Pandya Nadu

Pilliarpatti: Karpaka Vinayagar Temple, the world-famous Vinayagar temple visited by millions of devotees is located here. Nagaraththar of Chettinad maintains the temple activities. Six feet Presiding Deity is called Karpaga Vinayagar [valampuri posture]. Kundrakudi: Kundram means Hillock and Kudi means village.  Hence this village is called Kundrakudi. This is an abode of Lord Murugan called “Shanmuga” with six faces. Kalaiyar Koil: Kalaiyar Koil was called as Kaanapair during sangam period. Kalaiyar Koil was the stronghold of Sivaganga Rulers with a well-built extensive fort. It derived its name from Kaleswaran Temple here. A lofty 150 ft Rajagopuram and a grand tank [Teppakkulam] named Anai Madu are two special features of this temple. Thirukoshtiyur: It is a popular Vaishnavite Temple popularly called Sri Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Koil. The word THIRU - KOSHTI - UR means place of the assembly of the Sacred.  Temple tower is 85 ft tall. Nattarasan Kottai: Kannudaya Nayaki Amman Temple is the famous temple located here. The temple is efficiently managed by the village Nagarathars. The famous poet Kambar, who wrote Ramanayam in Tamil, spent his last days in Nattarasankottai and his tomb is located here. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary: The Vettangudi bird sanctuary is the natural Habitat of winter migratory birds. This is a safe place for roosting, breeding and feeding. There is considerable diversity in their nesting and feeding behaviour. Madapuram: The famous Madapuram Badhrakali Amman and Ayyanar temple under HR&CE administration are important temples. Madapuram kali was the Kaval Deivam of Madurai king. Madapuram kali is a 12 ft tall statue, with no roof. Chettinad: It is the land of Heritage and devotion. It is also known for its local cuisine, architecture, and religious temples. Vairavan Kovil, Iraniyur, Karpaga Vinayakar, Kundrakudi Murugan, Kottaiyur Sivan, and Kandanur Sivan temples are some important temples in this zone. Piranmalai: This village is at the foothill of 2500 ft Hillock. Parivar Temple and Sheikh Abdullah Mosque are two important places of worship in this town. Uppur: It is also called Lavanapuram. "Lavanam" in Sanskrit means Salt. The Vinayagar temple is called as Sri Veyil Ugantha Vinayagar Temple. When Sri Rama was on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita Devi is believed to have worshipped this Vinayagar to seek his blessings for victory in his efforts and then proceeded towards Sethukarai. Devipattinam: This is also called Navabashanam. It is said that Rama calmed the sea at the coastal village to install nine stones representing the Navagrahas or the nine planets.

Rameshwaram Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple: Sri Ramanatha Swamy and Parvathavarthini temple is located near the sea Shore on the eastern side of the island. It is well known for its architectural beauty of magnificent Prakaras or corridors with massive sculptured pillars on either side. This temple has undergone a sea of changes from the 12th century onwards, under the reign of different rulers. Agnitheertham: Sri Ramanathasamy temple faces the theertham on the eastern side. The shore is only about 100 mts from the temple. The sea is very calm and peaceful. Since it is considered sacred it is called Agni Theertham. Devotees of Lord Siva take a dip in the Agni theertham to wash away their sins. Gandamadana Parvatham: It is a hillock situated 3 km away and it is the highest point on the island. One can see the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet on a chakra here. The entire island of Rameswaram is visible from this point. Sugreevar Temple/Theertham: It is situated on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham near the Doordarshan Kendra. Sugreeva is the elder brother of Vali, a mythical character in the Ramayanam. Satchi Hanuman Temple: This temple is the place where hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with Satchi [evidence] the Choodamani a jewel that belonged to Sita. Badrakaliamman Temple: This is a temple for Devi Durga, around 2 km from the main temple on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham. Panchamuga [Five-Faced] Hanuman Temple: The idol of Lord Ram, Sita and Hanuman brought from Danushkodi during the 1964 cyclone is placed there. The Floating Stone used to build the Sethu Bandhanam or the bridge between India and Lanka too can be found in this temple. Jada Theertham: It is believed that Rama on his return from Lanka after Ravana Vadham, washed his Jada in this theertham to purify him before proceeding to worship Ramalingeswarar. Kothandaramaswamy Temple: According to a popular belief, it is at this place, Vibhhishanan [brother of Ravanan] surrendered before Rama. Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge: This also called the Pamban Bridge connects the Rameswaram island with the main land. It is the longest sea bridge in India and its length is nearly 2.2 km and stands as a fine example of Indian Architecture. Dhanushkodi: It is a strip of land one km wide and 18 km long on the eastern end of Rameswaram. Their confluence looks like a bow and the strip of land looks like an arrow ready to be released.

