Chitharal

Chitharal is a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari District, which is located at a distance of about 7 km from Marthandam, 30 km from Nagercoil, 48 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 45 km from Kanyakumari. The small village of Chitharal is famous for its Jain monuments which are preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Chitharal village is famous for the Rock-Cut Temple which is situated atop a hillock. This hillock consists of a cave in which rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendant deities can be found.

There are several carvings and rock-cut sculptures on both the inner and outer sides of the cave wall. As per archaeological studies, these carvings and sculptures can be dated back to the 9th century AD. The Rock-Cut Temple of the Jains was converted in to a Bhagavathy temple during the 13th century AD.

To reach the Rock-Cut Temple, tourists take a 10 minute walk to the top of the hill. A panoramic view of the surrounding area can also be seen from the hill top.