Day 1 – Overnight in Tiruchirappalli
My husband & I have been planning to visit the grand old temples in Tamil Nādu for some years and were finally able to do so in December of 2019. We made a list of temples that we wanted to visit and figured out the most efficient way to see all of them without spending too much time driving. Our focus was to not only get darshan of the deity but also to explore the temples architecture and history.
I am happy to say that we had a wonderful time visiting these temples. We had beautiful weather on all 5 days with lush green fields everywhere we went. Since we planned this trip in the first week of December, none of the temples were too crowded and we got darshan without waiting in line in most of the temple. Where possible we had guides explaining the history and facts about the temple which we would have missed otherwise.
We flew into Tiruchirappalli from Chennai to start our tour. We hired a car and driver at Tiruchirappalli. We then drove to all the temples in Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Chidambaram after which we drove back to Chennai.
Here was our final itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Tiruchirappalli from Chennai – Overnight Tiruchirappalli
- Day 2: Visit temples in Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur – Overnight in Thanjavur
- Day 3: Visit temples in Thanjavur, Kumbakonam – Overnight Kumbakonam
- Day 4: Visit temples in Kumbakonam – Overnight Kumbakonam
- Day 5: Visit Chidambaram – Drive back to Chennai
An important bit of information about the timings of most of the South Indian Hindu temples:
- Morning 5 am – 1 pm
- Lunch break 1 pm – 4 pm
- Afternoon 4 pm – 9 pm
The timings worked out well for us, as we spent 3-4 hours in the afternoon having a good lunch and relaxing without being rushed.
Day 2
We were staying in a hotel which was not too far from Jambukeswarar Temple, which we were planning to visit early on this day. The driver picked us up at 6am and drove us to the first temple on this tour.
- Jambukeswarar Temple
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
- Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort – Ucchi Pillayar
Jambukeswarar Temple – Main deity is Jambu Lingam, one of the ‘pancha bootam’ lingams representing ‘water’ as the name suggests. Dedicated to Shiva, this temple was built during the Chola period around more than 1000 years ago. There are lots of inscriptions from various Chola Kings between 11-12th century, which serve as source of information regarding renovations and grants to the temple. The temple has multiple gopurams (towers) and the hundreds of massive and intricately carved pillars inside the temple will leave you in awe of the talent of Chola craftsmen.
Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam – This magnificent temple is dedicated to Ranganatha (a form of God Vishnu) and his consort Ranganayaki (a form of Goddess Lakshmi). The Temple was probably built in the 1st century CE. However, the temple’s current form is the result of centuries of additions and renovations by many dynasties.
The temple occupies an area of 63 hectares (155 acres) with 81 shrines, 21 towers, 39 pavilions, and many water tanks integrated into the complex. One can go up to a rooftop within the temple complex to get a view of the 21 towers including the golden vimana on top of Ranganatha shrine. This temple is considered as the largest functioning temple in the world. Angkor Wat in Cambodia, has a larger complex, but it is not an active temple.
After visiting this temple, I was left speechless and amazed with the architectural beauty of this temple. We spent a few hours in this temple walking around and appreciating the splendid sculptures, pillars, gopurams and mandapams (halls). One can spend a whole day at this temple.
Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort – Built in 7th century, Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort, locally known as Malaikottai, is a fortification and temple complex built on an ancient rock. Located on the banks of river Kaveri, it is constructed on a 83 metres (272 ft) high rock. There are two Hindu temples inside, the Ucchi Pillayar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the Thayumanaswami Temple (God Shiva). The Thayumanaswami Temple is located halfway up the Rock Fort. Access to the smaller Ganesha temple (Ucchi Pillayar) is through steep steps carved on the rock.
You get a great views of Trichy, Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam from the Rock fort.
