Kanyakumari - The Southernmost Tip of India

Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.


HISTORY
Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India. The architectural beauty of the temples is the work of these rulers.

During the British Raj, Kanyakumari was bestowed the dry title of Cape Comorin, necessitated perhaps by the Englishmen's inability to pronounce local names.

Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
Due to its proximity to the sea, 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. During summers, the temperature can rise to a high of 34.8°C while it can dip to a low of 20.4°C during winters.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Kanyakumari is a successful tourist destination not just because of its location, but also due to the options that Kanyakumari offers its guest a tour of mesmerizing sights and relaxations. The town is full of natural splendors and man made attractions that have always beckoned travelers from around the world to experience the feeling that one possibly cannot get at any other destination.

Kanyakumari Beach: The Kanyakumari beach with multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in south India and offers a great change from all other beaches. The waves that hit the shore are quite strong and frequent, that means that one does not get to enjoy a step into the shallow water or a sea bath. The shore being rocky makes it more dangerous to venture out to the sea, so people are asked to stay within the prescribed zone. You can shop for shells that are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach. There is a lighthouse on the beach from where one can get a ravishing view of the sea.

Kanyakumari Temple: The Kumari Amman Temple also known as Kanyakumari Temple is located on the shores and is dedicated to a Goddess the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. The main attraction for tourists from around the world is the scintillating view of the temple and the adjoining ghats, which are sitting pretty on the shoreline. The diamond nose-ring on the statue of the deity adds an enchanting glow to the already shining statue. Famous for its sparkling gleam, it is said to be visible even from the mid of sea.

Gandhi Mandapam: This is the place where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept before a portion of which was immersed in the three seas. The exemplary temple is located near to the Kumari Amman Temple and is one of the most picturesque spots in Kanyakumari. The temple is build in such a way that on October 2nd, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of sun fall exactly on the spot where the urn containing the ashes is kept. So if possible choose this day to visit this splendid monument and witness the magical moment right in front of your eyes.

Vivekananda Memorial Rock: Situated some 500m away from the mainland Vivekananda Memorial Rock attracts a large number of tourists and was built in the year 1970 in memory the great Swami Vivekananda. It is built on the same spot where Swami Vivekananda spent some of his time meditating. Keeping this in mind, the temple also has a meditation hall. So if you want to get rid of all the worldly tensions take some time out and sit in the hall meditating all your problems away. From ancient times, even before the temple was built, the rock was considered a sacred place and was known as 'Sripada Parai' meaning that the rock is blessed by the touch of feet of 'Devi Kumari'. Feel the spirituality of the place by sighting the divine footprints of the Goddess, which is visible on the rock.

PLACES AROUND KANYAKUMARI
Vattakottai (literally, circular fort) is an 18th-century fort overlooking the sea, located six km from Kanyakumari.

The Udayagiri Fort (34 km), built by King Marthanda Varma (AD 1729-1758), has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European general De Lennoy's grave is located within this fort.

Situated 13 km from Kanyakumari, Suchindram bears the imprint of various kingdoms. The Thanumalayan temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to those kingdoms. The temple is famous for its musical columns and its impressive six m-tall statue of the monkey god, Hanuman. The main deity in the form of a shivling represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the trinity of the Hindu pantheon. Ancient inscriptions dating back to the ninth century are found in this place.

The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil (20 km) is a magnificent temple with Nagaraja as the main deity. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The entrance to this temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar. Nagercoil is 19 kms from Kanyakumari on the way to Padmanabhapuram.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (45 km) is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings. It is known for its fascinating natural splendor.

Tiruchendur (85 km) is the site of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The temple located here on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The location of the temple draws a perennial stream of devotees. The temple overlooking the singing sea is an inspiring sight.

The Courtallam Fall (137 km) is perched at a height of 167 m. Its water is believed to contain medicinal properties.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The Chaitra Purnima Festival (the April full-moon day, celebrated in the first week of May), Navratri (last week of October), and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church (fourth week of December) are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.

HOW TO REACH
By Air: The nearest airport is at Trivandrum (80 km). It is directly connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai by regular flights.

By Rail: Kanyakumari is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network. Tirunelvelli (80 km) is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).

By Road: Kanyakumari is connected by road to Trivandrum (86 km), Nagarkoil (19 km), Tirunelvelli (91 km), Tiruchendur (89 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Madurai (242 km), Thekkady (358 km), Kodaikanal (362 km), Palani (370 km), Ootacamund (576 km), Cochin (309 km), and Coimbatore (478 km).