TIRUNELVELI - A.K.A NELLAI
When the thought of relocating to Tiruneveli was on the cards ,I was like " no way? there is nothing for me to do there!" I'm eating my words slowly but surely. First thing, what I've learned is that never ever come to conclusions without experiencing the new culture to the fullest. You have to go places, meet the locals, eat the local cuisines, learn and speak the local lingo, only then can you come to a conclusion. The first thing you see when you set foot in Tirunelveli is this sign - its becoming very Nostalgic, Deja vu.
WELCOME TO NELLAI ,PEOPLE! |
The History behind Tirunelveli.
Tirunelveli has 2000 years of history, can you believe it, I was baffled when i read this .Tirunelveli was formerly known as "Tinnelvely" , during the British Raj and is the 6th biggest city in Tamil Nadu..The word "nellai" refers to "paddy" , the city is surrounded by scenic paddy fields.
LUSH GREEN PADDY FIELDS. |
The Pandya kingdom had this city as their capital for some time. Some Places to visit are Krishnapuram, Tenkasi, Sankarankoil, Kattabomman memorial fort, Ottapidaram, Kalugumalai, Vettangudi bird sanctuary.The city is considered to be one of the oldest in the Indian subcontinent, with a history that dates back to 1000 BC. Tirunelveli city is located on the west bank of the perennial river, Thamirabarani, whereas Palayamkottai is located on the right bank; for this reason, they are referred to as the "twin cities". Tirunelveli is also often called the "Halwa City" for its very famous sweet Halwa.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
THE TWIN BRIDGE - THEN AND NOW. |
THAMIRABHARANI RIVER
Thamirabarani literally meant by many scholars as, “Thamira” - “Copper“, and “parani” - “stream running down”. The soil is so immensely rich in copper which gives it the deep intense red color to the sand in the surrounding regions and also the water has high content of Copper in this river. Thamirabarani river is the main river which makes the lands in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin district fertile. The river remains fertile throughout the year. This river is perennial and runs throughout the year due the North-east and South-west monsoon. Until recently this was the only river that had its source and destination in the same district.
In historical writings the river is mentioned as ‘Porunai nathi’. In the old days it is mentioned with other names as Tamiravaruni, Tampraparani etc.. In the book written by Bishop R.Caldwell, named ‘History of Tinnevelly’, mentioned the name reason of this river as ‘”Tamira” means red and “Parna” means tree with leaves’. He also mentioned the name relation with the Srilanka which has the old name ‘Tamrabane’.
The Greeks of Ptolemy’s time refers to this river as Sol-en.
Origins of the river
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AGASTIYAR FALLS - THAMIRA BHARANI RIVER |
The river originates about 1500m above the sea level in the slopes of Western ghats in the Annamalai range. It is in the Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu, India. It originates near the peak of Chiramunji malai and Agasthiya malai. This Falls is perennial – flows all round the year.
PLACES OF INTEREST - MUST SEE PLACES WHEN IN NELLAI
Manjolai - Hill Station
En-route Manjolai Estate |
Manjolai is 57 km away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162 sq.m. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous one in this area. About 4000 people are working in these tea plantations. Manjolai is noteworthy for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere.
Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is the only tiger reserve in the Southern Western Ghats, lying in the Tamil Nadu state. It is part of the larger Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, which covers the entire mountain range, and straddles the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala states.Established in 1962, Mundanthurai was joined to the adjacent Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary over two decades later, to form the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR). KMTR, the second-largest protected area in Tamil Nadu, is situated at an altitude range between 500-1700 metres, and covered with tropical wet evergreen forests. These forests and hills give birth to numerous streams which pour into the Tambiraparani, Manimuthar and Ramanadhi rivers; providing water to the adjoining plains.
The dense forest contains tigers, elephants, deer, leopards, sambar, spotted deer, Malabar squirrels, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaques, and sloth bears. Sighting tigers is extremely difficult because of the dense forest cover and rugged terrain. Kalakkad has an area over 375 square kilometers and Mundanthurai is spread over 525 sq.km.
To improve protection of wildlife the two sanctuaries will be separated, though still remaining part of the biosphere reserve. Both have affordable facilities for tourists, including boating in the many reservoirs. Mundanthurai is approachable only by road. The nearest town being Ambasamudram while Kalakkad is best approached from Tirunelveli which is 45 km away.
COURTRALLAM FALLS
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AGASTHIYAR FALLS-COURTRALLAM FALLS |
Courtallam falls is a group of water falls in south India. It is touted as a health resort. The falls are located 160 km from Madurai and 59 km from Tirunelveli District. It has nine water falls; Peraruvi (Main falls), ChitraAruvi, Chenbagadevi falls, Honey falls, Aintharuvi (Five falls),PuliAruvi(Tiger falls),Pazhathotta Aruvi(Fruit garden falls), PazhyaAruvi(Old falls),PuthuAruvi(New falls)The waters of the falls are believed to have medicinal properties as they run through the forests of herbs before their descent.
