Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas, which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has been home to many great Tamil scholars, whose contributions to Tamil literature have been significant.

The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rockfort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It was one of the main centres around which the Carnatic Wars were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India. The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu, and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.