CHAPTER LII

TOURISM IN TILRUNELVELI DISTRICT

135

Introduction

In this chapter an attempt is made to study the geographic and demographic profile

of Tirunelveli district. The history and importance of 25 attractive tourist centres in

Tirunelveli district are narrated in an abridged manner. Moreover for the purpose of

studying tourist arrivals both domestic and foreign tourists, 13 important centres were

selected from the 25 centres, because of the availability of arrival statistics at tourism

office, Tirunelveli. An attempt is also made to study the accommodation facilities namely

number of lodging units, rooms and beds available at important towns recognised by the

Tamil Nadu Tourism and Development Corporation Limited. Besides tariff rates for air-

conditioned and non- air conditioned beds, bed nights spent by foreign tourists at

Tirunelveli district and employment generated by the tourism industry at Tirunelveli

district are also studied.

History of Tirunelveli District

Tirunelveli, an ancient city, is about 2000 years old and it is a town with a hoary

tradition. Next to Madurai, it was an important city of the Pandiya Kingdom as it served

their capital for some time. Tampiraparani river, which flows here is the pride of the city.

Tirunelveli is the capital of Tirunelveli district. The present Thoothukudi district was

once a part of Tirunelveli District. Later Thoothukudi district was formed out of

Tirunelveli district.

In the olden days, Tirunelveli was referred to as "Salippathiyoor" in literature. The

King Raja Raja Cholan, when he entered Tirunelveli district, he first installed his town at

Gangaikondan. Palayamkottai has been even referred to as the Oxford of south India,

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where there was a fortress built by Nayak rulers. Krishnapillai who sang a poem,

"Iratchanya Yathrigam (Reddiyapatti): Rasigamani T. K. Chi Idambaranatha Mudaliyar

(Tenkasi), Tirukoodarasappa Kavirayar (Melagaram near Courtallam) who sang "kutrala

Kuravangi" (folk songs), Parimelazhagar, (Kadayam), Bharathi (Ettayapuram) etc

brought fame to Tirunelveli district.

Geographic and Demographic Profile

The Tirunelveli district spreads over a geographical area of 6838 square

kilometers whereas the area under forest is 41,22,146 hectares. The total population in

the district is 25,01,832 with 12,29,902 male and 12,71,930 female. The urban and rural

population consist of 7,93,176 and 17,08,656 respectively. The literate population of

male and female are 8,19,183 and 6,00,578 respectively. The birth rate in the district is

17.22 per 1.000 population. The density of population per square kilometer in the district

is 367'.

Administrative Division in Tirunelveli District

The Tirunelveli district consists of three revenue divisions namely Tirunelveli,

Tenkasi and Cheranmahadevi. The ten taluks in the district are Tirunelveli,

Palayamkottai, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi, Shenkottai, Sivagiri, Nanguneri,

Ambasamudram, Radhapuram and Veerakeralampudur. The district consists of one

Corporation (Tirunelveli), 6 Municipalities (Tenkasi, Shencottai, Kadayanallur,

1 . Pate, H. R., Tirunelveli District Gazetteer, (1916), Documentation Service Series,Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli., 1993, pp. 1,448.

137

Sankarankovil, Puliyangudi and Courtallam), 10 revenue taluk, 19 Panchayat unions, 37

town panchayats, 56 firkas, 631 revenue villages and 435 village panchayats .

Reserviours

The Important reservoirs in Tirunelveli districts are Papanasam with a maximum

water level of 143 feet, Manimuthar (118 feet), Karaiyar (144 feet), Servalar (156 feet),

Karupparradhi dam (73 feet) and Kundar dam (36.10 feet).

Important Tourist Centres in Tirunelveli District

There are many tourist centres in Tirunelveli district. But only the important

tourist centres with very good background tourism elements and where the flow of

tourists is also considerable, are summarised below.

Courtallam

The very name of Courtallam brings to one's minds and eyes the legendary water

falls, the major attraction to the young and the old, rich and poor, local or inter state and

foreign tourists. The attraction is the wild climate with a soft sun and pleasant drizzling.

Courtallam is also equally known for its temple dedicated to Kutralanathar with his

consort Kuzhalvaimozhi Ammai and Saint Manickavasaka's Thiruvasagam sings the

glory of it. Courtallam besides being an ideal tourist spot is also an excellent health

resort 2 The water of Courtallam possesses medicinal properties as it passes through the

1. Ibid.

2. Tourism Handbook, places of Interest, Chapter 19, "Courtallam", Tirunelveli District,

pp. 9, 10.

138

forests of herbs and medicinal plants in the hills before it descends. The water of the

various falls in Courtallam has a miraculous effect on the health and convalescing effect

on those who bathe their.

Courtallam enjoys an elevation of an altitude of about 167 metres from the sea

level, on the Western Ghats. The season at Courtallam prevails for four months from June

to September in a year. Another special feature of this tourist spot-cum-temple town is

that it features in the folk drama, "Thirukkutrala kuravanji" composed by the celebrated

poet Thirukoodarasappa Kavirayar about a century and half ago. This is considered as

the greatest literacy tribute to the place, its deities, mountains, forests, the tribes

(Kuravan) their life-style, etc. That it lends itself to music makes it a unique literary

creation.

There is also a sub-shrine near the main falls, which is known as Chithira Sabha,

(hail of pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja, a decorated with mural paintings of deities

and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. This Sabha's colour scheme is unique

in that primary colours have been avoided there. Of the five Sabhas attributed to lord

Nataraja, two are in Tirunelveli district. One is at Courtaliam and another one is at the

Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli town'.

Among the few cataracts in Tamilnadu, the one in Courtallam at its southwestern

extremity bordering on Kerala, stands unique in many respects. The "spa" of the south is

situated on the Western Ghats, just beside the Shencottai gap in the range known as the

1. The Hindu, July 14,1996, p.18.

139

Ariyangavu pass. The picturesque surroundings with the backdrops of chord-capped

spurs of the Western Ghats lend an unusual charm to the falls. The rapturous scenes of

the falls get heightened by the cool breeze that wafts during seasonal month (June to

September) along with intermittent drizzle and sunlight.

The season at Courtallam from November to January coincides with the Northeast

Monsoon. The water falls Vada Aruvi (Main falls, Courtallam) one of the most striking

natural beauties of the place is in full flood. Such an idyllic place strikingly surpasses

others in its having a vast spread of cascade at different locations in the hill range. All

along the spurs of the Western Ghats, which form more or less a hemisphere around

Courtallam, there are eight places where water pours down torrentially with varying

velocity and force according to the height of the precipice. They are, Main Falls, abutting

the kutralanathar temple, the Five falls, situated five kilometers from Courtallani at the

foothill of Western Ghats, Orchard falls just above the Five Falls, also known as VIP

Fails as only tourists all allowed on permission, the Shanbhaga Falls, right above the

Main Falls, in the interior of the thick forest, the Tiger Falls on the way to old

Courtallam, Old Courtallam Falls, on the sub-way goes from Courtallam to

Ambasamudram, Honey Falls right above the Shanbhaga Falls in the forests, Sittaruvi

(smaller cascade). Iron rails have been provided in all these places for bathers to hold on,

while standing underneath the falls. It is very risky to have bath in the Honey Falls and

Shenbhaga Falls.

From early days itself Courtallam has been considered as a sanatorium of the

district and the Europeans frequently visited this place. In 1811 A.D. East India Company

140

deputed a special medical team to study significance of Courtallam and the medicinal

properties of the water. The committee submitted a report stating that the water possessed

a rare quality, which helped rejuvenate and reinvigorate those who bathed in it. Visitors

to this place like to have bath in these falls from dawn to dusk. One can have bath at

anytime in a day and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to possess

medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Many medicinal reports

say that the falling of the water, after first shock is over, gives an indescribable feeling of

pleasure and its constant beating hastens the circulation and produces a fine glow all over

the body. It also dispels languor, raises the spirits, stimulates appetite and promotes

digestion. It is therefore, said that those suffering from iron rheumatic joints, chronic

headache, nerve disorder and fits of insanity get cured by a lengthy stay at Courtallam.

There are also some institutions run by Ayurvedic Physicians and many patients suffering

from insanity get treatment here. The scenic settings of this place accompanied by the

tender care of the physicians yielded good results in the cure of patients with mental

instability.

Apart from the dashing cascades it has a temple, dedicated to Lord Siva called

Thirukutralanathar, which faces east. The goddess KuzhalvaimOZhi is on the right of the

presiding deity and Parasakthi is on the left. This is one of the oldest temples and is one

among the 11 14 SivasthalamS" of the Pandya kingdom. The name Kuttalam was derived

from "Kutral" the name of a forest tree under the refreshing shade of which the god was

said to have seated himself in the company of his spouse. The Sthala Viruksha of this

temple is 'jack-tree'.

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This conch shaped temple stands unique example portraying the engineering

marvel and sculptural extravaganza for which Tamil Nadu temples are famous. As we

enter the temple from the eastern side, a huge hail called Thirukuda Mandapam is seen.

On festival days the deities are specially decorated and worshipped here. Another sub

temple Shenbagadevi Amman temple is situated a little further in the dense forest near

Shenbagadevi Falls. Parasakthi temple at Courtallam, which is also popularly known as

Dharani peetam, is one of the oldest sakthi peetams. Saint Thirunavukarasar, Gnana

Sambandar and Manikkavasagar, have versified this temple'.

There are three major festivals spread over ten days, each namely the Chitravishu

(during April), Aipasi vishu festival (in October) and Arudra festivals (in December-

January). The Thandava Deepa Aradhanai performed during these festivals is unique.

This Deeparadhana represents the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja. Many inscriptions

belonging to 10th and the 15th centuries are found in this temple.

The Chitra Sabha (hall of pictures) is dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated

with the paintings of rural deities and devotees of puranic stories and religious events. It

2is one among the five sabhas where lord Nataraja performed the cosmic dance.

Courtallam is about 9 km from the Tenkasi railway station, on the southern

railway connected by Virdhunagar. Tenkasi chord line as well as by the main line passing

through Kovilpatti, Maniyachi. Tirunelveli and AmbasarnUdram. It is an excellent health

1.Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter 19, "Courtallam", Tourism Office,

Tirunelveli, p.1 1.

2. Ibid.

142

resort. Courtallam a Municipal township has all modem amenities, line roads, transport

service, post and telegraph office, police station, telephone facilities, schools, college,

library, reading room, park, tennis court, electric supply and protected water supply. The

Tamil Nadu Tourism and Development Corporation Limited celebrates every year the

"Saral Vizha" during the months of July and August, normally at the peak season period.

