Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is situated at the southernmost tip of India. It is located at the meeting point of three oceans the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination. The most popular attractions in Kanyakumari include Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Gandhi Memorial. There are boating facilities provided for tourists to reach Vivekananda Rock. The most attractive feature of Kanyakumari is its sunrise and sunset. The beach of Kanyakumari are famous for its multicoloured sand.

Tourist Attractions

Kanyakumari Temple

The Kanyakumari Temple is also known as the Kumari Amman temple. It is one of the most visited temples in south India and is located on the shores of Kanyakumari and overlooks the ocean. The temple is dedicated to virgin goddess Kanya Devi who is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Legends say that Kanya Devi was bethroed to be married to Lord Shiva, but Lord Shiva did not arrive at the auspicious time of marriage and so the marriage could not be solemnised. The Goddess Kanya Devi chose to remain virgin for the rest of her life. The unique feature of this temple is that the diamond nose ring of the deity sparkles so much that it is visible even from the sea.

Sri Padaparai

There are two rocks at Kanyakumari which reach out to the sea. Sri Padaparai is one of the two rocks. The rocks are to the southeast of Kumari Amman temple. It is said that the footprints of the virgin goddess are imprinted on this rock.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the prime attractions of Kanyakumari. Swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher saint of India had meditated here for a long time. This place is maintained by the Vivekananda Kendra and stores many of Swamiji's memories. Under the aegis of Vivekananda Kendra, classes on yogasanas and meditation are held regularly at the place.

Gandhi Memorial

Gandhi Memorial has been built at that very place where Gandhiji's ashes were kept for the people to pay their last respect before it was immersed. The memorial has been built in the form of a temple in such a way that on Mahatma's birthday which falls on 2nd October the first rays of the sun kisses the place where his ashes were kept.

Other Attractions

Some of the other attractive places include the Circular Fort of Vattakottai located 6 kms from Kanyakumari, Udayagiri Fort which is located around 34 kms from Kanyakumari, Suchindram and Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil.

Travel

Air: The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram and is located at a distance of 80 kms from Kanyakumari.

Rail: Kanyakumari is connected through broad gauge directly with Thiruvananthapuram and many other cities.

Road: Kanyakumari is well connected through a large network of roads with most towns and cities of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.