Tourism department plans to promote three-day Tiruchi circuit at travel fairs

The Department of Tourism plans to promote the spiritual tourism potential of Tiruchi and its surroundings by showcasing its devotional, cultural, and heritage aspects of ancient places of worship, historical and architectural landmarks.

According to sources, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and Sri Mariamman Temple in Samayapuram attract the most pilgrims footfall in the district. The pilgrims, who visit Tiruchi, invariably visit Srirangam and Samayapuram. They are followed by Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple (Rockfort), Sri Akilandeswari-Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikoil. Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Mainguard Gate and Natharsha Pallivasal on the old Madurai Road attract sizable pilgrims and tourists.

Of late, Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple at Tirupatur, Sri Gneeliwaneswarar Temple at Thirupanjali, Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple at Gunaseelam, and Shirdi Saibaba Temple at Akkaraipatti near Samayapuram have emerged as new hotspots of pilgrims in the district. These in addition tourist spots of Mukkombu, Pachamalai, and Puliyancholai. The recently inaugurated Birds Park on the Tiruchi-Karur Highway and the Butterfly Park have also been added to the tourist rich potential list prepared by the Department of Tourism.

Based on the tourists or pilgrims footfall to different destinations, the officials of the Department of Tourism plan to promote Tiruchi as an important pilgrims circuit in the State with a three-day/two-night stay schedule. Upon arrival by car or bus, trains or flights to Tiruchi, the tourists/pilgrims on the first day can cover Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Akilandeswari-Jambukeswarar Temple, Rockfort, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Natharsha Pallivasal. Sri Mariamman Temple, Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Sri Gneeliwaneswarar Temple, Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, and Shirdi Saibaba Temple, all situated on the northern outskirts of Tiruchi, boast potential to engage them on the second day. The third day can be devoted to exploring the potential at the Grand Anicut, the Birds Park, and the Butterfly Park in Melur before returning to their destinations.

“The Tiruchi circuit has immense potential to showcase its historic archaeological monuments, majestic places of worship, heritage and the ancient Grand Anicut. The tourists can spend three days in Tiruchi alone,” says a senior official of the Department of Tourism.

He said the department had produced special videos and taken high quality photographs, showcasing the heritage and historical values of all important monuments and places of worship in Tiruchi district. The Tiruchi tourism circuit would be promoted in the upcoming travel and tourism marts and festivals in different parts of the country, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Bubhaneswar. Similarly, steps were taken to popularise the circuit with the leading tour operators in the country.