Tirunelveli district

Tirunelveli district Tirunelveli District
District
Nickname:  Nellai
District formed on	September 01, 1790
Population  (2001)
• Total	2,801,194
Website	www.nellai.tn.nic.in/

Tirunelveli District (Tamil: திருநெல்வேலி மாவட்டம்) is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it consists of all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forest), Marudham (paddy fields), Neithal (coastal) and Palai (desert). Tirunelveli District was formed on September 1, 1790 by the East India Company (British Government) which comprises present Tirunelveli and Tuticorin district and parts of Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram district. It is the second largest district as on October 2008 after Villupuram district.

History

Nellaippar Temple

Tirunelveli District was formed on September 1, 1790 (Tirunelveli Day) by the East India Company (British) and named it as Tinnevelly district though their headquarters was first located in Palayamkottai the adjacent city, where they had their military headquarters during their operations against the Palayakars. There are three reasons attributed for naming the district after Tirunelveli. The prime one is that it has been serving as the main city of the district and the second one is that it has been called called as Tirunelveli Seemai under the Nayaks and Nawabs. Finally it served as the south capital in the period of Pandyan Empire. Both Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai grew as the twin cities of the district.

In early 1900s, parts of Tirunelveli district was segregated and made as Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar districts. In 1986, Tirunelveli district was further split into two districts for administrative purpose such as Chidambaranar (present-day Thoothukudi) and Nellai-Kattabomman (later Tirunelveli-Kattabomman, present-day Tirunelveli) districts.

Geography and climate

The Agasthiyamalai hills cut off Tirunelveli from the southwest monsoon, creating a rainshadow region

The district is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and surrounded by Virudhunagar District in the North, Western Ghats in the West, Kanyakumari District in the south and Thoothukudi District in the East. The district covers an area of 6,823 km². It lies between 8°.05’ and 9°.30’ of the Northern latitude and 77°.05’ and 78°.25’ of Eastern longitude. The district has diverse geographical and physical features. It has a lofty mountains a stretch of Western Ghats and low plains. It has a perennial river Tamirabarani and various other small seasonal rivers. This district is blessed with beautiful water falls and cascades. Its diverse features include sandy soil and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna and protected wild life. To add its beauty it has inland and mountainous forests.

The district has peculiar climate and receives rainfall in all the seasons which represent 953.1 mm in 2005-2006. Tirunelveli District benefits from both the North East Monsoon and the South West Monsoon. The maximum precipitation is contributed by the North East Monsoon at 548.7 mm followed by the South West Monsoon at 147.8 mm and the Summer 184.2 mm. The district is irrigated by several rivers originating in Western Ghats, like the Pachaiyar River which soon mergers with the Tambaraparani River. The Tambaraparani River and the Manimuthar River both have many anicuts and dams with reservoirs that provide water for both agriculture irrigation and power generation. The Tamiraparani River provides consistent irrigation to a large agricultural area. The Chittar River also originates in this district. Courtallam and Manimuthar Waterfalls are the two major waterfalls in the district.

Demographics

The population as per Census-2001 is 2,723,988. Of it 48.03% is urban with a population density of 410.5 persons per square kilometer. Tamil is the main language spoken. The Hindus form the majority of the population (79.76%), followed by Christians (10.89%), Muslims (9.26%) and others (0.09%).

Basic infrastructure

The district is well connected by a network of Roadways and Railways and Tirunelveli city serves as the main junction. It has no airports. The nearest airports are at Tuticorin (40 km away), Madurai (150 km) and Thiruvananthapuram. The district has a total of 27 Railway stations. Given below are tables listing the length of roads and railways in the district.

Roads	National Highways	State Highways	Corporation and Municipalities Road	Panchayat Union and Panchayat Road	Town Panchayat and Townships Road	Others (Forest Roads)
Length (km.)	174.824	442.839	1,001.54	1,254.10 & 1,658.35	840.399	114.450

Railway	Route Length (km.)	Track Length (km.)
Broad Gauge	77.000	95.448
Meter Gauge	125.000	134.430

Canals, Wells, Tanks and Reservoirs are the sources of irrigation in this district. As of 2005 - 2006, the district has total of 151 Canals with a length of 499 km, 85,701 Wells used for irrigation, 640 Tube Wells, 8 Reservoirs and 2,212 Tanks. Moreover the district has 21,776 Wells used for domestic purposes. Electric supply is provided by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). The district has Hydro-Electric power plants and Wind Mills with an installed capacity of 1,089.675 MW. The district is one of the major producers of Wind energy in the state. The Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant project is being undertaken with the Russian help at Koodankulam Village.

