Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Rock Fort Temple, a 7th-century Hindu temple complex situated atop a 273 feet high rock. The temple complex comprises of three main temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. The first temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, is located at the base of the rock, and the other two, the Uchipillaiyar Koil and Manikka Vinayagar Koil, are located at the top. The panoramic view of the city from the top is breathtaking. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day.
Next, head to Srirangam, an island in the Cauvery River which is home to the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a renowned pilgrimage site. The temple complex has 21 magnificent gopurams (towers), and the main sanctum sanctorum houses a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm every day.
End your day with a visit to the St. Lourdes Church, a beautiful white Gothic-style church that has been attracting visitors since its establishment in the late 1800s. The stained-glass windows, high arches, and intricate carvings are a sight to behold. The church is open from 5 am to 7 pm every day.
Start your day with a visit to the lesser-known yet exquisite Sri Rangam Melur Ayyanar Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyanar, also known as the protector of villages, and is decorated with bright colors and intricate carvings. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm every day except Sunday (4 pm to 8 pm only).
Next, make your way to the Government Museum, Trichy. This museum exhibits an excellent collection of sculptures, crafts, and paintings. The museum's most iconic exhibit is the skeleton of a 43-foot-long blue whale. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm except on Fridays.
End your day with a visit to the Viralimalai Murugan Temple, situated atop a hill surrounded by greenery. This unique temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is known for a large number of peacocks that roam the place. Visitors can also spot some monkeys playing around. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, which is an hour's drive from Trichy, or exploring the Kallanai Dam, which is 20 km from Trichy. If you have less time, skip St. Lourdes Church and Viralimalai Murugan Temple, or cut your visit to Government Museum, Trichy, short. Make sure to carry water bottles, hats, and sunscreen during your visits to temples as they might require you to walk around barefoot under the sun. Also, avoid midday visits during summers as it can be scorching hot.