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Malaikottai Temple, also known as Rock Fort Temple, is located on the Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, which is the ancient rock where the temple is built on it. There are two Hindu temples inside this complex, which are Uchipillayar Temple and ThayumanaSwamy Temple. There are 417 steps to reach the temple and it has a thousand-pillar mandapam, which is very beautiful and where many weddings are celebrated. The complex is also divided into a lower cave temple and an upper cave temple, with many other deities present inside.
Location
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Malaikottai Temple is located on the Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, which is built on ancient rock and was once protected by the Tiruchirappalli Fort which now is dilapidated. It is located in the heart of the city and it is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River in Tiruchirapalli city in Tamil Nadu. This is constructed on an 83 m high rock. The ThayumanaSwamy Temple is located at the foot of the rock hill, and the Uchi Pillayar temple is located on the top of the rock fort hill.
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How To Reach Malaikottai Temple
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By Air: the nearest airport to Malaikottai Temple is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, which is 9.5 km away.
By Rail: Trichy Railway Junction is the nearest railway station to Malaikottai Temple, which is 3 km away and Tiruchirapalli Railway Station is 5.2 km away from the temple.
By Road: by bus, Trichy Central Bus Stand is 4 km away from Malaikottai Temple and there are many taxis and cabs available from different parts of the city.
Places To Visit Near Malaikottai Temple
Here are a few places to visit near Malaikottai Temple that are popular among the tourists to explore the place in a better way:
1. Ucchi Pillayar Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Ucchi Pillayar Temple that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha as a 7th century temple that is located on the top of the rock fort in Tamilnadu. According to a legend, this rock is the place where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibhishana after establishing the Ranganathaswamy dating in Srirangam. This temple is located at a height of 83 metres. This rock was first cut by the Pallavas and completed by the Nayaks of Madurai under the Vijayanagara empire.
Location: Arulmigu Uchi Pillayar Temple, 51, Chinna Kadai St, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
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2. ThayumanaSwamy Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
ThayumanaSwamy Temple, which is also a part of the Malaikottai temple complex, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. The deities in this temple have been there since the 7th century. According to a legend, a woman named Ratnavati, who is a huge devotee of Lord Shiva, requested her mother to come over for her labour, but she could not, and that is when Shiva was moved by her devotion and came in the form of her mother and her.
Location: Sri Thayumanavar Temple, Big Bazaar St, Melachinthamani, Tiruchirappalli
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 8:30 PM
3. Kallanai Dam
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Kallanai Dam, which is built across the Kaveri River, is over 1079 feet high and 66 feet wide. It is an ancient dam that was constructed nearly 2000 years ago with one of the oldest functional water regulator structures in the country. This place is often visited by the locals for picnics to watch the sunset and there are many new developments around, like a park made for kids and families to sit and relax.
Location: Kallanai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 17.3 km
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4. Butterfly Park
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
The butterfly park located in Trichy is part of a tropical butterfly conservatory tree that is over 25 acres of land. This park has well-laid outlines with floral patches, playground equipment for kids and a boating facility in the pond. There is also a fountain, a garden, a large butterfly glass house and refreshment huts with many nectar flowers and plants to attract the butterfly. There are a variety of butterflies found in this place.
Location: Tropical Butterfly conservatory, Tropical Butterfly Conservatory Campus Srirangam Taluk road, Melur
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 11.8 km
5. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in SrirangAM -wn, Trichy, is devoted to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is surrounded by an area of 156 acres that is constructed in Indian style of architecture. This temple is the largest functional temple in the entire world, with amazing architecture and 21 gopuram surrounding it.
Location: Sri RanganathaSwamy Temple, Srirangam, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 AM, 9 AM – 12 PM and 1:15 PM – 6 PM and 6:45 PM – 9 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 6.6 km
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6. Viralimalai Murugan Temple
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Viralimalai Murugan Temple, near Malaikottai Temple, Tamil Nadu which is also called Trichy Malaikottai Temple, is a charming hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. Perched atop 207 steps, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and sacred peacocks. The temple’s Dravidian architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit for travellers exploring Tamil Nadu. Annual festivals like Panguni Uthiram draw devotees, while the serene setting and panoramic views create an ideal spot for both spiritual reflection and photography.