Kurusadai Island: Four Kms from Mandapam. This island can be seen from the mainland of Ramanathapuram in the Gulf of Mannar. It is a Marine Biosphere, a paradise for Marine Biologists and Nature lovers. The abundance of Marine wealth here attracts researchers and Marine life scholars. Permission from the Fisheries is mandatory to visit this Island. Coral Reefs, Dolphins, Sea cows and dugongs can be seen in plenty off Kurusadai. Pamban Rail Scissors Bridge: This connects the mainland to Rameswaram Island. A portion of the bridge opens up like a pair of scissors to let the ships pass under it. Hence it is also called Scissors Bridge. Aryaman Beach: On the side of Palk Bay in Ramanathapuram District. It is a much sought-after tourist spot because the waters here are calm and the waves gentle. The beach is clean and fringed by casuarinas trees. Mandapam: It is the gateway to Rameswaram Island. It has a quiet and peaceful beach characterised by a natural coral reef. Seashore fountain, man-made coral reefs, artificial starfish, hillocks. Tirupullani: It is yet another famous temple, the 44th Divya Desam of Vishnu. Rama is lying on a bed of Darbha, fasting for Lord Varuna to appear. Hence it is also called Dharbasayanam. Sethukarai: where it is believed that Rama and his entourage built the famous Sethu Bridge to reach Lanka. Hence it is called Sethukarai. This is also known as Adam's bridge. There is a temple for Sethu bandhana Aanjaneya right on the sea shore. Uththirakosa Mangai: Rare life-Size 5 ½ ft. tall statue of Natarajar made of Emerald called as Margatha Natarajar is covered with Sandal paste throughout the year and unveiled for just one day on Arudhra festival day in December-January. Erawadi: The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulis[ who came from Arabia via Cannore] is about 800 years old. Apart from Indians irrespective of caste and religion, Pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore throng this Dargah. V.O.C. Memorial - Ottapidaram: It is the Birth place of V.O.Chidambaranar. The house he was born in has been converted into a Memorial in honour of him. he was the first, to set sail his ship to Colombo against the East India Company for which he was imprisoned. Sinthalakarai Vekkaliamman Temple: The statue of 42ft Vekkali Amman without a roof above is worshipped here. This pilgrim centre is famous for the miracles of Sinthalakarai. Ettayapuram Bharathiar Manimandapam:  This is the birthplace of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, the great Tamil Patriot and Poet, who led the Indian Independence movement in Tamil Nadu through his revolutionary poems.

Mayura Thottam: Mayurm means peacock in the local language and Thottam means Garden. A large Peacock farm, with an area of 55 acres is located here; hence this place is named as Mayura Thottam. The Peacocks have made this farm their home and even breed here. The entire farm is full of Coconut Groves and Guava Trees. Sankara Rameswarar Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Siva, is a popular religious centre. The pilgrims travelling to Tiruchendur take a dip at the holy tank called Vancha Pushkarani in this temple. Hare Island: This Island is located near the port. Both locals and tourists from outside visit this island for leisure. Church of Lady of Snow:   This church was earlier called St.Paul’s Church and was built in the year 1540. Statue of Our Lady reached Tuticorin from Manila in the year 1555. On 5th August 1582, a new church was built and dedicated to “Our lady of Mercy”. Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple: This was an ancient port on the coromandel coast. Mutharamman Temple, around 150 years old is located on the sea shore. 10-day Dassarah Festival celebrated from September –October attracts more than 3 lakh pilgrims from in and around the district. Shenbagavalli Amman Temple: The temple is located in Kovilpatti town, near Ettayapuram on an elevated mound of earth. This place is called Kovil Medu. The Lord and Lordess are Poovana Nathar and Shenbagavalli. Korkai: This was also the ancient port during Pandiyan Dynasty. Vettrivellamman Temple is an important place of worship visited by thousands of pilgrims. 250 acres tank located here is called Korkai Kulam. Vallanadu Deer Sanctuary: located on an isolated Hilly area measuring 64 acres. This Sanctuary has been specially created for the protection of Blackbucks. The Blackbuck population grazing in the hilly area is a common sight to watch. Apart from Black Bucks; Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cats, Mongoose and wild hares are some members of the Fauna population found in this Sanctuary. Manapad: The Holy Cross Church at Manapad was built in the year 1581. It is said that fragments of the True Cross were brought from Jerusalem and placed in the Church. Pilgrims visit the seashore Church throughout the year and the Church is connected to St.Francis Xavier. Palm Leaf Society: This society was formed to encourage traditional palm leaf Handicrafts. This society produces and markets Variety of Palm Leaf articles unique to this district. These products are exported to foreign countries too.

