Kanyakumari

At the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important pilgrimage site. The Kumari Amman temple, here, is dedicated to Parvati as Devi - Kanya - the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970.

 

The other part is that the nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari, that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami(full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon but other full moon days are also special when you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. ( The district name is spelled as ' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) . With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari Places to See

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial :

 The place has been associated with great men like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi in whose names memorials have been here. They are very beautiful and add to the attraction of this place. The beautiful Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956, is situated as a memorial to the Father of the Nation.

Thiruvalluvar Statue :

Thiruvalluvar is the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu and has given to the world Thirukkural. The memorial statue of Thiruvalluvar is in Kanyakumari. The pedestal of the statue is of 38 feet height and the statue over it is 95 feet tall with a grand total of 133 feet for the entire sculpture. The 3 tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam is surrounded by an artistic Mandapa known as Alankara Mandapam with 38 feet height.

 

Vivekananda Rock Memorial :

 Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts large number of tourists. As its name implies, it is essentially a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to - Shripada Parai - during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment.

Suchindrum :

Suchindrum is a small village about 12 km. from Kanyakumari and about seven kilometres from Nagercoil. This holy place is located on the bank of the river Pazhayar, adjoining fertile fields and coconut groves and the temple is dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan.

Udayagiri Fort :

 The fort was rebuilt in the reign of Marthandavarma, the Venad King, during 1741-44. Under the supervision of De Lannoy, the Belgian General, who served as the Chief of the Travancore army; East India Company’s troops were stationed there till the middle of the 19th century.

Mathur Hanging Bridge :

The Mathur Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometre. Constructed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place.

 

St. Xavier Church :

 St.Xavier an outstanding and dedicated priest visited the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu from Goa, he never missed the opportunity of visiting Kottar in Kanniyakumari district which was a celebrated commercial centre at that time. During his stay at Kottar, he used to worship St. Mary in the small temple.

Padmanabhapuram Palace :

 The ancient historical town Padmanabhapuram is one of the four municipalities in the district is 55 Km. south of Trivandrum, about two km. east of Thuckalay and 35 km. from Kanyakumari on the Trivandrum-Cape Comerin road.

Muttom Beach :

 The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beach-side. The sun set view point at Muttom is one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British.

Vattakottai (Circular Fort) :

 Vattakottai, a granite fort six kilometres north-east of Kanyakumari cape, forms the terminal of a line of ramparts known as the South Tranvancore lines built by Marthanda Varma to serve as defence for Nanjil Nadu. It is rectangular in shape and covers an area of about three and a half acres.

Kanyakumari Excursions

Olakkay Aruvi Water Falls

Olakkay Aruvi Water in the Western Ghats is about 8 kms., North of Azhgiapandiapuram, 14 kms., from Nagercoil and 33 kms., from Kanniyakumari. The beautiful water falls and the natural scenery all around the place attract many holiday seekers and this place has become an important picnic center. A small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near the falls attracts a large number of religious people on full moon day of the month of Chithirai (April - May) and they worship the altar, after a bath in the falls. It is one of the places for Trekking also.

Kumarakovil (34 Kms.)

Kumarakovil is at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk, about 15 kms., North - West of Nagercoil and 3 kms., east of Thuckalay, and 34 kms., from Kanniyakumari.

The Lord Muruga Temple is built on the the hillock about 200 feet height in a lush green field of Paddy, Plantain and Coconut trees. The temple is noted for architectural beauty. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya, the Presiding deity, is also enshrined in the temple by the side of Lord Subramaniya. The right side of the temple there is one big lake, suitable for boating.

Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple (41 Kms.)

Mondaikadu is situated in the sea coast, north - east of Colachel Port. It is connected with Nagercoil and Trivandrum by a motorable road. It is 22 kms., from Nagercoil and 41 kms., form Kanniyakumari. This place is famous for its temple dedicated to Bagavathy Amman, dates back to the 7 th century B.C. The Amman is in the form of anthill which is about 12 feet in height and with five heads and believed to be growing gradually. The annual festival called Mondaikadu Kodai is celebrated in March for 10 days and is the main attraction at this place. Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu, organises Photographic Exhibition during the festival.

The temple, though small attracts a large number of people from all over the district, besides a regular flow of pilgrim from Kollam in Kerala State, about 160 kms., from Mondaikadu during the annual festival celebrated for 10 days.

Thengapattinam Beach (54 Kms.)

Thengapattinam situated on the west coast is a place of historical importance. It is 35 kms., from Nagercoil and 54 kms., from Kanniyakumari. As coconut trees are abundant in this place, this might have derived this name.

This village had, in ancient times, trade relations with foreign countries like Arabia. There was direct Cargo boat service between Thengapattinam and other foreign maritime towns.

Some Arab Merchants who came here found suitable for their trade. The Mosque at Thengapattinam is said to be is built about 1200 years ago. This place is well connected with Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus service. Thengapattinam Beach is an excellent picnic spot with back water facilities.

Pechipparai Dam (56 kms)

Like all other dam sites this one too is a popular picnic spot where facilities for boating have also been provided.

Udayagiri Fort (34 kms)

The fort was built in the 18th century by King Marthanda Varma. The grave of the Dutch General De Lennoy, one of the most trusted generals of the king, lies within the fort.

Padamanabhapuram (45 kms)

The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Thirparappu Water Falls (60 kms.)

A picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple.

Thiruvattar (60 kms.)

The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple art and architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.

 

How to Reach Kanyakumari

By Air:The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (80-km), which is well connected with national and International flights. From Thiruvananthapuram one can take a taxi or bus to Kanyakumari.

By Rail:Kanyakumari is well connected by train services with all the places in India. Superfast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Intercity trains are running from almost all the southern cities.

By Road:Kanyakumari is connected by regular bus services with Chennai, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Trichy, Madurai, Mandapam (Rameshwaram), Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tiruvelveli, Trivandrum, etc. Town bus service, tourist taxis and auto rickshaws are available.