Kanyakumari
The end point of the Indian mainland
ABOUT
Kanyakumari, is famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment. This place has been attracting tourists due its geographical positioning. Kanyakumari is also famous as a pilgrimage for Hindus.
Kanyakumari is surrounded by oceans on three sides. It is located on the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The sight of Sunrise and Sunset at Cape Comorin is something which cannot be forgotten easily.
SHOPPING
The markets are full of small shops where one can purchase local items. The Tamil Nadu Co-optex sales emporium, Indco products, Tamil Nadu crafts and Pumphuar are some of the shops where one can get to buy handicraft items, textiles and other materials. Toys made of sea shells are quite common at these places. Decorative items made of wood and bamboo are also good bargains here.
ACCOMMODATION:
Tamil Nadu Tourist development corporation have got their hotels in Kanyakumari. Tamil Nadu government has its Guest Houses. Apart from the Guest houses, lodges, cottages and dormitories are also available. The Railways provides retiring rooms for short period stays.
CLIMATE
Being close to the sea and the Equator, the temperature does not vary much. Summers are hot and winters are warm. Rain falls throughout the year. This place is open for Tourists any time in the year.
GETTING THERE
The nearest Airport is that of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). This Airport is well connected with national as well as International flights. From Thiruvananthapuram one can take a taxi or bus to KanyaKumari. Kanyakumari is well connected by train services with all places in India. Superfast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with Northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Intercity trains are running from almost all the Southern cities. This town is also well connected by bus services from all places in the Southern states.
SIGHTSEEING
The Kumari Amman Temple - This temple is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi Kanya- the Virgin Goddess-- who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Siva. The temple is situated on the beach and there are long queues to enter the temple. The bright diamond nose ring of the Goddess is world famous.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial On the sea side is built a large, beautiful memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekanand. Here Swami Vivekanand did his meditation.
Gandhi Memorial - Built in memory of Gandhiji, the memorial is good example of modern architecture. Here, the last remains of Gandhiji are kept for public viewing. The pot containing the remains is placed in such manner that the first sunlight falls on it.
Guganathaswamy Temple - This 1000-year-old temple is said to have been built by Raj Raja Cholan.
EXCURSIONS
Nagercoil : The presiding Deity of this temple is Nagaraja but the images of Shiva and other Gods are also kept. It 19 Kms from the city.
Udayagiri Fort : In the 18th century this fort was built by King Marthanda Varma. This fort had a foundary for casting guns. The fort also has tomb of De Lennoy, a trusted general of the king. He trained the Marthanada's army on western lines. 34 Kms from the city.
Vattakottai : A picnic spot 6 kms from city. Calm sea and a nice beach.
Suchindram : 13 Kms from the city, this temple town is famous for its musical pillars and huge Hanuman statue.
Thirparappu Waterfall : Picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar temple. 60 kms from Kanyakumari.
Padmanabhapuram : Spread in an sprawling area of 6 acres, the palace houses many antiques including armoury of royal family. 45 Kms from the city.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist office - Beach Road, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel. - +(91)--04653--71276
Information Centre - Vivekanada rock memorial, Beach road, KanyaKumari, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel. - +(91)--06543--71250
MAIN LANGUAGES: Tamil, Malayalam, English
NEAR BY CITIES
Thiruvananthpuram 87 Kms Tiruchendur 95 Kms
Tiruneveli 83 Kms Tenkasi 138 Kms
Kodaikkanal 356 Kms Madurai 235Kms
Rameswaram 302 Kms Chennai 679 Kms
Report prepared by H. V. Rakkesh Gopal
| 
