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. Special
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