Next to Madurai, it was an important city of the Pandya Kingdom as it served as their capital for sometime ‘’ If the boundary of the town is made with stone, it will not be of aesthetic beauty and therefore boundary is fenced with paddy field’’, says a Tamil Poet about Tiru-nel-veli. The town has been surrounded on all sides by paddy fields. As such the town was called as ‘Nelveli’ i.e, Paddy – Hedge. Since the temple in the town is dedicated to Lord ‘Siva’, the down around the temple was called Tiru-nel-veli. Around 1560, the town was rebuilt by Viswanatha, the founder of Nayak dynasty who also created many temples in it. Tirunelveli was the earliest Pandiya’s Capital. The Nayaks ruled Tirunelveli from Madurai during the 16th, 17th and early years of 18th Century.
Ambasamudram: 40 Kms from Tirunelveli. It is like Kancheepuram, it is temple town. Kasi Vishvanathar temple, Thirumulanthaswamy temple Veeramathandeswarar temple, Ammaiappan temple, Krishnaswamy temple, Purushotama Perumal temple Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple are situated here is more than 1000 years old.
Athankarai Pallivasal: 46 Kms, from Tirunelveli. There are two domes, one for Syed Ali Fathima and the other is Sheik Mohammed. They are considered as holy sufisaints. All religious people visit this muslim shrine and get everything what they want.
Ayyanar Sunai: This centre is 40 Kms from Tiruchendur. There is a natural ‘’Spring’’ where one can get water through the year. A temple is dedicated to village deity Ayyanar. It is a good picnic centre. Nearby is a forest with sand dunes.
Birds Sanctuary at Koonthankulam: 38 Kms from Trinelveli. A small village in the far south, Koothankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District is emerging as a new favourite of the migratory birds. It is just 38 Kms. away from Tirunelveli and is in the nearby Nanguneri Taluk. It may soon be catapulted into the list of popular water bird sanctuaries in the country. This village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds start coming by December end and fly away to their northern homes by June or July after they lay eggs, hatch them and the young ones grow old enough to fly with the old ones. About 35 species of birds visit this calm but congenial village for breeding.
Courtallam: 59 Kms from Tirunelveli. The ‘’Spa of the South’’, is situated at an elevation of about 167 meters on the Western Ghats, Season starts in the month of July and ends in September. There are nine falls viz. Main falls, Chitraruvi, Shenbagadevi falls, Honey falls, Five falls, Tiger falls, Old falls, Fruit Farm falls, New falls. The falls water of Courtallam have medicinal properties as they run through forests and herbs before their descent and hence have smoothing effect. Buses and rental vans are available in plenty.
Courtallanathar Temple: Located near mainfalls, it is dedicated to Lord Siva, which contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Ph: 04633 – 210138.
District Science Centre: The District Science Centre is unique Institution situated on the banks of Tamiraparani. Popularising Science, inculcating the spirit of enquiry, fostering creative talents and infusing scientific temper in life, are its objectives. This autonomous body is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums, attached to the Department (HRD) Government of India. This is one among the 124 centres in the country. The centre has 3 permanent galleries on ocean, a semi permanent gallery on popular science and a six acre science park where numerous exhibits help create awareness of scientific development among the people. In addition to the above facilities the District Science Centre is also organising the following programmes Mobile Science Exhibition, Planetarium, Film Show, Temporary Exhibitions, Science Drama and Science Fair.
Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary: 47 Kms from Tirunelveli. This is a ‘’Project Tiger’’ Reserve. The flora ranges from forests of tropicalwet evergreen to tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest. Lion-tailed Macaque and common Langur are plenty. Trackking is allowed with the prior permission from the officials of Forest (wildlife) Department. accommodation is available at Forest Rest House at Sengaltheri with catering facilities. Season – September to March.
Kazhugumalai: It was one of the important centres of the Jains. The base – relief found here are the contributions of Jains. The bas-relief found here is the contribution of Jains and are among the earliest of such works. The Vettuvan Koil (Siva Temple) the rock-cut cave temple is worth visiting.
