Puliangudi

Puliangudi is a city in Tirunelveli District, located on the NH 208 highway connecting Thirumangalam (near Madurai) with Kollam in Kerala.

Located on the foothills of the Western ghats, is one of the fast emerging options as a base for the Sankaran Kovil -Courtallam tourist circuit, located midway between the two. It is also known for lemon cultivation.

Travel to Puliangudi

Air

Nearest airports are at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Train

Nearest Train station on the Chennai Egmore –Sengottai line is at Pambu Kovil Shandy (PBKS) around 4 Km from Puliangudi. A more popular station nearby is the temple town of Sankaran Kovil, about 15 Km away. Pothigai Express is the daily service that connects Chennai with Puliangudi. The train starts in Chennai at 2050 hours passing through Tiruchirapalli (0235 Hours), Madurai (0525 Hours) and reaching Sankaran Kovil at 0740 Hours.

Nearest Junction is at Kovilpatti located on the Chennai Central – Trivandrum line offering connectivity to rest of India through express trains through out the day.

Bus

Puliangudi is located on NH 208 and is well connected by bus with all the towns. Popular starting points to reach Puliangudi and distance by road are as below –

Madurai - 125 km
Kovilpatti - 60km
Tenkasi – 30km
Tirunelveli -

Car

You will find heavy traffic on the Madurai to Tirumangalam stretch.But it is smooth driving once you hit NH 208.The highway cuts through villages and is lined with trees on either side.

With recent investments in highways in form of ring-roads, bye-passes and 4-laning, driving to nearby cities like Tirunelveli and Nagercoil has become safer and more comfortable.

Cab from Sankaran Kovil station on the Chennai Egmore –Sengottai line would cost around ₹150 to ₹200 and cab from Kovilpatti Junction on the Chennai Central – Trivandrum line would cost around ₹500.

Get Around

Puliangudi is well connected with all towns around through the State Government run buses. Cabs and vans are also available for hire, with the drivers doubling up as your guides.

What to See

Sankaran Kovil

Sankaran Kovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is the combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. Thus it is held sacred by both Saivites and Vaishnavites. It is very famous for "Adi Thabasu" festival. In older times and the city was called as Sankaranayinar kovil. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice a year and the sun’s rays fall on the pedestal.

It is located about 14 Km from Puliangudi and is accessible by government buses. Tourist cars and vans can also be arranged from Puliangudi.

MainDeity : Sankaralingeswarar,Sankara Narayanar
Goddesses : Gomathi Amman
Theertham : Nagasnai
Holytree : Punnai

This temple also called as Avudaiamman Kovil or Davasu kovil or SankaraNayinar Kovil depicts a good example for Siva and Vishnu being One and the same. Here the main deity Sankara Narayanar poses himself with half Shiva (on the left side) and half Vishnu (on the right).

Goddess Gomathi Amman is said to have worshipped the Lord at this place. This temple is also considered to be representing one of the five elements (Nilam/Land/Prthivi)in this area and the other being Nallur (Agni) ,Tharukapuram (Neer/Water/Jal) ,Thenmalai (Vayu) and Devathaanam (Agayam/Sky/Akash) . It was built by Ukira Pandiyan BC 900.

The general belief is that the Holy Sand "Puttrumann" that you get from this temple is capable of curing all the diseases. Devotees believe that Sankarankoil‘s Nagasunai (sacred tank) have been dug by serpent kings named Paduman and Sangam which has a miraculous power to heal those who bathe there. The Annadhanam scheme is being conducted in the temple when daily noon meals are being provided for around 100 devotees. It is believed that all devotees who pray to the goddess Gomathi amman have always found solace.

Key festivals

Chithhirai Bramotsava ( 10 days ) Every April
Adi thapasu festival ( 12 days ) August
Iyppasi Thirukkalyanam festival ( 10 days ) October
Theppam floating festival - (Thai) last Friday ( Every February )

Ph: 04636 222265.

Dharugapuram

It is located near Vasudevanallur. One has to take right before Vasudevanallur while on the NH 208 towards North/Tirumangalam. Lord Shiva is called as "Mathiastha Naathar". His consort is Goddess Akilandeshwari.Legend is that Lord Shiva Himself did "Mathiastham", meaning moderator, for Chera and Pandia kings when there was a dispute between them, over dividing land territory. It is believed that this sthalam is a Neer (water - among the Panjaboothams) Sthalam. One who visits this temple is relieved from all diseases ( internal and external) pertaining to Water. The Lingam covered with the Golden Nagabaranam. The temple also consists of a Grand Natarajar Sannadhi, a Siddhar's Samadhi. One special thing to mention is the Dhakshnamoorthy here.Dhakshnamoorthy is sitting above all Navagrahas, in a peetam.

