Introduction

Synonymous with Trichy, the Rock Fort Temple is nestled on a rocky outcrop with the Cauvery River at its foot. This 83-meter (277 foot) high rock stands out as an exception in the otherwise flat landscape of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world, dating over 3 billion years – almost as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. Tourists scale up this great rock to not just browse the ramshackle fort, but also to look up the temple perched on the summit. Some 344 odd steps etched in the rock lead you to the cliff temple which has inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century. Halfway to the top stands the ancient Thayumanaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a quintessential pillared hall (100 pillars in this one), like in most South Indian temples. Here the Shivalingam is but a projection of the rock.

Those with a penchant for archaeology should visit the southern face of the rock for its exquisitely carved rock-cut cave temples dating back to the reign of the Pallava kings. Browse some more, and you will stumble upon sculptures from the 6th and 7th centuries. The Pallavas were the first to hew the smooth rock, but it was the Nayak kings of Madurai who completed both the temples under the Vijayanagara Empire. Though nothing significant remains of the ramparts, the main guard gate, oddly enough, is still intact.

On the pinnacle is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, the main shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha). Some climb this high only for the brilliant panoramic view it affords. Tiruchirappalli looks majestic from here; you can see almost every temple top, the Cauvery River lazily meandering through the city, old houses and patches of greenery. Take look at the tank and the pavilion at the foot of the rock; they are beautifully lit up and decorated with flowers and silken buntings during the annual float festival. Close to the tank is the erstwhile house of Robert Clive, the British Administrator for the East India Company. He apparently lived here during his trips to Trichy. Don’t miss out the 18th century church built by Reverend Schwartz of Denmark.

Archaeologists have found quartz used in making glass and feldspar used in ceramic in this rock formation.

Special Attributes

This steep rock is a distinct feature in the otherwise flat Trichy landscape. It has some exquisitely carved rock-cut cave temples from the Pallava dynasty.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress modestly. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes since it is a religious site.

Connectivity

State bus or taxi

Enjoyed by

History and Architecture Lovers, and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will be under the sun while climbing the flight of a few hundred steps. Make sure you are wearing sunshades and sunscreen lotion, and have a bottle of drinking water with you.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

An early morning visit is preferable, before the pilgrims begin to trickle in, and before the sun is high up in the sky.

Type of site

Fort Ruins/Hindu shrine/ temple site