Education and social development

Tirunelveli is well known for its century-old educational institutions. Many of these institutions are situated at Palayamkottai to the east of Tirunelveli. So, Palayamkottai is famously known as the 'Oxford of South India'. The district has a literacy-rate of 76.97%, higher than the State's average. As of 2005 - 2006, the district had a total of 2,494 schools. The district has one university, The 'Manonmaniam' Sundaranar University. It has 4 Government Colleges, 11 Government Aided Colleges and 7 Self-Financed Colleges and Computer Education centre NITI-Nellai Information Technology Institute in Palayamkottai.

Tirunelveli has a poverty ratio of 31.8%, higher than the State's and National figure. The district has a good record in terms of religious harmony. But has has a very poor record when it comes to caste discrimination and caste-based violence. The 1999 killing of 17 striking dalit tea plantation workers in the river Thamiraparani is one such incident which was condemned by the Human rights watch observers.

Economic profile

Tirunelveli has been an agricultural state right through the ages. The district is a major producer of Paddy (Rice), Coconut, Banana, Spices and forestry based products. The district's Livestock and Poultry data is given in the table below.

Cattle	Buffalos	Sheep	Goats	Pigs	Horses & Ponies	Donkeys	Rabbits	Total Livestock	Total Poultry
418,694	78,777	487,273	390,570	12,752	245	961	2401	67,877	1,218,583

Tirunelveli, being a coastal district, is also involved in fisheries development and production. For the period 2005 - 2006, the total inland fish catchment stood at 1,874 tonnes while the total marine fish catchment was 7,014 tonnes. The district is also rich in mineral wealth. It has a total 407 mining and quarrying units. Limestone, granite and garnet Sand are some of the minerals mined/produced here. The major industries in the district include textile, food products and forestry products. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was started at Nanguneri in 2001. A pharma park, Windmill spare parts units and a television manufacturing unit has been planned in this SEZ. TIDCO planned to set up a Rs 700-crore Hi-Tech Industrial Park in Nanguneri in association with INFAC Group and Axes Technologies Inc, US. The State Government is planning to have light manufacturing, design and assembly facilities, modern infrastructure facilities and amenities in this SEZ to attract workforce from across the globe.

Places of interest

Courtallam ~ Spa of South

Courtallam main waterfall

Agasthiyar waterfall, Papanasam

File:Vanatheertham falls 2 2007.jpg

Vanatheertham waterfall, Papanasam

Vanatheertham waterfall at Papanasam

Papanasam reservoir

Hills and forests surrounding Papanasam reservoir

Passage way through the jungle in Papanasam

Temple at Tenkasi

Courtallam is the most famous tourist spot in the district. The natural water falls, pleasant weather and intermittent drizzling really gives an unusual charm to the visitors. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by cool breeze. Usually, the season is in between May to September. The water falls down in eight places with varying force depends on the height of the cliff.

1. Main Falls
2. Small Falls (Citharuvi)
3. Five Falls (Iyentharuvi)
4. Orchard Falls
5. Tiger Falls (Puliyaruvi)
6. Old Courtallam Falls (Palaiya Coutralam)
7. SenbahaDevi Falls (Senbakadavi)
8. Honey Falls (Theanaruvi)
9. Milk Falls (Paalaruvi)

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department has arranged facilities for the visitors to take baths at any time. All the falls, except Honey falls, have been properly illuminated. One can bathe at anytime during the day. The water is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic pains, chronic headache, nerve disorder get cured by a long stay at Courtallam.

Manimuthar Waterfalls

Manimuthar Falls is a natural water falls flowing through out the year situated above the Manimuthar dam. Driving there by bike will be adventurous. The falls near by has a pond which has a depth of 90 feet (27 m). It is a picturesque place. It is in 35 km from Tirunelveli city. There are some public transport service to go this place on regular intervals from Kallidai Kurichi, the nearby town.

