¤ Kanyakumari, The Southernmost Tip of India

Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin, the southern most tip of peninsular India is sprawled over an area of 1672 sq. km, occupying 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Kanniyakumari in Tamil Language this city is the confluence point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.


¤ History of Kanyakumari

According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike. ¤ Kanyakumari India - Tourist Attractions

Kanyakumari Temple

Kanyakumari tourism offers many wonderful attractions luring innumerable tourists. Among the most important are the Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the sea shore. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage.

Vivekanand Rock Memorial

This rock memorial is one of the most popular and most visited tourist attraction of the city. Vivekanand Rock memorial is an island fort. Built in the year 1970, it is believed that Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock here seeking enlightenment. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is open for the travelers everyday and attracts many visitors constantly.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

The 133 feet tall Thiruvalluvar Statue is a true architectural wonder. Weighing approx 7000 tons, this statue is a result of the sheer hard work of 500 skilled craftsmen. Thiruvalluvar Statue was designed to be a symbol of art for the whole humanity.

¤ Trip To Kanyakumari - Nearby Excursions

Udayagiri Fort
Vattakottai (literally, circular fort), an 18th-century fort dominating the sea is located about six kms from Kanyakumari. The Udayagiri Fort situated around 34 kms, is built by King Marthanda Varma in 1729-1758 AD.

Suchindram
Another destination, situated around 13 kms from Kanyakumari is Suchindram. The Thanumalayan temple here is a depository of art that treasures belonging of those kingdoms, who once ruled this place. The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil situated about 20 kms is a splendid temple with Nagaraja as the worshiped deity. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is located around 45 kms from Kanyakumari. It is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings and is famous for its engrossing natural magnificence.

Tiruchendur
Tiruchendur located around 85 kms away from Kanyakumari is the venue of a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya. This shore temple on the Bay of Bengal is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The Courtallam Fall situated almost 137 kms and located at a height of 167 m, is believed to contain therapeutic water.


¤ Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated here are the Chaitra Purnima Festival celebrated in the first week of May, Navratri celebrated in the last week of October and the Holy Annual Festival of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated in the fourth week of December. These are the notable festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari.


¤ How To Reach Kanyakumari