Top 7 Tourist Places to Visit at Tirunelveli

Love visiting ancient wonders? If yes, the city of Tirunelveli in the Southernmost part of India is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Because it is believed to have a glorious history dating back to more than 2000 years. But it is not just about the historical aspects! An unexplored gem in the state of Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli boasts countless tourist places. From high mountains and dense forests to waterfalls and river streams, you name it, Tiruvelneli has it all. Also, the city is known for its religious vibe attracting devotees from different parts of the country. In simpler words, Tirunelveli has everything to make your holiday memorable and cherished.

With so much beauty and adventure to behold across the city, choosing which place you should visit first can be overwhelming. So, here we are to assist you! And here is the list of the top 7 places to visit Tirunelveli. Find the best hotel in Tirunelveli for your trip and then head to these amazing spots.

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Prepare to treat your eyes and heart with rich biodiversity and natural beauty at this wildlife sanctuary. You will find an abundance of natural landscapes and a variety of flora and fauna in Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary. Before you ask, here you can spot animals like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, sloth bear, elephant and panther. What’s more? The wildlife sanctuary offers adventure activities like trekking and safari rides. For the adventurous souls, trekking will be best and for others, the safari is the best way to explore the sanctuary. There’s no wonder why it is considered one of the unmissable places to go in Tirunelveli for every tourist, including you!

Papanasam

Tranquil environment, lush greenery, picture-perfect backdrop and fresh air, sounds like a dreamy location, doesn’t it? Well, that’s Papanasam for you! This small village is one of the best places to visit near Tirunelveli, especially for those looking for some relaxation and recreation. Papanasam is home to several waterfalls, river streams and paddy fields, adding to the beauty of this mesmerising place. You could spend hours or even days here soaking up the pleasant surroundings away from the bustling cities. There’s more! Papanasam temple located here is among the most popular places to see in Tirunelveli. An incarnation of Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here, drawing pilgrims throughout the year.

Kanthimathi & Nellaiappar - The Twin Temples of the South

Tirunelveli sightseeing without visiting the ancient temples doesn’t seem right. Because this city is the land of several ancient temples, known for their religious value, glorious history and stunning architecture. On the top of your bucket list must be Kanthimathi & Nellaiappar, the twin temples of South India. While Lord Shiva is the presiding deity worshipped as Nellaiappar, his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. Honestly, you will be delighted to the core once you visit these iconic temples. Once you have offered your prayers, you can explore the surrounding areas.

Courtallam Waterfalls

Another natural gem of Tirunelveli, Courtallam or Kutralam waterfalls should be next on your Tirunelveli travel diary. The magnificence of the gushing water blended with nature’s beauty will allure your senses. Flowing from the height of 520 feet, Courtallam Waterfalls is also known as the ‘Spa of Southern India’. Whether you wish to relax by the water, enjoy the stunning beauty of nature or spend some time with your loved ones, Courtallam Waterfalls is one of the Tirunelveli tourist places you shouldn’t miss.

Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Wildlife enthusiasts, rejoice! You will be treated to a wide variety of flora and fauna at Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Spread over a region of 1000 sq. km in the Western Ghats mountain range, this wildlife reserve is a must-visit on your trip to Tirunelveli. The sight of the Royal Bengal Tiger is too spectacular to miss. Besides the abundant population of tigers, the reserve is also home to several species of birds, amphibians and mammals. To put it simply, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is one of the top places to visit in Tirunelveli with friends and family to admire the wildlife and flora of the region.

Vettuvan Koil

If you have an innate fascination for ancient architecture and history, Vettuvan Koil is the place for you. Built somewhere between the 8th and 9th centuries, this unfinished temple is carved out of rocks. If you ask us, the magnificence of this region justifies its title of a sculptor’s paradise. An ideal spot to explore the southern temple style of architecture and the area’s triumphant history, Vettuvan Koil often finds its spot in every traveller’s itinerary (rightfully so). Well, we recommend visiting this place, even if you are not a history enthusiast, to capture the true essence of Tirunelveli and its historic significance.

Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple

One of the most popular tourist places near Tirunelveli, Krishnapuram temple, beckons devotees from all across the country. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is renowned for its Dravidian style of architecture. But, what makes it more popular is the array of annual festivals held here. Yes, three yearly festivals are organised in the temple premises, attended by hundreds of tourists. In case you are wondering, the ten-day annual Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is the most famous celebration of the temple, held during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December - January). There’s no way you could miss witnessing the architectural grandeur and spiritual aura of this place while in the city. And if you can plan your visit during any of the annual festivals, you will witness an even more magnificent grandeur of the temple!

Now you know the top places in Tirunelveli to visit on your next vacation! So, we say, start planning your trip right away!