Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is a city in Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent and the southernmost city in the mainland India, and thus referred as “The Land’s End”. Kanyakumari is where the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar, and Indian Ocean meet together. The town has a coastline of approximately 71.5 kilometers along these three sides, bordered by the Laccadive Sea. It offers panoramic views of the sea & its unique location makes it a remarkable place to witness both sunrise and sunset on the same day. Kanyakumari has been inhabited since ancient times. The town derives its name from the goddess Kanya Kumari, believed to be the sister of Lord Krishna. The name “Cape Comorin” was used during British rule in India. Kanyakumari continues to attract tourists and pilgrims alike, drawn by its natural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual aura.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from October to March. Although this coastal region is a bit humid, this is the best time to try out some adventurous water sports, going on sightseeing and outings, undertaking beach activities and savoring the spectacular sunset views. Visit this place in November if you want to witness the Cape Festival.
Places to visit
Sunrise and sunset points
Kanyakumari is one of the rare places where you can view both Sunrise and Sunset, it is because of the location and the environmental condition. Sunrise point is just behind the Amman temple on the Kanyakumari Beach. If you go on or around the full moon, you can even witness the setting sun rays combined with the rising moonlight. Same place also known as a triveni sangam, where you can see three sea immersed to each other but water not getting mixed in each other, all three seas water looks different, that is also looks eye popping. One can sight beautiful sunrises & Mesmerizing sunset view. Sea, rocks, sand and sun…..awesome..,
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar Statue Dedicated to the accomplished philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, this beautiful statue finds itself on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of a legendary work in the world of Literature, the classic Tamil text Thirukkural. In his devotion, the work for the statue started in 1990 and continued till 1999, during the year in which the figure finally got completed. This monument stands tall at a height of 133 feet and is perched upon a 38-foot pedestal. The pedestal’s height represents the 38 chapters of virtue in Thirukkural. Full of symbolism and cultural significance, this destination is awe-inspiring, and a must-visit. Surrounded by the waters, the statue is settled at an ideal location, and a short ferry ride can quickly help you reach the masterpiece. The premises of the statue also has a temple which a quaint spot for meditation.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial constructed in the year 1970 is located at about 500 meters east of the mainland on a small island situated in Vavathurai off Kanyakumari. It has the picturesque Indian Ocean in its backdrop. It is situated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’. This memorial was built on the site where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. The Shripada Mandapam has a study hall and a museum, where you can explore Vivekananda’s life and work in depth. There is a ‘Dhyana Mandapam’ located beside to memorial, which serves as the meditation hall for the visitors to meditate. You can be accessed to the memorial by regular ferries by paying INR 34 per head, INR 20 additional to see the memorial between 7:00 AM till 5:00 PM with entry fee of INR 10.
Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman Temple is one place in Kanyakumari with a lot of cultural significance. This magnificent temple is situated on the coast surmounting the beach. The Bhagavathy Amman Temple in Kanyakumari is indeed one such place of worship visited by millions of devotees and other tourists every year. The temple is one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas and is dedicated to goddess Devi Kanyakumari, referred to as the virgin goddess. The temple has a history of over 3000 years and is surrounded by strong stone walls. There are other shrines within the temple complex that are dedicated to Lord Surya Deva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bala Sundari and Goddess Vijaya Sundari. It is believed that demon Banasura gained a blessing that he could be killed only by a virgin girl. To eliminate the threat of Banadura, Goddess Parasakthi took the form of Kumari, or a virgin girl. The goddess eventually defeated Banasura. Saint Narada and Lord Parasurama requested the goddess to exist on earth till the end of Kaliyuga, which she accepted. Hence Parasurama constructed this temple by the ocean and installed the idol of Devi Kanyakumari.
Gandhi Memorial Mandapam
Amongst its scenic beaches and majestic churches, Kanyakumari also boasts of being home to a large memorial that is dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi located close to the Kumari Amman Temple. This memorial, which was built to honor this eminent personality, is located in the same spot where the urn of the ashes of this renowned individual was kept for the public to pay their homage. After the leader’s death, his ashes were divided into 12 different urns and were scattered throughout the country for the general public to pay their last respect to this important figure. Kanyakumari was one of them. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice in his lifetime, once in 1925 and then later on in 1937. After his tragic assassination in January 1948, when his body was cremated, his ashes were brought to Kanyakumari to be immersed in the Triveni Sea on February 12, 1948. Completed in 1956, it was built in such a way that on 2nd October, which is the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of the sun pass through a hole in the top of the building, and fall on the exact spot where his ashes were placed before immersion. The Gandhi Memorial is a must visit tourist spot in Kanyakumari, and is especially loved by patriots and followers of the Gandhian philosophy.
