|
Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu is land’s end of the Indian sub-continent. It’s also the place where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea confluence in a rare spectacle of nature. Owing to its unique geographical location, you can see the sunrise and sunset at the same beach. But most importantly, it’s any serious tourist’s absolute delight, simply because this small town blends in a religious tradition with nature’s magnificence.
Kanyakumari beach is the place that you must head to as soon as you set foot on Kanyakumari. Just reach there in time to catch a glimpse of the sunrise and you’ll be amazed at the many colors that the sun paints across the morning sky. The sunset is equally glorious, so make sure you don’t miss it. The sea here is quiet rough, so you may wet your feet but be sure not to venture too far. The sands on the beach are multi-colored and you can spend hours collecting different shells that abound in the beach. You can shop for traditional artifacts made from sea shells and wood in the many shops that dot the beach.
History of Kanyakumari:
Legend has it that Goddess Parvati took the form of a simple woman, Kanya Devi and meditated here to marry Lord Shiva. Hence, the place earned the name Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari, once known as the ‘Alexandria of the East’, was a bustling sea trade route in earlier times. Kanyakumari was under the control of different dynasties during different times – the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks ruled over this southern-most tip of the sub-continent. The Britishers called the place the Cape Comorin, an anglicized version of the Tamil name, Kanyakumari
Special attractions in and around Kanyakumari:
- Kanyakumari Temple: The Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, ‘the protector of India's shores’, whose diamond nose ring is said to shine out to sea. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the temple’s sanctuary.
- Gandhi Mandapam: The Gandhi Mandapam was built as a tribute to the nation’s father because a portion of the Mahatma’s ashes were immersed right here, at the confluence of the three seas. The Mandapam resembles an Oriyan temple.
- Vivekanda Memorial: The Vivekananda Memorial, dedicated to the great social reformer, Swami Vivekananda is an amazing structure built on a rock 500 meters into the sea. There is a mediation hall and a statue of Vivekananda in the Memorial. There is a ferry service that will take you to the Memorial.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Next to the Vivekanda Memorial is the famed statute of the great Saint Thiruvalluvar, whose words of wisdom, the ‘Thirukkural’ still ring true today. The statute stands tall amidst blue waves and looks impressive.
Best Time to Visit Kanyakumari:
October to March
Location of Kanyakumari:
State: Tamilnadu
District: Kanyakumari
Distance from Thiruvanathapuram – 87 km
How to reach Kanyakumari:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Nearest railway stations: Kanyakumari Railway Station, Nagercoil Junction Railway Station
Directions by road from nearby cities: Connected by road to Nagarcoil (19 kms), Trivandrum (87 km), Tirunelveli (83 km), Chennai (679 km)
Contact:
Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist office
Beach Road,
Kanyakumari - 629702
Tamil Nadu
Ph: 04652-246276, 04652-246257
Climatic Conditions:
The region enjoys a pleasant climate for most part of the year. Summer highs can reach upto 34.8°C while it can dip to a low of 20.4°C during winters.
Clothing:
Cottons around the year
Tourist places near Kanyakumari:
- Vattakottai: Located 6 km from Kanyakumari, this is a 18th-century fort overlooking the sea
- Udayagiri Fort: 34 km from Kanyakumari, this fort was built by King Marthanda Varma (AD 1729-1758)
- The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil at a distance of 20 km is a magnificent temple with Nagaraja as the main deity.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace (45 km) is a beautiful mansion of the Travancore Kings.
- The Courtallam Fall (137 km) is a breath-taking falls. The water is said to have medicinal properties.
- Suchindram Temple: 13 kms. from Kanyakumari, this temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma.
This article was contributed by Rupa
If you have any photos / travelogues of Kanyakumari, we would be happy to upload them on this page with due credits given to you as photographer/author. Contact Us
|
