The most famous landmark of Trichy is an 83m high rock, which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world, approx. 3800 years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. There are two main temples here - the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesh), at the summit and the Thayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva half-way to the top, where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. From the summit one can enjoy a panoramic view of Trichy. On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period.

Located about 5km from the city, this is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers. The town is located in an island surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery River on one side and its tributary Kollidam on the other. It is known for the gigantic Sri Ranganatha Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Temple inscriptions date its existence from the 10th century. Many dynasties constructed it over a period, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, and Hoysalas, Vijayanagars and Nayaks - and work still continues. At 60 hectares, the temple complex with its seven concentric walled sections and 21 gopurams (spires) is probably the largest in India. The largest gopuram, the main entrance was completed in 1987 and now measures an astounding 73m, the tallest in India. Non Hindus may go to the sixth wall but are not allowed inside the gold topped sanctum. There is also a small museum containing sculptures, bronze figures and plaques.

A Car festival is held here each January but the most important festival is the 21-day Vaikunta Ekadashi (Paradise Festival) in mid-December.

Located about 7km from Trichy it is known for the Jambukeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. It was built around the same time as the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The temple has a lingam partially submerged in water, which flows from a subterranean spring in the sanctum sanctorum. The Lord's name Jambukeswarar is derived from a legend that an elephant once worshipped Him under the holy Jambu tree.

There are a couple of churches in the region. The Lourdes church was completed in 1896 is modelled on the neo-Gothic Basilica in France. An annual procession, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, is held in February for people of all faiths. The St. John's Church, built in 1812, has louvered side doors that open to turn the church into an airy pavilion.