bigtravelbuzzTirunelveli is a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, and natural beauty. Here are some tips for traveling to Tirunelveli:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tirunelveli is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, and summers (April to May) can be scorching hot.
Getting there: The nearest airport is in Tuticorin, which is about 45 km from Tirunelveli. Tirunelveli also has a railway station, and trains run regularly from major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Buses are another convenient way to reach Tirunelveli, and the city has good road connectivity.
Places to visit: Tirunelveli is known for its temples, and some of the must-visit ones include Nellaiappar Temple, Kanthimathi-Nellaiyapper Temple, and Swami Nellaiappar Temple. The Tamirabarani River is another popular attraction, and visitors can enjoy boat rides and picnics here. The Manimuthar Waterfalls, Agasthiyar Falls, and Kuthiraiyar Dam are also worth a visit.
Getting around: Autos and taxis are easily available in Tirunelveli, and they are the best options for getting around the city. Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.
Where to eat: Tirunelveli is famous for its cuisine, and some of the must-try dishes include the spicy halwa, iruttukadai halwa, and kadalai mittai. There are many restaurants and street food stalls that serve these delicacies, and some of the popular ones include Saravana Bhavan, Sri Krishna Sweets, and Hotel Nellai Saravana Bhavan.
Where to stay: Tirunelveli has many budget and mid-range hotels that offer comfortable accommodation. Some of the popular ones include Hotel Applettree, Hotel MNH Royal Park, and Hotel TVK Regency.
Travel tips: While visiting temples, it is important to dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple premises. It is also advisable to carry enough cash as many smaller establishments may not accept credit/debit cards. Visitors should also be careful while walking on the streets, especially during the monsoon season, as the roads can be slippery and dangerous.
Places to Visit in Tirunelveli
Some of the popular places to visit in Tirunelveli are:
Nellaiappar Temple: This is a famous temple in Tirunelveli dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Agasthiyar Falls: A beautiful waterfall situated in the Western Ghats, the Agasthiyar Falls is a popular picnic spot.
Kattabomman Memorial Fort: A historic fort built in the 18th century, this place is a great attraction for history buffs.
Thirupudaimaruthur Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Thamirabarani River and is famous for its intricate sculptures and carvings.
Manimuthar Dam: This dam is a great place for boating and enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Papanasam Beach: A beautiful beach located in the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu, Papanasam Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.
Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Western Ghats, this sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and several species of birds.
Best Time To Visit Tirunelveli
The best time to visit Tirunelveli is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and mild. The temperature during these months ranges from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon season from June to September is also a good time to visit if you enjoy the rain and lush greenery. However, it is best to avoid visiting during the summer months from March to May, as the temperature can soar up to 40°C, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Tirunelveli
Visit the Nellaiappar Temple: One of the most famous attractions in Tirunelveli, the Nellaiappar Temple is a must-visit. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its impressive architecture.
Explore the Agasthiyar Falls: The Agasthiyar Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Western Ghats. It is a popular spot for trekking, hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Visit the Kattabomman Memorial Fort: The Kattabomman Memorial Fort is a historical monument that is dedicated to the freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman. The fort is located in Panchalankurichi and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.
Take a boat ride on the Tamirabarani River: The Tamirabarani River is one of the main rivers in Tamil Nadu and offers a scenic boat ride. The river is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to several species of birds and animals.
Explore the Manimuthar Waterfalls: The Manimuthar Waterfalls is another stunning waterfall located near Tirunelveli. It is a popular spot for trekking and picnics, and the surrounding area is home to several tea and coffee plantations.
Visit the Thirupudaimaruthur Mahalinga Swamy Temple: The Thirupudaimaruthur Mahalinga Swamy Temple is a beautiful temple located near Tirunelveli. It is known for its impressive architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a walk on the Kattabomman Street: The Kattabomman Street is a bustling street in Tirunelveli that is known for its shops and street food. It is a great place to experience the local culture and try some delicious food.
Visit the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located near Tirunelveli and is a great place to see wildlife. It is home to several species of animals including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
How to get around in Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli has several modes of transportation to get around the city:
Bus: The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates buses that connect Tirunelveli with other major cities in the state. There are also several private bus operators that offer services within the city.
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation within the city. They are best suited for short distances.
Taxis: Taxis can be hired from travel agencies or rented from car rental companies. They are a good option for longer distances and for tourists who prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation.
Rental Bikes/Scooters: Rental bikes/scooters are available for tourists who want to explore the city on their own.
Cycle rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation for short distances, especially in the old town area.
