Thovalai

What is Thovalai?

Thovalai is a village set among hills in southern Tamil Nadu, best known for its bustling flower market. The market is especially famous for jasmine, which fills the air with its scent and is sold both locally and for export. The village is also home to several old temples, including those dedicated to Murugan, Ganesha, and local goddesses. During festivals, the temples are decorated with a wide range of flowers, and the whole area becomes lively with visitors and traders.

The history of Thovalai

Thovalai was once part of the Travancore Kingdom and later the Travancore-Cochin State. In 1956, after the States Reorganisation Act, it became part of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu. The village has long been known for its flower cultivation, especially jasmine, and its role in the regional flower trade grew as transport links improved. The area’s flower industry is now a major source of income for local families.

What there is to see

The flower market in Thovalai operates daily, with local families, especially women, involved in picking, sorting, and stringing jasmine and other flowers. Flowers are brought in from fields around the village, sorted for quality, and prepared for sale or export. The market is busiest in the early morning, when traders arrive to purchase flowers for regional and international markets.

When to go

Thovalai’s flowers, especially jasmine, are used in temple offerings, festivals, and daily decoration. The market supplies flowers to other parts of India and abroad. During temple festivals like Pushbabishekam and Soorasamharam, the temples are adorned with fresh flowers, drawing crowds from nearby towns and villages.

Parts and collections

The jasmine grown in Thovalai, known locally as 'Pichchi Vellai' or 'Pichchip poo', is noted for its unique fragrance and is considered distinct from other varieties such as 'Jaathi Malligai'. The market also handles other flowers, but jasmine remains the signature bloom of the village.

Why Thovalai matters

Thovalai is called the 'Village of flowers' due to its central role in the flower trade. The flower market is a hub of local life and supports the economy, particularly empowering women. Temple festivals, where flowers play a central role, are important annual events. The village’s reputation for jasmine is recognized across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The flowers of Thovalai

JasmineA group of fragrant shrubs and vines with white or yellow star-shaped flowers

Plan a visit

🇮🇳 Nagercoil · All yearThovalai flower marketA village flower market near the southern tip of India that supplies Kerala, above all at Onam.

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Thovalai

Good reading and sources

• Floriculture research station for ThovalaiThe Hindu, Article

• Thovalai on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data