Kanyakumari - Cape Comorin

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is one of the 30 districts of Tamil Nadu state, and also the smallest.
Kanyakumari is considered the southern tip of India. Kanyakumari is the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The beaches are clean and the waters a clear, frothing blue. The tourists experience joy and pleasure irrespective of their age.

Besides the waters and the coast, Kanyakumari is essentially a temple town. The most prominent temple, the Kumari Amman, is dedicated to the goddess Parvathi as a virgin. It is said to mark the spot where the goddess won the Lord Shiva over with her penance. Its location has given rise to the legend that the goddess protects the country by guarding the southern door to India.

The famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial is built in several architectural styles off the coast on rocks that protrude from the ocean. Built in 1970, it marks the place where Swami Vivekananda meditated and evolved his philosophy. Close to the memorial is Sripada Parai where the footprints of the virgin goddess are supposed to have fallen. Ferry services to the rocks are frequent.

The Gandhi Memorial was built over the spot where the urn containing his ashes was kept for public viewing before a part was immersed in the waters around.

The Government Museum has a collection of sundry objects like old coins, whalebones, tribal objects, bronze sculptures, and woodcarvings.

The District Headquarter Nagercoil, is named after a temple here that is dedicated to the Lord of Snakes or Nagaraja. St. Xavier’s Church at Nagercoil dates back to the 15th century. It holds a 10-day festival every year from the 24th of November. Close to Nagercoil are the Olakkay Aruvi waterfalls, which make a good spot for a picnic.

13 km from Kanyakumari is Suchindram. Its temple is dedicated to a deity that is a combination of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, i.e. the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer. It has richly carved gopuram (tower), musical pillars and works of art from various periods.

The Lord Subramanya temple at Kumarakovil (34km) is situated in the midst of lush greenery on a hillock. It is noted for its architecture and the lake near it is big enough to boat in.

The Mondaikaddu Bhagvathy Amman Temple (41 km) is a small 7th century BC temple that attracts a regular flow of pilgrims from around the area. The Amman in the shape of a five-headed anthill is 12ft. high and still growing.

Thengapattinam Beach (54 km.) is an ancient maritime town that used to service trade with the Middle East. There is a 1200 year old mosque, the beach is clean and uncrowded, and the water perfect for swimming.

Padmanabhapuram (45 km.) has an old fort, which encloses the palace of the Travancore kings, and the Ramaswamy temple that carved panels of scenes from the Ramayan.

Pechipparai Dam (56 km) offers a waterside spot for picnics and boating facilities.

Udayagiri Fort (34 km) was built in the 18th century by King Marathanda and contains the tomb of his trusted general, a Dutchman General De Lennoy.

The 18th Century Circular Fort at Vattakottai, 6km from Kanyakumari, is ideal for a swim in the sea because the waters are tranquil here.


Location

Kanyakumary is near Trivandrum, Kerala. Buses and Trains from Trivandrum operated frequently.

Important Places in Kanyakumari

Thirtivalluvar Statue

Thirtivalluvar Statue Built on the lines of the ‘Statue of Liberty’ in America, this 133 feet tall statue commemorates the 133 chapters of the ‘Thirukkural’, the composition of the Tamil Savant-Poet Tiravalluvar.

Gandhi Kamaraj Trust

We can see here its wonderful treasure of man script and photo art galleries of our leading personali ties and freedom fighters.

Thengapattinam Beach

Thengapattinam situated on the west coast near Painkulam village in Vilavancode taluk is having a fine beach adorned with coconut groves.

Mathur Hanging Bridge

The Mathur Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest ‘ e’ trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 ‘ feet and a length of one kilometer.


Kanyakumari STD Code 04652
Kanyakumair to Chennai 689 k.m.
Kanyakumari Tourist information center 04652-246276
Kanyakumari Railway Enquiry 04652-246247