Tirunelveli Tourism (2022) - Tamil Nadu > Top Places, Travel Guide

Plan Your Trip To Tirunelveli

Where To Stay

Things To Do

Restaurants

Best Time To Visit

How To Reach

Map

Reviews

QnA

Rating:

3.8 /5 (44 ratings) Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: Oct-Feb Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"The Traditional Urban City of Tamil Nadu"

Tirunelveli Tourism

Tirunelveli, also called Tinnevelly, is a big city in the midst of numerous small towns, each with its own bounty of beautiful sights, temples, waterfalls and much more. Unlike many temple towns, this 2000-year-old ancient city also does offer many other sites to its tourists. The city is located on the west bank of the Tambraparni River which provides irrigation water for crops of rice and cotton.

Though it is one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu and has a booming agrarian economy, Tirunelveli is far from being a regular commercial hub. It has its roots very much intact, with multiple religious splendours waiting to be discovered. And to complete your trip, it also has some delicacies you can gorge on!

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Papanasam

Papanasam Falls

Kanthimathi and Nellaiappar

Courtallam Waterfalls

Vettuvan Koil

View All Places To Visit In Tirunelveli

Top Hotels In Tirunelveli

12 Resorts In Tirunelveli

₹ 1,600 onwards

11 5 Star Hotels In Tirunelveli

₹ 999 onwards

12 Resorts Near Tirunelveli

₹ 1,600 onwards

8 3 Star Hotels In Tirunelveli

₹ 2,122 onwards

17 Budget Hotels In Tirunelveli

₹ 999 onwards

10 Villas In Tirunelveli

₹ 999 onwards

View All Hotels In Tirunelveli

History of Tirunelveli

The city was ruled over by many empires, including those of the Cholas, Pandyas and the Nawabs of Arcot. It is also the site of the revolt led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman against the British. The massive and marvellous Nellaiappar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was the royal shrine of the ruling Pandya and Chola dynasties. The famous and delicious Iruttukadai halwa was first made here and is available even today.

History

Tirunelveli, historically, was an integral part of the Pandyan empire. Researched adequately by Richard Caldwell, it has been traced that many dynasties have asserted their supremacy over this region. The oldest mention of Tirunelveli is seen in Ashokan inscriptions. Before the Pandyan rule, the power was in the hands of the Cholas. It then shifted over to Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I. Eventually, the power shifted to the Maravaras and Vijayanagara rulers.

Etymology

Tirunelveli is also known as Nellai. Under the British rule, it was known as Tinnevelly. Tirunelveli actually in Tamil means “sacred paddy hedge”. The name came about as a result of some inscriptions, which tell the story of Lord Shiva, who descended in the form of a roof and a hedge, in order to save the paddy of his devotee. Hence, Tirunelveli is derived from three Tamil words “Thiru” (sacred), “nel” (paddy), and “veli” (hedge).

Restaurants and Local Food in Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli has no problems when it comes to food. The most widely available food is South Indian, obviously, but if you want, other cuisines aren't that difficult to find either. The place is especially famous for its Halwas and other Indian desserts.
View Top Restaurants in Tirunelveli

Suggested Itinerary for Tirunelveli

Day 1 - Have a hearty breakfast in one of the local hotels. Visit the Nellaiappar Temple. Then, visit the Kattabomman Memorial Fort, located about 70 km from the city.
Day 2 - Visit the Papanasam Falls and the Manimutharu dam. In the evening, check out the local market and street food.

Best Time to Visit Tirunelveli

Commuting within Tirunelveli

Browse Hotel Collections

Tirunelveli Photos

+ 6
photos

FAQs on Tirunelveli

What is famous about Tirunelveli?

Food and accommodation are relatively cheap. Relatively less crowded throughout the year.

What is not so good about Tirunelveli?

The weather is extremely hot for a major part of the year.

Who should visit Tirunelveli?

Ideal for family visits, people interested in British - era architecture, and people going on a pilgrimage.

What is the best time to visit Tirunelveli?

Being located in the southern half of the country, the place has very harsh summers and cooler winters. The winters do not get chilly and serve as an ideal time to visit. Hence, the best time to visit this town lies between the months of October and February.
Read More

What is the local food in Tirunelveli?

What is the best way to reach Tirunelveli?

Tirunelveli is well connected to all cities in Tamil Nadu. It is also accessible by road and rail from many other cities.
Read More

What are the things to do in Tirunelveli?

The top things to do in Tirunelveli are Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Papanasam, Agasthiyar falls, Papanasam Falls, Kanthimathi and Nellaiappar, Courtallam Waterfalls. You can see all the places to visit in Tirunelveli here

What are the places near Tirunelveli?

The top places near to Tirunelveli are Kanyakumari which is 73 km from Tirunelveli, Trivandrum which is located 69 km from Tirunelveli, Munnar which is located 166 km from Tirunelveli, Ponmudi which is located 64 km from Tirunelveli, Thenmala which is located 74 km from Tirunelveli

Have a Question on Tirunelveli?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Tirunelveli Reviews

Your rating

Siva Sathiyavalli

on Government Archaeological Museum 3 years ago

Wonderful place to visit. We can get more historical information there. Sculpture garden is amazing. Very rare collection of paintings are available here.

Rohit Shroff

3 years ago

- The place has very hot summers and unpredictable whether, even in winters. So when travelling in winters too, make sure you carry some loose cotton clothes, in addition to your woolens. You will, m (Read More)ost likely, need them

View All Reviews About Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli

Top Hotel Collections

Plan Your Trip To Tirunelveli

"The Traditional Urban City of Tamil Nadu"

Tirunelveli Tourism

Places To Visit In Tirunelveli

Top Hotels In Tirunelveli

More on Tirunelveli

History of Tirunelveli

History

Etymology

Restaurants and Local Food in Tirunelveli

Suggested Itinerary for Tirunelveli

Best Time to Visit Tirunelveli

Commuting within Tirunelveli

Related Posts about Tirunelveli

Browse Hotel Collections

Tirunelveli Photos

FAQs on Tirunelveli

What is famous about Tirunelveli?

What is not so good about Tirunelveli?

Who should visit Tirunelveli?

What is the best time to visit Tirunelveli?

What is the local food in Tirunelveli?

What is the best way to reach Tirunelveli?

What are the things to do in Tirunelveli?

What are the places near Tirunelveli?

Have a Question on Tirunelveli?

Popular Questions And Answers on Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli Reviews

Nearby Places

Similar Places

Tirunelveli

Top Hotel Collections

Plan Your Trip To Tirunelveli

"The Traditional Urban City of Tamil Nadu"

Tirunelveli Tourism

Places To Visit In Tirunelveli

Top Hotels In Tirunelveli

More on Tirunelveli

History of Tirunelveli

History

Etymology

Restaurants and Local Food in Tirunelveli

Suggested Itinerary for Tirunelveli

Best Time to Visit Tirunelveli

Commuting within Tirunelveli

Related Posts about Tirunelveli

Browse Hotel Collections

By Hotel Type

By Budget Category

By Star Category

Tirunelveli Photos

FAQs on Tirunelveli

What is famous about Tirunelveli?

What is not so good about Tirunelveli?

Who should visit Tirunelveli?

What is the best time to visit Tirunelveli?

What is the local food in Tirunelveli?

What is the best way to reach Tirunelveli?

What are the things to do in Tirunelveli?

What are the places near Tirunelveli?

Have a Question on Tirunelveli?

Popular Questions And Answers on Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli Reviews

Nearby Places

Similar Places