Tirunelveli: Temples, Nature and Water

There are many different themes to choose from when planning a trip to Tirunelveli: waterfalls and reservoirs, a designated wetland, temple traditions and museum collections. You can shape your stay around your particular interests, whether in natural attractions, religious traditions or cultural history.

Water, Reservoirs and Wetlands

At Manimuthar Falls, visitors can swim and enjoy nature. The Manimuthar River rises on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. Manimuthar Dam, in turn, lies at the foot of the scenic Podhigai Hills and is built on the Thamirabarani River. The river and dam both bear the name Manimuthar, but have different geographical connections: the river rises on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, while the dam is built on the Thamirabarani.

The locations of other reservoirs also help orient visitors: Adavinainar Reservoir lies at the foot of the Western Ghats in Mekkarai village, in Shenkottai Taluk of Tirunelveli District. Gundar Reservoir is also at the foot of the Western Ghats, near the towns of Courtrallam and Senkottai, and is considered an important tourist destination in the district. GadanaNathi Reservoir lies at the foot of the Western Ghats in Sivasailam village, near Alwarkurichi; it too is considered an important tourist destination in Tirunelveli District.

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary adds a 72.04-hectare wetland to these landscape attractions. It lies near Koonthankulam village in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District and was declared a bird sanctuary in 1994. The Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary in the district was developed as a national tiger reserve starting in 1988.

Temples, Traditions and a Museum

The Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli is one of the five Pancha Sabhas, Nataraja's dance halls. Festivals held annually include Chithirai Vasantha Mahotsavam and the Ani Car Festival. The specific festival dates may vary from year to year, so check them for the year you plan to travel.

The Government Museum displays bronzes, stone sculptures, wood carvings and paintings, as well as ancient and modern stone tools, iron weapons, coins and fossils. Its collections also include objects from tribal cultures, along with birds, animals, fish and marine objects. Outside the museum, stone sculptures of Mahavira, Vishnu, Kali and Durga are also displayed, together with hero stones and inscriptions. The museum holds competitions, lectures, seminars and other art-related activities for students and the public.

The Rajagopuram at Thirukkurungudi Temple features stone and wooden sculptures. Hundreds of pilgrims and devotees visit the temple daily to worship and pray. A Hindu legend connects the Agasthiyar Falls in Papanasam with the sage Agastya, who prayed to Shiva here. The cultural themes therefore range from temple architecture and festivals to religious traditions.

Getting There

Tirunelveli can be reached by air, road and rail. Arrival points include Vagaikulam Airport, the new Veinthankulam Bus Station and Tirunelveli Junction railway station.

Discover More Destinations

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