About Sivagangai

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Sivagangai serves as the administrative center for the Sivagangai District. Founded by Sasivarnana Periya Udaya Thevar, the first king of the Sivagangai dynasty, it proudly holds the distinction of being the capital of Chettinad. The town's significance owes much to the influential Nattu Kottai Chettiars of Chettinad, who established their trade far and wide, even into the 20th century, starting from this very place. Positioned to the south-east of Madurai, a tour of Sivagangai unravels a glorious past shaped by its visionary founder, with remnants of majestic palaces still gracing the landscape.

The town's charm is further enhanced by the presence of the Sree Vishwanatha and Sree Subramanya Temples, adding to its grandeur. With its wealth of heritage and historical remnants, Sivagangai stands as a remarkable small town, cherishing the essence of its illustrious past.

Tourist Attractions In Sivagangai : 16

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1: Thirukoshtiyur Temple

Thirukoshtiyur Arulmigu Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple is administrated Sivagangai Samasthanam Devasthanam. Thirukoshtiyur Sowmiya Narayana Perumal Temple is an ancient shrine located about 10 kms from Tiruppattur in Sivagangai district Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams Lord Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns of Alwars. Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple is considered as the southern Badrinath. The vimana in this temple is Ashtanga and it rises to a height of 96 ft. Most noteworthy feature of the shrine is that the deity can be found in all three postures standing, sitting and sleeping.

2: Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is a 0.384 sq kms protected area, declared in June 1977 near Thirupattur in the Sivaganga District that includes the Periya kollukudi patti, Chinna kollukudi patti, and Vettangudi patti irrigation tanks. It was declared as sanctuary in June 1977. This home draws attention in various migratory birds and species. The small drainage basins in the sanctuary attract over 8,000 winter migratory birds and you can spot over 200 species of birds from Europe and North Asian countries. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is 51 kms from Madurai on the Madurai Melur Tiruppathur Road, in Sivagangai district.

3: 108 Pillayar Kovil

108 Pillayar Kovil is a temple located in the Karaikudi town that is part of the Sivagangai district in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated Lord Ganesha who is the son of God Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. The temple is known all over the country because it houses 108 Ganesh murtis or idols. Many devotees flock to the temple in large numbers because of this special feature. The temple is also very popular among the local crowd mainly because Lord Ganesh is considered the deity who is responsible for removing obstacles from our path. Hence, people come to the temple to worship and seek the blessings of God before starting anything new. It is believed that invoking Lord Ganesha before the start of something new ensures that your new venture goes smoothly without any obstacles. In order to impress the God devotees offer His favourite sweet ladoo or modak at the temple.

4: Aayiram Jannal Veedu

Aayiram Jannal Veedu is a famous landmark in the town of Karaikudi. The literal translation of the name of the place means, the house with a thousand windows a very apt name for a house that has thousand windows. The house is very famous among the tourists who make it a point to visit the place when in Karaikudi. In fact, once in the town simply ask anyone for directions to the house. The house is built on 20000 sq ft of area and is very spacious. The house was built in 1941. The house has 25 huge rooms and five very large halls. There are some 20 doors in the house along with 100 windows. The first thing that strikes when one enters the house is that although it is in shambles and poorly maintained, the original style of architecture and grandeur still remains intact.

5: Chettinad Palace

The Chettinad Palace is hailed as one of India's seven wonders, boasting an awe-inspiring fusion of art, architecture, and tradition. Constructed in 1912 under the visionary guidance of Dr. Annamali Chettiar, the palace stands as a significant historical monument, offering invaluable insights into the technological advancements of its time. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettinad people, reflecting their traditional architectural preferences. The palace's design showcases an intriguing blend of influences from East Asian countries and Europe, as raw materials, decorative pieces, furniture, and upholstery were imported from these regions. The incorporation of chandeliers, teak wood furniture, marble, mirrors, carpets, and crystals from different cultures lends the palace its unique and distinctive identity, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of diverse arts and styles.

6: Kannathal Temple

Kannathal temple is situated in Nattarasankotai village that comes under the Sivagangai district. The village is close to the town of Karaikudi. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kannudateya Nayaki who is considered the swayambumurthi. The uniqueness of the temple lies in its construction. The halls in the temple are spacious and majestic. The sanctum sanctorum, Mahamandapam and the Arthamandapam were built by the kings who ruled earlier than the Nagarathars came to this part of the country. The Nagarathars added plenty of structures to the temple to make it what it is today. They got a mandap built in the centre of the temple and also a huge temple tower. These structures only added to the grandeur of the temple. They also got built a special hall called Chokkatttancherry that is a supreme example of the splendid architecture and craftsmanship of the times. The Nagarathars added plenty of Vahananas or chariots in the courtyard of the temple. These chariots are made of wood, silver and precious stones.

