Tirunelveli, or Nellai, is a very old city in Tamil Nadu along the Thamirabarani River. It's a major cultural and historical hub, renowned for the stunning Nellaiappar Temple, its distinctive Tirunelveli Halwa, and the natural beauty that surrounds it, such as waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. It's the administrative headquarters of the Tirunelveli district and a major agricultural and educational center for southern Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tirunelveli is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and temperature is comfortable. It is the best time to enjoy sightseeing and traveling around.

Day 1: Journey and Temple Immersion
Morning (Early Morning - 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Start your journey from Kozhikode to Tirunelveli. Opt for the previous night journey if you want to reach early in the morning.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Reach Tirunelveli and get into your hotel room. Fresh up and relax after the journey.
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM - 7:00 PM): Drench yourself in the spiritual core of Tirunelveli by exploring the great Nellaiappar Temple. The ancient temple of Lord Shiva and his consort Kanthimathi Ambal is famous for its architectural magnificence, musical pillars, and sculptural details. Take time to visit the huge complex and absorb the divine ambiance.
Evening (7:30 PM onwards): Have a traditional South Indian dinner at a local restaurant. Tirunelveli is famous for its distinctive culinary fare.

Day 2: History, Nature, and Local Flavors
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Go to the Tirunelveli Government Museum to understand the history, archaeology, and cultural heritage of the region. This might be a good means of getting out of the midday sun for a few hours.
Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM): Enjoy the renowned Tirunelveli Halwa. A few shops in the town sell this sweet treat prepared using wheat, sugar, and ghee. Taste various varieties!
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Depending on your interest and your ability to bear the heat, you can opt for one among the following:
Option 1 (Scenic Views - Kortallam Falls - Around 60 km): Drive to the picturesque Kortallam Falls, famous for their rejuvenating water and medicinal values. Take care, as they are crowded on weekends. The journey itself is pleasing with countryside scenery.
Option 2 (Bird Sanctuary - Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary - About 35 km): Nature lovers, please check out the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, which is a home for migratory birds, particularly in winter. But you may still catch glimpses of some resident birds in May.
Option 3 (Relaxation): Take the afternoon off to relax at your hotel, particularly at the peak heat of the day.
Evening: Visit the local markets or have another good Tirunelveli dinner. Try to have kari dosai or local specialties.

Day 3: Temples and Departure
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Proceed to the Sankaranarayanar Temple in Sankarankovil (around 55 km from Tirunelveli). This temple, which is very special, is dedicated to Hari-Hara, a composite deity of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, representing unity.
Late Morning (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at a Sankarankovil restaurant or while returning to Tirunelveli.
Afternoon: Start returning to Kozhikode. Depending on your mode of transport, you may opt for an overnight trip or arrange for late evening return to Kozhikode.

Alternative/Additional Activities (In case you have more time or want different activities):
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Only for nature lovers (takes more time and planning).
Manjolai Hills: A picturesque hill station close to Tirunelveli (takes a full day trip).
Papanasam Sivan Temple and Agasthiyar Falls: Another important temple and waterfall (takes a detour).

Food Tips:
Do not miss the Tirunelveli Halwa. Also, do not miss other local food items such as kari dosai, parotta salna, and other rice-based items. The food here has a unique flavor.
Getting Around:
Inside Tirunelveli city, auto-rickshaws and local buses are the norm. To reach nearby places such as Kortallam or Sankarankovil, taking a taxi or traveling in state-run buses are good ideas.

Key Things to Keep in Mind for May Travel (Particularly traveling from Kozhikode):
Planning for Travel: Pre-book your transport and stay.
Heat Management: The trip can be exhausting in the May heat. Drink plenty of water while traveling.
Protection from the Sun: Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sightseeing.
Hydration: Drink lots of water during your stay.
Early Mornings/Late Afternoons: Schedule outdoor activities in the cooler half of the day.
Temple Timings: Verify the temple timings in advance, particularly for the Nellaiappar Temple.