TOURIST’S SPOTS IN TIRUNELVELI

Tirunelveli is an ancient city. It is more than 2,000 years old in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Tirunelveli is also called “Nellai”. A place well-connected by roads and railways. Tirunelveli has no airports so far. There are many interesting and historical places in Tirunelveli among which I would like to highlight a few.

NELLAIAPPAR AND KANTHIMATHI AMMAN TEMPLE:

This temple is located in Tirunelveli Town. Tirunelveli is best known for its temples. This temple is the one of the famous Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. This temple is located in the middle of Tirunelveli district. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar represents Lingam and his mate Parvathi as Kanthimathi Amman. This temple is surrounded by four roads called as North car street, South car street, West car street and East car street. This temple faces the direction of East. The foundation of this temple was laid early by Pandyas, Medieval Cholas. This temple is full of divine statutes and monuments. In the entrance, of the temple you can see some small shops. Then, when you entered into the temple you can see large ‘Nandhi’ (mount), the vehicle of Lord Shiva. There are lots of stone sculptures in this temple which they built in ancient time. The musical stone pillars are arranged in that temple which produce musical sound. Musical pillars are a work of wonderful art. You must visit these places to witness the architectural knowledge of our ancestors. There is an elephant named as kanthimathi. It will take more than an hour for exploring the entire temple. Nellaiappar temple car is the third largest car in Tamil Nadu and also has golden temple car which is made up of gold. This temple car festival comes on Aani month (tamil month) known as aani therrotam. The temple is provided with good parking facilities for tourists. For both Nellaiappar and Kandhimathi temple, it provides two separate enterance outside, however there is a way inside the temple which connects both the temple. Tirunelveli is famous for a sweet Irrutu Kadai Halwa, which is located opposite to this temple. I am sure that both elders and children can enjoy it while visiting this temple.

DISTRICT SCIENCE CENTRE:

This centre was opened to the public on 27th February 1987. It is located in the place Kokkirakulam, Near Collector Office. There is a good transport facility to this place, the bus stop is located short distance away. The entry ticket for this science centre is very less. This must be the best place for kids and students to hang out as this place contains lots of scientific things and amazing park to relish nature. This will be the best place to learn science in playful way. This place is definitely a Delight for persons who adore science. You can also find beautiful garden, little hamsters and birds. There is a children park outside the main building which contains swings, slides etc… The trees shade in this place provides an opportunity to sit and relax by enjoying the good air averting the cities hustle and bustle. The Canteen facility there can you snacks, juices and coffee to refresh during the time of enjoyment. Children will enjoy this place. In addition, Stages of man from prehistoric era to the present age is well defined by small statues. 3D shows are available at some specific timings at the centre. And this centre contains some summer vacation courses, art making classes etc…. This will be a nice picnic spot not only for kids but adults too.

MANJOLAI HILLS:

Manjolai hills is a gorgeous small hill station in Tirunelveli. This place is located at 63 kilometres away from Tirunelveli. The hills rise to a height of 1000 to 1500 meters and they are surrounded by tranquil tea gardens. Manjolai Hills is above the Manimuthar dam. Manjolai Hills is popular for its lovely weather. It has beautiful natural scenery. This place is famous for its tea estates and plantations, lots of tea varieties are grown in this estate. The windy view point is called Kuthiravetti. Because of its lovely scenery, weather and peaceful atmosphere this Manjolai Hills is compared with Ooty. This place is also called “Poor Man’s Ooty” for its wonderful scenic locations. The most attracted tourist places in Manjoli are Mini Golf Court in Kakkachi, Kakkachi lake, Singampatty Zamin palace, Manimuthar falls, Mini water falls, Manimuthar tea estate and Manjolai tea estate. The finest month to visit this place is between November and March. For adventure lover’s mountain climbing and trekking are suggested. While visiting this pretty place, it will be both relaxing and exciting. This area has a natural charm and beauty. It is a cool place to spend time with friends and families. This will be one of the best tourist spots in Tirunelveli.

PAPANASAM:

A famous picnic spot in Tirunelveli, located 60 kilometres away from the city is Papanasam. It comes under Ambasamudram Taluk. This place has an abundant of attractions. In local language Papanasam means removal of all sins. The beauty of this place is good feast to one’s eyes. This site features tourist attractions like Thamirabarani River, Agasthiyar falls, Siva temple, Papanasam dam and surrounded by hills and forests.

Papanasam Dam:

Papanasam Dam is also called as Karaiyar Dam, This Dam was built in the period of British rule and 5.4m wide, 265m long and 240m high. The view will be superb and there is good water flow. You can eat fresh fishes cooked by the localities. Whiling traveling with family you can visit Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple. You can enjoy with friends and family.