Kappal Matha Church, Uvari: 72 Kms from Tirunelveli. A small church for St.Mary which was under the control of pastors of Goa mission existed here. In course of time, in 1903, this church was converted into a school. On important occasions as per the wishes of the people, festivals were conducted and prayers were offered to her. There was a custom among the young maidens to go to the nummery in the night and sleep there. On one such occasion they saw a bright light surrounding this Selvamatha statue even though nobody lit a candle. Many people of Uvari witnessed this light which was there for over an hour.
Krishnapuram: 13 Kms from Tirunelveli, The temple in Krishnapuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The Presiding deity is Thiruvenkatanathar. There are a number of life – size sculptures in this temple with intricate workmanship.
Manjolai – Hill Station: Manjolai is 57 Kms away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162 sq.meter. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous one in this area. About 4000 people work in these tea plantations.
Manimuthar Dam: 47 Kms from Tirunelveli. Gorgeous garden of Dam, pleasure boating .Waterfalls is 5 Kms from dam through Zig Zag Ghat road. Manijolai Tea Estate having Salubrious climate can be visited which is 10 Kms from dam. Rest house is available in the dam.
Muruga Temples: There are two temples to Lord Muruga, one is in the heart of Tirunelveli junction and is 300 years old. The other is situated on an island in the river Tamiraparani and is carved out of a rock. It is said that same rock was used for the Muruga temple of Tiruchendur.
Mundanthurai: 56 Kms from Tirunelveli Situated in the Tirunelveli District, this 567 Sqkms sanctuary boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests with patches of pre reeds. Animal wealth includes Tiger, Bonnet macaque, Langurs, Glender Loris, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, chital, Wild Dog. Trekking trails are here. 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. Ph: 04635 – 220388.
Museum: 2 Kms from Tirunelveli. It is a multipurpose museum located on Tirunelveli – Thiruvananthapuram Road (NH7) at Palayamkottai. All kinds of Archaeological remaining can be seen. Entrance free.
Nambi Malai: On the hills close by stands a small temple dedicated to Lord Nambi called Malai Nambi with a panoramic view of the village below. This hill is called Nambi Malai (Nambi Hill).
Nanguneri : Nanguneri is 30 Kms from Tirunelveli. Nanguneri is surrounded by Iush green fertile, big water tank and acres of fertail land. The western part of Nanguneri is dotted with a chain of mountains called western ghats. People in the town live a simple life. Their daily routine may include taking bath in the water tank, visiting Sri Vanamamalai Temple and worshipping the Deity, taking blessings of Jeer and partaking prasadam offered in the temple. Nanguneri lies north of Eruvadi.
Papanasam : 42 Kms from Tirunelveli. This holy place is on the western ghats of Pathigai Hills. It is close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Thamiraparani river, where Siva and Parvathi appeared before the great saint Agasthiya. Hence the falls is popularly called the ‘’Agasthiya Falls’’. To commemorate the visit of the divine couple, the Agasthiya was built there. Papanasam Dam is located 49 Kms away from Tirunelveli. This is a beautiful picnic spot.
Pathamadai: It is known for its beautiful corai mats. This is also the birth place of Swami Sivanantha, the saint and philosopher.
Salaikumaran Temple: The Lord Muruga Temple in the heart of Tirunelveli Junction is a popular temple. The temple received Silver Trophy in 1965 for best maintained temple. Most of the marriages of Hindus are held here.
Kumbarutti Falls: 80 Kms from Tirunelveli, 20 Kms from Courtalam via Parpozhi beautiful falls located at western ghats along with natural swimming pool (Thadagam ).3 kms before Achan Kovil.
Nellayappar Gandhimathi Temple: 3 Kms from Tirunelveli.This temple is situated in the heart of the city.This is a twin temple dedicated to Parvathi (Kanthimathi) and Siva (Nellaiyappar) Rare Jewels, the Golden Lily Tank, Musical Pillars, the hall of thousand pillars are worth seeing.Ph :0462 – 2339910.
