Holy Destinations of India

                                                                               Kanyakumari STD Code: 04652

PLACES TO VISIT

Kumariamman Temple

Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby Ghat attract tourists from all over the world. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage. When she was unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (Kanya).

The Diamond nose-ring of this deity is famous for its sparkling splendour, which is supposed to be visible even from the sea. It is believed to have (mis) guided many a ship to the treacherous rocks near the shore. Due to the grave threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships the door on the side facing the sea was closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.

Vivekananda Memorial

A grand memorial to philosopher Swami Vivekananda, it is on one of the twin rocks jutting out from the sea about 200 m offshore. There is a Dhyana Mandapam where Swami Vivekananda's meditation transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century. Built in 1970, the unique structure is a blend of various architectural styles of India. Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sripada Parai meaning the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals.

Government Museum

Located near the tourist office at Beach Road, the museum contains bronzes, coins, tribal objects, woodcarvings,zoological and botanical specimens. The "Temple Car" from Samythoppu and Wales Bones from Manavalakurichy in Kanniyakumari District add charm to the museum.

Guganathaswamy Temple

This 1000-year-old temple is believed to have been built by Raja Cholan. Vattakottai (Circular Fort) The 18th century fort overlooking the sea was built by the Dutch and is located 6 km from Kanniyakumari. Here, the sea is calm and suitable for a swim.

Suchindram (13 km)

Suchindram's Thanumalayan temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century AD can be found in this temple. The temple is also famous for its 18-foot high statue of the monkey god Hanuman with its musical pillars, Vainayaki (Female Vinayaka) relief carving and a repository of art treasures belonging to many kingdoms.

Nagercoil (19 km)

Named after the temple dedicated to Nagaraja - the King of Snakes - Nagercoil, the images of the Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira and Parsavanathar are found on the pillars of the temple. There are frequent buses from Nagercoil to any other part of the state and to Thiruvananthapuram in neighbouring Kerala.

Padmanabhapuram (45 km)

The former capital of Travancore, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort, which encloses among other buildings a palace and a temple. The wooden palace covers an area of 6 acres and has many antiquities, including the armoury of the royal family. The Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Tiruchendur is the site of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Udayagiri Fort (34 km)

Built by King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758AD), this fort has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European general De Lennoy's tomb is located within this fort. Pechipparai Dam (56 km) Like most dam sites this one too is a popular picnic spot where facilities for boating have also been provided.

Thirparappu Water Falls (60 km)

A picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple. Thiruvattar (60 km) 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.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

The magnificent 133-foot height statue denoting the chapters in Thirukkural has been opened for Tourist's visit in the midst of sea on 1.1.2000 in Kanniyakumari.

Tiruchendur(91 km)

The temple located here on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya and draws a perennial stream of devotees.

Courtallam Falls (137 km)

Perched at a height of 167 m the water here is believed to contain medicinal properties.

Olakkay Aruvi Water falls (33 km)

Olakkay Aruvi water falls in the Western Ghatts, 14 km from Nagercoil and 33 km from Kanyakumari attract many holiday seekers and trekkers. The beautiful waterfalls are an important picnic spot. 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. The church of Manapadu is worth a visit.

Kumarakovil (34 km)

Kumarakovil at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk, about 15 km North - West of Nagercoil is the site of a temple dedicated to Lord Subramaniya. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya, is also enshrined in the temple. There is a vast lake on the right of the temple where boating facilities are available. The Lord Muruga Temple built on a hillock 200 feet high in lush green fields of paddy, plantain and coconut trees is noted for architectural beauty.

Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple (41 km)

The 7th century B.C. temple dedicated to Bagavathy Amman Mondaikadu is situated on the seacoast, north - east of Colachel Port. The Amman is in the form of an anthill about 12 feet high and with five heads and is believed to be growing gradually. The annual festival Mondaikadu Kodai is celebrated in March for 10 days and is the main attraction. The temple, though small, attracts a large number of people from all over the district besides a regular flow of pilgrims from Kollam in Kerala state, about 160 km from Mondaikadu. . Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu organises a photographic exhibition during the festival.

Thengapattinam Beach (54 km)

Thengapattinam, situated on the west coast is a place of historical importance. 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. A 1200-year-old mosque was built by some Arab mechants who came here and found the place suitable for their trade. There is an abundance of coconut trees at the Thengapattinam beach, which is an excellent picnic spot with backwater facilities. It is well connected with Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram by regular bus service.
 

HOW TO REACH

Air: The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram (87 km)

Rail: Kanyakumari is on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari section of the southern railway. The daily Nellai Kumari Express links Kanniyakumari to ~Chennai~. ~Thiruvananthapuram~ and ~Mumbai~ are also connected by direct trains. The Himsagar Express runs across the length of the entire country form ~Jammu~ Tawi to Kanniyakumari covering the distance in 74 hours.

Road: Kanniyakumari is well connected by road to Chennai (703 km), Madurai (242 km), and other major towns in South India. Local buses go to Nagercoil, Padmanabhapuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam among other places

FESTIVALS

Chithra Pournami Festival: April/May, Navarathri - September/October Annual Holy Festival of R.C. Church - December.