Temples near Trichy

Avudaiyark
40 km. from Pudukkottai. The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures
which are of absorbing interest. The car of this temple is renowned for its wood carvings. The temple is
noted for zephyr (granite roof) work. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with copper plate and is similar to
the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.

Avur
28 km. from Pudukkottai. The old chapel here was constructed in 1547 AD. by Fr, John Venantius Bouchet
and the new Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1747 A.D. Tamil Scholar Rev. Father Joseph
Beschi (Veerama Munivar) also served in this Church. The Easter Passion play followed by Car Festival,
takes place in summer which attracts people of all faiths.

Government Museum
Situated at Thirrukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 km. from Pudukkottai railway Station. The
wide range of collections in the Sections of Geology. Zoology, Paintings. Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical
records, etc. are very interesting. The fine Sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items
of the Museum. Timings: 9 a.m to 5. p.m Entrance fee: Free. Holidays Friday Phone : 04322-236247.

Kattubava Pallivasal
30 km. from Pudukkottai. One of the Islamic Muslim centers, this is located on the Thirumayam Madurai
Highway. Both Hindus and Muslims visit this place. Annual “Urs” takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.

Manamelkudi
Manamelkudi is a village Panchayat in Avudaiyarkoil Taluk of Pudukkottai District with a population of 10072
as per 1991 census. It extended over an area of 1135.24 hector. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and
well connected by a major district, road leading form Aranthangi which is 43 km. away and passing through
the Taluk headquarters Avudaiyarkoil which is 32 km. to the west.

Kodumbalur
Also known as Moovarkoil, it is 36 km. from Pudukkottai and 42 km from Tiruchirapalli. It was formerly the
seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now.
These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century A.D. The architecture of the temple is
unique among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanari.
Gangadaramurthi etc. are interesting master pieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the
early Chola period.

Aranthangi
The second largest town in Pudukkottai district after the headquarters. Aranthangi was the most populous
locality in the south of the Thanjavur district till it was added to Pudukkottai. The main centre of attraction is
a ruined fort.
 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.

Kumaramalai
It is 10 km from Pudukkottai. A top a small mount is a Murugan temple. The tank water of the mount is
considered to be holy.

Narthamalai
It is a place of historical importance and the headquarters of the Mutharaiyar Chieftains. The earliest
structural stone temple, circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Cave
temple built by Vijayalaya Chola, the first king of the later Cholas and Kadambarmalai temple of the place
are also worth visiting. It is 17 km form Pudukkottai.

Sittannavasal
In this village are the remains of a 2nd century B.C. Jam cave temple. Fresco paintings reminiscent of
Ajanta adorn the walls. Many of them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely
detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures.
There are also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century
can he seen on the ceiling of Ardhamandapam. There are many pre-historic burial sites around
Sittannavasal and among the relics unearthed are burial urns, cists and Kungupatarai.

Thirumayam
Thirumayam 19 km. from Pudukkottai. The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions
here. The Fort played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai and the British.
The erection of this 40 acre-wide Fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to Sethupathi VijayaRagunatha Thevar, the
Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. On the hill there is a Rock Cut Siva temple with Music inscription and the
relics of a Fort. At the foot of the hill also Vishnu and Siva Shrines are found. The Vishnu temple is one of
the most complete and the largest Anantasayi groups in India. It is a natural Cavern which has heen
changed into a shrine.

Sri Kokarneswarar Temple

The rock cut cave Temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendraverma
Pallava’s period.

Vendanpatti
40 km. from Pudukkottai via Ponnamaravathi. The Nandi known as Nei Nandi in the Arulmighu Meenakshi
Chokkeswarar Temple is very well known.Though made of black granite, it now shines like marble due to
frequent abishekam with pure ghee. Another interesting feature is the absence of flies and ants inspite of the
Nandi being showered with pure ghee every day. A large number of devotees flock daily to this temple.
 Viralimalai
The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock and is said to exist before 15th Century A.D.
There is a peacock sanctuary. It is 30 km. from Tiruchirapalli and 40 km. from Pudukkottai. The principal idol
is seated on a peacock with consorts on either side.

Adi Peoram Festival

Adi Pooram festival will be celebrated in the month of July & August at Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal
Temple at Thirukokarnam and Manikkavasagar Festival at Avudayarkoil is celebrated every year in a grand
manner.

Sittannavasal (58km)

In this village are the remains of 2nd century

B.C.Jain cave temple. Fresco paintings reminiscent
of Ajanta adorn the walls. Many of them are typical
of the 9th century Pandyan period and include
exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks,
people gathering lotuses from a pond and two
dancing figures. There arealso inscriptions dating
back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco painting
from the 7th century can be seen on the ceiling of the
Ardhamandapam. There are many pre-historic burial
sites around Sittannavasal and among the relics
unearthed are burial urns, cists and Kurangupatarai.

Kudumiyanmalai

Kudumiyanmalai temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva

as Kuduminatha or Shikhagirinatha. Legend has it
that a Kudumi or a lock of hair was noticed on the
idol after which the deity was called Kuduminathar.
The inner part containing the sanctum was built by
the Cholas in 9th century. Kudumiyanmalai oldest
part of the temple was a cave temple, and has some
interesting inscription as well as beautiful sculptures.
Mukkombu

Mukkombu is a wonderful picnic spot. It is situated

18 kms away from Trichy. Constructed in the 19th
century, across the Kollidam, this dam is about 658
mt long and has been forced into three sections
instead of one long stretch because of the shape of
the island.

Kallanai - Grand Anaicut

It is situated 24 kms away from Trichy. The

Kallanai, also known as the Grand Anaicut, is an
ancient dam in Tamil Nadu. The Grand Anaicut built
by Karikalan Chola in the 2nd century A.D. The
Kallanai is a massive dam of unhewn stone, 329
meters long and 20 meters wide, across the main
stream of the Cauvery. The purpose of the dam was
to divert the waters of the Cauvery across the fertile
Delta region for irrigation via canals. This is a
beautiful picnic spot.

Vayaloor

Vayaloor is situated 8 kms away from Tiruchi and it

is Famous for its Lord Murugan Temple. Lord
Murugan (the son of Lord Shiva and goddess
Parvati) is known as Lord Kartika in the rest of India.
Situated amidst lush green vegetation, the place has a
tranquil atmosphere giving you the much needed
peace of mind.

Puliancholai

Puliancholai is 72 km away from Trichy.

Puliancholai on the foot hills of Kollimalai is a place
of scenic beauty. The Agaya Gangai falls on top of
the Koli Hills, the water here has medicinal value.
Agaya Gangai Falls (Hill top) is five hours hard
Trek. The falls are famous for age-old rock
structures, dolmens and the Pithukkuli caves.
Puliancholai is a beautiful picnic spot.

Pachamalai

Pachamalai is 80 kms away from Trichy. Pachamalai

is spreading green hill range. It's good hill range for
trekking to enjoy nature and the animal life small
streams and falls add color to these hills.It's altitude
is 500 meters to 1000 meters above msl.This
mountain range has in itself different small regions
like Thenpara nadu,kombainadu ,Aathi Nadu and
Vannadu.

Gangaikondacholapuram (100 km)

The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikonda

cholapuramwas 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 frieze depicting Rajendra being crowned
by Siva and Parvati.

Government Museum
Situated at Thirukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 km. from Pudukkottai station. The rare collections
in the sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy,Historical Records, etc., are very
interesting. The fine sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum.Open on
all days except Mondays and Government Holidays from 8 a.m. to11.30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Sri Kokarneswarar Temple

The rock-cut cave temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendravarma Pallava's
period.