Other Tourist Places

Manora:
The eight-storeyed victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. The name 'Mannora' is derived from the word minaret meaning small minar. From this 30 metre high tower one can have a panoramic view of the palm fringed Bay of Bengal. This tower also served as a light house.

Sri Jambukeshwara Temple
Much smaller and often overlooked, the nearby Sri Jambukeshwara Temple (Map p361; Camera / Video Rs. 20 / 150; Time 6am - 1pm & 3-9pm) is an oasis of calm and serenity after the clamour of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. It is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, and was built around the same time as Sri Ranganathswamy. Being one of the five temples honouring the elements - in this case, water - the temple is built around a partly immersed Shiva lingam. Non - Hindus may not enter sanctum, but beyond the second wall is an interesting chamber lined with linga and statues of gods.

If you're taking bus No 1, ask for 'Tiruvanakoil'; the temple is about 100m east of the main road.

Gangaikonda cholapuram:

The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola King Rajendra - I after his victory over the kingdoms bordering the river Ganga. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and a stunning figure of King Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati.

Kallanai:

Not far from the island is one of the greatest engineering marvels of India. The Grand Anaicut built by Karikalan Chola in the 2nd century A.D. to harness the waters of the Kaveri. Made of stone, the dam is 329 m long and 20m wide and still very much in use. Additions have been made in the form of a road bridge on top of the dam. This is a good picnic spot.



Mukkombu:

Mukkombu is a beautiful excursion centre, just 18 kms from Tiruchirappalli on the river banks of Cauvery and Kollidam. This place is called upper dam. It is an attraction for the tourists and also for the people of all ages by its park, greenish garden scince park,toy train,merry go round, fishing facility, and boating facility.

Kolli Hills:

This hill station in Namakkal district at an altitude of 1190 mts, is an unexploited pleasure. Sri Arappaleeswarar Temple on top of the hills called Chathuragiri is one of the oldest. The terrace type serpentine ghat road, the fruits culitvated here, honey and the unchanged tribal cultures are unique memories. The wonderful Agasangangai Waterfall flowing from a height of over 200 feet is a unique scene. Valvil Ori Festival and Tourism Festival are celebrated during August every year.

Ponnaniyaru Dam:
Ponnaniyaru dam is situated south of Tiruchirappalli. It is 24 kms from Manapparai and 9 kms from Vaiyampatti. Ponnaniyaru dam is built across perumal malai and Chemmalai . This dam site is an ideal place for excursion.

Kudumiyanmalai
The Siva temple here has some interesting inscriptions as well as beautiful sculptures. One of the inscriptions deals with the musical treatise of Mahendravarman Pallava and his experimentation with an eight-stringed instrument called Parivadini.