Sivakasi

Located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is the industrial town of Sivakasi. Sivakasi is the hub of Indias fireworks manufacturing, safety matches manufacturing and offset printing solutions. It is estimated that around 90% of Indias fireworks, 80% of Indias safety matches and 60% of Indias offset printing solutions are produced in Sivakasi. This city of industrious people was rightfully called the Mini Japan of India by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Sivakasi, when compared to other ancient South Indian cities has a rather short history, a little over 600 years. The city derives its name from the Sivalingam brought all the way from Kashi. According to legend a 15th century king from Tenkasi wanted to build a Siva temple in his palace. The king traveled to Kasi and brought the much coveted lingam. The cow which carried the lingam refused to move when it came to Sivakasi; hence it had to be installed in a temple built there. The region came to be known as the land of Shiva lingam brought from Kasi, Sivakasi.

The Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple is the prime attraction of Sivakasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Visalatchi Ambal. This ancient temple is famous for its festivals, celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. The entire city would be drenched in festive spirits. The major festivals held here are the Pournami Puja, the 108 Changabishegam and Thiruvathirai festival.

The Mariamman Kovil dedicated to Goddess Mariamman is another famous temple in the city. The Kumbabhishekham for the temple gopuram was done on a grand scale in 1984. The temple also boasts of a beautiful ratham or chariot done completely in silver.

Sri Badra Kaliamman temple dedicated to goddess Badra Kali is also a famous temple in the city. The Raja Gopuram of this temple towers to a height of 66 feet, making it one of the tallest towers of all the Amman temples in India. The base of the gopuram, rich with exquisitely done sculptures, took 6 years to complete.

The church dedicated to Our Lady is beautifully built in rich Portuguese style. The church has undertaken a lot of humanitarian causes, with a number of efforts undertaken by the church to promote education amongst the poor and the needy.

The Ayyanar falls at a distance of 40 km from Sivakasi town is famous for its scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for enjoying holidays.

The Sastha falls is located amidst refreshing greenery. The natural beauty of the spot makes it popular among picnickers. The foliage surrounding the falls is ideal for spotting elephants, wild buffaloes, and many varieties of deer.

November to February.

By Flight

The nearest airport is located at a distance of 70 km in Madurai.

By Rail

Lies on the Chennai-Thenkashi broad gauge line.

By Road

Regular bus services to all towns in the state.