Panagudi

Panagudi is on the national highway between Tirunelveli and Nagercoil/Kanniyakumari(NH-7). In Panagudi, are located:

1. Ramaligaswami-Sivagamiambal Temple
2. St.Joseph Church and Annai Velankanni Church(punniavalanpuram)
3. ISRO-LPSC-Rocket Engine Plant
4. Kuthirapanjan Waterfalls
5. joy hospital & Hossanna Church

Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary

The 1.29 km² Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary, at a tiny village situated 35 km away from the Tirunelveli city in the far south of Tirunelveli district is emerging as a new favorite spot for migratory birds. The village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds arrive here in the month of December end and lay eggs. After hatching and growing the newborns, it flies back in the month of July to its destination with the younger ones. The bird observers found around 35 species of birds in this sanctuary. Some Painted Storks come from East European countries. To create a friendly environment to migratory birds, the state government makes plenty of activities.

One interesting fact about this village. The villagers never fire crackers during deepavali or any other festivals. The Reason: The blasts will scare away the Migratory Birds.

Ambasamudram

A small town (a.k.a Ambai) in the foothills of Western Ghats is one of the five taluk headquarters of the district. Ambasamudram serves as the main transit point for Papanasam, Manimuthar, Courtallam and for Sabarimala devotees going through Shengottai. Situated in the banks of the perennial river Tamirabarani, it is one of the most pristine and fertile towns of the district. The town is famous for its Wooden Handicrafts (Kadasal). There is not much industrial presence in the town except for an ailing Madura Coats Spinning Mills. There is a famous temple named Agasthiyar Kovil and it was named because of some true incidents. Here every year on April 12 a big function will be held in the temple (Ettaam Thiruvila).

Thisaiyanvillai

A town in the south east of Tirunelveli, sprung up from the shadows of Idaiyankudi and became a very important business centre, centre for education and health care.The town flourished under the guidance of a great Philanthropist fondly remembered by the people as 'Nagara Thanthai Dr.M.L.Asirwatham.He became the first president and continued so till his death in 1973.A desert is also referred in the Tamilnadu Gazette as ML theri.The town is situated in arid land surrounded by sandy deserts and he pioneered the village into an agricultural town.He laid Roads making the town accessible from all fronts namely from Udangudi, Sattankullam,Valliyoor,Uvari and Nanguneri.formed tanks, wells and erected water tanks and provided public water connections.Facilities such as a bus stand and electricity supply followed and laid the foundation for schools, hospitals and shops to spring into existence.A weekly market or 'Santhai' held every Friday made the town more popular and grow in stature.Regular business centres came to be established.At present the town is practically a market town filled with shops on all the main roads of the Town centre.The town is serviced by 5 banks. A sand miming industry has also been established. About 7 higher secondary schools, several high, middle, primary and industrial schools along with a college caters to the educational of the town and surrounding villages.An engineering college has also been set and is awaiting affiliation.Many doctors have established hospitals which the nerve centre for health care to the neighbouring villages.The town is connected to Chennai by private and government bus transport operators.

The town has all communities predominant in Tirunelveli district but the majority are Nadars. People belong to the Hindu, Chrisian and Muslim faith. Several temples, three Churches and two Mosques dot the town. There is a Post&Telegraph office with sub post offices, Police station, Fire station, Bus transport depot,Taluk office,Revenue office. Public library, Two petrol stations etc and the town is growing in size and stature day by day.

Singampatti Zamin

A small village, presently, once been a kingdom which had 85,000 acres (340 km²) of land and had 32 rulers since 1100AD, This kingdom-principality must have been independent, until it was transformed during the 1530s into a Palayam/Poligar by the Nayaks and then, again, transformed to a Zamindari by British in 1802. An earlier Zamin had supported the Travancore ruler Marthanda Varma in the Ettuveetu Pillamar rebellion.

There is a small palace in Zamin Singampatti which one can visit and stay with prior notice. This Palace looks like a big house with a museum about 200 years old with rare collections of antique. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/04/29/stories/2005042902390300.htm

Sivasailam

Sivasailam is a Temple named after Sivasailappar and Paramakalyani amman (Parvathi). This temple is situated on the banks of the river Karunai, few km away from Alwarkurichi which is rich in natural resources.

Surandai

Surandai is situated between Alangulam and Puliangudi. It has 5 schools and 1 college. One of the fastest growing city in tirunelveli city.Surandai serves as a centre of trade for several nearby villages.

