Tiruchirapalli
Situated on the banks of the Cauvery river, Tiruchirapalli has an intresting blend of history, tradition and religion. Once the citadel of the Chola kings, the famous rock fort here has seen the passing of dynasties. Ruled in turn by the Pallavas and then Pandyas, the present fort was built by the Nayak rulers of Madurai.
ACCESS
Tiruchi is an important rail junction on the Southern Railways connecting it to Chennai, Madurai, Banglore etc. The town is well connected by road to important places and Southern cities.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The Rock Fort offers a spectacular view of the town. The Vinayaka (Ganesha) Temple at the top and Shiva temple are worth a visit. Tiruvanaikkaval (7km) - famous for the Jambukeswara Temple where, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of water. Goverment Museum - has fine bronze and stone sculptures.
EXCURSIONS
There are a number of interesting excursions such as Grand Anicut (Kallanai) (24 kms), Mukkombu (Upper Anicut) (18 km), Vayaloor (8 km), Samayapuran (20km), Viralimalai (30km), Sittannavasal (58km) and Narthamalai (37km).
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Sangam (4-star), Collector's Office Road, Tiruchirapalli - 620001.Phones: 0431-414700, 414480. Fax: 91-0431-415779.
Fortune Hotel Jenneys Residency (3-star), Mcdonalds Road, Cantonment, Tiruchirapalli-620001. Phone: 0431-414 414. Fax: 0431-461 451.
COIMBATORE
Known as the `Manchester of South India', Coimbatore is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu and one of the most important cities of the state. There are over a hundred cotton mills in Coimbatore, the first one of which was set up in 1888. Motor pumpsets, electric motors and steel foundries, cement, sythetic gems and electronic equipment are also manufactured in this highly industrialised city.
ACCESS
Theairport, connects Coimbatore to Calicut, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. Coimbatore is also well connected to important cities by train - Chennai, Mumbai, Banglore, Hyderabad, Kanyakumari. Efficient bus services are also available from nearby place.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Annamalai Santuary is south of Coimbatore and can be reached by bus; tea and coffee plantations; plateaus; Maruth-amalai Temple which is 12 kms from Coimbatore and rises to a height of 800 meters; St Michael xavier Church.
ACCOMMODATION
Heritage Inn (3 star), 38, Sivasamy Road, Ramnagar, Coimbatore - 641 009. Phone: 230011; Fax: 233223.
Surya International (3 star), 105, Race Course Road, Coimbatore - 638452. Phone: 217751; Fax: 216110.
Sree Annapoorna Lodging (3 star), 75, East Arockiasany Road, R.S. Poran, Coimbatore - 641 002. Phone: 0422 - 437722/621; Fax: 0422 - 437322.
Nilgiri's Nest (2 star), 739 A, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore - 641 018. Phone: 217247/130; Fax:217131.
The Residency, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore - 641 081. Phone: 0422 - 201234; Fax: 0422 - 201414.