Papanasam

Papanasam is famous for the saivite temple namely Papavinasar Temple. This

place is having well knit communications both by road and by train. Papanasam is also

called Papavinasam. It is famous for the beautiful Kalyana Theertham Falls. A dip in

this falls is believed to remove one's sins. Papavinasar is a swayambulingam. Other

names are Pazhamarain ay agar, Mukkalal ingar, Vay irasal ingar, and Paranjothil ingar. His

divine consort is Ulagambigai in the separate shrine, with all her grace protecting the

people of this town. Vickramasingar Pandiyan is said to have built this temple in 13th

century A.D. Because of this, the place is also called Vickramasingapuram. Kala tree is

the Sthala Viruksham of this temple. Huge walls on all the four sides enclose the temple.

The main gopuram is 80 feet in height with seven tiers. The plaster figures on the

gopuram are very attractive. The fish figures found in the vimanas of the mandapams

indicate that these were the works of Pandiyas. Lion yallies and young maidens in the

pillars of the mandapams speak of the artistic skill of the artisans of those days'. It is

delightful to watch fishes of various sizes and colours in the river in front of this temple.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter 19, "Papanasani", Tirunelveli District,

pp. 28,29.

143

Poojas are performed six times daily. Chithirai (April-May) Brahmothsavam is the most

important festival in this temple.The legend has that during the marriage of Lord Siva and

Parvathi at Mount Kailasa, the place began to loose equilibrium due to over crowding.

To restore equilibrium Saint Agasthiya was asked to go to south. Thus Agasthiya went to

south corner and stayed at Papanasam of pothigai hills. After that Lord Siva appeared

before Agastiar with wedding scene at Papanasam. Agasthiar temple, Agasthiar falls,

Hydro electric power project and kalyana theertham, are to be seen which are just 4 kms

from Papavinasar temple (Papanasam). It is a direct excursion centre. During April 14th

thousands of people come here to have a holy dip at Panatheertham. The origin of

Tampiraparani River is very near from Papanasam. Tamil Nadu Tourism and

Development Corporation is developing this centre by allocating more funds and also

conducting cultural programmes and festivals during the festive seasons in the months of

June-July and April-May.

Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli city has an area of 87.65 square kilometers with an altitude of 100

meters from the sea level. This town has a population of 3,65,932. The great Poet

Bharathi studied at Tirunelveli. The freedom fighters of 18 th to 20th century

Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Pulithevan, Veeran Azhagumuthukofle, V.0. Chidambaram

etc., belonged to Tirunelveli district. Hence Tirunelveli district was placed first for

freedom struggle to quit British dynasty. At Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli Town,

Tambara Shabas is said to be one of the five sabha of Lord Siva where he performed his

cosmic dance to the delight Devas. Even now during the Tamil month of Marhazhi

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(December-January) Lord Nataraja dances in the above sabha. This on Thiruvathirai day,

Lord Nataraja's cosmic dance is celebrated here with great pomp'. Behind the Tambara

Shaba is the sandal paste Sabapathi and to the west of it is the image of the Saivite

devotee Muluthukonda Ramkone.

District Science Centre and Museum

The District Science Centre is located on the bank of Thampiraparani River at

Kokirakulam. This centre highlights modem scientific innovation, theory and formula for

younger generations. It is a worth seeing centre for everybody. There is a multipurpose

museum located in Tirunelveli - Tiruvanandapuram road at Palayamkottai. All kinds of

archaeological remainings can be seen.

Krishnapuram Vishnu Temple

The Venkatachalapathy temple at Krishnapuram village on the Tirunelveli-

Tiruchendur main road about 12 km from Tirunelveli is one of the few specimens

depicting the architectural marvel and grandeur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu

and the presiding deity is Thiruvenkatanathar. There are number of life size minute

carved stone sculptures with intricate workmanship. One should not miss visiting this

temple since this temple is a treasure house of temple arts. Sthalpuranam of this temple

goes back to the Kumarappa krishnappa Nayak's regime, who ruled this part of the

country as the Chieftain in the 18th century. The minute carved stone sculptures found in

Thirumana mandapam and Aranga mandapam are superb.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of interest, Chapter- 19, "Krishnapuram Vishnu Temple"

Tirunelveli District, pp. 41-46.

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Navakailayam

Nine Lord Siva Shrines highlights Navagraghas, which gives health and wealth to the

pilgrim. The following are referred as Navakailayam shrines.

I. Papanasam, 45 km from Tirunelveli

2. Cheranmahadevi, 22 Km from Tirunelveli

3. Kodayanallur, 15 km from Tirunelveli

4. Kuimathoor, 7 km from Tirunelveli

5. Murappanadu, 17 km from Tirunelveli on the way to Tuticorin

6. Srivaigundam, 30 km from Tirunelveli on the way to Tiruchendur

7. Thenthirupperai, 38 km from Tirunelveli on the way to Tiruchendur

8. Rajapathi, 38 km from Tirunelveli

9. Sendamangalarn, 43 km from Tirunelveli

Sankarankovil

The Sankaranarayafla Swamy temple is situated on Virudhunagar - Tenkasi rail

line of Southern Railway. Sankaranainar kovil commonly called Sankarankovil is a town

well knit with Tirunelveli and other parts of the districts with good bus facilities. The

Lingam in this temple is the personification of the earth. This temple was built by Ukira

Pandiyar, who ruled this area in the early part of the 1 1 th century A.D. Later Sri

SeevalamaraPafldian renevated this temple. The inscription in the temple also mentions

various landed gifts made by the Pandya rulers for the maintenance of the temple. The

temple is in an area of about four acres and it is surrounded by huge walls on all the four

146

sides. The main Gopuram is 125 feet in height and it has nine tiers with beautiful plaster

figures. This temple is composed of three shrines. The main deity SankaralingasamY and

his consort is Gomathi Amman have separate sanctums. In between Sankaralingasamy

and Gomathi Ambal sanctum we find Sankaranarayafla Swamy sanctorum. The image of

Sankaranarayna Swamy is a unique example portraying that Hari and Hara are one and

the same. The image of Sankaranarayana Swamy has the symbol of Lord Siva on the

right with a cobra around the neck, crescent on the head and on left Lord Vishnu with his

Conch and Discus. The idol is one such specimen depicting the skill of the architect. Adi

Thapasu celebrated in Adi (July - August) is considered as a very important festival'. It

attracts lakhs of people from nearby districts. Chitra festival (April-May), Deepam

festival in Thai (January-February) also attract large crowds.

Tenkasi

Tenkasi means South Banaras, is famous for Kasiviswanath& temple. The story of

the building is narrated in an inscription on a four-sided pillar set up in front of the

Gopuram. The king, Arikesari Parakrama Pandiayan commenced the temple work in

1446 AD and completed in 1463 AD2.

An inscription found in one of the pillars in front of this temple states that since

the temple in the Northern Banaras was destroyed by the enemies, this temple was built

1.Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-19, "Sankarankovil", Tirunelveli

District, pp. 32-34.

2.Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, "Tenkasi", Chapter-I9, Tirunelveli District, pp.

35-37:

147

here. It is also said that the Tenkasi Pandiyan Coronation festival was celebrated in this

temple. In this gopuram there is a facility made to know the time of the day and this was

called Nazhigai Vathil and the entrance was called Nazhigai Vathil Vassal.

This temple is proud of having Sarang, one of the important string musical

instruments used for playing before Goddess from evening Pooja to night pooja, The two

sets of musical pillars in the central shrine of Vishvanatha and of Subramainyar have

notable features proving the excellence of the artist'

Many festivals are conducted in this temple in a grand manner. During June-July

(Adi), Sangabhishegam is celebrated. In July —August, float festival is celebrated during

September- October, Navarathiri festival takes place. Similarly Thirukalyana festival in

October- November and Thiruvathirai festival in December—January are famous here.

Thousands of people assemble here in this temple to witness the cosmic dance of Lord

Nataraja. During all these festivals the king Parakirama Pandya's statue is honoured with

pooja and sandal paste is applied to it. This is the only temple where the founder of the

temple is being honoured.

The other important temples in this town are Courtalanathaswamy temple, Elangi

Kumarar temple and Panpoli Thirumali Kumarasamy temple. It is believed that if a

person dies in Banaras he will attain salvation. But if a person is born, lives and dies in

Tenkasi he will get salvation, was the verdict of many Puranas. Tenkasi is the

headquarters of the Taft Te*a. hmajtiT crop cuttivated here is paddy. There is a

I. Ibid.

148

railway station at about half a kilometer from this town. This town is at a distance of 55

km from Tirunelveli, connected by frequent bus and train services.

Ambasamudram

Ambasamudrafli is the Taluk headquarters, 35 km from Tirunelveli. There are

four important temples in this town dedicated to Lord Siva namely Kasibanatha temple in

the south, Thirumalainathar temple in the west, Veeramarthandar temple in the east and

Ammaiappar temple in the north. These are ancient temples in this town. Apart from

this, many small temples devoted to Lord Vinayagar, Murugan and other deities can also

be seen. The Kasibanathar temple, which is very big, is said to be of 1000 years old.

Since Sage Kasibar is believed to have offered worship here, the presiding deity is called

Kasibanathar, the length and breath of this temple is 440' x 260'. There is a separate

shrine for Sri Vedanarayanar, popularly known as "Therku kovil. It has Arthamandapam

and Manimandapam. In a separate sanctrum we find Hanuman, a skillfully carved stone

figure, that is indeed a masterpiece of great art'.

Kadayam

Kadayam is situated on the Ambasamudrafli -Tenkasi highways, 15 kilometers

from Tenkasi on the banks of the Jambu river. Kadayam is a town panchayat. This place

is quite famous for rose water. Rose flowers and lemons are transported from this place

to other towns. It is said great Tamil poet SubramaniYa Bharathiyar had lived in this

town. There is an ancient temple VilvanathaswamY popularly known as 'Sri Kailayam'.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter -19, "Ambasamuthram", Tirunelveli District,

p.2.

149

The presiding deity is Vilvanathar who is a Swayambu lingam. The inscription found in

the temple wall reveals that this temple was built by Vickrama pandia, some 700 years

ago'. Even the Nayak king of Madurai also contributed for the renovation of this temple.

Manimutha r

Manimuthar is 47 kilometers from Tiruenveli. Nearest railhead of this place is

Kallidaikurichi, which is 7 kilometers from this place. Manimuthar dam, gorgeous garden

in this dam site, pleasure boat, beautiful park, Manimuthar waterfalls with a swimming

pool and salubrious climate are the attractions. Waterfalls are 5 kilometers from this dam

through zig zag Ghats Road. Manjolai Tea Estate having salubrious climate which is 10

km from the dam can be visited. The area of the dam is 83.2 square kilometers with a

total length of 9605 feet of which 8375 feet are made up of sand and 1230 feet are

constructed with cement. The total capacity of the dam is 5511 million cubic feet2.

