Tirunelveli is a city located in the Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. This 6th largest city in the state and the district is blessed with a diverse topography. The beautiful city of Tirunelveli stands on the western bank banks of the River Tambrapani and situated around 400 km away from Chennai.
This 2000 year old city was once the capital city of the Pandyas and this place boasts of many magnificent temple built during their rule. The place is a very important tourist destination in Tamil nadu. There are many places of tourists interest in an around Tirunelveli. Lots of tourists throng to Tirunelveli to see the churches and temples.
Kanthimathi and Nellaiyappar Temple
These magnificent twin temples are located right in the heart of the city. Lord Shiva is named as Nellaiappar in this temple and his consort Goddess Parvathy is named as Kanthimathi in this temple. The temple is rich in tradition and history and is known for its musical pillars and brilliant sculptural splendours. It is the largest Shiva temple in Tamilnadu. Both the gopurams of these twin temples were built according to the rules laid down in the agamasastras by Rama Pandyan
Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in the southernmost region of the Western Ghats and covers an area of around 817 sq. km. The sanctuary was given the status of a National Tiger Reserve in the year 1988. The sanctuary is home wide variety of animals like Macaque, common Langur, Nilgiri Tahrs, Sambars, Bears, Elephants, Tigers, Flying Squirrel, Panther. The place is also rich in various types of flora and ideal place for nature lovers.
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctury
It is situated 33 kilometres south of Thirunelveli. Kunthakulam is actually a small scenic village which is covered with natural forest and ponds. During winter season more 10,000 migratory birds from different countries come to this place.
Manjolai Hill Station
Manjolai is located 57 kilometres away from the Tirunelveli and it is located at an elevation of 1162 sq. metre. This picturesque place has many lush green tea plantations and is worth a visit. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous in this area.
Krishnapuram
This place is situated at 13kms from Tirunelveli. The Venkatachalapathy temple at Krishnapuram village is very famous and is known for its architectural grandeur.
Sankaranainarkoil
Sankaranainarkoil is located in Tirunelveli District about 56 km away from the Tirunelveli City. Sankaranainarkoil has three shrines dedicated to Lord Sankaralinga, to Goddess Gomathi Amman and, between these two, to Lord Sankaranarayana. This temple was built by Ukirapandiar who ruled this area during the early part of the 11th century. The place is famous for the Chariot Festival in Adithabasu Vizha that is celebrated in the month of July.
Kutrallam
This waterfall is also called the Spa of the south. Here there are eight places from where water pours down torrentially with varying speed and the water here is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain that can cure many physical ailments.
Srivaikuntam
Srivaikuntam is located at a distance of 27 kms from Tirunelveli. This place is known for the temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. The Thiruvengada Mudaliyar Mandapam in the temple has intricately carved designs of elephants and warriors.
Apart from this there are many other places in and around Tirunelveli like Tiruchendur, Manappad, Thuthukudi, Bharathar Ovari, Pottalpudur Dargha, Uvari Village, District Science Centre, Papanasam etc.
How to Reach Tirunelveli
The city is well connected to all nearby towns and cities through various modes of transport. Madurai is the nearest airport which is around 151 km away from Tirunelveli. Tirunelveli has its own rail head. Tirunelveli Junction railway station connects Tirunelveli to all the major cities in India and Tamilnadu. Tirunelveli is well connected by road. The Tamilnadu Transport Corporation buses ply in and out of the city to all the major adjoining cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Salem, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Erode and Tirupati.
Accommodation
Since Tirunelveli is a major tourist destination in Tamil nadu plenty of stays options are catering to different budget groups are available here ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels.