Madurai, the second largest city in TamilNadu is one of the important tourist destinations in South India. People from various countries are visiting this buzzling commercial centre everyday. The allurements in & around this city are the Meenakshiamman temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Azhagar Kovil and Thiruparankundram. The Meenakshiamman temple with its magnificient gopurams, mandapams and the Potramaraikulam is an attraction for everyone visiting Madurai. This city is very famous for its jasmine flowers. According to puranas, Lord Shiva played his "Thiruvillayadal" in Madurai.

Tiruchendur is famous for its Murugan Temple on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Its one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya and has many legends associated with the temple. This isthalam is referred in Tamil literature and sung by many poets of various periods. The temple has 2 large prakarams and has got a 9 tiered gopuram. Naazhi Kinaru, a step well considered as sacred and Valli Cave, a cave temple are the places to be seen near the temple. Over lakhs of devotees gather on the sea shore every year on the festival of Kanda Shasti during which Soorasamhaaram(Demolition of Surapadman) is enacted. Tiruchendur can be reached easily from Tuticorin and Tirunelveli.

Kodaikanal is a hill resort in the chain of Palani hills noted for its serene beauty and pleasant climate. It is a perfect holiday destination for everyone who needs relaxation and enjoyment. In the popular Kodai lake, boating, cycling & horse-riding are ready for you. In the Bryant park you can enjoy a multitude of flora of various species. Kurinji Flower is one of the most attractions of Kodaikanal which blossoms once in 12 years. Other places that can be visited here are Silver Falls, Cap view, Pillar Rocks etc.

Rameswaram is an island famous for its theerthams and Pamban Bridge. The Ramanatha Swamy temple has histories associated with the epic Ramayana. The deity in this temple represents the 12 Jyotirlinga istalams of South India. The Agni Theertham along with other theerthams is believed to purify the sinners. The Pamban Bridge here is an engineering wonder which connects this island with the mainland. Coral reefs can be seen from Dhanuskodi, a small isle near Rameswaram.

Kanyakumari also known as Cape Commorin is the southern most tip of the Indian Peninsula. Its multicolor beaches are noteworthy and the sights of sunrise & sunset are spectacular. The places to be seen here are the Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock, Gandhi Museum and the Suchindram Temple which is 13 kms away from Kanyakumari. The black stone image of the Goddess Kanyakumari and her diamond nose-stead are remarkable. Kanyakumari is also a pilgrim centre.

Pillayarpatti is a small village situated in Sivagangai district between Pudukottai and Karaikudi. Pillayarpatti is famous for its magnificient temple of Lord Ganesh.

Vinayak, the God of Victory is the main deity here in the name Karpaga Vinayakar. This temple is the only one in TamilNadu which deserves pride for having a 6 feet rock-cut Vinayak idol. The Thumbikai of Lord Ganesh is curled towards his right side and so the God is also known as Valampuri Vinayakar. The larger inner shrine with its splendid sculptures make the people wonder on the first sight.

Besides this Ganesh image, there are many other images of deities carved out of rocks. One of them is Thiruveesar, a Siva Lingam. Other gods presiding in this temple are Marudankudi Eesar and Vaadaamalar Mangai. Every day five poojas are offered to the God.

In front of the temple is a large beautiful teppakulam(tank) and it serves the water needs of the temple devasthanam. The temple has two splendid Rajagopurams. There are many inscriptions found in this temple which tell us the history of this ancient architecture.

The maintenance of the temple premises is also a major reason for drawing people here and all the glory belongs to the Chettiar community who have renovated the entire temple and taken care of it.

The festivals Ganesh Chathurthi & Karthigai are celebrated here in a grand manner. Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated as a 10 day festival with flag hoisting. During this festive season, Lord Ganesh is taken on a procession in his Mooshika Vahana. The Car festival on the 9th day and Theerthavari on the 10th day draws millions of people from all over the nation and the State Government arranges for special buses every year. 'Thiruvaathirai' is also celebrated here in the Tamil month of Margazhi. Another 10 day festival honouring the Goddess Kongu Nachiamman is celebrated in the month of Vaigasi.

