Tirunelveli City Guide
Tirunelveli is about 2000 years old is a town of hoary tradition. Next to Madurai it was an important city of the Pandya Kingdom as it served as their Capital for some time. Situated on the banks of the river Thamiraparani, it is on the way to Kanniyakumari from Madurai. It is a twin town Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai. The main attraction of modern-day Tirunelveli, however, is the twin temple of Kanthimathi-Nellaiappar dedicated to Parvati and Siva respectively.
Getting There
By Air : The nearest Airport, Madurai, is 151 kms away.
By Rail : Tirunelveli is an important railway junction on the Southern Railway and is connected to all the major cities.
By Road : Tirunelveli is served by a good network of roads.
Tourist Attractions
Ottapidaram (65 Kms) : This is the birth place of V.O Chidambaram, freedom fighter. His maiden venture in navigation against the East India Company caused his imprisonment. That is why he is popularly called as "Kappalottiya Thamizhan". His home has now become a memorial.
Tenkasi (53 Kms) : The name itself implies that this town is Kasi (Varanasi) of the South. The flagstaff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and 400 years old.
Papanasam (42 Kms) : This holy place is on the western ghat of Pothigai Hills. Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". To commemorate the visit of the divine couple. The Agasthya temple was built there.
Sankarankovil (56 Kms) : Sankarankovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice in a year sun rays fall on the pedestal.
Kalugumalai (56 Kms) : It was one of the important centres of the Jains. The bas-reliefs found here are the contribution s of Jains and are among the earliest of such works. The Vettuvan Koil (Siva Temple), and the rock-cut cave temple are worth visiting.
Srivaikuntam (37 Kms) : Srivaikuntam is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Srivaikuntapathiswami with a lofty gopuram. The Thiruvengada Mudaliyar Mandapam is rich with sculpture of Yalis, Elephants and Warriors. The Ekadasi Mandapam which is opened on Vaikunta Ekadasi days, contains exquisite sculptures. During the conflicting days of the East India company forces and Kattabomman, this temple served as a fort. The Kailasanathaswamy temple is an another important one. It contains six inscriptions of the times of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman.
Manapad (70 Kms) : Holy Cross Church at Manapad is an ancient one. It was built in the year 1581. Thousands congregate during the festival season from 1-14th September every year. The church is associated with St.Francis Xavier.
Krishnapuram (13 Kms) : There is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is Thiruvenkatanathar. There are a number of life-size sculptures in this temple with intricate workmanship.
Tuticorin (43kms) : This town is a major industrial and commercial centre and also a harbour. SPIC fertilizer, a heavy water plant, etc. are located here. It is a major pearl fishing and salt production centre as well.
Pathamadai (30 Kms) : It is known for its beautiful Korai mats. This is also the birth place of Swami Sivananda, the Saint and Philosopher.
Tiruchendur (48kms) : The temple is located here on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is one of the six Abodes of Lord Subramanya. The location of the temple is ideal and draws a perennial stream of devotees. The temple overlooking the sea is an inspiring sight. "Kanda Shasti Festival" in which the Sura, the demon is killed by Lord, attracts a large number of devotees.
