Tirunelveli to Nava Kailasam by cab
Nava Kailasam is a set of nine Shiva temples on the banks of the Thamirabarani, all dedicated to Kailasanathar and each linked to one of the nine planets. They stretch from Papanasam in the west towards the coast, across Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, so a full tour is a long day.
Because the temples lie on different roads, the order matters more than the distance. We work out the route with you, based on your pickup point and which temples you most want to see, and tell you honestly if a single day is too much.
Route and travel time
The usual route is the Thamirabarani valley, from Papanasam towards the coast. The distance is a full-day circuit along the Thamirabarani river, and the drive takes a full day of 10 to 12 hours including darshan.The best time to go is early mornings in the cooler months.
The nine temples
Papanasam
Usually the first, and easy to combine with the falls and dam.
Cheranmahadevi
A temple town on the river, on the way from Tirunelveli.
Kodaganallur
A quiet temple on the river bed.
Kunnathur
A Kailasanathar temple on the river.
Murappanadu
A river-side Shiva temple further along the valley.
Srivaikuntam
A Kailasanathar temple in the same town as a Nava Tirupathi Vishnu temple.
Thenthiruperai
Also home to a Nava Tirupathi temple, so the two tours overlap here.
Rajapathi
A river-side temple near the coast end of the tour.
Sernthamangalam
Also spelled Senthapoomangalam, the last temple in the usual list.
Planning the tour
- Start from Tirunelveli before 6:30 am and take the western temples first.
- Confirm timings for each temple before you go. Some close for several hours in the afternoon.
- Consider splitting the tour over two days if you want to combine it with Nava Tirupathi.
Good to know before you go
- Sources differ on the exact order and on which planet each temple represents, so we follow the order your priest or family tradition prefers if you tell us.
- Some temples are small and lightly staffed. Go with a local driver who can find them.
- Dress modestly and be ready to remove footwear.
Which car to book
An SUV is the usual choice for a family, since the tour is long and some roads are narrow. Larger groups can take a Tempo Traveller, and a sedan is enough for two or three travellers.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Nava Kailasam
A full-day tour usually starts from our 10-hour local package, which includes 150 km. Kilometres beyond that are charged at the vehicle's published rate. Prices are as of 19 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Suits | Package price | Extra km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹2,700 A/C | ₹13 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹4,000 A/C | ₹18 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹5,000 A/C | ₹21 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹6,000 A/C | ₹24 |
Toll, parking and night charges are extra. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.