Other offices in surandai

Fire service Starting from 17/12/1996, till now it has been functioning splendidly. The fire service which was initially functioning on a private land is now functioning of government land. The number of fire engine allotted for surandai is TN 38.G.0119.The people of surandai are very much bound to the staff of the fire service who work round the clock, not minding their own lives. Post office Having Tenkasi as its headquarters, Surandai post office functions as the head office of several villages. The following villages are functioning under surandai post office Aanaikulam, Bungalow surandai, Edayarthavanai, Kadayaalurutti, Kulaiyaneri, Parankuntra puram, Sivagurunathapuram, Sub Registrar office: It has been functioning for many a year for surandai and its surrounding twelve villages. Two document writer’s officers are functioning for registration and writing near sub registrar office. The villages functioning under surandai are Iyansurandai, Surandai jameen, Aanaikulam, Kulaiyaneri, kazhuneerkulam, V K Puthur, Sundarapandiapuram, Sivagurunathapuram, Vaadiyoor, Thiruchitrambalam, Rajagopalaperi, Achchankundram, Banks Indian Overseas Bank (ATM - Available) Pandian Grama Bank Primary agricultural District central co operative Bank Kooturavu pantag salai or Co operative society (Sivagurunathapuram) State bank of India (ATM Available) Grama Vidiyal Micro Finance Private Limited TamilNadu Mercantile Bank Ltd (ATM - Available) Federal Bank (ATM Available)

Deivacheyalpuram

Deivacheyalpuram is a small village situated at 21 km from Tirunelveli enroute to Thoothukudi. The Rajarajeswari temple and the Ramar temple are situated here. Also a 75-foot (23 m) statue of Lord Anjaneya constructed in the temple premises, to attain world peace, is here. Poojas are performed in these temples everyday with special poojas performed every Fridays and on festivals. On every full moon day, the temple conducts Annadanam (free food to the poor).

Tenkasi

The name itself implies that this town is 'Kasi (Varanasi) of the South'. The flag staff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and is 400 years old. It is the nearest town to Courtrallam (just 6 km away), which is well known for its waterfalls.

Puliangudi

Puliangudi (புளியங்குடி) town is situated on the Tenkasi – Thirumangalam National Highways(NH – 208) between Tenkasi and Rajapalayam. It is about 30 km South of Tenkasi and 40 km North of Rajapalayam. This town also lies at the foot hill of the westem ghats and has gentle slope from west to east.

The area of the town is 55.166 km² and the population in the year 2001 was 60142. Puliangudi Municipal area comprises four revenue Villages Viz. Mela Puliangudi, Puliangudi, Chinthamani and Thirumalai Naicken Pudukudi.

The town, in general, have a dry climate except the monsoon periods.

Puliangudi is also known as "Lemon City", due to varieties of lemon species cultivated around Puliangudi. Lemon is the main agro-product in the town's Agri-business led economy.

Education:

Puliangudi has 18 Higher Secondary schools and the students come to study from nearer municipalities of Sankarankovil, Kadayanallur and Vasudevanallur. Some of the Schools in Puliangudi are as follows-

1. Government Boys Hr Sec School
2. Government Girls Hr Sec School
3. HNUC Hr Sec School-T.N.Puthukudi
4. Sri Kanna Matriculation Hr Sec School
5. Seventh Day Adventist Matriculation Hr Sec School
6. Suyambulingam Hr Sec School
7. Seeniammal Hr Sec School
8. R C high school
9. Selvan Nursery & Primary School
10. Arun Nursery & Primary School
11. Agasthiar Nursery & Primary School
12. Quid-e-Millath Hr Sec School
13. Senaithalaivar Hr Sec School
14. Mohidheen Andavar school
15. T.D.T.A.Middle school
16. A.V.S high school
17. New Crescent matriculation school (CBSE)
18. Kanna Girls Hr.Sec.School
19. HNUC High School, Chinthamani
20. Packiathai Middle School

Engineering and Technology Institutions:

S.V.Engineering College is near Puliangudi. Gomathiammal Polytechnic is at Malayadikuruchi, 5 km from here. An Industrial Training Institute is also in the town.

