Nelkatumseval is located in Sankarankoil taluk of
Tirunelveli District. It was the headquarters of Pulithevar, the first ruler in
Tamil Nadu to resist the British. He was the principal architect of the alignment of the palayakkars organized against the Nawab. The Nawab acknowledged his victory by presenting him with a gold plate and sword.
There is a memorial for Pulithevar erected by the government of Tamilnadu. The remenants of his palace, Pulithevan Palace, is kept here.
Nelkatumseval is easily accessible from Sankarankovil. Sankarankovil Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
