Kanyakumari is a famous tourist destination which is located in the southernmost point of Indian Peninsula in the state of Tamilnadu. Also known as Cape Comorin this town lies at the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The administrative capital of the Kanaykumari district is Nagercoil which is 20 km from Kanyakumari town.
Kanyakumari is known for its rich art, culture and civilization. It is also a popular pilgrimage centre. Apart from this Kanyakumari was also an important centre for commerce and trade. Also titled as ‘Alexandria of the East’ this is a very unique place where both sunrise and sunset can be watched at the same place. The multi-coloured sand of the beaches here is also a special feature of Kanyakumari.
The city of Kanyakumari is named after Goddess Kumari Amman and temple dedicated to this Goddess attracts many tourists.
Top Tourist Places to Visit Near Kanyakumari
Even though Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year however, the best season to visit this place would be between October and March.
The rich religious, historical and cultural heritage of Kanyakumari coupled with splendid natural beauty attracts many tourists every year. This place is filled with many interesting tourist attractions.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is at a distance of 500 meters from the mainland and is situated at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Vivekananda memorial was built in 1970 and it stands on top of two rocks. Vivekananda Rock Memorial consists of two main structures – Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam. It is thought that the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda swam across the ocean to this rock and had meditated here in the year 1892 seeking enlightenment. His had stayed on this rock for three days from 24th of December to 26th of December before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. Shripada Mandapam is located on ‘Shripada Parai’ and it is believed that this is the same spot where Goddess Kanya had performed penance. On this rock one can see a small projection which resembles human foot which has been revered as Sripaadam. One can reach the Rock memorial by availing the ferry services which are available from the main land.
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar Statue is located next to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on a rocky island. Thiruvalluvar is a 1st century BC Tamil poet. He wrote the epic Thirukkural which is considered as one of the greatest classics of Tamil literature. The statue is located at the sight where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian ocean meet. The gigantic statue is 133 feet tall and stands on a there storied platform. The 1330 couplets and 133 chapters, which are the works of the Thiruvalluvar poet, are inscribed inside the pedestal. The rock for building the Thiruvalluvar Statue was brought from the Pattumalaikuppam Hills, Sirudhamoor and Ambhasamudram Hills.
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
This memorial was built to honour Mahatma Gandhi who played the pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle. After the death of Gandhi his ashes were kept in this place for public to pay homage before being immersed in the sea. The structure is built in architectural style of typical temples of Orissa. The unique feature of this structure is that on October 2nd every year, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the sun rays fall on the exact spot where the ash of Gandhiji was kept.
Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple which is located on the shore is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. This place is a major tourist attraction in Kanyakumari. The legend has it that that Devi Parvati performed penances to get Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. But she was destined to kill Banasura, a demon and she could do it only till she retains her virginity. So it was necessary to stop the marriage. Since the marriage did not take place the rice and cereals which were meant for the marriage were left uncooked and they turned to stones.
This temple was originally constructed by the Pandya kings and subsequently Cholas, Vijayanagara and Nayaka kings renovated it. Kumari Amman is known for the gleaming diamond nose ring that it is visible far from the sea as well.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated in the village of Padamanabhapuram near Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District. Padmanabhapuram Palace is made almost entirely from wood and it is one of the best 10 palaces in the world. This Palace was built by Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore in the 17th century. This palace is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. Some major attractions here include the spice bed, a beautiful ornate Chinese throne, granite dance halls, clock tower, Belgian mirror, mica windows and intricately carved mahogany ceilings.
Mathoor Hanging Bridge
Situated about 60 km form Kanyakumari town this bridge is built across the Pahrali River at Aruvikkarai village of Thiruvattar Panchayat of Kanyakumari district. Mathoor Hanging Bridge was completed in the year 1966 and is the longest and also the highest aqueduct that can be found in Asia. This aqueduct is used as a channel to carry water of Pattanamkal canal for irrigation purposes.
Suchindram Temple
The temple lies some 15 kilometres from Kanyakumari. Suchindram temple is dedicated to the three deities of Hindu trinity- Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma who are represented by a single idol here. The temple is one of the few temples in India where the three gods are worshiped together. This temple is famous for his architectural splendour. The seven musical pillars in this temple when tapped produced the seven swaras. Apart from this the place also houses the statue of Hanuman which is carved out of a single granite stone. This is considered to be the tallest hanuman statue in the country.
Udayagiri Fort
The fort had been originally built in the 17th century and was rebuilt during the reign of Marthanda Varma. The prisoners of the campaign against Tippu Sultan were imprisoned here for some time. This fort is also home to tombs of Eustachius De Lannoy who was king’s trusted European General along with his wife and son’s tomb. A biodiversity park has been set up here which houses ducks, birds, deer etc. and many species of plants and trees.
Apart from this there are many other places worth visiting in and around Kanyakumari like the Government museum, St. Xavier Church, Maruthuva Malai, Tirparappu Water Falls, Pechiparai Reservoir etc.
The beaches of Kanyakumari are also very famous. Muttom Beach which is situated about 32 kilometres from Kanyakumari is famous tourist destination and known for its beautiful spectacle of sunset. Sanguthurai Beach is another place of tourist’s interest. The main attraction in this sandy beach is a monument built during the Chola rule which consists of a huge white pillar holding a small black conch at the top. This beach is also a famous picnic spot. Chothavilai Beach (Shotharilai Beach) is known as one of the longest beaches of Tamil Nadu state and is an ideal spot for swimming because of its shallow water.
How To Reach Kanyakumari
The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is at Trivandrum which is 87 km from the destination. The Kanyakumari Junction is just 1 km away from the central bus stand. The major railway station near Kanyakumari is Trivandrum Central. Kanyakumari is well connected by good network of roads and the buses from Tamil Nadu and Kerala state transport connect Kanyakumari to many towns and cities of these two states. Many public and private bus services are available from Kanyakumari. Deluxe and super deluxe bus services are available from Kanyakumari to Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options varying from luxurious to economic hotels are available for tourists in Kanyakumari. Dormitories, Devaswam lodges and private lodges are also available.