by Shiva, Parvati and Vinayaka, the name "Tri-Shikharam" or "Tirisirapuram" arose.

History of Trichy
Trichy was originally a Chola fortress and later, during 1st millennium AD, it was occupied by other south Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas and Pandyas. The Cholas invaded Tiruchirapalli during the 10th Century. The capital of the Early Cholas was near Urayur, the Old Trichy which boasts over 2,500 years of known history and tradition. Later, after the fall of the Chola Empire, it came under the direct control of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty who paid honour to the Vijayanagar Empire. The Rock Fort Temple was a mark of the Nayaks. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli, and back, several times. 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 manifested a major step in the British conquest of India.

Historical Edifices at Trichy
Trichy is home to Nagaraj Cholan and many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Karikala Cholan built the oldest manmade dam - "Kallanai", across the Kaveri River about 10 miles from Urayur. There are several beautifully carved cave temples of the Pallava period in Trichy. On the eastern side lies the "Sri Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple", with Lord Ganesha as the main deity. Trichy is famous for its Christian churches and is said to have the greatest number of chapels in India. The most famous are "Holy Redeemer`s Church", "Lourdes Church" and "The Cathedral". Trichy also is famous for one of the oldest "Arcot Nawab Masjid".

Geography of Trichy
The topology of Trichy is almost flat and it lies at an altitude of 78 m above sea level. The Kaveri River and the Coleroon River flows across the city, the latter forms the northern boundary of the city. The river Kaveri flows along west to southeast direction through the city. The soil here is considered to be very fertile and 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 and the timing of the monsoon in this part of the country has recently become unpredictable, with the rainy season commencing from mid-October until early-November and the rains then extending until early or mid-January.

Demography of Trichy
The city`s population is mainly Hindu, and there are sizable Christian and Muslim populations. Tamil is the official language. Other language spoken here is English. The city has a multi-cultural society with a considerable presence of Tamil, English, Marathi, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam-speaking population.

Cuisine of Trichy
Trichy cuisine is predominantly South Indian with rice as the main-dish. The city prefers a fairly mild flavour and lunch is usually served in many restaurants on a banana leaf. North Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines are also available. Other types of dishes like "Jalebi", "Mysore Pak" (a sweet made from lentil flour and ghee), "Idly", "Dosa", "Halwa" (a sweet made of milk, wheat, and rice), "Parantha" and "Biryani" are also available in restaurants.

Festivals at Trichy
Besides Pongal, the "Thamizhar Thirunaal", Ugadi, Holi and Onam festivals are celebrated by their respective communities retaining their cultural roots.

Economy of Trichy
Trichy is a major Engineering hub and Energy Equipment and Fabrication Capital of India. Some major industrial houses are located in Trichy are Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Ordnance Factory, Golden Rock Locomotive Workshop, and Dalmia Cements. Trichy also has exclusive Rotary Air-preheater manufacturer namely GEECO. Trichy is declared to be first with 70% in India, in boiler & windmill manufacturing and fabrication. Agro-based industries are also present around Trichy city, especially along Coimbatore road and Chennai. Manachanallur is famous for its numerous rice mills supplying polished rice all over Tamil Nadu and outside is located about 7 km from Main Guard gate.

Education at Trichy
Trichy is an excellent base for education. Tiruchirapalli has schools and colleges that are hundreds of years old. Notable educational institutions of Trichy include the National Institute of Technology, Bharathi Dasan Institute of Management, Anna University Trichy, Bharathi Dasan University and the Government Law College. St. Joseph`s College is another important institution in Trichy.

Health Organizations at Trichy
Trichy is also a well known hub for health organizations. Apart from the Government hospital, several multi-facility hospitals function in the city. Various NGOs and clubs in the city heavily assist the polio eradication programme. Trichy also has many Siddha, Unani, Ayurveda and 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.

Tourism in Trichy
Tourism boomed in Trichy after the construction of some marvellous spots like Planetarium or Science centre and other amusement localities. The Anna Science Centre-Planetarium is located close to Trichy Airport. There are many more places of tourist attraction like Puliancholai waterfall in the foothills of the Kolli hills, the spectacular Rock Fort Temple, Thayumanaswamy Temple, St. Joseph College Campus and so on. There are numerous other churches, temples, and mosques in and around the city. Kollam pond is a large water-body located in Crawford lies along the Trichy-Madurai Railway line. The pond is home to different types of bird species including ducks and Kingfisher.

Transportation of Trichy
Trichy is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu, by private and public bus services. One can get buses from Trichy to almost any part of the state, due to its geographical location in the center of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli served as the headquarters of the South-Indian Railways. Trichy has an international airport about 5 km from the city.