Location: Arulmigu Viralimalai Murugan Temple, Neathaji Nagar, Viralimalai, Tamil Nadu 621316
Timings: 6 AM – 12 AM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 35 km
7. Puliyancholai Waterfalls
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Puliyancholai Waterfalls, tucked at the base of Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu, is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Surrounded by lush forests and flowing streams, the cascading falls offer a refreshing escape from city life. Families can enjoy short treks, spotting local herbs and wildlife along the way. Well-connected by road, the site is easy to reach and ideal for a day trip. It ranks among the top places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family for a serene, rejuvenating experience.
Location: Puliyancholai Falls, Tiruchirappalli
Timings: Best time to visit is between 9 AM – 11 AM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 70 km
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8. Vekkali Amman Temple
Photo: TRYPPN / Wikimedia Commons
Vekkali Amman Temple, located in Woraiyur just 5 km from central Tiruchirappalli, is a striking blend of history and devotion. Dedicated to Goddess Vekkali, the open-air sanctum symbolises her omnipresence, a unique feature that fascinates visitors. Built during the early Chola period by King Gochenkan Chola, the temple carries intriguing legends of the sanctum’s roof being repeatedly consumed by fire. Devotees tie wishes to the trident, and the golden chariot adds grandeur during festivals, making it a must-visit for both history and spirituality.
Location: Vekkaliyamman, 11c, S S Kovil Street, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 9 AM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 6 km
9. St. Lourdes Church
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Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tiruchirappalli, set within St. Joseph’s College, is a striking example of Gallo-Catholic architecture, blending Gothic and local styles. Completed in 1903, its towering spires and intricate statues of saints draw attention from afar. Dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, the church provides a calm space for reflection and prayer. Visitors can witness annual feasts, including the prominent February 11 celebration, attracting many pilgrims. Its grandeur and spiritual aura make it a must-visit landmark in the city.
Location: Salai Road, Uraiyoor, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5 AM – 7.30 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 3 km
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10. Agaya Gangai Waterfalls
Photo: Rajeshodayanchal / Wikimedia Commons
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, known as the “Ganges of the Sky,” is a stunning natural attraction in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. The waterfall plunges around 300 feet, formed by the Aiyaru River near Arappaleeswarar Temple. Reaching its base involves descending over 1,000 steep steps, rewarding visitors with lush forests and scenic surroundings. Monsoon months showcase its full glory, while winter offers a tranquil visit. Trekking here demands sturdy footwear, water, and caution, making the journey as memorable as the falls themselves.
Location: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 3 PM
Distance From Malaikottai Temple: 135 km
Where To Stay
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There are a few popular hotels near Malaikottai Temple or the Rock Fort at budget-friendly prices, with hygiene surroundings and with many amenities provided like clean rooms, AC, free breakfast, restaurants, housekeeping services, safety and security laundry services, parking and many more. There are hotels like Grand Stay, Grande Inn, PLA Residency, Coastal Grand Hotel, Hotel Rhythm Grand Suite, Sri Maharaja Residency and many more.
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Where To Eat
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There are many restaurants near the Malaikottai Temple with a variety of food items of the South Indian cuisine and vegetarian options. Most of the restaurants are maintained with hygiene and cleanliness. There are a few restaurants like Hotel Surya Veg, Sri Annapoorani Restaurant, Vasanta Bhavan, Shri Sangeeth’s, Ananda Bhavan, Sri Gowri Krishna Restaurant and many more.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit this temple is between the months of October to March because during these months the climate is cool, which is ideal to climb the rockfort and also visit a few more places around, unlike during the summer, which is a bit exhausting to climb the rockfort. The Malaikottai temple timings are from 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM, or sometimes 8:30 PM.
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Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
Taking into account the stay at a budget friendly hotel along with food and various travel expenses it may cost up to ₹2000 to ₹2500 .
Tips For Travellers
- It is recommended to visit the temple early in the morning, or evening as it can be very hot in the afternoons
- Wear comfortable clothing, bring a cap and sunglasses to protect while climbing
- There are 437 steps to reach the top part of the temple
- Enjoy the view of the entire city and the Kaveri River from the top
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Malaikottai Temple, also known as the Rock Fort Temple, is located on the Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort. It is famous for its architecture, temple complex and beautiful paintings inside the temple. This temple is the best place to have an exciting climb up the stairs and to explore the unique culture of Tamil Nadu. So, plan your trip to this temple with Trip XL!
Cover Photo: Karan Suthar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