Pottalputhur

The oldest Mosque here was built around the year 1674. It is so secular that it

attracts Hindus and Christian besides Muslims. This Mosque was built adopting the

Hindu temple architecture. in this mosque where the lebbais act as priests, customs

almost similar to those of Hindus are followed. This mosque stands as an example of

communal harmony and secularism. This mosque is considered as a pious and sacred

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Kadayam", Tirunelveli District,

p.15.

2. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Manimuthar", Tirunelveli

District, p.20.

150

next to Baghdad by the people of this place This town is 46 km from Tirunelveli via

Ambasamudrafli.

ThiruppudaimarUthUr

It is 40 km from Tirunelveli on the way to Tenkasi via Ambasamudram. On the

way at Veeravanallur village one should take a diversion to this village. Athalanathar

temple and Naramboonathar temple on the banks of river Thamiraparani attract tourists

because of scenic beauty. The stone sculptures and the legends of the temples are

interesting. The four styles of temple architecture namely Pandian, Chera, Chola and

Vijayanagar beautify the glorious temple. 16th century images depicting scenes from the

Ramayana and Mahabharata in the inner tower are remarkable 2 . This temple has early

inscriptions of Pandian rulers. Thaipoosam festival here attracts thousands of devotees.

Pathamadai

This village is 3 km from CheranmahadeVi, served by the number of buses in

addition to the occasional train service. The people of the region worship Maradiya Sasta

set on the pinnacle of a rock with great reverence. This is the birthplace of Swami

Siiananda, a doctor who turned an ascetic spreading the motive of love, sacrifice and

universal brotherhood. It is he who established Sivananda Ashramam at Rishikesh. The

Mohammedans manufacture mats from korai grasses of various qualities here. These

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Pottalputhur", Tirunelveli

District, p.30.

2. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Thruppudairnaruthur",

Tirunelveli District, p.39.

151

mats are quite famous in inland and large quantities of these mats are exported to foreign

countries1.

Manj olai

Manjolai is 57 kilometers away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162

feet. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay-Burma Tea Estate

is famous in this area. About 4000 people are working in this tea plantation. Manjolai is

noted for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere 2 . This place can easily be compared

with Udhagamandalam, the Queen of hills stations as for as the pleasing climate and

peaceful natural atmosphere are concerned. Just about the Manjolai, there are places like

Kakkachi and Nalumukku, which are real gifts of nature. On the way to Manjolai from

Manimuthar there is a very beautiful place called Dasan pool with plenty of fresh water,

greens and fine climate. The British officers in those days used to stay there and made

some arrangements for boating.

Mannarkoil

Vedanarayanpurafll was the ancient name of this place. Here Kulasekara Aiwar

spent his last days in the temple and attained salvation. To honour him, there is a separate

shrine for this Aiwar in the Northern prakaram. This temple is considered as one of the

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-19, "Pathamadai", Tirunelveli District,

p.29.

2. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-19, "Manjolai", Tirunelveli District,

p.2O.

152

sacred temples by the Vishnavas'. The temple is 7 km in the northwest of

Ambasamudram and it is in the midst of beautiful fertile green paddy fields and it can

inspire any one. The big Gopuram has five tiers and has the distinction of having artistic

plaster figures on it. There are two prakarams where one find Arthamandapam, a

Mahamandapam, a Manimandapam and pandal mandapam.

The most important feature about the temple is that Vishnu offers Dharashan to

devotees in all the three postures of sitting, standing and lying as Paramapathanathar,

Vedanarayanar and Ranganathar. Regular Poojas are conducted in this temple. The main

festivals that attract devotees of this area are Chitra Pournami in Tamil month Chithirai

(April-May) and Vaikunta- Eagathasi. in the Tamil month Marhazhi (December-January)

Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

The Mundanthurai Kalakad Wild Sanctuary in Tirunelveli District is developed as

a "National Tiger Reserve" from the year 1988 2 with a total area of 817 square kilometers

in the southern most part of the Western Ghats ranges. Out of 817 square kilometers, 459

square kilometers are in core zone and 358 square kilometers act as buffer zone. The

mountainous undulating topography is the characteristic feature leading to tropical dry

deciduous forest on the lower slopes and tropical wet evergreen forest on the upper

reaches. The climate is dry humid and hot at plains and pleasantly cold in the higher

elevations. The reserve is the southern most habitat of the tiger. Other predators like

1. Ibid.

2. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter- 19, "Mundanthurai", Tirunelveli

District, p.21.

153

endangered species found here are the nilgiri tar, sloth bear, Indian bison, Indian

elephant, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, mouse deer, sambar, wild boar, spotted

panthers, jungle cats, civets, dholes, jackals, striped hyenas are also found here. Other

deer and mongoose. Reptiles like king cobra, common kraits, monitor, lizards, crocodiles

etc. There are more than 80 species of birds found in this region.

There are 24 identified nature trails, which are spread over the reserve. It gives a

thrilling experience to trekkers. The tiger reserve is open on all days between 6.00 a.m.

to 6.00 p.m. through out the year. However the best season is from September to

January. Forest rest houses and dormitories are available at Mundanthurai and

Thalayanai.

Shenkottai

Shenkottai is a municipal corporation. The two rivers one in the north called

Hariharan , River and the other in the south called Gundaru, which join in the east and

merge with the Chitra river of Courtallam, makes this area fertile. The Hariharan temple

is situated in the southern end and this is a prominent Vaishnavite shrine in the taluk,

which occupies area of about 35 cents. The beautiful image of the deity in a standing

posture is about 5 feet in height. The sculptures of Sridevi and Bhudevi are found on

either sides of the Lord. In the Tamil month of Adi (July- August) a big festival takes

place in the temple. On Thiruvonam, lot of devotees celebrate the day as Arattu festival

here when the image of the Lord is immensed in the river, which is witnessed'.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Shencottai", Tirunelveli District,

p. 34.

154

Puliyarai

Puliyarai is a small town amidst sylvan surroundings (surrounded by the Western

Ghats on south west and north directions) and is at the distance of about 12 km from

Shencottai. In the southwestern side of this town there is a temple dedicated to Sadasiva

Moorthy, a Swayambulingam. A peculiar feature of this temple is that in front of

swayambulingam we find Dakshinamoorthy instead of usual Nandhi. This is the reason

why this temple is even now better known as Dakshinamoorthy temple'. The six days

Kalyana Urchavam celebration in the month of January- February draws a lot of people

to this place. The other deities found in this temple are Vinayagar, Subramaniyar,

Natarajar, Bairavar and Chandran Poojas are performed six times in a day as per Siva

Agama.

Sambavar Vadakarai

This place is 24 kilometers away from Shenkottai and is well connected by road to

Tirunelveli. The main deity in this temple is Mulanathaswami and his consort

Mathuravani. The temple faces east and is surrounded by beautiful stonewalls, trees

andgroves. It has a tower, three prakarams and two sanctums. These inner walls of the

shrines contain interesting stone inscriptions 2 . To the south of the sanctum of the sacred

lingam is the sannadhi of the divine consort Maduravani who is in a standing posture.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Puliyarai", Tirunelveli District,

p.30.

2. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter —19, "Sambavar

Vadakarai",TirUflelveli District, p.31.

155

The Chitra Pournami festival is celebrated for 10 days is a major annual festival of the

temple. The Thirukalyana Urchavam is celebrated for five days during October -

November.

Kalakad Wild Life Sanctuary

This sanctuary is 45 kilometers away from Tirunelveli and has an area of 223.5

square kilometers with a latitude of 100 to 1770 meters. Dry deciduous forest here is

famous for lion tailed macaque, which is a rare species found in India. Other animals are

sambar, panther, and wild dog, sloth bear, gaur, pangolin, elephant, tiger, birds and

reptiles.

Nanguneri

Nanguneri Town, the Taluk headquarter is also known as Sri Varamangalanathar,

Sri Varamangalam and Sri Purushamangai. In later days, it was also called Thothathiri

Manamalai and Nanguneri. This Town is 25 kilometers to the South of Tirunelveli lying

on the Tirunelveli Kanniyakumari road (N11-7) and enjoys great transport facilities.

This place is considered, as Pool ohavaigundam or heaven on earth. The

architecture in this temple is a mixture of both Pandya and Kerala style. This temple is

dedicated to Lord Thothathiri. This temple is situated in an area about 1500 square feet'

It is famous for the super architecture, the 200 feet ornamental gopuranl soaring high at

the main entrance. It consists of miniature columns beautiful in decorated one about, the

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-I9, "Nangunz'i", Tirunelveli District,

p.22.

156

other in the vertical order. This magic was done with the help of brick and mortar. The

presiding deity of Lord Thothathiri is in a sitting posture on the conch and under the

canopy of Athisesa with consort of Sri Devi and Poothevi. The gingili oil used in the

abishegam ceremony of this image is said to possess miraculous healing power. This

sacred oil is considered to be a divine cure form skin ailments and also for leprosy. This

oil is collected in Ennaikinar (oil well) situated on the north east corner of this temple.

This has been alluded to Sage Agasthiya in his Tamil book on medicine over 2000 years

ago.

Koonthankula m

Koonthankulani is a village in Nanguneri Taluk, a bird sanctuary, which has an

area of 10 kilometers with a population of 5000. The season prevailing here is attracting

bright blue visitors from skies. This hamlet is proud of welcoming painted storks,

cormorants, night herons, little egrets, pond herons and flamingoes. In recent years

flamingoes visit Koonthankulam for breading. The tanks here are great food suppliers. As

these are mainly irrigation tanks, filled with fish, they provide wholesome meals for

hungry fledglings. There are other sanctuaries larger in size with many more birds.

Koonthankulam has no guest houses but the people are more friendly and hospitable.

Nowadays, this hamlet is busy visited by foreigners all over the world.

ThirukkuruflkUdi

ThirukkuraflkUdi is a village situated 16 km from Nanguneri and about 40

kilometers from Tirunelveli Town. it is found at the feet of the Mahendragiri peak.,

which remains as a border with Kerala. It is one of the 108 Thivya Sethras held sacred

157

by the Vaishnavites. The temple with more magnificent artwork is dedicated to Lord

Vaishnava Nambi. The presiding deity of this beautiful temple is Alagiya Nambi or

Kurunkudi Nambi. Its sanctum is adorned by Panjakeshava Vamana. This temple is a

milestone in the history of Pandya architecture and dates back at least to 700 A.D'. The

Gopuram of this temple is a huge one with five tiers. The wall of this temple is a massive

one and there are five spacious prakarams. The temple has two separate sannadies one

for Irunthanambi and other for Kidanthanambi and is accompanied by his two consorts in

a standing posture in sanctum.

The technique of comprehension and enlargement in stone with artistry at its best

printed in each one of two pillars. This is perhaps the principal achievement of the

Thirukurungudi temple. The magnificent images found in this temple are the

contributions of the Nayaks and the Vijayanagar rulers. Particularly Krishna Devaraya

the master builder of South Indian, contributed a lot to the development of this temple.

