Thanjavur to Tirunelveli Taxi

Thanjavur to Tirunelveli Taxi — 333 km, Big Temple to Nellaiappar

From the rice bowl of the Kaveri delta to the banks of the Thamirabarani, Thanjavur to Tirunelveli is about 333 km, which a one-way taxi drives in 6 to 7 hours. The trip links two of Tamil Nadu’s oldest temple towns, but most people who book it are travelling for ordinary reasons: students at the colleges around Thanjavur going home to the south for the holidays, families attending weddings, government staff on transfer, and patients and their relatives travelling between hospitals.

Getting picked up in the delta

Within Thanjavur we collect from homes and hotels near the Big Temple, the Medical College area, the new and old bus stands, Thanjavur Junction and the SASTRA campus on the Trichy road. Many trips begin elsewhere in the delta — Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Orathanadu or Pattukottai — and we pick up from any of them; just note that the starting point changes the distance and time. If a relative is flying in, Tiruchirappalli airport is about an hour from Thanjavur.

Heading south: the usual line

Most drivers leave Thanjavur towards Pudukkottai, then cross the dry country of Pudukkottai and Sivaganga districts to reach Madurai, before joining NH 44 for the long, straight stretch south through Virudhunagar, Sattur and Kovilpatti into Tirunelveli. The alternative goes first to Trichy and then down the four-lane highway to Madurai. It is a little longer but has fewer village roads, and drivers sometimes prefer it at night or in heavy rain. Either way, the second half on NH 44 is quick.

Stops that are actually on the way

Near Pudukkottai, the Jain cave paintings at Sittannavasal and the fort at Thirumayam are short detours for anyone interested in history. Madurai sits about two-thirds of the way along; if you have never seen the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a couple of hours there turns a transfer into a memorable day, though parking near the temple is tight and you will walk the last part. Virudhunagar is known for its parotta, and the highway dhabas south of Madurai are good for a quick meal.

Timing the day

A start at 6 or 7 AM puts you in Tirunelveli by early afternoon, with a breakfast stop around Pudukkottai and lunch near Madurai. The southern plains get very hot from March to May, so travelling in the morning is more comfortable for elders. If you must travel overnight, remember that driving between 10 PM and 6 AM carries a night allowance at actuals.

Arriving in Tirunelveli

We drop at homes in Palayamkottai and the city, at the Nellaiappar–Kanthimathi Amman Temple in the Town area, at Tirunelveli Junction railway station, at the bus stands, at the Medical College hospital and at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. Palayamkottai is often called the Oxford of South India for its many old colleges, which is why so many of our riders are students. Before leaving, pick up some Tirunelveli halwa, the soft wheat-and-ghee sweet the city is known for.

Going a little further

Many riders continue beyond the city. Courtallam’s waterfalls are about an hour west and are at their best in the southwest monsoon season from June to September. The Murugan temple at Tiruchendur, on the seashore, is a similar distance to the east, and Kanyakumari is a couple of hours further south. Ask for these when booking so the driver can plan for the extra kilometres.

Festival weeks in the south

The Aani festival at the Nellaiappar Temple in June–July, with one of the largest temple chariots in Tamil Nadu, draws huge crowds into the Town area. Kanda Sashti at Tiruchendur in Aippasi (October–November) fills every road towards the coast. Around Deepavali and Pongal, trains and buses to the south are booked out weeks ahead, which is when many families switch to a taxi.

Comparing bus, train and taxi

Direct trains between Thanjavur and Tirunelveli are few, and most rail journeys go through Trichy or Madurai with a change. Government buses run frequently from Thanjavur to Madurai, and from Madurai there is a bus to Tirunelveli almost every few minutes, so a budget traveller can manage with two buses. A taxi suits families with luggage, patients who need comfort, and anyone who wants to stop on the way.

Not in the fare table

The fare table lists the car, driver, fuel and driver bata. Tolls on the highway sections and parking are paid at actuals on top, along with the night allowance if applicable. The route lies entirely within Tamil Nadu and on the plains, so there is no permit or hill charge.