Sightseeing Highlights:
The distinction of being the southern-most tip of India draws thousands of tourists to this town. Although Kanyakumari Beach isn't safe for swimming, the spectacular stretches of sands and the amazing sunrise and sunset views are the reasons enough to draw tourists. The famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which protrudes into the ocean is one of the most visited attractions. Regular ferry services to the famous rocks where Swami Vivekananda meditated, are available.
Another famous monument is the Gandhi Memorial, built over the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before immersing them in the waters. The architecture of the memorial resembles an Orissa temple.
The Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Other famous temples in and around the town are Alvar Tirunagari Temple dedicated to Lord Adinatha, where saint Namalvar attained enlightenment under a tree; Temple of Goddess Bhagavati and the Temple at Suchindram.
Padamanabhapuram is 45 Km from the town and is known for its fort which encloses a beautiful palace and a temple. The Government Museum has a good collection of old coins, tribal artefacts, bronze sculptures and wooden carvings. Olakkay Aruvi and Thirparappu Water Falls are a few outdoors attractions near Kanyakumari.
Other Activities:
People from all corners of the world visit Kanyakumari to see the sunrise and sunset at the same beach. The beaches are clean and boast of multi-coloured mineral sands which are unique to this small town. Things to buy from Kanyakumari include handcrafted trinkets, seashell art, palm leaf drawings, conches and straw hats. Haggling is permitted so do get yourself a good bargain.
Tourism Info:
Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office
Beach Road, Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu, India.
Telephone: (91)-04653 71276/246276
The coast town of Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin lies at the southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean
meet. It has been an important centre for art, religion and trade for
centuries. Flanked by hills and paddy fields on one side and the ocean
on the other, Kanyakumari is the 'Land's End' of India.
Beautiful
beaches with multi-coloured sands, spectacular sunrises and sunsets,
and ancient temples with a rich architectural heritage make this
coastal town a popular tourism destination. Kanyakumari literally means
a virgin and gets its name from the Kumari Amman Temple.
Legend has it that the princess Kanya Devi, one of the many forms of
Goddess Parvati was supposed to marry Lord Shiva. But due to his
inability to turn up on the auspicious time, the wedding never took
place and hence the name, Kanyakumari. |
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