Mudalur: Mudalur Muscoth Halwa is a famous sweetmeat product from Mudalur. It comes with the goodness of wheat, raisins, cashew, and ghee is rich in energy and fits as a good dessert after food. Muscoth Halwa is popular not only within India but internationally too. Ayyanar Sunai: There is a natural spring that gives fresh water throughout the year. Ayyanar is worshipped as a Village Protecting God by the villagers. Tiruchendur Temple and Beach: The Seashore Tiruchendur Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, is one of the Six Special abodes of Lord Murugan, called Arupadai Veedu. It is a popular and major pilgrim centre of South India. The temple has a 156ft tall nine-stage main tower that dates back to the 17th century. Bathing in the Tiruchendur Sea and the Nazhi Kinaru [sacred well], and visiting Valli cave are some important rituals practised by the visiting devotees. Nava Thirupathi:  Nine special vaishnavite temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu are located within a 30 km radius of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli Districts. All these temples are on the banks of Tamiraparani. It is also said that each of these temples is associated with Navagrahas. Alwar Thirunagari: Sri Adinathaperumal Temple enshrines Lord Vishnu’s parathuvam – as one who is the beginning and end of everything. Two rare specimens of art that can be found here are the Musical Pillars and Stone Nadhaswaram. Srivaikundam: The Sri Vaikundanathar Temple embodies Lord Vishnu’s Bhogyabagavathar or his eagerness to experience the sincere devotion of his bhaktas. A remarkable feature of this temple is that twice a year Surya Bhagwan offers worship to Sri Vaikundnathar. His rays travel through all the mandapams and reach Lord’s Deity. Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary: This village is covered with natural forests and ponds. Migratory birds from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the USA and Australia migrate to this sanctuary for three months between January and April. Ovari: Popular Swayambulingaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Siva is located at Nadar Ovari. Irukkankudi: Irukkangudi Mariamman Temple, believed to be 500 years old, is a very popular temple in this area. River Arjunan from the Northern Side and Vaipparu River from the southern side meets at this place where Devi Mariamman resides and blesses the devotees. There are many legends and one among them says: that Goddess Mariamman in the temple is Swayambhu – meaning she appeared on her own.

Kumari Amman Temple: This temple is 3000 years old and it is dedicated to Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. She stands on an eternal vigil protecting the shores of our country. Goddess is facing the east. Vivekananda Rock: This is a memorial, in memory of charismatic Philosopher Swami Vivekananda. Very next to this rock is the Sripada Parai [divine foot mark rock] blessed by the imprint of the Goddess’s feet on the rock. The Thiruvalluvar Statue: Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet [denotes 133 chapters of Tirukkural] tall stone sculpture of the Popular Tamil Poet- Saint Thiruvalluvar, who authored the Thirukkural Couplets. Gandhi Memorial: Ashes of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was kept here in 1948 in an urn for public homage, and a portion of the same was immersed in KOODAL, the confluence of three oceans. Kamaraj Memorial: This memorial is a tribute to K.Kamarajar, the Freedom Fighter and Identity of Congress and Administration in Tamilnadu. Government Museum: Good collection of sculptured artefacts and crafts of South Indian Temples can be found here. Visitors to the museum can enjoy the extensive display of exhibits which covers a diverse range of interests such as anthropology, archaeology, numismatics, philately, botany, zoology and geology. Guganathaswamy Temple:  This 1000-year temple built by Raja Raja Cholan, is located near the railway station. 11th Century inscriptions can be found in the temple. Baywatch: It is a Water Theme Park located about 2 Km on the Kanniyakumari-Kovalam road. It is very near to Sunset Point. Vattakottai: It is an 18th-century Granite Fort. It was a coastal defence fortification and barracks of the easter years Travancore Samsthanam during Marthanda Varma’s reign. It has a picturesque view of the sea on one side, and the western ghats on the other side. The beach near this fort, which has Black Sand, is another special feature of this area. Suchindram: Sthanumalayan / Thanumalayan a Siva, Vishnu and Brahma Temple was built in the 17th Century. "Stanu" means Siva; "Mal" means Vishnu, and "Aya" means Brahma hence it is called Sthanumalayan Temple. Padmanabapuram Palace: It was the Capital of Travancore Samsthanam till 1798. It is also called the City of Lord Vishnu. This palace has beautiful woodwork. The display of antiques including the armoury of the Royal Family is a special exhibit that is spread across a six-acre area in this palace.