Walking: Many of the major tourist attractions in Tirunelveli are within walking distance of each other, so walking can be a good option for exploring the city.
Where to eat in Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli is known for its unique cuisine, especially its non-vegetarian dishes. Here are some popular restaurants and eateries where you can try local food in Tirunelveli:
Sri Janakiram Hotel: This iconic eatery is famous for its Mutton Biriyani, which is a must-try.
Sree Krishna Sweets: This sweet shop offers a range of traditional Tirunelveli sweets like Halwa, Laddu, and Jangiri.
Hotel Aaryas: This is a popular restaurant chain in Tamil Nadu that serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Their Chicken Chettinadu and Mutton Sukka are highly recommended.
Hotel Vairamaligai: This is a vegetarian restaurant known for its unique dishes like Puli Pongal, Kancheepuram Idli, and Kaima Idli.
Kumar Mess: This is a local mess that serves traditional South Indian meals on banana leaves. It is a great place to try authentic Tamil Nadu food.
Vellaiammal Street: This street is famous for its food stalls that sell a variety of snacks like parotta, omelette, and chicken fry.
Iruttukadai Halwa: This sweet shop is famous for its unique Wheat Halwa, which is made with wheat milk, jaggery, and ghee.
Lakshmi Vilas: This restaurant is known for its wide range of dosas, including the popular Tirunelveli Special Dosa.
Sri Saravana Bhavan: This is another popular vegetarian restaurant chain that serves South Indian cuisine.
These are just a few of the many options available in Tirunelveli. You can also explore the local street food stalls and eateries to get a taste of authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli is famous for its street food, especially its regional delicacies. Some of the popular street stalls in Tirunelveli are:
Iruttukadai Halwa – Known for its mouth-watering wheat halwa, this iconic sweet shop is a must-visit for anyone visiting Tirunelveli.
Shri Krishna Sweets – A popular sweet shop chain in Tamil Nadu, this outlet in Tirunelveli offers a wide range of sweets, savouries and snacks.
Raju’s Cafe – A small eatery that serves up some delicious South Indian food, including idlis, dosas, and vadas.
Saravana Bhavan – A well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants in India, this outlet in Tirunelveli serves up some of the best South Indian food in the city.
Hotel Annapoorna – A popular restaurant in Tirunelveli, this place is known for its non-vegetarian dishes, including biryani, chicken fry and fish curry.
Sree Mithai – A famous sweet shop in Tirunelveli that offers a wide variety of sweets, savouries and snacks.
Sri Janakiram Mess – A small eatery that is known for its delicious meals, this place serves up some of the best South Indian food in Tirunelveli.
Aachi Mess – A popular restaurant in Tirunelveli that is known for its mouth-watering biryanis and curries.
Senthil Restaurant – A famous vegetarian restaurant in Tirunelveli that offers a wide range of South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and vadas.
Pothys Snacks Bar – A small eatery that serves up some delicious snacks, including samosas, vadas, and bondas.
Where to stay in Tirunelveli
Luxury accommodation
Some of the luxury accommodations in Tirunelveli are:
The Fern Residency – This hotel is located near the bus stand and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other facilities like a gym and a business center.
Regency Tirunelveli by GRT Hotels – This hotel is situated in the heart of the city and offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and other amenities like a fitness center and a rooftop swimming pool.
Hotel MNH Royal Park – This hotel is located near the railway station and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other facilities like a fitness center and a spa.
Hotel Apple Tree – This hotel is situated on the outskirts of the city and offers serene surroundings, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities like a swimming pool and a gym.
Hotel Aryaas – This hotel is located in the center of the city and offers clean and spacious rooms, a restaurant, and other facilities like a conference hall and a travel desk.
Where to stay in Tirunelveli
Budget accommodation
Tirunelveli offers a range of budget accommodations for travelers. Here are some options:
Hotel Aryaas: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves delicious South Indian cuisine.
Hotel Laura: This budget hotel is located near the railway station and offers basic amenities like clean rooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel MNH Royal Park: This budget hotel is located near the airport and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
Hotel Apple Tree: This budget hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood and offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves South Indian and North Indian cuisine.
Hotel Palmyra Grand Suite: This budget hotel is located in the city center and offers spacious rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel South Avenue: This budget hotel is located near the railway station and offers basic amenities like clean rooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves delicious South Indian cuisine.
Hotel MNH Tower: This budget hotel is located near the bus stand and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
These are some of the budget accommodations in Tirunelveli that offer comfortable and affordable stays.