Tirunelveli Tourism Places - Temple, Waterfalls, Rivers
Tirunelveli is the penultimate southernmost district of the Indian mainland, described as a microcosm of Tamil Nadu state. The district has a diverse geography from high mountains to low plains, rivers, thick inland forest with a variety of flora & fauna, fertile soil etc. The 2000 year old city is located on the west bank of the only perennial river of the south, the Thamirabarani. It grew into prominence during the Pandyan regime and served as their capital for some of their rulers. The city is known for its reed mats, palm handicrafts, palm sugar with agriculture as the main occupation for the people. The mythological story goes that one ‘Vedasara’, an ardent devotee of Shiva, on his pilgrimage from the north to the south was invited by lord Shiva in his dream to his abode on the banks of the Thamirabarani river. The delighted devotee followed the instructions and stayed there with his family. It was a high famine time which forced Vedasara to beg for his food without compromising his daily prayers to the Lord.
One day, he spread out the paddy to dry it and went for his ablutions in Thamirabarani. It was the time for a thunderstorm to break-out and it rained heavily. Vedasara rushed to the place to safeguard the paddy. To his magic, he was astonished to see the paddy remain undrenched. Getting to know about the virtue of lord Shiva, the town is then called as “Tiru-nel-veli” (sacred hedged paddy). The city is noted for the delicious dessert (called ‘alwa’ locally) which is made from wheat and sugar. It tastes best when served fresh and hot. The alwa was made famous by a Marwari family during the 18th Century. Slowly, others borrowed the formula and now the alwa has become synonymous with this city. River Thamirabarani seems to be the reason behind its taste and uniqueness, as it is the base mixture to prepare it. Also, the city is famous for its renowned Tamil dialect. The city is bordered by Kerala state, easing opportunity for the people / tourists to transit interstate.