¤ Kanyakumari, The Southernmost Tip of India

Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin, the southern most tip of peninsular India is sprawled over an area of 1672 sq. km, occupying 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari is also known as Kanniyakumari in Tamil Language. It is the confluence point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Apart from this, it is also a vital Hindu pilgrim center, renowned for its exotic sunrises and sunsets over the horizon. One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the multicolored sand found on its beach.

This exquisite land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields. There are also a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene. One can also see plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, with Temples and Churches standing proudly. Truly, a beautiful way to mark the end of the land of marvelous India.


¤ History of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin was once known as the Alexandria of the east. A hub of art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years, it is famous for commerce and trade. The architecture of this beautiful beach land is greatly inspired by religions like Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Kanyakumari was ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks, all great rulers of south India. The credit for the architectural beauty of the temples found in Kanyakumari goes to these rulers. Kanyakumari was given the name Cape Comorin by the British as it was easier for them to pronounce.

According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. The stones found here resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.


¤ Attractions At Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari has many tourist attractions luring innumerable tourists, well promoted by tourism department of Tamil Nadu. Among the most important are the Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the sea shore. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. There are two rocks reaching out of the ocean, situated southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. One among these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are said to be imprinted on the rock. It is said that Swami Vivekananda sat in deep meditation and here one can also find the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970. There is also a dhyana mandapam here, a perfect place to meditate. Another important attraction here is the Gandhi Memorial, built on the spot where the vase consisting the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before submersion.


¤ Excursions

Excursions are always exciting and the excursion destinations from Kanyakumari are all the more fun. Some of the major tourism destinations nearby are Vattakottai (literally, circular fort), an 18th-century fort dominating the sea is located about six kms from Kanyakumari. The Udayagiri Fort situated around 34 kms, is built by King Marthanda Varma in 1729-1758 AD.

Another destination, situated around 13 kms from Kanyakumari is Suchindram. The Thanumalayan temple here is a depository of art that treasures belonging of those kingdoms, who once ruled this place. The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil situated about 20 kms is a splendid temple with Nagaraja as the worshiped deity. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is located around 45 kms from Kanyakumari. It is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings and is famous for its engrossing natural magnificence.

Tiruchendur located around 85 kms away from Kanyakumari is the venue of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This shore temple on the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The Courtallam Fall situated almost 137 kms and located at a height of 167 m, is believed to contain therapeutic water.


¤ Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated here are the Chaitra Purnima Festival celebrated in the first week of May, Navratri celebrated in the last week of October and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated in the fourth week of December. These are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.


¤ Reach Kanyakumari