Pudukkottai City

About:

Pudukkottai is a historically significant city located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Serving as the district headquarters, Pudukkottai is known for its rich cultural heritage shaped by the contributions of several ruling dynasties, including the Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Hoysalas, and Nayakas. Each of these dynasties has left behind a legacy, with temples, monuments, and artistic expressions that mark the city as a hub of history and tradition. The Pudukkottai Museum in Thirugokarnam is a prominent attraction, housing rare collections of sculptures, bronzes, and artifacts from various periods that draw history and art enthusiasts alike. Another notable landmark is the Sri Kokanareshwar Cave Temple, a rock-cut structure dating back to the Pallava era, showcasing ancient Indian architectural mastery. Geographically, Pudukkottai is surrounded by Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of 4,661 square kilometers with a coastline along the southeast. This unique blend of inland and coastal influences has fostered diverse ecosystems and vibrant local culture. Pudukkottai district, located in the southeastern part of the state is one of the new districts formed after the 1971 census, on 14th January 1974. It is one of the small districts of Tamil Nadu with an area of 4,661-sq-kms. Tiruchirappalli bound Pudukkottai district in the north, Thanjavur in the northeast, Bay of Bengal in the east and Ramanathapuram in the south. It has a coastline of about 39-km. The headquarters of the district is Pudukkottai. Geographically, Pudukkottai is surrounded by Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of 4,661 square kilometers with a coastline along the southeast. This unique blend of inland and coastal influences has fostered diverse ecosystems and vibrant local culture. Another attraction is the Jain Temple at Sittannavasal, located at a distance of 16 kilometers from the Pudukkottai city. This temple is a contemporary of the Ajanta, cut out of rocks and is vastly decorated with beautiful wall paintings.

Location info:

City:Pudukkottai District::Pudukkottai District State:Tamil Nadu Country: India Coordinates:Latitude: 10.3833° N, Longitude: 78.8167° E

Climate/Weather of Pudukkottai City:

Climate Type: Tropical Wet and Dry Climate

Summer (March to June): Summers in Pudukkottai are hot, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 42°C (86°F to 107.6°F). The heat can be intense, especially in April and May.

Monsoon (June to September): The southwest monsoon brings significant rainfall to the region, with July and August receiving the highest precipitation. Average rainfall during the monsoon season can reach around 600-800 mm (23.6-31.5 inches).

Winter (November to February): Winters are relatively mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). This season is considered the best time to visit Pudukkottai due to the comfortable weather.

Humidity: The humidity levels are generally high during the monsoon season, while the summer months can feel quite dry despite the heat.

History of Pudukkottai Districts:

Pudukkottai District has a rich historical heritage that dates back to ancient times, with influences from various prominent dynasties such as the Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Hoysalas, and Nayakas. Initially part of the Thanjavur district, Pudukkottai was established as a separate district in 1974 to enhance administrative efficiency. During British colonial rule, it was recognized as a princely state, with the last Maharaja playing a pivotal role in socio-economic development and educational reforms. Following India's independence in 1947, Pudukkottai became part of Tamil Nadu, witnessing significant growth in various sectors. The district is renowned for its cultural significance, evident in its temples, festivals, and traditional practices, which reflect the vibrant history and legacy of the Tamil people.

Educational Institutions of Pudukkottai City:

Arts & Science:
- J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai
- Government Arts College for Women, Pudukkottai
- H.H. The Rajahs College (Autonomous), Pudukkottai
- Sri Bharathi Arts and Science College for Women, Pudukkottai
Other Notable Colleges in Nearby Areas:
- Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College, Musiri, Trichy
- Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Trichy
- Jamal Mohamed College, Trichy

Ayurveda:
- Sri Sankar College of Ayurveda, Tiruchirappalli

Hotel Management:
- J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai
- State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trichy

Langauge:

Three languages namely Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are predominantly spoken in this district.

Culture:

Adi Pooram Festival:
Adi Pooram is celebrated in July and August at the Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal Temple in Thirukokarnam. This event includes grand religious rituals, music, and dance, honoring the goddess and drawing large numbers of devotees.

Manikkavasagar Festival:
The Manikkavasagar Festival is held annually at Avudayarkoil in Pudukkottai. Celebrated with reverence and grandeur, it includes special prayers, processions, and traditional music, celebrating the Tamil poet-saint Manikkavasagar and his contributions to Tamil devotional literature.

Traditional Arts:
Pudukkottai is also known for folk arts like Karagattam (a balancing dance) and Mayilattam (peacock dance), which are performed during local festivals and cultural events.

Cuisine:
Local cuisine includes classic Tamil dishes such as idli, dosa, and pongal, with specialties prepared during festivals, including sweet rice dishes and payasam (rice pudding).

How to Reach Pudukkottai:

By Air: Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 50 km away. Take a taxi or bus to Pudukkottai.