Tourists visit and bathe in the waters claim that the water has a soothing effect, help the old feel young and the sick heal rapidly. The peak season for visitors is June-September Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River,the Pachaiyar River and the Tamiraparani River originate here.
NELLAIAPPAR TEMPLE
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THE FAMOUS NELLAI APPAR THIRU KOVIL |
Nellaiappar Temple is famous as one of the largest Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu, steeped in tradition and also known for its sculptural splendors. The temple is situated in the center of the city at a distance of two kilometers from the railway station. It is a twin temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva. Even from a considerable distance, one can have a good view of the gopurams (towers). Both the gopurams were built according to the rules laid down in the agama sastras by Rama Pandyan. It is the largest Shiva Temple in TamilNadu. Rare jewels, the Golden Lily Tank, Musical Pillars, and the hall of a Thousand Pillars are worth seeing. The temple dates back to 700 AD and contains inscriptions which can be traced to be made around 950 A.D. It is believed there were two distinct temples, built separately for Shiva and Parvati, the consort to Lord Shiva, by the Pandyan kings. The Sangili Mandapam, a big terraced hall, linking these two was built in the 17th century. The towers also date back to the early 17th century. Lord Vishnu and Sage Agastya are believed to have worshipped Shiva here. There is also an interesting legend that there exists a tunnel behind the Ravana sculpture in the temple corridor that connects Tirunelveli and Madurai. This tunnel was supposed to have been used by the Pandya kings and their spies on secret missions .
The Nellaiappar temple car weighs approximately 400 tons and is the third largest temple car in Tamil Nadu. It is also said to be the largest human-powered car in South India. The car's axle was fabricated in steel during the British colonial period. Recently, steel rims were also used to reinforce the gigantic, yet aging wooden wheels. The Aani Car festival is the most popular festival associated with the temple, and the five cars (for Vinayakar, Murugan, Nellaiappar, Kanthimathi and Sandikaeswarar) by themselves are minor landmarks in the city.
Nindrasir Nedumaran, who reigned in the seventh century AD, contributed by constructing and renovating important parts in the temple. A beautiful garden founded in 1756, next to the mandapam, welcomes visitors with many colourful and fragrant flowers. The garden was designed by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar. A square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars is found in the midst of this garden. The Nellaiappar Temple is bigger than the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, though the latter is much more popular owing to its historical importance.
THE HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
THE HOLY TRINITY CHURCH |
The Holy Trinity Cathedral a small, elegant and beautiful Church was built in 1826 by Rev Rhenius and opened to public for worship on 26 June 1826. It took only 175 days for its construction which cost about Rs.2000/- This small church with an oblong edifice measuring 64 ft. by 30 ft still serves as a nucleus for this massive Cathedral which developed in later years. This amount came as donations not only from Christians, but from Hindus and Muslims as well. Venga Mudaliar had donated 168 acres of punjai land for the maintenance of this Church. Many renovations and additions were made to this structure.
In the year 1845, a tall stately steeple of 158 feet soaring into the skies was added by Rev. Pettilt and has made the church a landmark all over the district. This church is locally well known as "Oosi Gopuram" as a land mark. The resonant bell gifted by friends in England and installed in 1850 has unfailingly chimed the hours, calling the faithful to worship over the years and the clock set in the tower is relied upon by the entire town as its beloved Big Ben. Many improvements, extensions and renovation works have taken place subsequently in the years 1846,1850,1853,1869,1870,1876,1926,1932, 1937 and 1998. In 1940 Bishop Stephen Neil raised its status as the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Painting, flooring and other extensions were made in the following years. This Church is involved in many social services like paying visit to hospitals. This Church plays a vital role not only in spiritual upliftment of its people but also in the material upliftment like providing education, distributing free food and clothing and helping them in the construction of their houses etc.
Kanyakumari
KANYAKUMARI - CAPECOMORIN |
Kanya kumari or cape comrin formerly known as, is the southern most tip of India and Tirunelveli. This is the place where the Indian ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea meet. It is the most picturesque and serene, unreal views you'll ever see, It will take your breath away. The temple of Kanyakumari, Gandhi Memorial, Rock memorial of Vivekananda and the gigantic statue of Tiruvalluvar are worth seeing, as well as the spectacular sun rise and sunset which attracts tourists from all over the country.
THE MURAL SHOWING "THAMIRA BHARANI BATTLE".
A mural at the Tiruppudaimaruthur temple in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, shows the emissaries of the Vijayanagara king Achyutadeva Raya serving an ultimatum to the Travancore ruler Bhoothala Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma to pay tributes to him and return the Pandya territory to Sri Vallabhan. It also depicts the “Tamiraparani battle” between the armies of Achyutadeva Raya and Bhoothala Varma.
Palayamkottai Prison
Palayamkotai has got yet another in-famous prison. It is believed that those days Kattabomman was imprisoned here during the British Era.
In-Conclusion...
So, come to Nellai savour the foods, meet the people , join the festivities , travel to beautiful places you'll never see any where else amid the hustle and bustle in the city ,and feel right at home, just like me.
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