7: Koppudai Amman Temple

Koppudai Amman Temple in Karaikudi is a very famous temple of South India and is very popular among devotees. Many people suffering from various diseases of the skin, infertility issues or marriage related problems throng to the temple in large numbers. According to a legend, it is believed that praying at the temple can help solve your problems. Those who are suffering from health related issues also come to this temple to pray for their better health. It is believed that a person who comes to the temple with complete faith will have his/her prayers granted. The temple is also famous in south India for celebrating a grand festival on the last Tuesday of the Chitrai month. Devotees and tourists alike, come to the temple to participate in the festival.

8: Kanadukathan

Kanadukathan is a small town located in the district of Sivagangai and very close to the town of Karaikudi. The specialty of the place lies in the structure of its houses and the local food. The houses in Kanadukathan are huge and built in the typical Chettinad style. The main doors and entrances of the houses resemble the gateways of the Hindu temples; majestic and intricately carved. The local cuisine of Kanadukathan is prepared in the typical Chettinad style with plenty of herbs and spices. Plenty of tourists throng to the town from Karaikudi to simply feast on the local delicacies. A very common feature that is seen on the streets of Kanadukathan is a pot hole covered with wire mesh. These pot holes have been built to do rain water harvesting. The town uses special water purifying techniques to make rain water usable. All the towns and cities in the country could learn a thing or two from the people of Kanadukathan about water harvesting.

9: Krishnamurthy Perumal Kovil

Krishnamurthy Perumal Kovil is a temple located in the town of Karaikudi. The Kovil or Koil is located right in the centre of the town and is hard to miss. The temple is dedicated to two gods; Shiva and Perumal. Lord Perumal is also popularly known as Lord Thirumal by the locals of the place. Lord Perumal is one of the avatars or forms of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is the God who is responsible for the sustenance of the universe while Lord Shiva is the destroyer. They form the trilogy of the Gods along with Lord Brahma who is regarded as the creator of the universe. According to a local belief, the two Gods visit the earth regularly in disguise and have chosen the temple as their earthly abode when they come down from the heavens. Surprisingly, idols of the consorts of the two Gods, Goddesses Parvati and Laxmi have not been established at the temple.

10: Kaviarasu Kannadasan Manimandapam

Kaviarsar Kannadhsan Mani Madapam is a small structure that has been built in the memory of famous Tamil poet Kavi Arasar Kannadasan who was born in Sirukooldalpatti, a sleepy village near Karaikudi. He was a man who is believed to have changed the face of Tamil literature with his revolutionary writings. He also had great oratorical skills and would mesmerize his audience when he took the stage. He contributed not only to Tamil literature but also to the Tamil film industry by writing songs that became very popular. Many of his writings also found their way into Tamil magazines since he also wrote political satires. His writings have taken on an iconic stature in state of Tamil Nadu because he gave the Tamilians the voice that they were lacking. In his works, he spoke about the problems of the common people; their fears as well as their joys. The Nagarthars built a mandapam for him to honour the man who made their community known all over the country.

11: Shiva Temple

Shiva temple is situated in Kandanur, one of the areas in Sivagangai district. Kandanur is 7 km from Karaikudi, and there are many buses that run daily between the two places. The Shiva temple in Kandanur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. The temple has a lot of religious significance for the people of Kandanur because they celebrate all the auspicious events in their lives by starting the procession from the temple. For example, all marriage processions are started from the temple. Those leaving the village first pay their obeisance at the temple and then board a bus/train. The temple is built in an open wide space that gives one the feeling of peace and tranquillity. Many people come to the temple to spend a few moments with themselves and the God. They prefer to meditate at the temple because of the peaceful and holy environment that the place offers.

12: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple located in Karaikudi is among the largest temples in the country. The temple was initially built by Kulasekara Pandyan, but only ruins of that temple remain now. It was Viswanath Naikar who started the reconstruction of the temple sometime in the 16th century, and Tirumal Nayakar finally completed it. Today’s generation can only marvel at the structure of the temple and how majestically it stands. The architecture and the style of engineering must be way ahead of its times then. The temple has an impressive style with 12 huge gopurams with the four tallest gopurams standing on the outer walls of the temple in a protective stance. The pillars in the temple produce sound when they are struck. Different pillars create different musical notes. The pond that is famous for its golden lotus is situated on the left side of the temple’s shrine. The temple is dedicated to Sundareswarar who is worshipped in the form of a lingam.

13: Idaikattur Church

This unique church of the sacred heart of Jesus was built in the year 1894 AD by a French missionary Fr. Ferdinand Celle SJ. This is a replica of the Rheims Cathedral in France. Idaikattur was a village having a small chapel with thatched roof. The parish priest wanted to construct a big church to accommodate about thousand people. Idaikattur village is located in South India in Tamil Nadu state. It is at a distance of 37 kms towards the east of the temple city Madurai on the Madurai to Rameswaram national highway.

