Also known locally as Malaikottai.
 
"After my terrifying ride to the station it came as a pleasant surprise to find the train less than half full, something of a rarity from my experience of rail travel in India. Being able to have a nice window seat and watch the attractive scenery go by without any hassle was a real pleasure, even if the journey was a fairly slow one, and seemed to drag on a bit towards the end. It was nearly dark by the time we did finally arrive, meaning I saw little of the last few miles. 
 
Being able to travel by steam engine has always been a pleasurable experience for me, and this journey was no exception, even if I did feel quite dirty from all of the smoke. India is one of the few countries left to still have a large number of steam trains in regular use.
 
Arriving so late in Tiruchi, the shorter name given by the locals to this city, meant I had to wait 'till next morning to get a proper idea of what the place was really like, but even in the dim light it was obvious, it, like Madurai, was going to be full of interest. Again, I stayed at the government rest house, where after a meal I was glad to turn in, so I could have an early start the following day. Though I was keen to see the sights, my first call was to the airline office to see if it was possible to get a flight back to Colombo, and save me the trouble of having to return the way I had come. I was in real luck, there were a few places left on a flight going the following evening. It couldn’t have been much better so I booked straight away, it cost me £22. With my return to Sri Lanka sorted out, and my stomach upset cleared, I felt free to enjoy the day and a half I had left in the city.
 
Without any doubt, the main attraction in Tiruchi was this impressive Rock Fort built on a massive outcrop 260' high, which dominated the city. Though I was able to climb the 437 steps and enjoy the fine views from the fort's ramparts, I was unable to visit the sacred temple on the top as it was only open to Hindus. I don’t know if it was just because I was feeling better, but despite the unpleasant heat, I really enjoyed my short stay in this interesting city. As well as the Rock Fort, Tiruchi seemed full of attractive corners, temples and markets. I feel sure, had I spent longer here, I would have found pleanty more to sketch and paint. - MH