The other places to be seen near Pillaryarpatti include Gokarneswarar temple in Pudukottai, the hill temple of Shanmuganathar at Kunnakudi, Kaallaiyar Koil, Madapuram & Pattamangalam.

Being one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga, Palani is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name 'Pazhani'. Palani has also a legend associated with Sage Agasthiyar and his disciple Idumban from which Kavadi worship begins.

The temple of Pazhaniandavar is situated in the Palani Hills at the height of about 1400 feet from the sea level. From the temple prakaram one can see the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the rivers flowing around Palani, the greenfields and even the Kurinchiandavar temple in Kodaikanal hills on a clear day.

The temple is opened for 16 hrs a day and can be reached through steps (about 650) or through winches. The vimanam of this temple is a gold-plated one. The Navaranga mandapam supported by 12 pillars is beautiful. On the way from the foot of the Palani Hills to the temple above, there are shrines for Meeenakshi Sundareswarar, Padivinayakar, Murugan with Idumban under the Kura tree.

The deity here is Lord Muruga in the name 'Dandayuthapani' with a baton in his hand. The icon here symbolizes the truth 'Give Up everything to reach God'. The idol here is made up of a fusion of nine minerals known as Navabhashanam by the sidda 'Bhogar'. Since the lord here is Abhisheka Priyar so many abhishekams are performed to the deity daily and on special occasions. The materials used for abhishekam acquire medicinal properties and is believed to cure some diseases. Leucoderma and asthma are cured by the use of abhishekam water.

Devotees offer kavadi to the lord in this temple. Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Shasti, Vaikasi Vishakam and Tirukkarttikai are the festivals celebrated here which attracts devotees from many places. Pazhani is famous for its Panchamirtham and Vibhuthi. The Rakkala Santhanam(Sandal paste applied on the idol of Lord Muruga over night) is considered sacred and it has significant medicinal qualities.

Lord Muruga's Golden kavasam, Golden Chariot and the Golden Peacock show extreme beauty. The procession of Lord Muruga in the golden chariot 'Thanga Ratham' on Thai Pucam is worth to be seen.

Boghar is a siddhar believed to be lived in Kali Yuga. The idol in Dandayuthapani Swamy temple is made by him. Boghar shrine is on the southwestern corridor of the temple. It is said there is a secret underground passage from this shrine to the shrine of the deity. The Maragatha Lingam (made of Emerald) worshipped by Boghar is found here.

On the foot of the Pazhani hills is the Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswamy temple and the spot is known as Thiru Avinangudi. As the name specifies, Lord Muruga here appears as a child in his peacock vehicle. There is a shrine for Arunagirinadhar in this temple and there is a tank which is considered sacred. One can witness amla tree(Nelli) and nagalinga tree here.

Besides this temple is the famous Saravana Poigai theertham which draws a massive crowd. Dipping in this theetham is considered sacred and everyone who visit this spot atleast sprinkle its waters over their head before entering the temple. Facilities are arranged by the temple Devasthanam separately for men and women.

Situated at the centre of the town this temple is at a distance of 2 kms from Palani malai adivaram. This temple is also known Town Temple and the Deity here is Periya Nayaki Amman. Here the shrine for Lord Muruga is in between the shrines of Periya Nayaki Amman in south and Kailasanathar in north. This seating arrangement of the three gods is known by the name Somaskandar.

The temple is known for its magnificient sculptures. There are sanctums for Muthukumaraswamy, Subramanyar and Natarajar. In the Muthukumaraswamy shirne, there are deities with wonderful artwork kept in the iron railings.

Shanmuga Nathi is at a distance of about 3 kms from the Palani Malai Adivaram and can be reached easily via town buses. There is a belief that taking a bath in this river on a new moon day(Amavasyai), will absolve our sins. Devotees who take Kavadi to Palani Murugan take a bath here before going to the temple atop in the hills.There are many shrines situated on the banks of this river.