Uvary

Uvary is a small fishing town situated 40 km away from Nanguneri in the

southeast direction and it is 70 kilometers away from Tirunelveli town. The people here

are mostly engaged in tiling and in the export of fishes to other parts of India. There is a

famous St. Xavier church, a few metres away from the seashore and the 'Kappal Matha'

church on the seashore. It is a beautiful church facing the blue sea. The waves rolling

I. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-19, "ThirukkurunkUdi", Tirunelveli

District, p.37.

I

158

near this church give us an impression that this ship shaped church is sailing on the sea,

which is really a treat to one's eyes. It is said that St. Xavier church belonged to 16th

century A.D. A beautiful shrine to Mother Mary as desired by the people on this town

was constructed and opened on 28th February 19541.

Tourists' Arrivals in Tirunelveli

In Tirunelveli, there are thirteen recognised tourist centres taken for the study

namely Ambasamudram, Courtallam, Kadayanallur, Nanguneri, Papanasam, Puliyangudi,

Radhapuram, Sankarankovil, Shencottai, Sivagiri, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Valliyoor.

The tourist arrivals at the different centres during 1996, 1997 and 1998 are presented in

Table 3.1.

1. Tourism Handbook, Places of Interest, Chapter-19, "Uvary", Tirunelveli District,

p.46.

TABLE 3.1

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN SELECTED TOURIST CENTRES INT[RUNELVELI DISTRICT DURING 1996-1998

S.No Name of the 1996 1997 1998Centres

159

Ambasamudram

Courtallam

Kadayanallur

Nanguneri

Papanasam

Puliyangudi

Radhapuram

Sankarankovil

Shencottai

Sivagiri

Tenkasi

Tirunelveli

Valliyoor

Total

75,000

4,37,235

39,000

54,000

2,25,000

39,000

64,000

2,18,000

56,000

45,000

1,32,000

2,17,000

75,000

16,76,235

77,000

3,95,980

40,000

57,000

2,32,000

41,000

66,000

2,19,000

58,000

46,000

1,35,000

2,22,000

77,000

79,000

4,57,400

42,000

59,000

2,38,000

43,000

69,000

2,23,000

61,000

48,000

1,38,000

2,25,0 16

79,000

I

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

16,65,980 1 17,61,416

Source: Tourist office, Tirunelveli.

Table 3.1 shows that the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli district increased from

16,76,235 in 1996 to 17,6 1,416 in 1998. The rate of increase comparing the year 1996

with 1998 was 5.08 %. The major attractive tourist centres were Courtallam, Papanasam,

Tirunelveli and Sankarankovil, which constituted around 73 per cent of the total tourist

arrivals in 1998. The tourist arrivals in Courtallam were the highest in Tirunelveli

160

district, even though the season was lasting only for three to four months in a year. The

total arrival of tourists in Tirunelveli district was highly influenced by the tourist arrivals

at Courtallam and in turn the tourist arrivals in Courtallam are highly influenced by the

monsoon at Courtallam. In 1997 the tourist arrivals were less than the total arrivals in

1996 because of vagaries of the monsoon. The tourist arrivals in Papanasam stood second

in Tirunel'c'eli district. The tourist arrivals in Papanasam were consistently increasing i.e.,

2,25,000 in 1996; 2,32,000 in 1997 and 2,38,000 in 1998. The attractive elements in

Papanasam are Tiger sanctuary, Agasthiar falls, Boating services at Karaiyar darn,

existence of ancient temples, and perennial water supply in the falls and scenic value of

this mountainous region.

The Third biggest tourist centre in Tirunelveli district is Tirunelveli, which

constituted 12.77 percent of the total tourist arrivals of the district in 1998. The attractive

places in Tirunelveli town are Government Museum, District Science Centre, Nellaiappar

temple, Thampiraparani River, etc. It is one of big towns in Southern part of Tamil

Nadu. This town is well knitted with railways and roadways communication. The other

tourist centres like Sankarankoil, Tenkasi, Ambasamudram, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram

are the pilgrim tourist centres.

Tourist Arrivals in Courtallam

Courtallam is the cynosure of Tirunelveli district and tourist arrivals in Courtallam

are usually higher during the season. The season normally lasts three months viz, July,

August, and September. Apart from the season time, the tourist arrivals are also high in

December and January, because Courtallam is on the way to Iyyappafl temple. lyyappan

161

Temple is at Sabari Malai in Kerala. The tourists usually enjoy the nice drizzling climate

at Courtallani. And tourists get delighted, when they take bath at the various falls in

Courtallam. Moreover Courtallam attracts pilgrims from all over Tamilnadu, as it is a

popular pilgrim centre. The month-wise tourist arrivals in Courtallam during the year

1997 and 1998 are given in Table 3.2.

TABLE 3.2

C' IT ,'iThITDPAI I Allil IbITRIN( 1997-98

MONTHLY 1UUKil jj1VtL, II •-" ------- -

1997 1998

S.No Month

- IDomestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 19321 44 19365 22211 77 22288

2 February 16397 33 16430 19038 58 19096

3 March 3486 Nil 3486 3989 14 4003

4 April 571 Nil 571 679 Nil 679

5 May 732 Nil 732 861 Nil 861

6 June 4849 9 4858 6621 17 6638

7 July 98176 780 98956 113275 987 114262

8 August 94266 799 95065 108743 966 109709

9 September 72530 561 73091 83676 789 1

84465

10 October 33775 356 34131 38982 523 39505

11 November 24910 307 25217 28057 417 28474

12 December 23820 158 23978 27151 269 27420

Total 392833 3047 3,95,980 453283 4117 457400

L Source: Tourism utnce, i irujielve".

162

Table 3.2 reveals that the tourist arrivals in Courtallam increased from 3,95,980 in

1997 to 4,57,400 in 1998. The share of foreign tourist arrivals was only 0.769 percent

(3047/395980) of the total arrivals at Courtallam in 1997, whereas it increased to 0.9

percent (4117/457400) in 1998. The dominant months of tourist arrivals in Courtallam

were July, August and September, which constituted more than 67 per cent of the total

arrivals of the year. In the month of July, the tourists' flow is at the maximum. The slack

months for the tourist arrivals were April and May because of the poor monsoon and less

water or no water-flow in the water falls at Courtallam. Scarcity of drinking water and

transportation facilities were other secondary causes for poor turnout of tourists' flow to

Courtallam in summer. The percentage of tourist arrivals in Courtallam compared with

the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli as a whole in the year 1998 was 25.97

(457400/1761416)

Tourist Arrivals in Papanasam

Papanasam is 30 kms from Courtallam. In Papanasam, the main tourist spots are

Papavinasar temple, Agasthiar temple, Agasthiar Falls, Hydro Electric Power Project,

Kalyana Theertham and Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary. The tourists arrange excursion to

Papanasam along with Courtallam as both the places are situated within 40 kilometers to

each other. The falls at Papanasam have water-flow even in the off-season time because

of the two dams at Karaiyar and Chervalar, which bestow water throughout the year.

When the season is a failure or when there is insufficient water supply at the falls in

Courtallam, most of the tourists' go to Papanasam for taking bath. Table 3.3 reveals the

month-wise tourist arrivals at Papanasam.

163

TABLE 3.3

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS IN PAPANASAM DURING 1997-98

1997 1998

S.NoMonth

^ Domestic

I Foreign

I

Total

I

Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 20617 28 20645 20111 12 20123

2 February 19216 26 19242 1992223 19945

3 March 17336 21 17357 17628 16 17644

4 April 14666 38 14704 14969 28 14997

5 May 16118 47 16165 16932 53 16985

6 June 17032 284 17316 17236 314 17550

7 July 13367 278 13645 14072 307 14379

8 August 10979 369 11348 11896 274 12170

9 September 23447 82 23529 24416102 24518

10 October 28702 48 28750 28902 27 28929

11 November 26021 46 26067 2701739 27056

12 December 23200 32 23232 2367826 23704

Total 230701 1299 232000 236779 1221 2380j

Source: Tourism Office, Tirunelveli

Table 3.3 shows that the increase in tourist arrivals at Papanasam was only in a

small magnitude that of 2.58 per cent to the total arrivals in the year 1998, because it was

not as much popular as Courtallam, though the scenic values were higher here. The busy

months of tourist arrivals were September, October, November, December and January

also. During the above four months, the tourist arrivals constituted nearly 52 per cent of

164

the annual tourist arrivals here. In Papanasam, the tourist arrivals were normal in the

remaining months of the year because of perennial water flows. The foreign tourist

arrivals were of 0.56 percent in 1997 and 0.51 per cent in 1998. The foreign tourists

arrivals were more in the months of June and July, mainly for research work at

Mundanthurai Wild Life Sanctuary. Papanasam is a famous pilgrim centre, which attracts

more people for the festivals like Adi Ammavasai and Chithirai Visu in the months of

August and April respectively. The tourist arrivals in the year 1998 at Papanasam

compared with the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli district were 13.51 percent.

(238000/1761416)

Tourist Arrivals in Tirunelveli Centre

The Tirunelveli centre consists of Nellaiyappar temple, District Science Centre,

Museum, Salai Kumaran Temple, Kurukkuthurai Murugan Temple, Holy Trimity

Cathedral and Krishnapuram Vishnu temple. The other nearest tourist spots are

Srivaigundam, Naththam, Thiruppul ingudi, Erattai Thiruppathi, Perunkulam,

Thirukkolar, Thenthirupperai and Aiwarthirunagari. The tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli

during 1997 and 1998 are presented in Table 3.4.

165

TABLE 3.4

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS IN TIRUNELVELI CENTRE DURING 1997-98

1997 1998

S.No Month

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 23117 12 23129 22718 28 22746

2 February 9227 4 9231 9007 8 9015

3 March 7729 - 7729 8129 - 8129

4 April 10668 86 10754 11676 72 11748

5 May 26368 132 26500 27168 143 27311

6 June 25719 87 25806 24392 91 24483

7 July 20636 168 20804 21392 142 21518

8 August 19337 - 19337 20373 21 20394

9 September 14021 - 14021 14618 8 14626

10 October 22916 - 22916 23196 16 23212

11 November 21618 49 21667 22617 57 22674

12 December 20017 89 20106 19081 63 19144

Total 221373 627 222000 224367 649 225016

Source: Tourism Office, TirunelveR.

Table 3.4 shows that there was only 1.36 percent increase in the tourist arrivals in

Tirunelveli centre in 1998 compared with the arrivals in the year 1997. The tourist

arrivals were uniformly spread over the year. The slack months of tourist arrivals in

Tirunelveli were only February and March whereas the busy months were may June and

January. The foreign tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli centre were lower when compared

with domestic tourists that accounted for 627 in 1997 and 649 in 1998. The foreign

166

tourist arrivals were more in the months of July, May, June and April in the year 1998.

