Tenkasi is a small town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, located at the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is one of the most scenic and peaceful places in South India, with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Tenkasi is also known for its rich history, culture, and spirituality, as it is home to some of the most revered and beautiful attractions in the region. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural exploration, or a spiritual journey, Tenkasi has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit, things to do, how to reach, and when to visit Tenkasi. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your trip, and some interesting facts and stories about Tenkasi that you may not know. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Tenkasi and discover its hidden gems.
Places to Visit in Tenkasi
1. Temples
Tenkasi is famous for its temples, which are not only architectural marvels, but also spiritual hubs. The most prominent and popular temple in Tenkasi is the Kasi Viswanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built by the Pandya king Parakrama Pandian in the 13th century, and is known for its magnificent gopuram (tower), which is the second tallest in Tamil Nadu.
2. Waterfalls
Tenkasi is blessed with some of the most spectacular and refreshing waterfalls in the country, which are a treat for the eyes and the soul. The most famous and visited waterfall in Tenkasi is the Courtallam Falls, also known as the “Spa of South India”. This waterfall is located about 5 km from Tenkasi, and is formed by the Chittar River, which originates from the Western Ghats.
3. Dargah
Tenkasi is not only a place of Hindu worship, but also a place of Muslim faith and devotion. The most famous and revered dargah in Tenkasi is the Ilayathangudi Dargah, which is located about 3 km from Tenkasi, on the banks of the Chittar River. This dargah is dedicated to the Sufi saint Syed Mohammed Ghouse, who is also known as Ilayathangudi Masthan Sahib.
Things to Do in Tenkasi
1. Trekking
Tenkasi is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers, as it offers some of the most thrilling and scenic trails in the Western Ghats. The most popular and adventurous trekking destination in Tenkasi is the Agasthiyar Malai, which is a mountain peak that is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The peak is named after the sage Agastya, who is considered to be the father of Tamil language and medicine. The peak is also a pilgrimage site for Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The trek to the peak is about 28 km long, and takes about two days to complete.
2. Shopping
Tenkasi is a great place to shop for some of the unique and traditional products of Tamil Nadu, such as sarees, handicrafts, spices, etc. The most famous and sought-after product in Tenkasi is the Tenkasi Pattu Saree, which is a silk saree that is handwoven by the local weavers.
3. Eating
Tenkasi is a heaven for foodies, as it offers some of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in Tamil Nadu, ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian, from spicy to sweet, from traditional to modern. The most famous and must-try cuisine in Tenkasi is the Tenkasi Halwa, which is a sweet dish made of wheat, ghee, sugar, and nuts.
How to Reach Tenkasi
Tenkasi is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and can be easily reached from various parts of the country. Here are some of the best ways to reach Tenkasi:
By Flight
The nearest airport to Tenkasi is the Tuticorin Airport, which is located about 110 km from the town. The airport has regular flights from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, etc.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Tenkasi is the Tenkasi Junction Railway Station, which is located in the town itself. The station has regular trains from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. You can book your train tickets online or through a reservation counter, and check the availability and status of different trains. The train duration from Chennai to Tenkasi is about 10 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 500.
By Bus
The nearest bus stand to Tenkasi is the Tenkasi Bus Stand, which is located in the town itself. The bus stand has regular buses from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, etc. You can book your bus tickets online or through a travel agent, and choose from different types of buses, such as AC, non-AC, sleeper, semi-sleeper, etc. The bus duration from Chennai to Tenkasi is about 12 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 800.
Best Time to Visit Tenkasi
Tenkasi can be visited throughout the year, as it has a pleasant and moderate climate, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Winter (December to February) is the best time to visit Tenkasi, as the weather is cool and dry, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time to enjoy the sightseeing, trekking, and shopping in Tenkasi, as the sky is clear and the air is fresh. This is also the best time to visit the waterfalls, as the water flow is moderate and the scenery is stunning.
Tenkasi is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats, that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and spirituality. It is a place where you can experience the best of Tamil Nadu, with its waterfalls, temples, dargah, sarees, handicrafts, spices, halwa, biryani, idli, dosa, parotta, pongal, and more. It is a place where you can relax, explore, and enjoy, with your family, friends, or partner. It is a place where you can create some unforgettable memories and stories, that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and head to Tenkasi, the hidden gem in the Western Ghats.