Kootapuly

A coastal village in Tirunelveli district has a St. Joseph's church which is the very first in India and one of the oldest in the globe. In 2007 people of Kootapuly celebrated the 150th anniversary of this church. St.Francis Xavier stayed here for a few days during his mission to India in the 16th century .

Kootapuly has a beautiful landscape. It has sea on one side and other sides surrounded by mountains. It belongs to the Levinjipuram Panchayath of the Radhapuram Taluk.

Kootapuly is a coastal village(Bay of Bengal). It is situated one kilometere off the Kanyakumari - Thoothukudy coastal route. The nearest Railway Station is Kanyakumari.Kootapuly is around 19 kilometers from Nagercoil and 75 Kilometers from Tirunelveli. It is well connected to Nagercoil by road.

Almost 75% of the population are educated.Kootapuly has a Higher Secondary School. Education is given atmost importance here. The main occupation and source of income is fishing. The people of kootapuly belong to a caste called Paravar. The entire Paravar community adopted Christianity under the patronage of St.Francis Xavier.

People of Kootapuly have migrated to different parts of the globe. They all gather in kootapuly once a year for the St.Joseph's feast.As the feast of St.Joseph's falls during the lent period they celebrate the feast on the Sunday just before the Ash Wednesday.The feast is celebrated for ten days beginning with the hoisting of the Church flag and the procession of the Church Car on the last day.

Manapad

The Holy Cross Church at Manapad was built in 1581. Thousands of worshippers congregate during the festival season from 1 to 14 September every year. The church is associated with St. Francis Xavier.

Krishnapuram

The temple in Krishnapuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is Thiruvenkatanathar. There are a number of life-size sculptures in this temple with intricate workmanship. Very good place to visit. On the way to trichentur 7km from palayamkottai. Sculptures appreciated by Mr.Rajiv Ganthi,Karunanithi & jayalalitha. Elephant and cow with one face, arjunan, bheema, dharma.

Tiger Reserve

The 900 km² Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was established in 1962. Central location: 8°39′N 77°23′E is about 45 km west from Tirunelveli Town. It is known as KMTS to forest and tiger research people. Kalakad is the nearest town to reach KMTS.

Sankarankovil

This temple depicts the concept of Hari and Hara being one God. There is a deity by the name Sankara Narayanan, which is half Lord Shiva and the other half Lord Vishnu. Also, there is another deity, named Avodai ambal or Gomathi Ambal. There is a sacred sand available in Gomathi Ambal temple, which is believed to cure the diseases. There is a famous festival Adi Thabasu in the month of June which is observed in this temple. This temple was built by Ukrama Pandiyan in 900 AD.

Vidivelli Achiramam

It is one of the remarkable C.S.I Churches situated in the very remote place in sankarankovil taluk.it is situated in a historical village named Sayamalai Valasai almost 20 km away from Sankarankovil. This is the greatest and foremost Christian church in the area. It was organised and built by two British old ladies named Frost and Joy Ammaiyar. They served a lot to educate the inmates of the area with devotive nature. They inculcated and sowed good seeds and made good personalities. The church was built up in the year 1938 itself. Here we have to remember one remarkable personality named Mr. P.Raja Thalaivar, who sacrificed his life and served a lot as a chatachrist in the church and Head Master in the near by T.D.T.A schools for the educational development of the area.

Tirunelveli

The Nellaiappar Temple, one of the famous temples of Tamil Nadu is located at Tirunelveli. The Temple is deeply connected with tradition and history and also known for its musical pillars and other splendid sculptured figures. The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) at Vagaikulam in 30 minutes drive, which is 32 km from Tirunelveli.

Vallioor

Valliyur or Vallioor is a panchayat union in Radhapuram taluk in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Valliyur is one of the fastest growing towns in Tirunelveli district. This town is located along National Highways (NH-7) between Tirunelveli and Nagarkoil.

It gets its name from the goddess Valli, consort of Lord Murugan. The beautiful Murugan Temple, the oceanic Valliyoor Kulam, the wide and appeasing Kuravan Malai (Western Ghats) gives the town a beautiful look and feel.

Once a shanty village with farmers and shepherds, now, Valliyoor has good Kalyanamandapams(Marriage Halls), bus station, beautiful churches, old temples of architectural importance, schools of international standards, fire stations, vibrant transport system and much more.

