What is famous about Tirunelveli?

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

Tirunelveli Tourism (2025) - Tamil Nadu > Top Places, Travel Guide

Tirunelveli Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October to February Read More

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"Historic city in Tamil Nadu famous for Halwa and ancient temples"

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

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Tirunelveli Travel Packages

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2 Days / 1 Nights

Nava Tirupati Tour

Tirunelveli(1N)

$81/person

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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.

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).

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.

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.
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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

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How to Reach Tirunelveli

How to Reach Overview

Tirunelveli does not have an airport of its own, the nearest airport is the Tuticorin Airport which is around 50 km away. However, Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station is one of the largest in Tamil Nadu. Located on NH 7, Tirunelveli has a state run bus service and overnight and day buses are available from various places.

How to reach Tirunelveli by flight

Tirunelveli does not have an airport of its own, but travelling by plane is as convenient as any other mode. The nearest airport is the Tuticorin Airport which is around 50 km away. A 50-minute additional taxi ride from the airport will get you to the city.

How to reach Tirunelveli by road

If you plan to travel by road, then the area has an extensive network of roadways. Located on NH 7, Tirunelveli has a state run bus service and overnight and day buses are available from various places. It is located about 70 km north of Kanyakumari.

How to reach Tirunelveli by train

Unlike an airport, Tirunelveli has its own railway station- the Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station. The station is one of the largest in Tamil Nadu and has trains coming in from almost every corner of the state.

Local transport in Tirunelveli

Being a major city of Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli does not have any problems when it comes to intra city commuting. Taxis and rickshaws are very easy to find. The intra city bus services are very efficient. Buses are run by the Tirunelveli Municipal corporation and bus stands are spread out all over the city.

Most frequently searched routes to Tirunelveli

Route Name	Distance	Time	More Information
Chennai to Tirunelveli	624 km	9 hours 10 mins	View Details
Bangalore to Tirunelveli	582 km	8 hours 24 mins	View Details
Hyderabad to Tirunelveli	1,150 km	16 hours 18 mins	View Details
Ernakulam to Tirunelveli	273 km	6 hours 55 mins	View Details
Pune to Tirunelveli	1,425 km	19 hours 55 mins	View Details
Mumbai to Tirunelveli	1,569 km	21 hours 56 mins	View Details

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Tirunelveli Photos

Tirunelveli City Municipal Corporation Building named after V.O. Chidambaranar

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FAQs on Tirunelveli

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

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.
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What is the local food in Tirunelveli?

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.
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Who should visit Tirunelveli?

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

What is not so good about Tirunelveli?

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

Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli Travel Essentials

"Historic city in Tamil Nadu famous for Halwa and ancient temples"

Tirunelveli Tourism

Places To Visit In Tirunelveli