TNSTC Tirunelveli Division launches new interstate bus service between Kerala and Tamilnadu. The bus service is operated from Tirunelveli To Aryankavu, the bus service is operated via Alangulam, Tenkasi.
Daily 3 buses will used for the service, distance from Tirunelveli To Aryankavu is 90 kilometers and will have travel time of 2 hours
The mountain pass serves as a vital link between Kollam district in Kerala and Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu. Nestled along this scenic pass lies a quaint village, adding charm to the route. This pass, alongside the Palakkad Gap and Aralvaimozhi Gap, is one of the key connectors between the Western Ghats in Kerala and the Coromandel Coastal plains of Tamil Nadu.
Aryankavu Shasta Temple
Located near the Tamil Nadu border, the Aryankavu Shasta Temple is one of the prominent shrines dedicated to Lord Shasta in Kerala. Known as Thiru Aryan, the deity here gives the place its name, Aryankavu. Unique among Shasta temples, Lord Ayyappan is depicted as a teenager, symbolizing youthful divinity.
The temple, surrounded by lush forests, sits along the busy National Highway 744, making it easily accessible to pilgrims and travelers. Similar to Sabarimala, there is a restriction on women aged between 10 and 50 entering the temple. The temple’s rituals and pujas follow the Sourastrian tradition, adding a distinct cultural touch.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, the divine trio of Shasta, Pushkaladevi, and Shiva are enshrined. Lord Ayyappa occupies the central position, flanked by Pushkaladevi on the left and Lord Shiva on the right, creating a spiritually serene atmosphere.
The Aryankavu Shasta Temple comes alive during its annual festivals, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Key festivals include Pandiyan Mudippu, Thiru Kalyanam, and Kumbhabhishekham, which attract devotees from across the region. These celebrations coincide with the closing days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam, further linking the temple to the larger pilgrimage network.
Plans are underway to integrate the Aryankavu Shasta Temple into the Sabarimala pilgrimage circuit, adding yet another significant stop for devotees on their spiritual journey.
Stretching through a low-lying area of the Western Ghats, this pass stands at an altitude of less than 300 meters (980 ft). It is traversed by both the Kollam–Sengottai railway line and National Highway 744, making it a bustling route for transportation. Towards the western end, you’ll find the picturesque Kallada River valley, adding to the natural allure of the region.
The pass has a notable influence on the climate of nearby Punalur. It acts as a natural conduit, raising the town’s temperature higher than its surrounding areas, contributing to its distinct weather pattern.
Adding to its geographical importance, the pass and the Achankovil Shear Zone together form a crucial ecological divide. They separate the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve from the Cardamom Hills and the High Range of Kerala, preserving the unique biodiversity on either side.
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