Nellaiappar Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Nellaiappar temple is a landmark of Tirunelveli, in South Tamil Nadu. A visit to the town would not be complete without exploring this temple, which boasts larger size than the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. It is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists.

The temple is adorned with intricate sculptures that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. The vast temple campus is supported by numerous uniquely sculpted stone pillars, each showcasing exquisite artwork. The main mandapam features musical pillars that produce different tones.

Noteworthy features of the temple include the "Aayiram Kaal Mandapam" with its finely carved pillars and the congregation hall with intricate woodwork. This temple stands out as a unique architectural marvel not commonly found in other temples across India.

The temple dates back to the 7th century A.D. The towers were constructed by the Pandiya king "Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan," while other parts were added by Nindraseer Nedumaran. The Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were originally separate and later connected through a mandapam and garden.

Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu

 

Ambasamudram, a charming town in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, is famous for its natural beauty and greenery, thanks to the mighty Thamirabarani River that flows through it. Also known as Vilankurichi, Ambasamudram has a rich history as the home of the revered saint Agastiyar, who made immense contributions to the Tamil language many centuries ago.

Thamirabharani river through the town 

This town is dotted with ancient temples and has many is a popular tourist spot, like the Mundanthurai-Kalakad Tiger Reserve,  the Papanasam dam, Agasthiyar falls, Manimutthaar Dam & Waterfall, Karaiyar Dam, Manjolai Hills, and Vikramasingapuram.

Manimuthar falls

 We made a two day halt at this town during our road trip, to take our time and explore it at leisure. The Ambai Grand hotel were we stayed was cozy and the local food available around it made our trip even more enjoyable. 

Manimuthar dam at the back

About 50 km from Tirunelveli, is the Manimuthar Dam, the largest reservoir in the district. It offers a serene spot with beautiful gardens, ideal for picnics. At 6 km from the dam is the Manimuthar Falls.  The Thamarabarani river tumbles down 25 ft into a serene pond, creating a natural fall to cool one's self. 

Agasthiyar falls

Ambasamudram is also home to man-made dams like the Papanasam dam and Karaiyar dam. Tourists flock in huge numbers to explore the Papanasam Waterfall, known for its mythological significance and is also known as the Agasthiyar falls.  

Hydro electric project in Papanasam

Another place of importance nestled in these hills is the ancient temple which has great relevance to devotees from all over. The Sori Muthu ayyanar temple, one of the six important sastha temples in Tamil Nadu. 

Sori Muthu Ayyanar temple

Sorimuthu Ayyanar serves as the kuladevata for numerous families residing in the region. Families who may not be familiar with their kuladevata are also encouraged to visit here and offer prayers. It is also the primary Ayyappan temple, where pilgrims embarking to Sabarimala visit this temple to receive their mala.

Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu

 

Kanniyakumari holds a distinct status in various aspects, and we had the opportunity to explore this remarkable destination during our road trip in August of the previous year.

Sunrise 

 Situated at the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, it possesses a unique geographical feature as it serves as the convergence point for three significant water bodies: the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This exceptional characteristic contributes to its status as one of the most sought-after destinations in India.

Owing to its strategic location, Kanniyakumari offers the rare opportunity to witness both the sunrise and sunset along its coastlines. Moreover, it stands as the sole location in India where one can observe the captivating phenomenon of the simultaneous occurrence of the sunset and moonrise during Full Moon days.

Vivekananda Rock 

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Among the notable attractions in this region, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Statue of Thiruvalluvar hold immense popularity. These two landmarks are situated adjacently in the sea and can be conveniently accessed via frequent ferry services.

Memorial from the island