Table 3.4 reveals that both the domestic and foreign tourist arrivals had been increasing

at the Tirunelveli centre. The percentage of tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli centre, in the

year 1998, compared with the same in Tirunelveli district as a whole was 12.77.

(225016/1761416)

Tourist Arrivals at Government Museum

The Government museum is near the Tirunelveli -Thiruvananthapuram road at

Palayamkottai. The Museum consists of invaluable historical relics to remember history.

The tourist arrivals in Government Museum at Tirunelveli are presented in Table 3.5

TABLE 3.5

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT GOVERNMENT MUSEUM INTIRIJNELVELI DURING 1998-2000

S.No Months 1998 1999 2000

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 375 - 375 628 4 632 1565 17 1582

2 February 853 - 853 415 2 417 1461 7 1468

3 March 937 - 937 620 4 624 1565 - 1565

4 April 425 3 428 513 2 515 1775 13 1788

S May 444 3 447 652 6 658 2793 22 2815

6 June 407 2 409 573 5 578 8345 15 8360

7 July 235 - 235 - - - 7252 7 7259

8 August 480 - 480 - - - 1532 15 1547

9 September 512 - 512 753 10 763 1575 17 1592

10 October 320 - 320 - . - 1473 15 1488

11 November 421 - 421 - - - 2110 11 2121

12 December NA - 1425 12 1437 2175 15 2190

Total 5409 8 5417 5579 45 5624 33621 154 33775

Source: Tourism Office, 1 irunelveli.

167

Table3.5 shows that the tourist arrivals were increasing from year to year. The

recorded tourist arrivals increased from 5417 in the year 1998 to 33775 in 2000. The

foreign tourist arrivals also increased from 8 in the year 1998 to 154 in 2000. The busy

months of tourist arrivals were June, July and December because the summer vacation

and reopening of schools and colleges.

Tourist Arrivals at District Science Centre

The District Science Centre highlights the importance of new scientific inventions

and innovations, which are highly useful to the budding scientists at school level. This

centre not only attracts students but also elders. This is situated nearer to the Museum.

The tourist arrivals in District Science Centre are given in Table 3.6

168

TABLE 3.6

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT DISTRICT SCIENCE CENTRE, TIRUNEL YELl,IMJRING 1998-2000

1998 1999 2000

S.No Months

FDomestic Foreign Total Domesticoreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 464 - 464 2317 5 2322 9253 17 9270

2 February 537 - 537 516 - 516 9158 15 9173

3 March 458 - 458 717 6 723 9265 12 9277

4 April 2250 8 2558 643 4 647 10352 15 10367

5 May 2340 8 2348 2152 13 2165 17245 27 17272

6 June 1936 4 1940 752 8 760 25248 11 25259

7 July 367 1 368 - - - 17242 12 17254

8 August 1237 - 1237 - - - 9253 18 9271

9 September 1417 - 1417 1535 32 1567 7525 17 7542

10 October 975 - 975 - - - 6537 17 6554

11 November 1814 12 1816 - - - 7853 16 7869

12 December NA - - 8343 15 8358 7973 19 7992

Total 13795 33 13828 16975 83 17058 136904 196 137100

Source: Tourism Office, 1 irunelveli

Table 3.6 reveals that nearly 99 per cent of the visitors were school students from

the local and nearby districts. The visitors at the centre increased from 13828 in 1998 to

137100 in 2000. During the two years the visitor's figures increased by 9.91 times. The

foreign tourist figures were also increasing. The visitor arrivals were high in the months

of April, May, June and July due to summer vacation and reopening of schools and

colleges. The arrival of foreign tourists was the highest in the month of May 2000 and

the arrivals were more in the year 2000, compared with the previous years 1998 and

1999.

169

Tourist Arrivals at Mundanthurai

Mundanthurai Sanctuary, well known for tigers, is situated in Ambasamudram

Taluk. Mundanthurai is similar to Kalakadu Sanctuary but with absence of elephants and

gaurs. It is situated in an area of 567 square kilometers. This sanctuary boasts of dry

deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests with patches of pure reeds. Accommodation

is available at the Forest Rest House in Mundanthurai with catering facilities also. Table

3.7 shows the tourist arrivals at Mundanthurai.

TABLE 3.7

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT MUNDANTHURAI (TIGER RESERVE)

nhlPINC. 1 9Q-2O0O

Months 1998 1999

2000

S.No

Domestic I Foreign I Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

January 217 217

4236

21

4257

2

February 349 349 327

2

329

3

March

297 29

387

4

391

4

April 3650

25

367 514

8

522

5

May 3725

23

374k

4535

73

4608

6

June 3396

12

341M

432

17

449

7

July 454

5

45'

8

August 4857

38

489

9

September 4234

22

4251 532

41

573

10

October 3715

12

372

11

November 3259

42

330

12

December NA

N

1325

51

1376

Total 28153 j 179 1 28332 12288 217 1 12505

Source: Tourism Office, Tirunelveli.

1370

38

1408

1420

35

1455

1427

16

1433

1475

23

1498

7635

31

7666

6325

10

6335

5735

12

5747

1545

27

1572

1473

25

1498

1463

22

1487

2115

24

2139

2315

27

2342

34300

290 I 34590

170

Table 3.7 shows the tourist arrivals at Mundanthurai increased from 28332 in 1998

to 34590 in 2000. The foreign tourist arrivals were also increasing from 179 in 1998 to

290 in 2000. The busy months of tourist arrivals were May, June and July due to the

summer vacation of the Schools and Colleges and commencement of the Southwest

Monsoon. Agasthiyar Falls, Karaiyar and Chervalar Dams, Sorimuthu Iyyanar Temple

and Papavinasar (Sivan) Temple attract more tourists. Agasthiyar Falls could attract

tourists throughout the year.

Tourist Arrivals at Kalakad

Kalakad is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats and adjoining area,

extending up to Pothigai Malai in the same Western Ghats. A wide range of animals and

birds could be seen in Kalakad. Trekking is allowed with the prior permission of the

officials of the Forest Department. It covers an area of 223 square kilometers. Lion tail

macaque are more in numbers here. The tourist arrivals at Kalakad are presented in

Table 3.8.

171

TABLE 3.8

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT KALAKAD WILD LIFE SANCTUARYflhJRINd 100R,flffl1

1998 1999 2000

S.No _________ ________Months __________

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

I January 267 6 273 446 2 448 851 22 873

2 February 254 3 257 342 4 346 837 27 864

3 Mardi 315 2 317 327 8 335 852 25 877

4 April 2845 18 2863 424 2 426 925 26 951

5 May 2945 55 3000 955 37 992 1251 25 1276

6 June 2327 28 2355 423 12 425 12345 21 12366

7 July 389 12 401 - - - 9243 17 9260

8 August 328 4 332 - - - 9327 18 9345

9 Septeznber 289 6 295 452 17 469 7345 19 7364

10 October 1685 12 1697 - - - 6342 18 6360

11 I November 348 6 354 - - - 7245 22 7267

12 December NA - NA 732 15 747 6537 25 6562

Total 11992 152 12144 4101 97 4198 63100 265 63365

Source: Tourism Statistical Handbook, 199/.

Table 3.8 reveals that the tourist arrivals were increasing from 12144 in 1998 to

63365 in 2000. The share of foreign tourist arrivals to the total was highly insignificant.

The tourist arrivals in the months of June, July and August were higher than those of the

other months during the year 2000 because of the good South-west Monsoon.

Tourist Arrivals at Kunthankulam

Kunthankulam a "Birds Sanctuary", attracts birds from both inland and abroad.

This centre has lured foreign tourists increasingly in the recent years. Table 3.9 reveals

the tourist arrivals to this centre during the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.

TABLE 3.9

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT KUNTHANKULAM BIRDS' SANCTUARYDURING 1998-2000

1998

1999 2000

S.No ) Months

172

Total

41T

429

4361

525

785

974

877

877

725

625

433

423

1

January

February

3

March

4

April

5 May

6

June

7

July

8

August

9

September

10

October

11

November

12 December

Domestic

5215

6194

5138

5974

6121

4212

2300

254

237

1750

424

NA

Foreign

22

25

19

28

29

14

S

4

Total

5237

6219

5157

6002

6150

4226

2305

254

237

1750

428

NA

Domestic

NA

NA

4320

2217

1535

4523

4231

4235

Foreign

24

8

25

56

67

37

Total

NA

NA

4344

2225

1560

4579

4298

4272

Domestic

4150

4258

4325

5230

7825

7726

8765

8755

7238

6235

4320

4231

Foreign

27

37

35

27

32

18

12

21

18

17

17

5

Total 37816 146 1 37965 21061 217 1 21278 73058 266 1 75324

Source: Tourist Office, Tirunelveli.

Table 3.9 shows that the total tourist arrivals in the year 2000, compared with the

tourist arrivals in the year 1998 increased by 98.40 percent. The foreign tourist arrivals

had also been increasing since 1998 that was from 146 in 1998 to 266 in 2000. The

tourist arrivals were high in the months of April, May, June, July and August due to the

more arrivals of birds at the sanctuary.

Tourist Arrivals in Sankarankovil Centre

Sankarankovil is a pilgrim centre. The famous temple at Sankarankovil is

Sankaranarayanar temple. The famous festivals celebrated here are Adi Thapasu, Chitra

173

festival and Float festival. The month-wise tourist arrivals in Sankarankovil centre during

1997 and 1998 are presented in Table 3.10.

TABLE 3.10

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT SANKARANKOVIL CENTREnIrRTN( 1QQ7199R

1997 1998

S.NoF

Month Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

January 18637 21 18658 18590 13 18603

2 February 18421 7 18428 18014 9 18023

3 March 14396 2 14398 16213 7 16220

4 April 9225 - 9225 8613 3 8616

5 May 20432 - 20432 20017 - 20017

6 June 20117 - 20117 20618 - 20618

7 July 33089 12 33101 34193 2 34195

8 August 21972 19 21991 26071 7 26078

9 September 19450 26 19476 20913 23 20936

10 October 12277 22 12299 10317 24 10341

11 November 11736 17 11753 10618 21 10639

12 December 19122 - 19122 18714 - 18714

rTotal 218874 126 219000 222891 109 2230j

Source: Tourism Office, I irunelvell.

Table 3.5 shows that the tourist arrivals at SankarankoVil centre were mainly

domestic tourists, which contributed nearly 99.9 per cent to the total tourists. The busy

months of tourist arrivals were July and August. July registered a maximum tourist

arrivals of 33101 in 1997 and 34195 in 1998 because of the Adi Thapasu festival. The

174

tourist arrivals in this centre contributed 12.66 percent to the total tourist arrivals of

Tirunelveli district, in the year 1998 (223000/1761416).