Recently the United Volunteer Service Society's (UVSS) New Life Home for Aged Destitutes opened some 7 km away from here on road to Eruvadi. This initiative is by like minded people and does not involve any specific religious group or Government or any specific community.

The 'SHELTON' Garment industry, employing about 1000 people is a landmark for Valliyur. Shirts and Trousers manufactured here are marketed throughout India and also in Dubai.

Nanguneri

The temple town of Nanguneri is situated 31 km south of Tirunelveli famous for its large Vishnu temple. The presiding deity in the temple is Thotathri Nathan. The temple is run by the Vanamamalai mutt and houses the famous Ennai Kinaru (oil well). It is one of the Divya Sheathram according to Vaishnava Tradition.

Parappadi

This village have more than 7000 population. it have one of the largest church (Holy trinity Church) for Christians, they are celebrating Church anniversary at in Tamil month ippachi 1st all surrounding village peoples are participating this festival,monthly once first Saturday has pasting prayer in this church so many people get relief through this prayer & one temple (Mutharamman Kovil) for Hindus.one TDTA middle school and one Govt Hr sec schools are there in this village. Most of the peoples are educated they are in all professional 50% of peoples are working as teachers.All cast of peoples are living together this is the great thing in this village. This Village is named as "வந்தாரை வாழ வைக்கும் பரப்பாடி" village situated 11 km east of Nanguneri.

Veeravanallur

This village has more population than the taluk Ambasamudram. It has Electrical Power Substation, Gomathi Mills and Power weaving mill. Surrounding villages are Harikesavanallur, Kiriyammalpuram, Manabaranallur, Nainar colony, Thambran colony, Parayadi pacheri, Retiyarpuram, Malayangulam, Vellangulli & Puthukudi.This village has a great bharathiyar govt.hr.school. This school had made many artists and up to now that makes many brilliends.Our village has a great boomi nathar thirukoil,senbagavalli amman koil, thirowbathai amman koil, muppidathi amman koil, RC church,..etc.

Pappankulam

Village situated 15 km in east of Nanguneri and famous of Mutharamman Temple.

Maruthur

An untapped tourist potential of this district. This village is situated 12 km from Palayamkottai. The stone made dam otherwise known as anaikattu is the beauty of this village. This anaikattu was constructed during the pandia kingdom. The British government repaired the dam in 1872. The dam is across the river Thamirabarani. The dam is 20–35 feet high and 2.5 km long. The engineering marvel of the dam is that it was constructed in a concave shape across the river and the cutting edges of tope stones also in concave shape to facilitate easy flow of water. The dam splits thamirabarini river water into maruthur melakal (western channel) and maruthur kelakal (eastern channel). Walking on the stone wall seeing the water flow on both sides is an amazing experence.

Venkatachalapuram

This village has a population of more than 1000 families. One of the small villages of Thirunelveli district. This is located near by I.T. Park, Coca-Cola Company and Sipcot. This is the very good village of water supply and agriculture. In this village special and name reason is Venkatachalapathy Temple, which is in near by Chitraru River. This temple is more than 150 old years and powerful god and sri venugopalakrishnan temple entrance of yadava street of that village.

R.C.Nandhankulam

This village has a population of about 70 families. It is one of the smallest village in district. The letters 'R.C.' in the name stands for "Roman Catholic". This village has a Church of St. Peter. St. Peter referred in Tamil as "Rayappar". The Church of St. Peter celebrate a 10-Day festival on May 13 to 23.

Dohnavur

It is a village which is situated near Nanguneri. Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius is the Father of Dohnavur. He purchased lands and constructed the big Church (CSI Christ Church) with the help of Prussian gentleman, Count Dohna and named the village as “Dohnavur”. Rev. Thomas Walker constucted a school (Walker Hr. Sec. School) in Dohnavur and Mother Amy Carmichael constructed a Hospital (Parama Sugasalai) and started an Orphanage.

Geographically the village is surrounded by Ponds. Most of the people who lives in Dohnavur are farmers and Building Contractors. You can see many Teachers in Dohnavur.