14: Pillayarpatti Temple

Pillayarpatti temple is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu in the Sivgangai district. It is one among the oldest of cave temples in the state and is located at Pillayarapatti that is situated in between the towns of Karaikudi and Padukottai. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple suggest that the temple was made sometime between 1091 and 1238 AD. This world famous cave temple has the images of various Gods and Goddesses cut from rock. However, the temple is dedicated to Karpaka Vinayakar or Lord Ganesha who is the presiding deity in the temple. Pillayarpatti Ganesha carved out of a hillock is 6 feet tall. The idol is unique with the tusk unusually curved at the right. It was built by the Pandya kings.

15: Kaleshwar Temple

Situated 8 kms from Paragpur village, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of this temple is the Lingam which is placed much ground level. This temple is also adorned with beautiful sculptures.

16: Kandadevi Temple

The Village Kandadevi is situated 3 kms away from Devakottai Town. Here the Temple is called as Arulmigu Sowarna Moortheeswarar alias Siragilinather. The Amman is called as Periya Nayaki Amman. This is a 350 years old Temple. The Temple is maintained by Sivaganga Devasthanam, which is one among 84 Temples. The Temple is owned by the legal heirs of Sivagangai Raja. It is here that Hanuman said Kanden Deviyai to Rama hence this place is called as Kandadevi. The Aanni Urchavam is very famous festival for this temple, which is celebrated in every year, during the month of June by the people of 75 villages.

How To Reach Sivagangai

By Air - The nearest airport is the Madurai Airport 60 kms from Sivagangai.

By Rail - The main railway station is located at Madurai.

By Road - Sivaganga is 45 kms east of Madurai, from where tourists can avail of frequent Government and Private Buses.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Sivagangai)

1. Chettinad Chicken Curry: A mouthwatering spicy chicken curry cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and freshly ground masalas. It is a must-try dish for non-vegetarian lovers.

2. Chettinad Meen Kuzhambu (Fish Curry): A tangy and spicy fish curry made with tamarind and a unique blend of spices that give it an authentic Chettinad flavor.

3. Chettinad Vegetable Korma: A delightful vegetarian dish with a medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut-based gravy infused with Chettinad spices.

4. Kuzhi Paniyaram: These are savory rice and lentil-based dumplings, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically served with chutney or sambar.

5. Chettinad Pepper Chicken: A spicy and peppery chicken preparation that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

6. Chettinad Egg Curry: Hard-boiled eggs cooked in a flavorful onion-tomato gravy with the aromatic Chettinad spices.

7. Atho (or Attu Pathiri): A popular street food in Chettinad, Atho is a type of flatbread stuffed with egg and minced meat, often served with a spicy sauce.

8. Chettinad Prawn Masala: Fresh prawns cooked with a blend of spices and coconut, resulting in a delectable seafood dish.

9. Chettinadu Karupatti Paniyaram: A sweet version of paniyaram made with palm jaggery (karupatti) and rice flour, creating a delectable dessert.

10. Chettinad Mutton Chukka: Tender mutton pieces marinated with spices and sautéed until semi-dry, offering an explosion of flavors.

When visiting Chettinad, you should explore the local restaurants and eateries to experience the authentic flavors of the region. Some popular places to enjoy Chettinad cuisine are:

1. The Bangala: Located in Karaikudi, The Bangala is one of the most famous heritage hotels known for serving authentic Chettinad cuisine.

2. Visalam: Another renowned heritage hotel in Kanadukathan, Visalam offers a delightful dining experience with traditional Chettinad dishes.

3. Aachi Chettinadu Restaurant: Located in Chennai, this restaurant offers a taste of Chettinad cuisine in the heart of the city.

4. Muthupillai Restaurant: Situated in Karaikudi, this restaurant is known for its authentic Chettinad fare, including the famous Chettinad chicken curry.

Exploring these dishes and dining at these renowned places will undoubtedly give you an unforgettable culinary experience of Chettinad. Enjoy the delectable flavors and the unique spice blends that make Chettinad cuisine so special.

Weather & Quick Info Of Sivagangai

Sivagangai, a serene abode of history and tranquil allure, invites explorers to immerse in tales of culture and captivating charm.

Sivagangai has a pleasant climate from November to March.

The ideal time required to explore Sivagangai is 2-3 days.

Sivagangai has many nearby tourist destinations like Madurai (47 km), Karaikudi(55 km), Rameswaram (144 km) & many more.

Best Hotels In Sivagangai

Saratha Vilas

Price: ₹ 8000.00

Updated Jul 31

Villa

832 Main Road Kothamangalam 630105, Karaikudi Taluk Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
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published on 2023-07-31

Bnr Residency

Price: ₹ 900.00

Updated Jul 31

Lodge

273 / 1, Nagamalaiyan Complex, Thondi Road, Near Railway Gate, Sivagangai. Tamilnadu, India
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Amenities: Concierge Desk, Currency Exchange, Wifi, Restaurant or Fine Dine Area, Laundry Facilities, Room Service

published on 2023-07-31

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