Tourist arrivals at Kadayanallur centre

Kadayanallur is situated on the way to Madurai from Tenkasi. Agriculture and

weaving are the major occupation. The popular temple at Kadayanallur is Viranathan

Temple. The tourist arrivals in Kadayanallur centre during 1997 and 1998 are given in

Table 3.11

TABLE 3.11I I1D ('cNTRF flIIRENG 1997-98

MONTHLY iUUK1I AMKIVMba ti . - -

1997 1998

S.No Months

F2116

Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 8 4926 4182 6 4188

2 February - 2037 2371 - 2371

3 March - 2116 2361 - 2361

4 April 1787 - 1787 2093 - 2093

5 May 4486 1 4487 4178 3 4181

6 June 5087 - 5087 5289 - 5289

7 July 4196 - 4196 4367 - 4367

8 August 2071 3 2074 2987 4 2991

9 September 3197 - 3197 3278 - 3278

10 October 1081 - 1081 1918 - 1918

Ii November 2916 2 2918 3061 3 3064

12 December 6087 7 6094 5892 7 5899

Total 39979 21 40000 41977 23 42000

Source: 1ounsm urnce, 111uuc'v"•

175

Table 3.11 reveals that the domestic tourism played a vital role here. The foreign

tourist arrivals in this centre were also negligible in number, which accounted for only 21

and 23 in the years 1997 and 1998 respectively. The busy months for tourist arrivals

were January, May, June, July and December. Foreign goods were sold here by a small

number of people. The total arrivals here accounted for 2.38 percent in the year 1998

compared with total arrivals of tourists in the district as a whole (42000/1761416).

Tourist arrivals in Puliyangudi centre

Pilgrim tourism plays a primary role at Puliyangudi. The tourist arrivals in

Puliyangudi centre during 1997 and 1998 are presented in Table 3.12

176

TABLE 3.12

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT PULIYANGUDI CENTRE DURING 1997-1998

1997 1998S.No Months

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 4131 - 4131 4637 38 4675

2 February 2032 - 2032 3136 17 3153

3 March 1014 - 1014 1237 - 1237

4 April 2131 - 2131 2119 - 2119

5 May 5219 - 5219 4308 8 4316

6 June 5326 - 5326 4629 - 4629

7 July 4108 - 4108 4827 6 4833

8 August 2964 - 2964 3097 13 3110

9 September 1736 - 1736 2063 24 2087

10 October 3176 - 3176 3674 29 3703

11 November 3928 - 3928 4217 12 4229

12 December 5235 - 5235 4883 26 4909

Total41000 - 41000 42827 173 43000

Source: Tourism Office, 'lirunelveli.

Table 3.12 shows that the tourist arrivals in Puliyangudi centre were increasing

from 41000 in 1997 to 43000 in 1998. There was no foreign tourist arrival in 1997 and it

was only 173 in 1998. The busy months of tourist arrivals were May, June, July, January

and December. The slack months were March and April. The total tourist arrivals in this

centre accounted for 2.44 percent in the year 1998 compared with the tourist arrivals in

Tirunelveli district as a whole in the same year (43000/1761416).

177

Tourist Arrivals at Tenkasi centre

Tenkasi is just 5 kilometres from Courtallam. Sri Kasiviswanatha Swamy temple

is situated in the heart of the city. Since this centre is nearer to Courtallam, the tourists

coming there, prefer to come to Tenkasi for stay and for taking food, because of

congestion in lodges and hotels at Courtallam. Hence the flow to this centre is more

during the peak season time. The tourist arrivals in Tenkasi centre are presented in

Table 3.13

TABLE 3.13

AI7AI Q A I(AI t'FNTUF nIJR1N 1997-98

Iv1jI, I flI I I JU I V - -- -.--- -. - - - - - -

S.No 1997 1998

Month IDomestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 10266 16 10282 12972 12 12994

2 February 7892 13 7905 8707 11 8718

3 March 6392 - 6392 10307 2 10309

4 April 9027 - 9027 9716 4 9720

5 May 8211 8 8219 9272 9 9281

6 June 11102 11 11113 11071 7 11078

7 July 11074 16 11090 13072 15 13087

8 August 16392 8 16400 17400 12 17412

9 September 14971 21 14992 15896 19 15915

10 October 10927 18 10945 11912 18 11930

11 November 14218 17 14235 9387 21 9408

12 December 14384 16 14400 8119 29 8148

134856 144 1,35,000 137831 169 138000Total - - -.

Source: Tourism unice, i iriieivei'.

178

Table 3.13 shows that the tourist arrivals in Tenkasi were 1,35,000 during 1997

and 1,3 8,000 during 1998. The tourist arrivals in the months of June, July, August and

September were higher. The slack months of tourist arrivals were February, March and

April, May because of the off-season time at Courtallam. The foreign tourist arrivals

showed a meagre number compared with the number of domestic tourist arrivals at the

centre. The centre Tenkasi attracted more pilgrims also. The tourist arrivals of this centre

was 7.83 percent to the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli district in 1998

(138000/1761416).

Tourist Arrivals at Shencottai Centre

Shencottai is a border town of Tamilnadu, very close to the state Kerala. The most

attractive tourist spots in Shencottai are Hariharan temple, Rivers, and Swayambulingam

temple at Puliyarai, Sambavar Vadakarai, and Sastha Falls. The tourist arrivals in the

centre are closely related to the tourist arrivals in Courtallani and Iyyappan kovil at

Sabarimalai in Kerala. The tourist arrivals in the centre during 1997 and 1998 are

presented in Table 3. 14

179

TABLE 3.14

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT SHENCOTTAI CENTRE DURING 1997-98

S.No Month 1997 1998

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 5292 9 5301 5965 10 5975

2 February 1531 2 1533 1698 - 1698

3 March 2021 1 2022 1919 2 1921

4 April 1917 - 1917 2018 2 2020

5 May 2028 7 2035 2219 6 7225

6 June 7618 2 7620 7109 8 7117

7 July 7207 8 7215 7407 13 7420

8 August 8119 6 8125 8819 16 8835

9 September 6927 7 6934 7237 14 7251

10 October 5237 11 5248 5938 13 5951

11 November 4392 18 4410 4637 22 4659

12 December 5628 12 5640 5919 9 5928

Total 57917 83 58,000 60885 115 61,000

__________ I 1

Source: Tourism Office, I irnelvell.

Table 3.14 shows that the tourist arrivals in Shenkottai centre increased from

58000 in 1997 to 61000 in 1998. The busy months of tourist arrivals were June, July,

August, September, December and January. In the above six months, the tourist arrivals

constituted 70.40 per cent in 1997 and 69.71 per cent in 1978. The foreign tourist

arrivals to the total were only 0.14 per cent in 1997 and 0.19 per cent in 1998. The slack

months were February, March, April and May. Shencottai attracted considerable tourists

180

from the nearby state Kerala as this is a junction town nearer to Kerala border, well

connected by roadways and railways. Shencottai and Tenkasi were the important business

centres to the people of Kerala. The total tourist arrivals at Shencottai accounted for 3.46

percent in the year 1998 compared with the total tourist arrivals in district Tirunelveli as a

whole (61000/1761416).

Tourist Arrivals at Ambasamudram Centre

Arnbasamudram is 40 km from Tirunelveli. It is a temple town, which consists of

Thirulanathaswamy temple (1000 years old), Veeramarthandeswarar temple,

Arnmaiyappar temple, Krishnaswamy temple, Purushothama Perumal temple,

Tennazhagar temple and Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple (500 years old). The

majority of tourists were pilgrim tourists. Manimuthar dam is only 7 kilometers from this

town. The tourist arrivals in Ambasamudram centre are presented in Table 3.15.

181

TABLE 3.15

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT AMBASAMUDRAM CENTRE DURING 1997-981997 1998

S.No MonthDomestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 3249 11 3260 2885 9 2894

2 February 2737 2 2739 2973 7 2980

3 March 2016 - 2016 2461 - 2461

4 April 1398 - 1398 279 - 2079

5 May 9318 - 9318 9627 - 9627

6 June 9079 2 9081 9184 6 9190

7 July 8016 4 8020 8214 7 8221

8 August 9117 3 9120 9212 5 9217

9 September 7218 - 7218 7382 - 7382

10 October 8667 - 8667 8507 1 8508

11 November 7937 2 7939 8013 6 8019

12 December 8219 5 8224 8421 1 8422

Total 76971 29 77,000 78,958 42 79000

Source: Tourism Office, lirunelveli.

Table 3.15 shows that the tourist arrivals were high in the months from May to

December and accounted for 87.8 per cent in the year 1997 and 86.82 percent for the

same months in 1998. There was, no significant increase in tourist arrivals in the year

1999 compared with the previous year 1998. The.slack months of tourist arrival were

from January to April compared, with the remaining months of the year. The tourist

182

arrivals in this centre accounted for 4.49 percent in the year 1998 compared with the total

tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli district in the same year (79000/1761416).

Tourist Arrivals at Sivagiri Centre

The town Sivagiri situated on the way to Madurai from Tenkasi. Pilgrim tourism is

the dominant one here. The tourist arrivals in Sivagiri centre are presented in Table 3.16.

TABLE 3.16

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT SIVAGIRI CENTRE DURING 1997-98

1997 1998

S.No MonthDomestic Foreign Total I Domestic Foreign Total

I

January 5192

5192

4292

6

4298

2

February 2074

2074

1097

1097

3

March

1038

1038

1118 1118

4

April

1113

1113

1003

1003

5

May 4042

4042

5677 5677

6

June 3197 3197

4297 4297

7

July 5155 5155

5345

5345

S

August 4917

4917

4632

4632

9

September 3616

3616

4217

4217

10

October 4116

4116

4361 4361

11

November 5323

5323

5217

5217

12 December 6217

6217

6732

6

6738

Source: Tourist Office, Tirunelveli.

183

Table 3.16 shows that the Sivagiri tourist centre played an insignificant role in the

district with regard to tourist arrivals. The tourist arrivals were only 46000 in the year

1997 and 48000 in 1998. Pilgrim tourism had a major role. The foreign tourist arrivals

were only 12 in 1998 and there was no foreign tourist arrival during 1997. The busy

months in this centre were May, July, August, November, December and January

whereas the slack months in the centre were March and April. The total tourist arrivals in

this centre in the year accounted for 2.73 percent compared with the total arrivals of

Tirunelveli district as a whole in the same year (48000/1761416).

Tourist Arrivals at Radhapuram Centre

Uvari a small town in Radhapuram Taluk, which is situated 40 km away from

Nanguneri in the southeast direction. The oldest 16th century church namely St.Xavier

church, Kappal Matha church, are two popular pilgrim spots at Radhapuram. It is 70 km

away from Tirunelveli. The main occupation is tile making and exporting of fish. The

very popular Hindu temple namely Swayambulingam swamy temple is also on the

seashore. The tourist arrivals at the Radhapuram centre are presented in Table 3.17.