The deity here is a Swayambu Lingam known as Periya Avudaiyar or Brahadeeswar. The grand sculpture of Dakshinamurthi is amazing. The image of 'Rudran', a form of Lord Shiva which is said to be rare is found here.

Courtallam is located at a height of about 167m in the chain of Western Ghats. It is one of the most prominent tourist spots noted for waterfalls in Tirunelveli District. In Tamil Literature, Courtallam is cited in various names such as Pithur Kanda Theerthapuram, Mukthiveli, Thirunagaram, Nannagaram & Vasanthaperur. 'Kutralakkuravanji' in Purananooru speaks of the beauties and specialities of this town.

There are about 9 falls in Courtallam which include Main Falls, Five Falls, Old Falls, Tiger Falls, Sittraruvi, Shenbaga Devi Falls, Honey Falls, Orchid Falls and Palaruvi. These falls receive water from the river Chittar. Since this river runs via thick woods of rare herbal flora before falling here, the water is said to have medicinal qualities and cure some diseases. Taking a bath in these waterfalls will rejuvenate our mind and body.

Main Falls (Peraruvi) - Among the nine waterfalls, only the Main Falls is in Courtallam falling from a height of about 60 m. Here the water pours down at varying velocities and forces as per the amount of rainfall in the Western Ghats.

Five Falls (Aintharuvi) - It is the most preferred falls by many people which separates into 5 branches as it reaches the ground. It's about 4 kms away from Courtallam.

Old Falls(Pazhaya Courtallam) - This falls is about 6 kms away from Courtallam and is ideal for anyone to enjoy.

Honey Falls(Thenaruvi) - The name comes as honey can be obtained from this place. The falls is amidst the jungle up in the mountains. It can be reached only by walk and is risky. It takes almost 2 hrs to reach this spot and people are not allowed to bath here as it is very dangerous.

Shenbaga Devi Falls - This falls is on the way to the Honey Falls. The location is surrounded by Shenbaga trees which bears the fragrant Shenbaga flowers. Near this waterfalls is the Shenbaga Devi temple. People usually take bath here and worship the Goddess in the temple. It's about 3 km from Courtallam up the hills.

Tiger Falls(Puliyaruvi) - It is situated about 2 kms from the Courtallam bus stand. The flow of water is smooth here and is perfect for children to enjoy waterfalls.

Little Falls(Sittraruvi) - This falls located is near the Main Falls and we have to pay to take a bath here.

This temple is situated amidst mountains and is close to the Peraruvi(Main Falls). The deity here is Lord Shiva in the name 'Thirukutralanathar' and the Goddess is 'Kuzhalal VaiMozhi'. This temple has got its name in Devaram and legends say that the great sage Agasthiyar has worshipped here. The Isthala virutcham of this temple is the Jack Tree.

According to puranas, Lord Nataraja is said to have presented his dance in five Sabhas. One among them is in Courtallam and it is the Chitra Sabhai. Chitra Sabha is near the Kutralanathar temple and it exhibits various paintings of deities and puranas. This sabha is built using herbs.

Papanasam, a village surrounded by ghats is situated at a distance of about 45 kms from Tirunelveli and can be reached easily from Courtallam. There is a dam in Papanasam and hydroelectricity is generated here.

The river Thamiraparani (noted for its sweet water) before reaching the plains splits into many branches as falls. One among them is the Agasthiyar Falls in Papanasam which falls from a height of about 100m. People are not allowed to visit this falls after dusk because wild beasts around the jungles come here to drink water. Tourists could see a kind of langur here which can be found only in this part of Western Ghats. Other rare species of birds can also be cited here.

There is a Siva temple in Papanasam worshipped by sage Agasthiyar. The deity here is known by the name 'Papa Vinasar' meaning one who removes our sins. People have a faith that their sins will be removed if they take a bath in Agasthiyar Falls and worship Lord Papavinasar. A huge mass of people gather here everyyear on the full moon day of the Tamil month Chittirai.

The other temples that can be visited in Courtallam are Koothar Kovil, Courtalla Nangai Kovil and Thirugnana Sambandar Kovil.