Excursions in Tirunelveli
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.
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.
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.
ETTAYAPURAM (72 KMS)
This is the birth place of the revolutionary poet Subramanya Bharathy. His home
is now a memorial. Umaru Pulavar Dhansha is also located here.
PANCHALANKURICHI (68 KMS)
Panchalankurichi, a small but historic village, is 3 Kms. from Ottapidaram.
From here the great warrior Katta Bomman Known as Veerapandiya Kattabomman raised
his voice against the British regime in the 17th Century A.D.
KATTABOMMAN MEMORIAL FORT
The existing memorial fort was constructed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in
1974. Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman, is located
near the fort. Within the Memorial Hall, there are beautiful paintings on the
walls depicting the heroic deeds of the saga. The tourists can easily get a
good idea about the history of the momentous period from them. The remnants
of the old fort are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
KALAKKADU SANCTUARY (47 KMS)
Situated in area of 223 Sq.Kms. in the Thirunelveli District, including the
foothills of western ghats and adjoining area. The flora ranges from forests
of tropical wet evergreen to tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest, and Macaque
and common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Sloth,Bear, Gour, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel,
Panther, Wild Dog, Pangoline are some of the wild life seen in this sanctuary.
Besides, a wild range of birds and reptiles could be seen. Trekking is allowed
with the prior permission from the officials of Forest (Wildlife) Department.
Accommodation is availble at Forest Rest House at Sengaltheri with catering
facilities. Season: September to March.
MUNDANTHURAI
There is nothing to differentiate this sanctuary from that of kalakkadu, except
the absence of the Elephant and Gaur. Situated in Tirunelveli district, this
567 Sq. Kms, sanctuary boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests
with patches of pure reeds. Animal wealth includes Tiger, Bonnet macaque, Langurs,
Glender Loris, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Chital, Wild Dog. Excellent for various
species of avi-fauna and varieties of reptiles and insects. Trekking trails
are there. Trek with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department.
Accommodation available are Forest Rest House at Mundanthurai with catering
facilities and PWD Rest house at Ambasamudram. Authority for the above two sanctuaries
is Field Director, Project Tiger, NGO Colony, Perumalpuram, Ph: 552663
MANIMUTHAR AND PAPANASAM DAMS
Papanasam Dam is located 49 kms away from Tirunelveli. This is a beautiful picnic
spot. Another dam in Tirunelveli District is Manimuthar Dam. This is 47 Kms
from Tirunelveli. Having salubrious climate and gorgeous gardens, it serves
as an excursion centre.
UPPER KODAIYAR
It is located on the Southern most tip of the Western Ghats bordering Kerala.
It is a beautiful area where nature is at its best with verdant forests. Tea,
Rubber and Cardamom are grown here on a large scale. Manjolai is the best known
place here. Kalachi, Nalumukku, Kuthiraiyerri and Oothu are important locales
where one can have a panoramic view of the greenery. A mini Golf Cource is also
available here