184

TABLE 3.17

ww'riii VThITDIT APRIVAI.c AT RAI')HAPIIRAM CENTRE DURING 1997-981997 1998

S.No Month

^t-

Domestic Foreign Total mestic Foreign Total

1 January 6092 4 6096 5802 5 5807

2 February 4011 - 4011 4119 - 4119

3 March 4117 - 4117 4271 - 4271

4 April 2236 - 2236 2037 - 2037

5 May 6887 - 6887 6927 - 6927

6 June 6079 - 6079 6138 - 6138

7 July 7017 - 7017 7228 - 7228

8 August 7112 - 7112 6939 - 6939

9 September 4017 - 4017 5939 - 5932

10 October 6371 6 6377 6792 5 6797

Ii November 5928 4 5932 6537 6 6543

12 December 6107 12 6119 6254 8 6262

Total 65974 26 66000 68976 24 69000

Source: Tourism Uttice, 1 irunelveu.

Table 3.17 shows that the tourist arrivals in Radhapuram centre were 66,000 in

1997 and 69000 in 1998. The foreign tourist arrivals showed a declining trend, which

accounted for 26 in the year 1997 to 24 in 1998. The role of foreign tourist arrivals was

insignificant and the arrivals accounted for 0.04 and 0.03 percent in the years 1997 and

1998 respectively. The busy months of the tourist arrivals were May, June, July, August,

December and January. The slack month was April. The arrivals of the centre constituted

3.92 percent in the year 1998 compared to the total tourist arrivals of the district

altogether (69000/1761416).

F__relveli.

5937

1073

1498

2071

6007

3024

5112

4334

4213

3314

8701

11716

57000

4685

1427

1618

2199

5916

2917

5692

4618

4837

4017

8923

12112

58961

4696

1433

1618

2199

5916

2917

5692

4622

4837

4017

8928

12125

59000

14

2

3

3

22

1

4

5

13

39

185

Tourist Arrivals at Nangunen centre

Nanguneri is 25 km to the south of Tirunelveli lying on the National Highways of

Tirunelveli to Kanniyakumari. Nanguneri is a pilgrim centre. This town is also known as

Sri Varaniangalanathar Nager. This place is considered as Bhooloka Vaikuntam, which

means heaven on earth. The architecture in the temple at Nanguneri is a mixture of both

the Pandya and Kerala style. The month-wise tourist arrivals in Nanguneri centre are

presented in Table 3.18.

TABLE 3.18

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT NANGUNERI CENTRE DURNG 1997-98

I I 1997 I1998

S.No I Month

Domestic 1 Foreign I Total I Domestic I Foreign I Total

1 January 5923

2 February 1071

3 March 1498

4 April 2071

5 May 6007

6 June 3024

7 July 5112

8 August 4334

9 September 4213

10 October 3314

11 November 8698

12 December 11713

Total 56978

Source: Tourism Office, Tim

186

Table 3.18 reveals that the tourist arrivals increased by 3.5 percent in 1998

compared with the previous year 1997. The foreign tourist arrivals were only 22 in the

year 1997 and increased to 39 in 1998. During the month of December, this centre

registered the highest turnout of tourists because of the festival season. During the other

seasons, the tourist arrivals were not an appreciable. The peak and slack months of this

centre were December and February respectively. The tourist arrivals at this centre

accounted for 3.35 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli district in the year

1998 (59000/1761416).

Tourist Arrivals at Valliyoor Centre

Valliyoor centre is a pilgrim centre. The arrivals at Valliyoor çntre are mainly

domestic tourists. The tourist arrivals in this centre are given in Table 3.19.

187

TABLE 3.19

MONTHLY TOURIST ARRIVALS AT VALLIYOOR CENTRE DURING 1997-981997 1998

S.No MonthDomestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total

1 January 11272 - 11272 10396 - 10396

2 February 3096 - 3096 4619 - 4617

3 March 1187 - 1187 2396 - 2396

4 April 2019 - 2019 3097 - 3097

5 May 10118 - 10118 9812 - 9812

6 June 8328 - 8328 8017 - 8017

7 July 5107 - 5107 6029 - 6029

8 August 8016 - 8016 7127 - 7127

9 September 4226 - 4226 4026 - 4026

10 October 4117 - 4117 3918 - 3918

11 November 8207 - 8207 7976 - 7976

12 December 11307 - 11307 11587 - 11587

Total 77000 - 77000 79000 - 79000

Source: Tourism Office, Tirunelveli.

Table 3.19 shows that the peak months of tourist arrivals in this centre were May,

December and January due to the festive season namely Christmas and New Year, which

accounted for 10118, 11307 and 11272 in the years 1997 and 9812, 11587 and 10396 in

1998 respectively. There was no foreign tourist arrival in the years 1997 and 1998. The

slack month was March in both the years 1997 and 1998. The arrivals in this centre

accounted for 4.49 percent in the year 1998 to the total tourist arrivals in Tirunelveli

district (79000/1761416).

188

Accommodation Facilities at Tirunelveli

In the promotion of tourism the accommodation facilities constitute an important

segment. Accommodation is a very important part of the tourism infrastructure and the

expansion of tourism inevitably brings about the development of accommodation. In

India, the growth of tourism industry is lesser than that of the foreign countries due to the

lack of infrastructural facilities. The actual room facilities offered by lodges are less than

the required. The Government of India and Tamilnadu have been taking many steps to

promote the Hotel and Restaurant industries. Even it is so, the number of hotels and

restaurants and rooms are behind the estimated needs. The distribution of lodges in

Tirunelveli district is presented in Table 3.20

TABLE 3.20TOWN -WISE DISTRIBUTION OF LODGING UNITS IN TIRIJNEL YELl

DISTRICT IN 1996Number of Total number Total number

r3

2

Name of the Town lodges of Rooms of Beds

Tirunelvelii20 793 1330

Palayamkottai 9 191 366

Sankarankovil 4 79 144

4 Kadayanallur 4 34 68

5 Tenkasi 12 305 578

6 Courtallam 38 838 1743

7 Ambasamudram 3 57 80

Total 90 2297 4309

Source: Hotel Directory, Tamil Nadu, 1996.

189

Table 3.20 reveals that the total number of hotels in Tirunelveli district were only

90. The number of hotels was higher in Tirunelveli, followed by Courtallam, which had

the highest number. In the district as a whole, the hotels had an average number of 25

rooms. The average number of rooms in Tirunelvelj was 40 whereas in Courtallani, it

was only 22. The total number of beds in Tirunelvelj district was 4309. Out of this, the

number of beds was higher in Courtallam (1743) followed by Tirunelveli (1330). The

total number of beds in Tenkasi was 578, whereas in Palayamkottai it was 366. From the

Table 3.20 it could be inferred that the Courtallam town stood first with regard to number

of lodges, number of rooms and number of beds compared with the remaining towns of

the district.

Status of the Lodges in Tirunelveli District

Generally, the status of the lodges is classified into 5 Star deluxe, 5 Star, 4 Star, 3

Star, 2 star, 1 star, Heritage and Unclassified. In Tirunelveli district, there is no 5 Star

Deluxe, 5 Star, 4 Star and 3 Star. The distribution of lodges according to the status in

Tirunelveli district is Star category lodges, Tamil Nadu Tourist Development

Corporation's lodges, Devasthanam's Lodges, Public Work Department/Railway/Local

bodies' lodges and other lodges not coming under the above category. The number of

lodges according to the status in Tirunelveli District is presented in Table 3.21.

190

TABLE 3.21

STATUS -WISE DISTRIBUTION OF LODGING UNITS IN TIRUNELVELIDISTRICT IN 1996

Devas- PWD/

S.No thanamName of the Star TTDC Railway

Others TotalTowns Hotels Hotels / Local

Lodges Bodies

1 Tirunelveli 2 - - 2 16 20

2 Palayamkottai - - - 3 6 9

3 Sankarankoil - - 1 - 3 4

4 Kadayanallur - - - - 4 4

5 Tenkasi - - - 1 11 12

6 Courtallani - 1 4 4 29 38

7 Ambasamudram - - - - 3 3

Total 2 1 5 10 72 90

Source: Hotel Directory, Tamil Nadu, 1996.

Table 3.21 shows that only two Star hotels in the Tirunelveli district, were in

Tirunelveli town. There was only one hotel under the Tamil Nadu Tourism and

Development Corporation in Courtallam. The temple devasthanams were maintaining 4

lodges in Courtallam whereas only one was at Sankarankovil. From the Table 3.21 it was

revealed that out of 90 lodges only two hotels were star status hotels and the remaining

88 hotels were coming under unclassified category. Moreover the hotels under the

Government, Government Corporation and Devasthanams were only 16 in number

whereas the lodges under the private firms were 74 in number.

191

Nature of Hotel Tariff in Tirunelveli District

The hotel tariff depends upon the nature of lodges and facilities offered by the

lodges. By facility wise, the rooms may have been air-conditioned rooms, non-air

conditioned rooms, and bar attached and bar not attached. The hotel tariff depends upon

the above facilities. The tariff rate ranged from a minimum of rupees 40 to a maximum of

rupees 560 per day per room. The distribution of hotels according to the tariff rate is

given in Table 3.22.

TABLE 3.22

TARIFF-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF LODGING UNITS IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT(NON—AIR CONDITIONED) IN 1996

Name of the TariffTown Per day per Room (in Rupees)

S.NoLess 100— 150— 200— 250— Abovethan Total

150 200 250 300 300RsIOO

Tirunelveli 5 12 3 - - - 20

2 Palayamkottai 5 4 - - - - 9

3 Sankarankoil 4 - - - - - 4

4 Kadayanallur 1 2 1 - - - 4

Tenkasi 3 6 3 - - - 12

6 Courtallam 6 14 8 6 2 2 38

7 AmbaSalTlUdThfl1 3 - - - - - 3

Total 27 38 15 6 2 2 90

Source: Hotel Directory, 'l'amilnadu, 1990.

192

Table 3.22 reveals that the majority of non air-conditioned rooms at hotels in

Tirunelveli district were focusing on the economy segment. Nearly 72.2 per cent of

lodges had a tariff of rupees 150 and less than rupees 150 per room per day. Only 2.2.

Percent of the lodges had a tariff rate of above rupees 300 per room per day. The high-

tariff hotels were situated at Courtallam. In Courtallam, the lodges were equally

distributed in all range of tariff. In Tirunelveli town, the lodges were in lower tariff range

as well as in high tariff range, since the facilities available in the case of non air-

conditioned rooms varied from lodge to lodge.

