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INTRODUCTION

Tirunelveli one of the most charming places in Tamil Nadu is nearly 2000 years old. It has been glorified and also considered as the one of the beautiful city of the state which attracts lot of tourist every year.Tirunelveli situated on the banks of river Tamirabharani was once the capital of the Pandyas.The temples in Tirunelveli mostly belongs to the Pandya dynasty with excellent architecture and is even today very well preserved.

It is also considered as one of the important pilgrimage centre towards the south of Tamilnadu.Apart from all this Tirunelveli is also home for natural wonders in its surroundings that attracts tourists from different parts of the world. The city is also famous for its reputed institutions and hence Palayamkottai is known as the "Oxford of South India".Tirunelveli is also known as the Halwa town.

HISTORY

Tirunelveli has played a very prominent role in the politics of the state even during the period of the Pandya kings. There was an active participation of Tirunelveli both in cultural and political front during the reign of the Chola kingdom and of the Vijayanagar Empire. After this Tirunelveli is annexed to the Nawab of Arcot and finally Tirunelveli came into the hands of the British dominance.

LOCATION

Tirunelveli towards the south of Tamil Nadu is bounded by Virudhunagar District in the North, Western Ghats in the West, Kanyakumari District in the south and Thoothukudi District in the East.Tirunelveli coordiantes between 8°.05' and 9°.30' of the Northern latitude and 77°.05' and 78°.25' of Eastern longitude.

FESTIVALS

One of the most celebrated festivals in Tirunelveli is the Kodaivizha" popularly known as "Koda".It is usually celebrated in the month of January but there is no specific date. A conciliatory offering to all the deities in the town is done on the day of the festival.

One of the main attractions here is the Kanthimathi - Nellaiyapper temple car festival during which devotees from different part of the state come to witness it.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Sankaran Kovil

Sankaran Kovil, a renowned town for its temple is situated at a distance of about 56 kilometers North of Tirunelveli is noted for its Chariot festival held during the Adithabasu Vizha.This falls in the month of July during which people come from various parts of the state to participate in it.

Kutrallam

Kutrallam on the Western Ghats is a very famous waterfall situated at an altitude of about 170 m high. This is one of the places in Tamil Nadu where one can see tourist throughout the year.Kutrallam also known as the "Spa of the south" apart from the tourist attraction it is also visited by people from different parts of the world for it has number of health resorts. There are strong evidences that the waterfall here has lot of medicinal properties to cure physical ailments.

Kattabomman Memorial Fort

An impressive fort constructed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1974, this houses the famous Sri Devi jakkammal Temple, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman.

Thiruchendur

The shore temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya and the only one of them to be built on an unalleviated stretch of land. Thiruchendur is believed to be the place where Subramanya offered prayers for his victory.

The Skandasashti festival is celebrated in November every year that is attended my scores of devotees.

Papanasam

Papanasam situated very close to the origin of the Tambraparani river is at a distance of 60 kilometers from Tirunelveli.The place is quite famous for the Shiva temple that is located in Papanasam.Papanasam is flocked by lot of tourist during the month of April when the Chitrai Vishu festival is celebrated.

Manappad

The Holy Cross Church in Manappad is associated with St. Francis Xavier and it is nearly 400 year old. The other highlight of this temple is that it contains fragments of the True Cross from Jerusalem.

Thuthukudi

Thuthukudi is very much reputed for its pearl fishing center and is one of the major ports in India. Though today it lost much of its grandeur it is still one of the prosperous town of Tirunelveli.The pearls of Thuthukudi is quite famous all over the world.

Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Holy Cross Church in Manappad is associated with St. Francis Xavier and it is nearly 400 year old. The other highlight of this temple is that it contains fragments of the True Cross from Jerusalem.

The Nellaiappar Temple

The Nellaiappar Temple also known as the twin temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.It is considered as one of the sacred temple of Tamil Nadu.Legends says that the sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva here. Adjacent to this temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

In close proximity to the twin temples are the nine Vaishnavite temples dedicated to Vishnu, which include the Alwar Nava Tiruppatis, the Krishnapuram Venkatachalapati temple with its brilliant sculptural work and the grand Tiruchendur Temple to Lord Subramanian, one of the most revered deities of Hinduism.

Agasthiyar Temple and fall

The Agasthiyar fall is quite famous in this area.Adjong to the fall there is a temple by the name Agasthiyar temple dedicated to the renowned sage of history Agasthiyar.It is an ideal picnic spot and adventurous trekking spot.

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary is of great interest to wildlife lovers and ornithologists.The Wildlife Sanctuary is noted for its flora and fauna. Apart from this one can see variety of both native and migratory birds. The animals that can be spotted here include tiger, panther, jackal and wild dogs while reptile population includes cobra, python and several other snakes.

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is a must place to visit especially for its scenic beauty. Situated at a distance of about 33 kilometers south of Thirunelveli this place houses natural forest and ponds.Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is visited by birds from different parts of the country like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Australia.

Manimuthar Dam

Maninuthar Dam at a distance of about 47 Kms from Tirunelveli is a major weekend picnic spot for it attracts people with its salubrious climate and gorgeous gardens.

SHOPPING

Tirunelveli is noted for its souvenirs, textiles, handicrafts, mats, pottery and jewelry. The best place to do handicrafts shopping in the town is Dr. Ambedkar Nagar road in the Pettai area and the Poombuhar Handicraft Emporium. For textiles the tourists can opt for Anand Textiles on West Car Street and Anil Textiles on 100 Feet Road. Recently Tirunelveli is getting quite famous for ceramic and terracotta industry.