| Destination: Tirunelveli |
| Destination Type: Cities |
| City: Thirunelveli |
| Country: India |
Tirunelveli is located on the banks of the river Tamiraparani and it is 630 kms from the State Capital Chennai. It was the capital of Pandiyas and has a history of over 2000 years. A legend says Vedasarma a strong devotee of Lord Siva had sown the paddy and went to the river. There was heavy rain in the area, in spite of the downpour, the paddy did not submerge in the water. Hence this place was called as “Tiru-nel-veli” (Divinely protected paddy). On acquisition from the Nawab in 1801, the British named this area as Tinnevelly. Popular Kanthimathi-Nellaiyappar temple, dedicated to Siva and Parvathy is located here. 1000 pillar hall with musical pillars and beautiful sculptures are special architectural features of this temple. Krishnapuram Temple located 13 kms from the town, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu called as Thiruvenkatanathar. The District has a population of 30,77,233[2011 census] and Town’s population is 4,74,838 [2011 census].
By Air : The Nearest Airport is Tuticorin Airport 52 kms & Thiruvananthapuram Airport 152 kms
By Rail : The Nearest Railway Station is Tirunelveli Junction
By Road : There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Tirunelveli..
Kutralam [59 kms] : Located at an altitude of 170m, on the Western Ghats, is called as the “Spa of the South”. It serves both as a Tourist Location and Health Resort too. Since water falls rush through forest of herbs, the water has Therapeutic Value. June to September, the best season, attracts thousands of tourists every day.
Papanasam : Located around 60 kms from Tirunelveli. The famous Papanasa Nathar temple dedicated to Lord Siva, is located at the foot hill of the Western Ghats and also very near to the origin of River Tamaraparani. Chithirai Vishu [April] and the Adi Amavasai [Jul-Aug] are the two popular festivals when lakhs of tourists converge in this town.
Tiruchendur [56kms] : This is one of the Six Special Abodes [Arupadai Veedu] of Murugan called as Lord Subrahmaniyan. Here Lord Murugan offered prayers to Lord Siva after the Soora Samharam. Popular and great Skandha Sashti Festival is celebrated during November and lakhs of pilgrim worship the Lord here during the festival days. The temple has a 156ft tall nine stage temple tower that dates back to 17th century. Bathing in the Tiruchendur Sea and the Nazhi Kinaru [sacred well], visiting Valli cave are some important rituals practiced by the pilgrims visiting Tiruchendur.
Hogenakal FallsManapad [71 kms] : Beach and Church : It is 18 kms from Tiruchendur. The Holy Cross Church at Manapad was built in the year 1581. It is said that, fragments of the True Cross was brought from Jerusalem and placed in the Church. Pilgrims visit this seashore Church throughout the year and the Church is connected to St.Francis Xavier
Visit Kanthimathi-Nellaiyapper Temple, Agasthiyar Falls, Manimuthar And Papanasam Dams , Manimuthar Waterfalls