Facilities of Beds at Lodging Units in Tirunelveli District

In Tirunelveli district there are lodges in which both air-conditioned and non air-

conditioned rooms are available. There are some lodges in which only non air-

conditioned rooms alone are available. The number of air-conditioned or non air-

conditioned beds in the seven towns of Tirunelveli district is presented in Table 3.23

TABLE 3.23

FACILITY- WISE DISTRIBUTION OF BEDS IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT IN 1996Facilities

S.No Name of the Town Air Non Air- TotalConditioned Conditioned

1 Tirunelveli 162 1168 1330

2 Palayamkottai 44 322 366

3 Sankarankoil - 144 144

4 Kadayanallur - 68 68

5 Tenkasi 57 521 578

6 Courtallam 18 1725 1743

7 Ambasamudrani - 80 80

Total 281 4028 4309

Source: Hotel Directory, Tamilnadu, 1996.

Table 3.23 shows that the air-conditioned beds in Tirunelveli district were only

281 out of 4309 beds, which constituted only 6.5 per cent. The remaining 93.5 per cent

of beds were non air-conditioned. The number of air-conditioned beds was higher in

Tirunelveli (162) followed by Tenkasi (57) and Palayamkottai (44). The number of non

air-conditioned beds was higher in Courtallam (1725) followed by Tirunelveli (1168),

Tenkasi (521) and Palayamkottai (322).

Tariff Charged in Air-Conditioned Lodges in Tirunelveli District

The tariff charged in air-conditioned lodges ranged from rupees 280 to rupees 560.

In the present study the tariff was classified into less than Rs.300, Rs.301 to Rs.450,

Rs.451 to Rs.600 and above Rs.600. The distribution of air-conditioned lodges according

to the tariff charged is presented in Table 3.24.

193

194

TABLE 3.24

DISTRIBUTION OF AIR -CONDITIONED ROOMS ACCORDING TO TARIFFIN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

S No Name of the Tariff per day (in Rupees)Town Less 301 to 451 to Above Total

than300 450 600 6001 Tirunelveli 2 1 3 - 6

2 Palayamkottai 3 1 - - 4

3 Tenkasi 3 1 - - 4

4 Courtallam 3 - 1 - 4

Total 11 3 4 - 18

Source: Hotel Directory, Tamilnadu, 1996.

Table 3.24 reveals that out of 90 lodges in Tirunelveli districts, 18 lodges were air-

conditioned. By tariff wise, 11 lodges were in the tariff range of less than rupees 300 and

only 3 lodges were in the tariff range of rupees 301 and rupees 450. Only 4 lodges were

in the tariff range of rupees 451 and rupees 600, of these 3 lodges were in Tirunelveli

town and only one in Courtallam. In Courtallam the tariff rates were higher during the

season time namely June to August.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Bed Nights Spent in Tirunelveli District

The arrival of foreign tourists showed a good scope for earning foreign exchange.

The bed nights refer to the number of nights spent by tourists at the tourist centre, and the

more bed nights spent by the tourists the more foreign exchange revenue would be given

to the Government. The distribution of number of foreign tourist arrivals, average bed

nights spent at lodges during 1998 are presented in Table 3.25

TABLE 3.25

COUNTRY WISE TOURIST ARRIVALS AND THEIR BED NIGHTS SPENT IN

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT IN 1998

195

S.No I Name of the Country

1

2

3

.4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

U.K

U.S.A

Sri Lanka

France

Germany

Japan

Italy

Malaysia

Canada

Australia

Singapore

Switzerland

Netherland

Indonesia

South Korea

Newieland

Denmark

Sweedon

Belgium

South Africa

Others

No. of TouristArrivals

82

93

356

53

103

60

60

728

63

119

907

26

28

18

19

6

10

4

22

296

No. of Bed nightsSpent by

Foreigners

101

368

57

109

64

62

753

67

125

925

26

29

19

19

6

11

4

22

297

Average Bed -nights Spent by

Foreigners

1.02

1.09

1.03

1.08

1.06

1.07

1.03

1.03

1.06

1.05

1.02

1.00

1.04

1.06

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

Source: Arrivals Report, 1998, Tourism Office, Tirunelveli.

196

Table 3.25 reveals that the number of foreign tourist arrivals and their bed nights

spent at Tirunelveli district during 1998 were 3054 and 3149 respectively. The average

bed nights spent by the foreigners at Tirunelveli district were 1.03. The highest arrival of

foreign tourists to Tirunelveli district was from Singapore followed by Malaysia, Sri

Lanka and Australia, which accounted for 29.69, 23.83, 11.66 and 3.9 percent

respectively compared with the total arrivals in Tirunelveli district from other countries.

The average bed night spent by tourists from USA was the highest, followed by France,

Japan and Germany, which accounted for 1.09, 1.08, 1.07, and 1.06 days respectively in

Tirunelveli district.

Occupancy Rate of Lodging Units in Tirunelveli District

The occupancy rate of the lodging units means the percentage of beds occupied in

a period to the number of beds available. In the present study, as the beds occupancy rate

per annum varied from 30 to 90 percent, at Tirunelveli district, the class interval of the

occupancy rate is confined into 30-40 percent, 40-50 percent, 50-60 percent, 60-70

percent, 70-80 percent, and 80-90 percent, to find out the mean occupancy rate. The mean

occupancy rate is calculated by using the following formula, Ifx / f, whereas f

frequency and x = mid point of class interval. The lodging units under different category

of occupanpy rates in Tirunelveli district during 1999-2000 are presented in the

Table 3.2.

197

TABLE 3.26

OCCUPANCY RATE OF THE LODGING UNITS INTIRI TWI VlI I DISTRICT DURING 1999-2000

Name of theS.No TotalTown 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90

I Tirunelveli 2 4 4 2 3 5 20

2 Palayamkottai 1 - 2 3 1 2 9

3 Sankarankoil - 1 1 2 - - 4

4 Kadayanallur 1 1 2 - - - 4

5 Tenkasi 1 3 4 2 1 1 12

6 Courtallam 2 4 17 11 2 2 38

7 Ambasamudram 1 1 1 - - - 3

Total 8 14 31 20 7 10 90

Source: Primary data.

Table 3.26 reveals that only 10 lodges out of 90 had an occupancy rate of above

80 per cent whereas 22 lodges had an occupancy rate of less than 50 per cent. Nearly 34

per cent of the lodges had an occupancy rate of 50-60, whereas 22.22 percent of lodges

had an occupancy rate of 60-70. On overall basis, the average occupancy rate of lodging

units was 58.77 percent in Tirunelveli district.

Employment Generation by Tourism Industry in Tirunelveli District

The tourism industry generates more number of employments either directly or

indirectly. The direct employment generated by the tourism is Tourist transport, Tourist

agencies (organisers) and Adventure tourism. The employment may be generated both in

the organised sector (Government approved) and also unorganised sector (Private

sector/not approved by the Government). The tourism industry generates employment

198

through an indirect way namely Hotels, Restaurant, Shopping and other Tourism related

activities. The employment generated in the tourism sectors in 1990 and 1996 is

presented in Table 3.27.

TABLE 3.27

EMPLOYMENT GENERATION OF TOURISM INDUSTRY IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT (1990 & 1996)

S.No Different Managerial Total No. of womenSectors of Supervisors No. of persons employed. Employment workers

Tourism Cadre.

Skilled Unskilled

1990 1996 1990 1996 1990 1996 1990 1996 1990 1996

1 Hotels 481 5205 1285 10604 6262 46531 8028 62340 177 1746

2 Restaurant 266 2903 709 5845 3458 25031 4433 33779 62 507

3 Shoçdcaling 240 2548 640 5068 3122 21969 4002 29585 1360 10059

with Harlivafl.cIazis/Crafis

4 TouristTransport 367 3893 977 7646 4767 33967 6111 45506 - -

5 Travel and 58 679 157 1335 766 5858 981 7872 61 504

ExcursionAgencies

6 Adventure 7 46 23 94 112 389 142 529 - -

tcRnn

7 Odwr 16 169 42 326 206 1464 264 1959 30 237

related activities

Total 1435 15443 3833 30918 18693 135209 23961 181570 1690 13053

Source: Collectorate and lourism centre at I iruneiveit.

Table 3.27 reveals that the total employment generated by tourism industry in

1990 and 1996 were 23961 and 1,81,570 respectively. It showed that in the 6 years the

employment increased by 7.57 times. The employment generated by the Hotels was the

maximum accounting for 8028 in the year 1990 and 62340 in 1996, followed by the

Tourist transports, accounted for 6111 in the year 1990 and 45506 in 1996. The shops

199

dealing with Handicrafts/Arts/Crafts provided employment for 4002 in the year 1990 and

29585 in 1996. The rate of growth of employment in the shops section was 7.39. By

grade wise the tourism industry in Tirunelveli provided employment for 15443 in

supervisory cadre, 30,918 skilled workers and 135209 unskilled workers during 1996.

The rate of growth of employment in supervisory cadre, skilled and unskilled was 10.76,

8.07 and 7.23 times respectively.

Women employment increased from 1690 in the year 1990 to 13053 in 1996. The

share of women employment to the total employment in 1990 and 1996 were 7.05 and

7.2 respectively. The women employment generation was higher in the shops dealing

with handicrafts / arts / crafts than those of other category.

Conclusion

In Tirunelveli district there was an increase in the flow of tourists by 5.08 percent

in the year 1998 comparing the same with the year 1996. The most attractive tourists

centre at Tirunelveli district is Courtallam, the "Spa of the South". Courtallam is well-

known for its pleasing whether in the month of June, July and August with drizzling.

Courtallam is also a famous pilgrim centre. The other important centres are Papanasam

and Tirunelveli city. Papanasam bestowed with river Thamiraparani originated from the

verdant forest "Pothigai". Tiger Sanctuary at Mundanthurai, Agasthiar Falls, Karaiyar

and Cheryalar dam, Hydel-Power Project are other places worth seeing. Tirunelveli a

well —known pilgrim centre is situated on the bank of the river "Thampiraparani".

Nellaiappar Temple, Krishnapuram Temple, District science centre and museum are the

attractive tourist spots. The other pilgrim centres to which tourists throng are

200

Sankarankoil, Tenkasi, Kadayafiallur, Ambasamudram etc. The Kunthankulani Birds

Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Krishnapuram Temple and Kalakad Tiger

Reserve attract more foreign tourists to this district. With regard to accommodation,

private lodge owners were holding considerable number of lodges than that of the lodges

held by Government or local bodies or temples under the control of Hindu Religious and

Charitable Endowment. There was a dearth of star category hotels whereas the

unclassified lodges were dominating in this district. Majority of tourists came from south

Asia to the district. The average length of stay of foreign tourists was less than two days.

The average room occupancy rate of lodging units was 58.77 percent in this district.

There was a tremendous increase in the employment generated by the tourism industry in

this district. Hotel sector provided the maximum employment followed by transport

sector restaurants and shops to the unskilled labour. The women workforce was

dominating more in shops dealing with handicrafts.