By Train: Pudukkottai Railway Station on the Trichy–Karaikudi line connects to Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai.

By Road: NH-36 connects Pudukkottai by road. Regular buses and private taxis are available from major cities.

Tourist Attractions of Pudukkottai City:

Avudaiyar Kovil: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate stone carvings and spiritual significance.

Thirumayam Fort: A historic fort offering scenic views, located near Pudukkottai and featuring rock-cut shrines and architecture.

Sittannavasal Cave: A rock-cut Jain temple known for its beautiful fresco paintings and inscriptions from the 2nd century BC.

Brahadambal Temple: Dedicated to goddess Brahadambal, this temple is a significant religious site with stunning Dravidian architecture.

Government Museum: Houses artifacts from the region, including ancient sculptures, bronzes, and artifacts from Tamil Nadu’s history.

Hotels/Lodges/Accommodation in Pudukkottai City:

Hotel Ma Grand:
Located centrally, offers amenities like free WiFi, private parking, and an on-site restaurant with Indian cuisine. Rated highly for comfort and convenience.

Hotel ANS Pride:
A 3-star hotel with a bar, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Offers views of the city and a comfortable stay with family-friendly rooms.

SVS Grande:
Near the bus stand, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and family rooms. A practical option for those looking for accessibility and good location.

Hotel Geo Park:
Rated exceptional for its facilities and location, a popular choice for travelers seeking quality and comfort.

Chidambara Vilas (Chettinad):
A luxury heritage resort near Pudukkottai, ideal for a unique Chettinad cultural experience with traditional architecture and heritage tours.

Hotels/Lodges/Accommodation in Pudukkottai City:

Hotel Ma Grand:
Located centrally, offers amenities like free WiFi, private parking, and an on-site restaurant with Indian cuisine. Rated highly for comfort and convenience.

Hotel ANS Pride:
A 3-star hotel with a bar, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Offers views of the city and a comfortable stay with family-friendly rooms.

SVS Grande:
Near the bus stand, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and family rooms. A practical option for those looking for accessibility and good location.

Hotel Geo Park:
Rated exceptional for its facilities and location, a popular choice for travelers seeking quality and comfort.

Chidambara Vilas (Chettinad):
A luxury heritage resort near Pudukkottai, ideal for a unique Chettinad cultural experience with traditional architecture and heritage tours.

Pudukkottai City

Avudaiyark:

40 km. from Pudukkottai. The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures which are of absorbing interest. The car of this temple is renowned for its wood carvings. The temple is noted for zephyr (granite roof) work. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with copper plate and is similar to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.................................more

Avur:

28 km. from Pudukkottai. The old chapel here was constructed in 1547 AD. by Fr, John Venantius Bouchet and the new Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1747 A.D. Tamil Scholar Rev. Father Joseph Beschi (Veerama Munivar) also served in this Church. The Easter Passion play followed by Car Festival, takes place in summer which attracts people of all faiths.....................................more

Government Museum:

Situated at Thirrukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 km. from Pudukkottai railway Station. The wide range of collections in the Sections of Geology. Zoology, Paintings. Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical records, etc. are very interesting. The fine Sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum. Timings: 9 a.m to 5. p.m Entrance fee: Free. Holidays Friday Phone : 04322-236247. ..........................................more

Kattubava Pallivasal:

30 km. from Pudukkottai. One of the Islamic Muslim centers, this is located on the Thirumayam Madurai Highway. Both Hindus and Muslims visit this place. Annual “Urs” takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.............................more

Manamelkudi:

Manamelkudi is a village Panchayat in Avudaiyarkoil Taluk of Pudukkottai District with a population of 10072 as per 1991 census. It extended over an area of 1135.24 hector. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and well connected by a major district, road leading form Aranthangi which is 43 km. away and passing through the Taluk headquarters Avudaiyarkoil which is 32 km. to the west.. ..........................more

Kodumbalur:

Also known as Moovarkoil, it is 36 km. from Pudukkottai and 42 km from Tiruchirapalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century A.D. The architecture of the temple is unique among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanari. Gangadaramurthi etc. are interesting master pieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.............................more

Aranthangi:

The second largest town in Pudukkottai district after the headquarters. Aranthangi was the most populous locality in the south of the Thanjavur district till it was added to Pudukkottai. The main centre of attraction is a ruined fort............................more

Kumaramalai:

It is 10 km from Pudukkottai. A top a small mount is a Murugan temple. The tank water of the mount is considered to be holy.. ..........................more

Narthamalai:

It is a place of historical importance and the headquarters of the Mutharaiyar Chieftains. The earliest structural stone temple, circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Cave temple built by Vijayalaya Chola, the first king of the later Cholas and Kadambarmalai temple of the place are also worth visiting. It is 17 km form Pudukkottai..........................more

Sittannavasal:

