10 Things To Do In Tirunelveli That’ll Make You Fall In Love With This Underrated City

If Tamil Nadu were a film, Tirunelveli would be the quiet supporting character who doesn’t say much but steals the show when you least expect it. Located on the banks of the copper-toned Thamirabarani River, this town isn’t just about its famous halwa. It’s got waterfalls that feel like nature’s own jacuzzi, temples that echo with centuries of stories, and a rhythm that’s somehow both slow and exhilarating.

Things To Do In Tirunelveli

Let’s find out more about Tirunelveli first. Also known locally as Nellai, the city has roots that stretch back over 2,000 years. It was once a prominent seat of the Pandya dynasty and has been mentioned in Sangam literature. The name “Tirunelveli” roughly translates to “sacred paddy hedge,” referring to a miracle where divine forces protected a farmer’s paddy field from flooding. Today, it is the sixth-largest city in Tamil Nadu and known for its unique blend of tradition, temple architecture, Tamil scholarship, and, of course, that legendary Iruttukadai Halwa. It’s a city that wears its heritage on its sleeve, yet lives completely in the present.

Here’s A List Of 10 Things To Do In Tirunelveli

1. Watch History Breathe At Nellaiappar Temple

Let’s just say this: the Nellaiappar Temple is the star of the city. Built around the 7th century and expanded by the Pandyas and Nayaks, this temple complex is a universe in itself. Stand under the stone ceiling and clap your hands, the musical pillars will sing back. Walk down the corridors at dusk and you’ll feel the air shift, heavy with the scent of camphor and marigold. 

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2. Eat The Iconic Halwa

There’s halwa, and then there’s Iruttukadai Halwa. It is all shades of sticky, glossy, hot, and unapologetically loaded with ghee. The name literally means “dark shop,” a nod to the dimly lit stall near the Nellaiappar Temple that’s been preparing this legendary treat since 1900. This dessert is sold out within hours of the shop opening every evening. It’s made with wheat milk, sugar, and something that can only be described as pure magic (and possibly 4 kilos of ghee). Buy two packets, it’s always better to prepare in advance for when those sweet cravings hit.

3. Let Courtallam’s Waterfalls Slap The Stress Out Of You

Locals call it the “Spa of South India,” and honestly, they’re not exaggerating. These aren’t dainty little trickles, but are proper thundering cascades that hit your back like a full-body massage. And because the water flows through herbal forests, people genuinely believe it has medicinal properties. Five Falls loves a crowd, and the crowd loves it back. The place is always packed. You can also head to Old Courtallam if you want a moment to breathe. In monsoon, this place turns into a living, roaring green dream.

Also Read: Monsoon In The Hills: Why Kolli Hills Is Tamil Nadu’s Best Kept Secret

4. Escape To Manimuthar

About an hour from the city, the Manimuthar Dam is where nature decides to slow things down. Watch still blue water framed by emerald hills and the occasional echo of bird calls. And if you trek a little further, the Manimuthar Waterfalls will reward you with pristine water and the kind of quiet that modern life forgot.

5. Visit The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

This is not your average bird-watching experience. Koonthankulam isn’t run by forest officials, it’s protected by the villagers themselves. Come here between December and March and you’ll see thousands of painted storks, pelicans, flamingos, and other migrants flapping about like they own the place. And honestly, they kind of do.

Also Read: 8 Unique Halwas To Try In Tirunelveli, The Halwa City Of India

6. Hike Into Papanasam

Agasthiyar Falls isn’t just another waterfall; it’s a pilgrimage. The legend goes that Sage Agastya himself meditated here, and a dip in these waters is believed to wash away sins. Whether or not you believe in sin-cleansing, the waterfalls here are cool, ferocious, and surrounded by wild jungle that feels completely untouched. Downstream, the ancient Papanasanathar Temple stands calm and entirely unbothered by the passage of time.

Also Read: 8 Places To Visit In Tirunelveli, South India’s Best Kept Secret

7. Wander Through Palayamkottai

Palayamkottai isn’t trying to be cool, it just is. Known as the ‘Oxford of South India’, this neighbourhood is full of colonial-era buildings, sleepy libraries, and leafy lanes that seem to exhale wisdom. Walk past St. John’s College or the Holy Trinity Cathedral and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time warp. It contains old libraries, leafy boulevards, century-old colleges, and a quiet, scholarly atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and deeply rooted in Tamil culture.

Also Read: 8 Reasons Why Tirunelveli Is An Underrated South Indian Getaway Destination

8. Make A Pitstop At Sankaranainar Kovil 

Sankaranainar Kovil is home to Lord Sankaranarayana, a half-Shiva, half-Vishnu deity that’s all about harmony. The 135-foot gopuram is a jaw-dropper, and during the annual chariot festival, the entire town lights up with colour, music, and a sense of joyous chaos. This temple doesn’t just preach unity but builds it into its architecture.

9. Local Dishes To Relish

Beyond the legendary halwa, the city is famous for dishes like sodhi (a coconut-milk-based curry), spicy parottas with salna, and hot idlis paired with fiery red chutney. One unmissable spot is Noor Mohammadiya (NooDody). This one is a local favourite that’s practically a landmark. It is known for its rich mutton chukka, buttery parottas, and fiery b**f fry. For a more traditional vegetarian thali, Vairamaligai Hotel is a go-to, dishing out sambar, kootu, and appalams on banana leaves with that homely aura.

Also Read: 8 Fascinating Facts About Tirunelveli That’ll Make You Want To Visit This Hidden Gem In South India

10. Chase A Sunset By The Thamirabarani River

Just you, the river, and the sky slipping into gold, yes that’s what the Thamirabarani River experience looks like. The Thamirabarani isn’t just a river, it’s a living thread through Tirunelveli’s culture and spirituality. Find a quiet ghat, maybe near Suthamalli or Srivaikuntam, and just sit and observe. You’ll see kids playing, elders chanting, birds heading home, and a town that seems perfectly content to end its day with grace.

Head To Tirunelveli Now

This isn’t a place built for filters and hashtags. It’s for people who want their travel real, raw and delicious. Tirunelveli doesn’t put on a show, it beautifully and soulfully wraps you in its warm and iconic embrace. So next time you’re scrolling through South India destinations, pause that thumb at Tirunelveli.

Cover Image Courtesy: tirunelveli.nic/website