Animal husbandry

The district is home to almost 50% of the buffalo population of Tamil Nadu.[2]

Notable people from Tirunelveli District

Literary personalities

• Agathiyar
• Tholkappiyar
• Bishop. Robert Caldwell

Freedom Fighters

• Veera Pandiya Kattabomman - Fought against British
• Vanchinathan - Revolutionary Freedom fighter
• Quaide Milleth Muhammad Ismail - Freedom fighter
• Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone - Freedom fighter, known for his revolt against British

Literature

• Thirikuda Rasappa Kavirayar poet, author of Coutralak Kuravanji
• TK Ramanuja Kavirajar: Tamil epic poet, playwright and humanitarian

Press

• C.Pa. Adithanar Nadar: Founder of Dina Thanthi group of newspapers
• Dr.Sivanthi Adhiththanar Nadar: Owner of popular Tamil newspaper Dina Thanthi
• K.P.Kandasamy Nadar: Founder of Dinakaran group of newspapers

Politicians

• Karate David Selwyn Nadar - Founder of Kamarajar Adithanar Kazhagam
• Aladi Aruna Nadar - The torch bearer of dravidian movement in Tirunelveli and was the Minister for Law.
• Poongothai Aladi Aruna Nadar - Doctor profession and now Minister for Information & Technology.
• Arunachalam - Former Congress Former MP and Central Minister
• Dhanuskodi Adithan Nadar - Former MP and Central Minister
• Vaiko - President Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)
• Puliyankudi Palanisamy: - Tirunelveli District President Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)
• P. H. Pandian Nadar - Former Speaker of Tamil Nadu state Assembly - Cheranmadevi)
• Mr. P. Soundararajan Nadar - Former MP (Raja shaba), AIADMK-Member, Vallioor
• Late Mr. Y.S.M. Yousuf, Former PWD Minister of Tamil Nadu State Assembly
• Senaiyar.Thiru S. Peter Alponse, MP (Congress) Tiruenelveli, (Presently MLA - Tamilnadu)
• Senaiyar.Thiru Diravidamani Ex MLC DMK Kadyanallur
• Senaiyar.Thiru Palai Naryanan Ex MLA Tirunelveli
• Mr.r.Murugiahpandian Ex MLA ADMK Ambasamudram
• 'Nagara thanthai" late M.L.Asirwatham.President, Thisaiyanvillai Town panchyat (1946-1973)
• 'Satta sabhai Singam' T.Martin MLA (1967-1971)
• B.John Pandian M.A., Founder of Thamilaga makkal Munnetra Kalagam
• M.Devaki-district panchayat chairman (AIADMK) (tirunelveli district) - (2002-2006)
• D.Edward John District president. D M K. Thamilnadu anaithu amaibusara thozhilalar munnetra sangam

Business

• BELL PINS
• Jayaraj Nadar - Founder of Jayaraj Annpackiam Schools and Jayaraj Automobiles
• R. Seshasayee: Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd
• P. Rajagopal Nadar: MD, Hotel Saravana Bhavan
• Shri.T V Sundaram Iyengar: Founder of TVS Motors Group of companies
• Venu Srinivasan: Chairman and MD of TVS Motors Motors Ltd-Thirukurungudi-Sundaram Clayton
• Shiv Nadar: Chairman of HCL Technologies
• T.M.Ganapathy Mudaliar : Founder of Sri Ganapathy Silks, Sankarankovil, Coimbatore
• ASF Karim : Founder and CEO of Edutech

Mr.S.Ayyadurai Pandian - Deputy President (KALPATARUPOWER TRANSMISSION LTD)

• Mr.S. Manipillai
• Chevalier. M.G.M. Muthu Director M.G.M. Resorts and group of companies.
• M.L.A. Suthanther Asumptha Director. Ajith Transports.
• Peranand thevar

Film industry

Music directors

• Bharathwaj
• Harris Jeyaraj
• T. N. Seshagopalan: Carnatic Musician and Composer
• Maharajapuram Santhanam
• Vijay Antony
• Vignesh thevar

Directors

• Kadhir
• Vikraman
• SJ Suryah
• Shankar
• Hari
• Arul

Others

• T.S. Krishnamurthy — Ex-Election Commissioner of India
• Umpire Hariharan - Elathur village
• K.Mageswaran advocate tenkasi
• Rathinavel Pandian - Retired Supreme Court Judge
• M.Joseph Thatheus Jerome. Advocate. Chennai and social activist.
• K.Sankararaman Advocate

External links

• Tirunelveli
• Tirunelveli District
• LoveNellai - The Complete Guide