10 Places to Visit in Tirunelveli

One of the oldest cities of India, Tirunelveli is an amazing tourist destination. Its grand churches, beautiful temples, lovely waterfalls and lush green surroundings have been attracting people from all across the globe. Also, this city takes you back to the rich heritage, culture and traditions of ancient India. It’s located at the extreme south corner of India and has everything for all class of tourists.

For nature lovers, there are wildlife sanctuaries, for religious people, there are lot of temples and for those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty, there are cascading waterfalls, rivers, rivulets, hills etc. It has five geographical territories including Kurinji (mountains), Neithal (coastal), Marudham (paddy fields), Palai (deserts) and Mullai (forests).

1. Venkatachalapathy Temple

The Venkatachalapathy Temple comes as a holy destination situated in Krishnapuram village. Dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy, there is a firm belief that the Lord still resides in this temple with Sri Devi and Bhudevi. Lot many devotee’s thong this place which is situated at the Tironelvi-Tiruchendur Road.

2. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

For those who are bird lovers and who want to watch birds engaged in different activities, this could be a heaven.  It’s a wonderful place for holidays as you can see different varieties of birds visiting here in different seasons. The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary spreads across an area of 1.29 sq.km and is an inspiration for a lot many painters who imbibe the scenes in their memory and paint it on canvass. Around 35 species of birds arrive here during the breeding season.

3. Allagammai Kashi Vishvanathar

There is yet another temple thronged by tourists as well as devotees in the holy town which is none other than Allagammai Kashi Vishvanathar. Situated in Chautallam, a Pandya King constructed this temple. The deities worshipped here are of Subramanya and Vishwanath.

Musical pillars as well as the seven-tiered mahagopuram are major attractions of this temple.

4. Tenkasi

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple, it’s believed, is around 500 years old. It is also called as Varanasi of South India as it is many years old and enjoys the same kind of adulation from the devotees as Varanasi. Pilgrims throng here in big numbers to offer their prayers. The place has become renowned for the presence of Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

5. Honey Falls

Honey Falls is an amazing sight with misty water streams coming down giving a pristine look. They are located in Cortallam and are a sight to behold. The captivating beauty gives you an experience to cherish lifelong. If you are a nature admirer, this is the right place for you as you will be thrilled and fascinated by looking at the enormous beauty around.

Those who love to trek would also enjoy here as the surroundings are pretty. As there are many bee hives around, it is called as Honey Falls. And surprisingly the water is also sweet in taste. The mesmerizing views during the trek will definitely force you to visit this place again. There are many shades of colors which you can see while trekking here. It is situated 4-km from the Main falls. They look beautiful during monsoons; however, bathing is prohibited in this season as there are strong water currents.

6. Shenbagadevi Waterfalls

Want to see dancing and prancing waterfalls? Come and visit Shenbagadevi waterfalls which are one of the most fascinating water-cascades here. In these waterfalls, water strikes down from a height of 170 feet. It comprises one of the most beautiful waterfalls where water gushing down giving a lovely view from its rocky-trail.

7. Thirukkurungudi

This is considered as a sacred place for Hindus and has garnered wide acclaim with Lord Vishnu’s 108 divya desams. Situated in the Western Ghats, it also gives enchanting views. There are many temples located in the surroundings such as Irunda Nambi, Bhairava, Kidanda Nambi, Ninra Nambi and Lord Shiva.

8. Main Falls

Main Falls are the largest waterfalls among the nine falls found here. It is flocked by tourists around the clock as its scenic location is ultimate. It is situated in Courtallam at a 7-Km stretch from Tenkasi and is called as Peraruvi. The locals worship this place.

9. Old Falls

Situated at a distance of 4-km from the city, it is also called as Pazhaya Courtallam. It’s located in Courtallam and is one of the popular attractions for tourists. The torrential speed of water falling from top has been the most fascinating aspect of this water fall.

10. Rajagopalaswamy Temple

A temple dating back to around 1000 years fascinates and attracts tourists for its exquisite architecture. It’s famous among tourists as well as the locals. Known with the name of Sri Alzhiya Mannar Rajagopala Swamy Temple, this temple is known for its beauty and architecture and is equally famous with tourists and locals.

With a lot many attractions in the form of temples, waterfalls, churches, bird sanctuaries etc., this place sounds like fun for all. And that’s why it is thronged by tourists all through the year.

If you too want to explore a historical place which has many stories surrounding it, plan a journey to Tirunelveli. You will be surprised to see the way nature has blessed this heaven!