 Tirunelveli - whenever I hear the name, the vision of the hot halwa dripping with
ghee comes to my mind. Being a Chennai-ite, I think that is so typical! Deciding to change
this, I thought a trip to this famous town was in order. So I just packed my back and went
down south, to the town of the tirunelveli halwa.... Tirunelveli is about 2000 years old
and is a town of old tradition. Next to Madurai it was an important city of the Pandya
Kingdom, as it served as their Capital for some time. Situated on the banks of the river
Thamiraparani, it is on the way to Kanniyakumari from Madurai. It is a twin town -
Thirunelveli and Palayamkottai. The town is located roughly 400 kilometres from
Chennai.
It took me almost 12 hours to reach Tirunelveli (by bus) and I was so tired after that,
that a rest stop was an absolute necessity before I could carry on any further! I had
planned my travel to fit as many places as possible in one day. My itenerary looked
something like Tirunelveli - Kazhugumalai - Sankarankovil - Tenkasi - Courtallam -
Papanasam. The first stop, Kazhugumalai (or Eagle
Mountain), is about 56 kms away from Tirunelveli. This mountain is an important centre for
the Jains. Much of the bas relief found at this site is attributed to the
Jains.
Paradoxically, this place has a Muruga Temple. Next stop was Shankaran Koil - this temple
is an unusual temple as it is dedicated to Lord Sankaranarayana, who is the combined
manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Two other shrines dedicated to Siva and
Parvathi. The speciality of this temple is that, twice a year, the Sun's rays fall on the
pedestal.
 My next stop, Tenkasi, is also a religious centre. The name itself suggests that
it is compared to Varanasi (a major pilgrimage of the North). The main temple is rather
old - 4 centuries - and the flagstaff is a great specimen of yesteryear architechture. The
Courtallam falls is something that needs no introduction. The dashing waterfalls have
formed the backdrop for many a movie. Every summer, thousands flock to this place to
escape the sweltering heat. It is not called the "spa of the south" for nothing!
The waters of the falls have medicinal qualities, as they flow through a forest of herbs.
For a small fee, you can also get an excellent massage. Now isn't that a great way to
unwind after a long journey?
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 My last stop was
Papanasam, a well known religious spot,
situated on Pothigai Hills in the Western Ghats. Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared
before the Sage Agasthya with his consort Parvathi. That is why the waterfall here is
known as "Agasthiyar Falls". To commomerate this, a temple dedicated to the sage
is built in this very place.
Shopping:
- Poomphar Handicrafts Sales Emporium Ph: 333391
- Tamil Nadu Khadi and Village Industries Sales Centre Ph:
331437
- Kanthimathi Co-optex Sales Emporium Ph: 334360
Festivals:
- Car festival of the Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar temple is
celebrated in June-July
- Kanda Shasti (Oct-Nov)- Tiruchendur Murugan temple
- Katta Bomman Festival (Aug/Sept) - Pachalankurichi
Access:Air: The nearest Airport, Madurai, is 151 kms away.
Rail: Tirunelveli is an important
railway junction on the Southern Railway and is connected to all the major cities.
Road: Tirunelveli is served by a good network
of roads.
Tourist Information:
Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist office,
Tirunelveli Railway Junction,
Ph: 334788, 334235
General Information:
Area
Population
Altitude
Temperature
Rainfall
Season
Clothing
Languages spoken
STD Code |
87.64 kms
3,65,932 (1991)
100 metres (Approximately)
Summer Max: 34.8 C
Winter Max: 21.6 C
100 cms - Average
Throughout the year
Tropical
Tamil and English
0462 |
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