Karivalamvanthanallur / Nallur/ Karivalam

Located 8km from Sankarankovil, Palvannanathar temple here is believed to be the agni stalam. It has the primary feature of moorthy. It has sukkira theertham, agni theertham, Devi theertham

Courtallam/Kuttrallam

Located 37 kilometers from Puliangudi, is famous for its numerous waterfalls. You can literally find people running around and taking bath in waterfalls with towels on their shoulders. The waterfalls are fed by the monsoon, colloquially referred to as "Kuttralam Season". Due to its location and relative affordable expenses, it is often referred to as "Poor man's paradise".The best time to visit is mid-June to September and October-January.

Courtallam is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). It is said that Lord Siva sent Saint Agastheyar to the south to avoid imbalance due to overcrowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courttalam is Chithra Sabha. This sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Moreover this temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors.

Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River and the Manimuthar River and the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here.

Round trips by cab can be arranged from Puliangudi for ₹1000. Modern lodging facilities are now available here at much reasonable costs. Remember during peak season Coutrallam can get very crowded!

Tenkasi

Tenkasi (South Kasi) is famous for its Ulagamman Temple and its Shiva Temple. The Ulagamman temple was built by Parakrama Pandian, but was shattered by lightning. In the 1990s and the temple was restored with much financial assistance of Sivanthi Adithan and others, and it was given a fresh coat of paint again in 2006 by the same philanthropists. However and the first few feet from the ground has not been painted as that part appears to have survived the lightning. The gopuram or the entry gateway remains among the highest in southern Tamil Nadu. The main deity here is Kasi Viswanathar (Shiva). This temple has three Sannidhis [a unique aspect - Sivan, Amman and Murugan Sannidhis. This temple has beautiful sculptures and also has musical stone pillars, that emit notes of different pitch when tapped with fingers. The entrance is really grand, with heavy steps. One could view the majestic Temple Gopuram even while entering the town. The Gopuram of the temple welcomes pilgrims with a pleasant cool breeze straight from the nearby Thirikooda Malai.

Kalugumalai

Kalugumalai locates in between Kovilpatti and Sankarankoil - around 35 Km from Puliangudi. An ancient Jain site in Tamil Nadu, which probably holds, many untold stories about the growth of Tamil civilization. One can see fine examples of Jain architecture and cave sculpting. Wednesday can find the rock cut images of Bhagawan Parshwanatha flanked by Daranendra Yaksha and Padmavathi Yakshi, umbrella and Chauri Bearers dating back to 8th and 9th century AD. There are many rock reliefs of Jain tirthankaras Vattuvan Koil (meaning a sculptor's paradise) is a Hindu temple built between the 8th and 9th century. The carvings reflect the southern temple style of the Pandya era.1

Kalugumalai contains a priceless unfinished Pandyan monolith cave temple, part of the iconographic richness that helped chronicle the burgeoning richness of the Tamil culture, traditions, and sacred centres containing religious art. The name of the town takes after the temple for Lord Muruga Kalugasalamoorthy Kovil built sometime in the 18th century.

Eco-Development and Model Farm project Ullar

Around 36 Km from Puliangudi A model farm, established by volunteers from through out the world , brought together by Projects-abroad. The farm features an area for preparing organic fertilizer, a nursery for medicinal plants and community work area. Main activities revolve around development and demonstration of organic and sustainable farming.4

Things to Do

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Puliangudi

Puliangudi is known for its powerloom products, kadalamittai and halwa.

Halal Restaurants in Puliangudi

There are numerous tea-shops for a hot sip of tea or Coffee.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Puliangudi

Puliangudi - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Puliangudi, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Puliangudi. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Puliangudi and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Puliangudi. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Puliangudi. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPuliangudi: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Puliangudi.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Puliangudi: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Puliangudi, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Puliangudi.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Puliangudi, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Puliangudi, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Puliangudi and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Puliangudi, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Puliangudi, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Puliangudi without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Puliangudi is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Puliangudi.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Puliangudi is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Puliangudi, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Puliangudi Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Janatha Hotels, started in February 2009, offers modern air-conditioned lodging with 24 hour hot water and room service. ☎ - 91-4636-233850 Janatha Restaurant ☎ - 91-4636-326162 There are other small lodges available near the bus terminus

TTDC approved bed and breakfast - Smt. A. Padma, W/o - S. Arumugam, Uttchimahali amman , Koil Street, T.N. Puthukudi - Puliyankudi, Contact no. 91-9443323539

Telecommunications in Puliangudi

Health care

Raja Clinic-04636 233786
Janatha Hospital 04636 233078
Sri Kanna Hospital 04636 233052
Mahalakshmi Hospital 04636 233277
Thangavinayagam Hospital 04636 233334

News & References

Travel Next

Apart from buses and the Pothigai Express departing from Sankaran Kovil station every day at 1951 Hours in the evening is most popular option to headback in case your next destination is on the Madurai - Tiruchirapalli - Chennai line.

Incase, you have some more time, you can continue on the temple circuit - Tamil Nadu is land of temples.You can go further south and set base at Tirunelveli.

Or you can cross over to Kerala through the Thenmala eco-tourism ares and enter Kollam.