In this village are the remains of a 2nd century B.C. Jam cave temple. Fresco paintings reminiscent of Ajanta adorn the walls. Many of them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can he seen on the ceiling of Ardhamandapam. There are many pre-historic burial sites around Sittannavasal and among the relics unearthed are burial urns, cists and Kungupatarai.....................more

Thirumayam:

Thirumayam 19 km. from Pudukkottai. The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions here. The Fort played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai and the British. The erection of this 40 acre-wide Fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to Sethupathi VijayaRagunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. On the hill there is a Rock Cut Siva temple with Music inscription and the relics of a Fort. At the foot of the hill also Vishnu and Siva Shrines are found. The Vishnu temple is one of the most complete and the largest Anantasayi groups in India. It is a natural Cavern which has heen changed into a shrine.....................more

Sri Kokarneswarar Temple:

The rock cut cave Temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendraverma Pallava’s period.....................more

Vendanpatti:

40 km. from Pudukkottai via Ponnamaravathi. The Nandi known as Nei Nandi in the Arulmighu Meenakshi Chokkeswarar Temple is very well known.Though made of black granite, it now shines like marble due to frequent abishekam with pure ghee. Another interesting feature is the absence of flies and ants inspite of the Nandi being showered with pure ghee every day. A large number of devotees flock daily to this temple.....................more

Viralimalai:

The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock and is said to exist before 15th Century A.D. There is a peacock sanctuary. It is 30 km. from Tiruchirapalli and 40 km. from Pudukkottai. The principal idol is seated on a peacock with consorts on either side.....................more

Thirukattalai:

Thirukattalai is 5 km far east from Pudukottai. This is the only temple in Pudukottai which reminds us the ancient Chola's architectural pattern. Sundareswarar Temple was built during Adhitha Cholan's period. The temple has a shrine and mandap and around that are seven temples for angels. The temple's terrace has images of Thatchinamorrthi, Pitchadamoorthi, Varagan, Vishnu and Brahma.....................more

Kaliapatti:

It is on the way to Keeranur- Killukottai, a small village with a temple which depicts the Tamilnadu Temple Architecture. It is a very small temple with 8' * 8' shrine with a small terrace over it. The wall of the shrine has no images.It is called by Pudukottai people as "Ottai Koil".....................more

Muvar Koil:

The Muvar Koil was built by Budhi Vikrama Kesari one who belong to Velir community. The rocks gives the Krandha Scripts of Velirs and also many details about the community. This temple is called as Muvar Koil because Budhi Vikrama Kesari along with his name, added his two wives names, Varagunavaati, Katrallai Piratiyar. This temple has a shrine of 21' * 21' and its tower is 32 feet tall. There is a common Mahamandap for three temples. The temple has a Nandhi mandap and Balipeedam in it. Also 15 small temples were built around this temple for angels.....................more

Muskundeshwarar Koil:

North of Muvar koil is Musukudeshwarar Koil which belongs to ancient Chola asserts. It was believed that this temple was built by Kunjaramallan during 14th Century. This temple has a shrine and front mandap. There is also a statue of Nandhi which has a length of about 9 feet. This statue resembles the Tanjore Temple Nandhi in its artistical work.....................more

Kudimiyan Malai:

26kms away from Pudukottai is Kudimiyan Malai which has a temple for Siganadhaswamy. During 10 B.C, history tells us that it was called as Thirunalakundram, later on 14th century called as Siganallur and finally by 17th - 18th century called as "Kudimiyanmalai". In Ancient days, this village has a mountain named "Thirunalakundram" which is surrounded by many houses. On the mountain also, there is a Kumaran Temple. Towards the eastern slope of the mountain is the Siganathaswamy Temple.....................more

Kunnandaar Temple:

The Kunnandaar Temple,is located 25 kms from Pudukottai.There are two ways to reach this place, one is take a bus from Pudukottai via Putthambur and other is taking a bus from Keeranur via Killukottai. There is a cavetemple located on a mountain, which has a shrine and small mandap before that. On the top of the mountain is a temple for Subramaniar. This cave temple is called as Kutrandavar Temple. This mandap in front of the cave temple has images of Valampuri Ganesh with Somaskhandar in rock. The cave temples of ancient Pallavas were built behind the shrine of Somaskandar.....................more

Other Important places:

Sri Brahadambal Kokarneswar Temple , Sri Santhanatha Swami Temple, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Thiruvappoor Sri Bhuvaneshwari Amman Temple, Adhishtanam, Sri Varadharaja Perumal koil,Sri Dhandayudhapani Temple,Pudhukulam ( with children's park, garden and boating ),Chittannavasal (Cave paintings),Collector's office( Palace),Govt Museum, Avudayarkoil( statues, and temple), Kunnandarkoil(statues and temple),Thirumayam( Fort).....................more