Agasthiyar Falls:

It is located close to Papanasam in Tirunelveli district. The falls is situated on western ghats and to the south of papanasam lower, the lake from where the Thamirabarani River orginates. The place is frequented by animals like tigers and panther, which are often spotted in the route from Agasthiyar falls to Papanasam as both are located near to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. There will be an excellent water falls with nature herbal water. You will get an unforgettable experience in this water falls. Access to falls is open between 6am to 5pm. You can see a variety of birds and animals too. This will be the best place to cool yourself and it’s a spot worth visit if you wish to enjoy with the nature.

Arulmigu Papanasaswamy Temple:

This temple is located at the foot hills of Podhigai in the Western Ghats. For this place there is a frequent bus facility from Tirunelveli to Papanasam via Cheranmahadevi and kalloor route. The lord Shiva as Papanasanathar and his consort Parvathi as Ulagammai. This temple is built in ancient time. This is really old, so that you can find some interesting antique things. The river Thamirabarani that flows opposite to the temple is an awesome sight. Most of the devotees take bath in the river before worshiping the God. Most newly married couples visit this place first after their marriage as it brings good luck and blessings. All the dhosam, dhithi and dharpanam for ancestors are done here. In this temple, Chithirai vishu is celebrated in grand manner for 10 days. To make our visit a memorable one monkeys here exhibit funny activities. This will be the good picnic spot for elderly people too.

Manimuthar Dam/Falls:

The Manimuthar dam is located at the foothills of the Podhigai Hills. In this spot the waters, the mountains, and the sky meet offers an eye-catching view. This is river is the chief headwater of the Thamirabarani River. Manimuthar falls is nearer to Manimuthar dam. There will be a good water flow. If you were a nature loving person you will definitely enjoy in this place. Chill and natural air look for you there. This dam will be a feast for eyes where you can see the surroundings hills and forests. There is public park near to Manimuthar dam too.

UVARI:

Uvari is a sea side village in Thisayanvillai Taluk, Tirunelveli district. Uvari Kappal Maadha church is famous in the city of Tirunelveli. This church got its name as ‘Kappal Matha’ because it looks like a ship. It is on the seashore of Bay of Bengal. This church is built in the shape of a giant boat having an aircraft on its tomb. That’s a great architectural work. This church is located near the beach. Sea view with sea breeze will be enjoyable. This place serves as a great attraction for tourists. This is one of the unique church in this area. This environment is surrounded by peacefulness and spirituality.

KOONTHANKULAM BIRD SANCTUARY:

This Sanctuary is located in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli district. It is 38 kms away from Tirunelveli district. Koonthankulam bird sanctuary was declared open at 1994. The timings to visit this place is 9 AM to 5 PM. In South India, this Sanctuary is the largest reserve for breeding water birds. It enchants more than one lakh birds yearly. This is the one of the most widely known places to visit in Tirunelveli for bird watchers. There are lot of migratory birds of different varieties. The best time to visit this place is January and February. The vital attractiveness of the tourists is painted storks. These storks fly here from North India and East European Countries. Another important species of the migratory birds is Pintail, Green Shank, White Stork and Common Teal etc…

SRI SANKARANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE:

This temple is one of the famous temples in Tirunelveli district. It is located at Sankarankovil around 50 kms away from Tirunelveli. This temple is built by Ukkira Pandiya Thevar. The temple is devoted to Sankaranarayanar, who is in the combined appearance of lord Shiva and lord Vishnu. The lord Sankaranarayana is the most important divinity in this temple. The right side of the statue has sandal and indicates Lord Siva, with cobra around his neck and moon above his head. The left part of the statue indicates Lord Vishnu having Sankhu in his hand. The goddess of the temple is Arulmigu Gomathi Amman. The ant-hill sand is provided as Prasad, people trust that it has the ability to cure all the diseases. Worshipper facing problems due to the presence of poisonous creatures in their houses as lizards, scorpions and snake offer silver pieces carved with the images of such creatures for solution.

KALAKKAD MUNDANTHURAI TIGER RESERVE:

This is one of the famous Tiger Reserve Park. It is located in Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli. It is located very close to Agasthiyar hills. This place is maintained well. This wildlife reserve is a preferred place for one who likes animals. This reserve spread through about 1000 sq.km., and this the admirable place to notice the animal life of the region. The natural greenery and animals of the region are simply breath taking to the spectators. However, the vision of Bengal tiger steals the show. Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve gives you an adequate evidence that this is majestic creatures exists in the South as well.