Kamarajar Manimandapam Monument
At a distance of 2 km from Kanyakumari Bus Station & 2 km from Kanyakumari Railway Station, Kamarajar Manimandapam was raised and dedicated to Late. Sri. Kamarajar, The freedom fighter, Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress. He was popularly known as Black Gandhi among the masses and king maker during congress regime. This monument was constructed where his ashes were kept here for public to pay homage before immersion into the sea. Kamarajar Manimandapam was constructed at a distance of 2 km from Kanyakumari Bus Station and 2 km from Kanyakumari Railway Station. It was raised and dedicated to a kingmaker during the Congress regime, Late Sri. Kamarajar, the freedom fighter, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and President of the Indian National Congress, popularly known as Black Gandhi. This monument was constructed at the place where his ashes were kept for the public to pay homage before being immersed into the sea. Visiting is allowed during 7am To 7pm with no entrance fee.
Tsunami Memorial Park
The Tsunami Monument a sixteen-foot memorial is a unique monument that Designed and built by the architect B. Kanagaraj Cangan, is located near the southern shore of Kanyakumari. It was built in the memory of all those thousands of people who died in the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that shook the entire nation on 26 December in 2004. This natural disaster claimed around 2,80,000 lives not only in India but also in Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand, Maldives and Indonesia, and people from near and far come to visit this monument to pay their respect to the dear departed. The structure features two hands: one of which is holding back a gigantic blue wave, while the other hand is holding a lamp of hope, representing optimism in the face of disaster. A stroll through this area fills the visitor with absolute calmness and stillness. Even though it reminds them that nature ultimately prevails and conquers all, it also helps one to appreciate the value of human life and how precious it is.
Our Lady of Ransom Church
Our Lady of Ransom Church is a famous Catholic Church that is located in the Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu and was built in dedication to Mother Mary. A brilliant example of Gothic architecture, the church was built during the 15th century and looks breathtakingly beautiful against the blue lashing waves of the ocean behind it. The gold cross on the central tower of the church further adds beauty and charm to this magnificent structure, and its beauty and tranquility are what attract people the most. The people of Kanyakumari combined the name Ransom with Delight and began to call their patron by the name of Alangara Upakara Matha. The colourfully stained windows of the church throw multi-hued lights inside the main building, and the three white spires of the primary structure rise up to the sky. The church is in its full splendor in evenings and at night, when it gets lit up. The Church is located just 2 kilometres away from the Kanyakumari Bus Stand.
Sanguthurai Beach
Located at about 20km from kanyakumari, Sanguthurai Beach is one of the calmest yet cleanest beaches that you should go to, during your visit to Kanyakumari. It has huge white pillar with black conch built during King Chola period. From this beach you can see Thiruvalluvar statue and Vivekananda rock in a long view. Backwater view in Sanguthurai beach is really looks beautiful. Sanguthurai beach welcomes you with sangu statue, and a sea tower, which gives you a long shot view of the beach and the entire area surrounded by a coconut tree.
Vattakottai fort
Vattakottai fort also called as “Circular Fort”, 6 km north-east of Kanyakumari is a historical fort clubbed with enchanting scenic location, which makes it a must to visit tourist destinations in Tamilnadu. Built in the 18th century, by the Travancore Kingdom Marthanda Varma with Sprawling over an area of 3.5 acres that enclosed by walls 25 to 26 feet high, including the parapet, 29 feet thick at the front, 18 feet at the corners and 6 feet at the rear to serve as defense for Nanjil Nadu. It is said that there is a subway or tunnel about four feet width, supposed to connect the Padmanabhapuram palace. The fort is known for its granite walls, beautiful arches, and cannons. Cradled by the magnificent ocean of Bay of Bengal, this fort casts a panoramic view of the azure ocean, with the crimson horizon, The small river by the side of the fort, and the green vegetation all around add to the scenery of the fort and has now become a holiday resort and picnic centre. Tourist can visit this fort from 8am to 6pm with an entry fee.