Tirunelveli (Tamil: திருநெல்வேலி), also known as Nellai (Tamil: நெல்லை), and historically (during British rule) as Tinnevelly, is the sixth-largest city after Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Salem in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, and the headquarters of the Tirunelveli District.
Tirunelveli is an ancient city with rich cultural heritage, and is home to many temples and shrines, including the largest Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu, the Nellaiappar Temple. The city is considered to be one of the oldest in the Indian subcontinent, with a history that dates back to 1000 BC. It is located on the western side of the perennial Thamirabarani river, whereas its twin city Palayamkottai, is located on the eastern side.
The city is also famous for its reputed institutions and hence Palayamkottai is known as the "Oxford of South India".
The city's historic heritage includes the Swamy Nellaiappar temple and the Sri Kandimathi Ambal temple, both of which are ancient Saivite temples. It is also the site of Asia's second largest two-tiered bridge, the Tiruvalluvur Bridge, which connects Tirunelveli Town and Junction. Nellaiappar temple Car festival is conducted every year in the month of Tamil month Audi. Nellaiappar car is third largest temple car in Tamil Nadu next to Tiruvaroor and Srivilliputtur. Also, a Golden Temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is November 2, 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukalyanam, Kaarthigai, Aaruthra Festival etc.
The Nellaippar (sivan) sannadhi faces the swami sannadhi street. Gandhimathi amman (Parvathi) faces the amman sannadhi street. The founder of yahoo Tamil chat room belongs to this street.
