Thamirabarani river flows on the shore of Ambasamudram town. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. The river derives its name from tamiran, which means copper. The river contains traces of metal and is said to have medicinal properties as it flows through the Podhigai hills where a lot of medicinal herbs grow.
The water of the Thamirabarani river is extremely sweet and must be tasted. The copper content gives the river a unique reddish tinge.
Agasthiyar Falls is located close to the Papanasam Shiva Temple at a distance of about 4 km uphill. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the region. The height of the waterfall is around 100 metres and it can be reached by trekking from the Papanasam Temple.
This waterfall is believed to have not just the power to wash all sins but is also enriched by medicinal herbs and has the power to heal. One can also trek uphill to its source, the Kalyan Theertham, where the origin of the falls is hidden behind a huge wall-like structure.
Legends say that Saint Agasthiar balanced the earth and saved it from the havoc which was created by the crowd of people who thronged to the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva.
Manimuthar Dam & Waterfall is a water reservoir located at the foothills of the Pothigai hills. The scenic beauty of the location is splendid and the place where the mountains, water and the sky meet is a breathtaking view.
Manimuthar Waterfalls is a few kilometres away and is an equally picturesque location. One can enjoy a bath and beauty of nature to the fullest.
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, which covers an area of over 800 sq km, was conferred with the status of a National Tiger Reserve in 1988. It is in the southernmost part of the Western Ghats.
Besides tigers, which are mostly found in the southernmost region of the sanctuary, other species, such as panthers, jackals, hyenas, jungle cats, different types of langurs, macaque and deer, are also found.
Various reptiles, amphibian and birds also inhabit this sanctuary. There are around 24 trek routes which attract tourists to this sanctuary besides the animals. The best time to visit this tiger reserve is from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. It remains open everyday of the week.
Karaiyar Dam is located within the premises of the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and is a part of it. The dam provides boating services which are sure to thrill travellers.
A half-an-hour boat ride takes one through the smooth backwater as well as amidst the drizzles of a huge waterfall. The waterfall is called the Vaanatheertham. The waterfall is a huge tourist attraction as the water is said to contain minerals with medicinal properties. The water of the reservoir is known to be the house of crocodiles.
Manjolai Hills is a hill station which is famous for its tea estates and plantations. The height of the hills is about 1162 metres. Various varieties of tea are grown in the estates. The place is also known for its scenic beauty. The serenity of the place provides people with peace of mind and relaxation.
Kakkachi and Nalumukku are other prominent tourist spots close to the Manjolai Hills.
Vikramasingapuram also known as V. K. Puram is located near the Agasthiar Falls. The place is known for housing people of different religions and castes harmoniously. Vikramasingapuram is home to several temples and churches, such as the Sivan Temple, Sivanthiappar Temple, Narayan Swamy Temple, Sri Venugopala Krishnan Temple, Holy Calvary Church, St Peter's Church, Balasubramanya Swamy Kovil, to name a few.
Manjolai Hills, famous for its tea estates, is also located here. Vikramasingapuram is also well known for its schools.
Melaseval Megalingeshwara Temple is located in Melaseval and is not as well-known as the Melaseval Navaneethakrishnan Temple also located in the same village. It is one of the three temples located in this village.
The temple did not find mention in the Gazetteer of Tirunelveli District in 1781.
Melaseval Venogopalaswamy Temple is one of the three temples located in Melaseval village. Unlike Melaseval Navaneethakrishna Temple, Melaseval Venogopalaswamy Temple did not find mention in the Gazetteer of Tirunelveli District in 1781.
Papanasam Dam was constructed in the year 1942 and is located on the Western Ghats of the Pothigai hills. The dam is in proximity to the Papanasam Falls, which is on the banks of the Thamirabarani river.
The place is considered holy because it is said that Lord Shiva and Parvati appeared before Saint Agasthiyar here. The Agasthiyar Temple is built here to commemorate this visit. The dam is also a popular picnic spot today due to its picturesque location surrounded by towering mountains and trees.
Papanasam Papanasar Temple is one of the most significant temples of the Tirunelveli district. The temple is located in a small village called Papanasam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name of the temple has been derived from the belief that anyone who takes a bath in this temple will be washed of their sins.
The temple is also considered highly auspicious for marriage ceremonies and most of the marriages which take place in the area are held in this temple.