Country | India |
Population | 473637 |
Area | 189.9 km2 (73.3 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 8.72742, 77.6838 |
Highest elevation | 73 m (240 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Tirunelveli, also known as Nellai, is a significant city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, serving as the administrative headquarters of the Tirunelveli District. The city is the fourth-largest municipal corporation in the state, trailing only Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Located 624 km southwest of the state capital Chennai, 58 km from Thoothukudi, and 73 km from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli sits on the west bank of the Thamirabarani River, while its twin city, Palayamkottai, known for its educational institutions, lies on the east bank.
Tirunelveli’s history stretches back over two millennia, having been under the rule of various dynasties including the Early Pandyas, Cheras, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Vijayanagara Empire, and the British. The city is notable for the Polygar War (1797-1801), which saw battles between the Palaiyakkarars, led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and the British East India Company on the outskirts of the city.
The Municipal Corporation of Tirunelveli, established on June 1, 1994, oversees the administration of the city, which spans an area of 189.9 km² and had a population of 473,637 in 2011. Including the surrounding municipalities, the total population reaches 968,984. The city is well-connected via road and rail networks, with the nearest domestic airport being Thoothukudi Airport and the nearest international airports in Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram. Thoothukudi Port is the closest seaport.
Tirunelveli’s economy is diverse, encompassing administrative services, agricultural trading, tourism, banking, agricultural machinery, information technology, and educational services. The city is a notable educational hub in southern India, home to prestigious institutions such as Anna University Regional Campus – Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli Medical College, The Tirunelveli Veterinary College and Research Institution, Tirunelveli Law College, Government College of Engineering, and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.
The city’s cultural heritage is rich, with numerous historical monuments. The most prominent among them is the Nellaiappar Temple, a significant religious site. Tirunelveli is also famous statewide for its ‘Irutu kadai halwa’, a delectable sweet that draws many to the city.
With a blend of ancient history, educational prominence, and cultural richness, Tirunelveli stands as a notable city in Tamil Nadu, attracting visitors and residents alike with its unique charm and significance.
Leave a Reply