Pottalpudur Dargha: The centre of attraction of this place is the oldest dargha built around the year 1674.This dargha attracts not only the Muslims but Hindus and Christians also in equal numbers. This has been built adopting Hindu temple pattern. If the prayers of the pilgrims are answered, they pay their offerings, through the dargha in large numbers during Kanthuri festival with great reverence. In this dargha where the lebbais act as priest, customs almost similar to that of Hindus are followed in the rituals. Here holy ashes obtained from tamarind bark, ghee, and flowers called nerchai are distributed to the devotees. Ph: 0462 – 240566.
Sankaran Kovil: 56 Kms from Tirunelveli. Sankaran Kovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is the combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice a year, the sun’s ray’s fall on the pedestal. Ph: 04636 – 222265.
Sri Vaikuntam: 37 Kms from Tirunelveli Srivaikuntam is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Sri Vaikuntapathi Swamy with a lofty gopuram. The thiruvengada Mudaliyar Mandapam is rich with sculptures of Yallis, Elephants and Warriors. The Ekadasi Mandapam which is opened on Vaikunta Ekadasi days, contains exquisite sculptures. The Kailasanathaswamy temple is an important temple. It contains six inscriptions of the times of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman.
Tenkasi – Kasi Vishwanathar Temple: 53 Kms from Tirunelveli and 5 Kms from Tenkasi. The name itself implies that this town is ‘Kasi (Varanasi) of the South’. The temple is 554 feet in length and 318 feet width. 172 feet temple tower was built in 1456 by King Parakirama Pandian. Then the temple tower was damaged in 1924 due to thunder and it was rebuilt with height of 163 feet high.Ph :04633 – 222373.
Thirvidaimarudur : 40 Kms from Tirunelveli. Athalanathar temple and marumpoonathar temple on the banks of river Tampiraparani river attracts tourists maintly because of scenic beauty. The stone sculptures are legend of the temples are interesting. The four styles of temple architecture viz. Pandiya, Chera, Chola and Vijayanagara beauty the glorious temple.
Tirukkurungudi: At the foot of the Mahendragiri hills on the Western Ghats and on the banks of the river Nambiyaru lies the large and prosperous village of Tirukkrungudi. In the Varaha Purana the Lord speaks of his sojourn in this holy village. Thus this place derives the name Kurungudi the smaller abode of Narayana.
Trinity Cathedral: 2 Kms from Tirunelveli. The location of the place now called as Murugankurichi. There is an elegant and beautiful church here, built in 1826 by Revered Rhenius. This church is a landmark in Tirunelveli.
Vallanadu: 18 Kms from Tirunelveli. A small hillock of Vallanadu have numerous population of spotted deers. It is declared as Deer Sanctuary by Forest Department. Police Shooting Station (Arms Firing Training) here is one of the best in India.
Thiruvalluvar Two Tier Bridge: The two tiers over bridge, namely Thiruvalluvar Bridge at Tirunelveli Junction was constructed to avoid the railway line crossing. The total length of bridge is 800 meters. This type of two Tier Bridge constructed in Tirunelveli is the first of its kind in India. This bridge was opened for traffic in 1972. This two tier over bridge consists of 25 spans of which 13 arc of bow string arch, each with a width of 30.30 meters and 12 are single tier R.C.C. girder each having a width of 11.72 meters.
Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary: A Scrub forest area spread over to 16.41 Square KM. Situated near Tuticorin Blackbuck, spotted deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mangoose and hares are found plenty. This sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. The District Forest, Tirunelveli Division, Kokirakulam, Tirunelveli – 627009.
Veerar Pulithevan Memorial: He was born in September 1715. In the freedom struggle movement Pulithevan was during 1755, the first to voice. ‘Britishers to Back’ (Vellaiyane Veliyeru) was great warrior Pulithevan when Col. Aron demanded tax he denounce that no foreigner has right to collect tax in his territory. He defeated the Britirshers, while worshiping at Sankara Nainar Koil, he disappeared in the cave there and never returned. His memorial is situated in Nelkattum Seval at Sivagiri Taulk.