Top Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
1-Sri Nellaiappar Kanthimathi Temple,Tamil Nadu
Sri Nellaiappar Kanthimathi Temple, in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest temples in South India. There are two temples within the temple compound. One temple houses the deity of Lord Shiva called Arulmigu Swami Nellaiappar and the other houses the deity of his wife Parvati, named Arultharum Kanthimathi Ambal.
The temple spreads across an area of 14 acres. It also knows a majestic temple for its fascinating architecture and exquisite sculptures that adorn various parts of the temple and temple compound. The breathtaking beauty makes it difficult for the visitors to concentrate elsewhere. Time here flows as the Tamirbharani river that flows around the town.
Sri Nellaiappar Kanthimathi Temple invokes piety not only through the deities it houses but also through the art that defines it. Godliness is everywhere.
History, the spell-binding designs, and architecture, the sound sculptures all together make the pace a delight to the eyes of the visitors.
Musical pillars producing acoustic sounds spread a divine aura all over the temple.
The Brahmotsavam festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), is the most prominent festival here.
A terrace called Sangili Mandapam links the two temples with each other. Mesmerising sculptures adorn the entire pathway of this terrace. There are two more sections within the temple compound. These are the Nandi Mandapam and the Mani Mandapam. The Nandi Mandapam has 48 ‘musical pillars’ built within two giant pillars, carved out of one piece of stone. When hit, these pillars generate musical notes. Sri Nellaiappar Kanthimathi Temple is also known for its copper dance hall or Tamra Sabha, embellished with elegant, wooden architecture.
The architecture of Sri Nellaiappar Kanthimathi Temple
There are other architectural and visual wonders in this temple that are unavoidable. These are the thousand pillared halls, the golden lily tank, the idol of Lord Vishnu (Nellai Govinda) and Swayampu Linga. A visit to this temple is intimidating and invigorating at the same time. The art and the beauty that surround the temple is as blissful as the deities inside.
Address:
162, E-Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006
Opening Hours:
5:30 AM
4:00 PM
Closing Hours:
12:00 PM
8:00 PM
Duration of visit:
3hrs
Entry fee:
Free
Pooja Charges Applicable.
Specialty:
Nellaiappar, Kanthimathi Ammai, Nellai, Tamiraparani, Music Pillars
Best Month for Visit:
June-August
Visiting Period of the Day:
All day
Famous For:
Architects’ Delight
Tips and Advice:
Take care of your belongings.
Camera and videography are not allowed inside the temple.
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2-Ettaiyapuram Palace, Tamil Nadu
The Ettaiyapuram Palace is in the Ettaiyapuram, a small town in the Toothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, around 35 kilometers from Tuticorin.
The beauty of Ettaiyapuram Palace
Ettaiyapuram is famous as the birthplace of the Mahakavis of modern Tamil poetry, Subramaniam Bharatiyar, and Umaru Pulavar. The Ettaiyapuram palace is of white stones. It has large, tapering circular domes, intricate floral carvings, and lion turrets. There are a palatial mansion and a closed area where the ‘durbar’ or gatherings took place. There is a broken down stable beside the mansion.
Ettaiyapuram palace attracts a lot of tourists due to its original Pandyan architecture with floral carvings, domes, and turrets.
The peacocks who adorn the palace complex adds beauty to the entire atmosphere that still keeps the charm of the olden days.
It is also famous as the birthplace of famous poets of modern Tamil literature.
The architecture of Ettaiyapuram Palace
The architecture is unaltered since the Pandyan era. This is the reason it attracts a lot of tourists every year. Visitors flock in to feel the true essence of the original Pandyan construction. At a stone throw distance from the palace is the Kavi Bharathiar’s house, which is an added attraction. This place is accessible. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and has excellent accommodation facilities in the nearby cities. It is appealing to the tourists. This place is thus a perfect getaway for not only the history enthusiasts but also the ones who love art and literature.
Address:
Tuticorin – Madurai NH -45 B, Tuticorin, India
Duration of visit:
2hrs
Entry fee:
Free
Pooja Charges Applicable.
Specialty:
Ettaiyapuram, Ettapan, Bharatiya
Best Month for Visit:
June-December
Visiting Period of the Day:
All day
Famous For:
History Buff’s Delight
Tips and Advice:
Take care of your belongings.
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3-Holy Trinity Church, Tamil Nadu
The Holy Trinity Church is one of the oldest and lesser-known churches in Tuticorin. The calm and peaceful church is breathtakingly beautiful but does not get the appreciation it deserves. The Dutch built the church in 1750 after they took over Tuticorin from the Portuguese in 1658. The entrance of the church has the Dutch East India Company’s symbol, the letters ‘VOC’ and ‘MDCCL’, which is right above the front door of the church. This was the Dutch way of claiming ownership of the church.
The architecture of Holy Trinity Church
The church has the Dutch architectural style. The Church is of great religious importance and gets a lot of Christian visitors. Apart from this, the Church also has an ardent following among the visitors from other religions. The visitors prefer the place because of the peace that it offers and the magnificent artwork that they experience after coming here. Interestingly, the design of the Church is cruciform, which means its shape is like that of a cross.
This church is the oldest Protestant Church in Tuticorin. One of its more curious and attractive features is its cross-shaped building.
Apart from distinctive Dutch style architecture, the church has elegant woodwork that adds to its tranquil beauty.
The peaceful atmosphere inside the church gives positive vibrations that calm the mind and invoke piety.
Two of its sides and the center have seating arrangements. As for the remaining two, one serves as a sanctuary while the other leads to the entrance to the porch. The Church is located in the middle of the city and symbolizes religion, peace, and equity. One should avoid visiting the place on Sundays or the days of festivities as it is quite crowded. Weekdays are the right option to plan a visit to this Church if one enjoys the tranquility.
Address:
Beach Road, Tuticorin 628001, India
Church Timings–
-
Monday to Saturday
– 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday- 12.30 pm to 5 pm (March to October).
-
Monday to Saturday
– 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday – 12.30pm to 5 pm (April to September).
-
Monday to Saturday
– 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday – 12.30pm to 5 pm (November to February)
Duration of visit:
1-hrs
Entry fee:
Free
Specialty:
Holy Trinity Church, Sawyerpuram, the Catholic church, Tuticorin
Best Month for Visit:
October-December
Visiting Period of the Day:
All day
Famous For:
History Buff’s Delight
Tips and Advice:
Camera and videography are not allowed inside.
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It’s really great and helpful info. Everyone loves to visit different places and you have given it clearly. Thanks for sharing such a great info.