Kanyakumari Tourism

Kanyakumari: The place that God had made in India

Located at the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is also known as Kanniakumari or Kanniyakumari. Tourists from all over the world come here to delve into the natural, exotic beauty along with its importance as a pilgrimage centre. Indian mythology reveals that Kanyakumari was the last place that God had made in India. The ebbing and flowing of the water from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean makes Tamil Nadu, the sought after point of confluence, with its own exotic beauty.

The name Kanyakumari is derived from the name of the sacred Goddess Kumari Amman. It is believed that Goddess Kumari Amman is the re-incarnation of Goddess Parvati as the young virgin. The famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost end of the city. The historic records of the Greco Egyptian writer Ptolemy reveals that Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, was an important centre for pearl fishing and trade in the past. Later, this city witnessed the rule of innumerable rulers such as the Cholas, Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks.

Following are the main attractions in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari Temple: It is located at the southern-most end of the city and is revered as a Shakti peeth. Tourists from all over the world come to witness the magical blessing of this temple and the adjoining shore. Watching the beautiful black idol of Goddes Kumari Amman is a delight in itself. It is also regarded as the Shakti Peeth. The main festivals celebrated in this temple are the Chaitry Pournima Festival, Navarathri Festival, Vaisakha Festival and Kalabham Festival.

Udayagiri Fort: The Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore rebuilt this fort in the 18th century. The Flemish naval commander of Dutch East India Company known by the name of Eustachius De Lannoy had supervised the construction of this fort. Tourists come from all over the world to see the ruins of chapels, along with a large variety of birds, fountains and deers and ducks in the fort, with its isolated location adding to its exotic beauty.

Thiruvalluvar Statue: The 133 feet statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar standing as a majestic construction at the confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal contains the main inscriptions of the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the Thirukkural. The main message conveyed by the statue is that wealth can be earned and enjoyed on the basic foundation of the virtue of humanity.

Thirparappu Falls: Located at a rocky riverbed, the Thirparappu Fallsis approximately 300 feet long. It is one of the most important destinations to see, especially during the monsoon times. The water of the Kodayar River creates the beautiful Thirparappu Falls as it plunges from the enormous height.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial: This exotic and beautiful architecture was built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee in 1970. It is also considered as an important and sacred architecture because it is believed that Swami Vivekananda used to meditate on the rock and thus, it honours the inspiring tale of the spiritual Guru.

Excursions from Kanyakumari

Tourists can also go ahead and travel to the near by places such as Vattakottai (7 km), Suchindram (12km), Nagercoil (20 km) and Kumarakovil (32 km).

Shopping in Kanyakumari

Shopping in Kanyakumari is an interesting endeavour especially with the chance to buy few really important souvenirs such as sea shell items, handicraft products, dress materials and materials made from cane and wood.

When to Reach
The best time to reach Kanyakumari is between October to March when the temperature is very pleasant and soothing. Tourists also love visiting Kanyakumari during the festivals of Navratri, Chaitry Pournima Festival and Kalabham Festival.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is located at Thiruvananthapuram which is 80 km away from the city.
Rail: The Kanyakumari railway station is properly connected with the cities like Kochi, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
Road: Kanyakumari is connected with the near by cities in Tamil Nadu through regular bus service.