Thirparappu Waterfalls: It is 42 km from Kanyakumari. It is a 300 ft waterfall which has heavy water rushing down for almost 7 months in a year. There is a temple called Mahadever Kovil built around the 9th Century. Thirparappu Chitharal: There is a hillock which has a cave containing rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras carved inside dating back to the 9th century. King Mahendra Varman I was responsible for the Jainism influence in this region. This cave was converted into a Baghavathy Temple in the 13th Century A.D. Chitharal hills are locally called Chokkanthoongi Hills. Mathoor Thotti Palam: Hanging Trough [bridge], with a maximum height of 115 ft supported by 28 concrete pillars. It is 390 mts long, 7 feet high and 7.5 ft wide and is the tallest and longest trough bridge in Asia. Pechipparai Dam: This dam was Planned and Built during 1897 – 1906. It is 1,396 ft long and 396 ft high above the deepest portion with a storage level of 40 ft. The Western Ghats surround this dam and forms a picturesque view. Mandaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple:  This Temple, though in Tamilnadu, was built in Kerala tradition in a simple style, which dates back to the 7th century. It is believed, that His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya had performed Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. This temple is also known as Sabarimala of Women. Muttom Beach:  It is 32 km from Kanyakumari and 16 km from Nagercoil. It is a majestic and rugged seashore because of its huge beautiful rock jutting out into the Sea. The waves that touch the rocks create a mystic atmosphere. Olakkay Aruvi Waterfalls:  It is a scenic Waterfall and a trekking Track too. There is a small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near Olakkay Aruvi (waterfalls) Kumarakovil:  It is at the foothill of the Veliamalai Hills. The abode of Lord Murugan is built on a 200 feet hillock surrounded by paddy fields, plantain and coconut groves. This temple is an example of architectural beauty. Kalakadu Mundanthurai Wild Life Sanctuary: This sanctuary is very popular with a great variety of Flora and Fauna. The shortlist includes Tiger, Panther, Jackal and Wild Dogs among the carnivores; King-Cobra, Python and several other Snakes among the reptiles population. Shengaltheri: Sengaltheri comes under the Kalakad Sanctuary zone. Manimutharu originates from here. The perennial waterfall, and lush green landscapes attract tourists to this place. Thirukurungudi: one of the 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams. Thirukurungudi temple and Malai Nambi Koil.

Papanasam: The famous Papanasa Nathar temple dedicated to Lord Siva, is located at the foothill of the Western Ghats and also very near to the origin of River Tamaraparani. Kalyanatheertham: This is a holy water body located at an elevation of 125 feet on the Agasthiyar Falls and it gets its water flow from this kalyanatheertham. Kodilingeswarar temple dedicated to Lord Siva is located here. Baana Theertham: The perennial falls, called Banatheertham Falls are situated in the Western Ghats, above the Karaiyar Dam. Tamiraparani River meets Kariyar Dam at Baana Theertham. A boat ride across the dam is used to reach this spot and it is a picturesque journey with the forest area of the Western Ghats posing a panoramic view. Agasthiyar Temple and falls: This is 4 km from Papanasam Sivan temple, midway to Banatheertham, adjoining Agasthiar Falls. 3 km trekking will lead the pilgrims to this temple. Upper Kodaiyar and Manjolai: located at an altitude of 6000 ft. Manjolai an ideal Summer Resort, is a nearby town of Upper Kodaiyar. Winch services are available to reach Lower Kodaiyar. Oothu, Kuthiraivetti, Kalachi, and Nalumuku, are the best viewpoints. There is a Balamore - Upper Kodayar Track to reach this place. Pathamadai: popular for its cottage industry manufacturing Korai Pai [mat] made out of a type of grass from the Cyperus family grown for decorative foliage. Nellaiappar Temple: This is one of the Five Celestial Dance Sabhas [Divine Dance Stages] of Lord Siva. This temple is called Thamara Sabhai. The most popular and famous twin temple of Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi [called Kanthimathi] and Lord Siva [called Nellaiyappar]. It is one of the biggest of its kind in Tamil Nadu in the heart of Tirunelveli Town, on the banks of the Tamiraparani River. Kurukkuthurai  Murugan Temple on the banks of the Tamiraparani river is beautifully carved out of a rock known as THIRU VURUVA MALAI. It is said that the same rock was used for carving the temple of Lord Muruga at Tiruchendur in 1653. Krishnapuram: Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathi temple located here, is considered equal to Tirupati, for those who are unable to visit Tirupati to fulfil their prayer or commitments.

Tenkasi: It is at the foot of Thrikooda Malai [convergence of three mountains]. Kasiviswanathar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva with a 400 years old flag mast is an important landmark here. Tenkasi is revered as Kasi [Varansi] of the South.  It is famous for “DRIZZLE” called Saaral in Tamil. Thirumalai koil at Panpozhil: Thirumalai koil is a shrine dedicated to Lord Thirumalai Kumaraswamy at Panpozhil near Tenkasi.  It is a hilltop shrine, with 625 steps on the pathway to reach the top. Thoranamalai is a hill Murugan temple, that temple placed on the pothigai hills, it's looking like an elephant has layed on the rock. There are 60 natural springs around the temple. Water Falls of Courtallam Peraruvi [main falls], Aintharuvi [five falls] pazhaya Courtallam [old falls] are the falls that can be reached by road. The rest of the falls should be reached by trekking only.

• The 60 ft Peraruvi (Main Falls) the prominent Falls has a deep crater at Pongumakadal that controls the rush of water.
• Chitraruvi(Small Falls) with a thin flow of water attracts tourists prominently. Tourists can reach Shenbagadevi, Tehnaruvi and the Herbal farm from here by trekking.
• Shenbaga Devi Falls rushes through the Shenbagam Trees [michaelia Champak] and the temple of Shenbaga Devi Amman temple is located here.
• Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) because it is full of Honeycombs where there is no water, hence it is called by this name.
• Aintharuvi (Five Falls) five different cascades of rushing water are called by this name. Bathing in this will be on the agenda of every tourist.
• Pazhathotta Aruvi gets this name as water flows down from beneath the Orchard.
• Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls) is an artificial waterfall and the water from here is collected in a lake and used for irrigation. Because tigers are sighted here sometimes it is called by this name.
• Pazhaya Courtallam(old Falls), and Palaruvi are the falls found in the Courtallam area.
• Tirumalai Aruvi located at 15 km distance has the popular Lord Murugan temple.

Thirukutralanaadhar Temple near the Main Falls is dedicated to Lord Siva. It is an important and oldest temple. Achankovil Shastha Temple is one of the five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama life here – he is depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala.

Kazhugumalai: The area is known for the Jain cave temple and architecture belonging to the 8th Century similar to that of the Mamallapuram Pallava Cave Temples. These are maintained by the Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu. There is a Murugan Temple called Kazhugasalamurthy Temple that dates back to the 18th Century. Pilavakkal Dam: located at the foothills of Western Ghats. It contains 2 divisions called Kovilar and Periyar Dam. It is one of the popular and favourite picnic spots with a Children's park and plays facilities. Ayyanar Falls: A temple dedicated to Ayyanar is being visited by scores of visitors. The falls are in the dense forest area skirted by natural beauty and cascades rushing from a height of 15 feet add attraction to this area. Muthaliar Oothu: Muthaliar Oothu is down the ridge on the northern part of Srivilliputhur Reserve Forest. Apart from the exotic views of the Northern Sattur, it is encompassed by Khansapuram Vathiraruppu and Pudupatti. Barking Deer and Panthers are seen occasionally. Other Wildlife includes Wild Pig, Spotted Deer and Sambar too. Srivilliputtur: The first temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is worshipped as VADABADRA SAYANAR at Srivilliputhur. It occupies the foremost place in the 108 Divya Desams. The Majestic Temple tower finds a place in the Official Logo of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Srivilliputtur Palkhoa (Milk Khoa) is as famous as the Iruttukadai Tirunelveli Halwa. Vathiraruppu: 4000 ft high and located in the south of Western Ghats. This village is on the deeper side of the fossil valley and the Arjuna River flows by its side. Nallathangal story is the most popular South Indian Ballad here. The well in which Nallathangal drowned herself and the temple can be seen here. End of a Great Tour!