 At the southern most land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanniyakumari, an important pilgrim centre. Kanniyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days. The beach itself is a beautiful site with multi-cloured sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The Government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu.
Souvenirs and handicraft articles made from sea shells, and palm leaf articles are the main items to buy at Kanyakumari. Trinklets and packets of coloured sea sand for children can also be bought here. There are several shops selling these articles. Prices vary depending upon your bargaining power.
General Information
Area 25.89 sq. kms.
Population 17,206 (1991 census)
Altitude Sea Level
Climate Max. Min.
Summer 34.8º c 22.4º c
Winter 33.8º c 21.6º c
Rainfall 102 cms average
Clothing Tropical
Season Throughout the year
Languages spoken Tamil, Malayalam and English
STD Code 04652
Places of interest
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Built in 1970, this memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer and saint that India has produced. Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today at the end of 1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. Timings : 8 am to 4 pm
Gandhi Memorial
On Gandhiji's birthday ( October-2nd ) the Sun rays fall on the spot where his ashes were placed before immersion.
Guganathaswamy Temple
This 1000 year old temple is said to have been built by Raja Raja Chola. It is near the railway station.
Excursions
Nagercoil (19kms)
The Nagaraja temple is situated here. Though Nagaraja ( Serpent God ) is the presiding deity, the images of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined here. The images of the Jain Theerthangaras and Mahavira are found on the pillars of the temple. The Nagaraja is installed on the ground where it was originally found and the sand scooped out is given as prasadam to the devotees. The entrance to the temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar.
Suchindram (13 kms.)
The Thanumalayan Temple here is a repository of art treasures. Musical pillars and a huge 18 foot high Hanuman Statue are the proof of artistic skill of the time. Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century AD are found in this temple. This unique temple is dedicated to the Trimurthys : Vishnu, Siva and Brahma.
Udhayagiri Fort ( 34 kms.)
Built during the regime of King Marthanda Varma ( 1729-1758 ) this fort also had foundry for casting guns. De Lennoy's Tomb is in this fort. He was one of the 24 European prisoners taken by King Marthanda Varma in 1741 when when he defeated the Dutch at Colachel. He joined King Marthanda Varma and became a trusted General. He trained soldiers in the European method of fighting.
Padmanabhapuram (45 Kms )
The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai
Both these two Wild Life Sanctuaries are situated in an extensive preserve; later declared as a " Project Tiger Reserve ". Kalakkadu is situated in an area of 223 sq. km. in Tirunelveli District. The flora ranges from tropical wet evergreen to tropical dry decidious and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed macaque, Nigiri langur, Bonnet macaque and common langur, Nilgiri Tahr, sambar, Sloth bear, gour, elephant, tiger, flying squirrel and panther wild dog are some of the wildlife seen in this sanctuary. there is nothing to differentiate Mundanthurai sanctuary from that of Kalakkadu except the presence of the elephant and gaur.
Festivals
Chitra Pournami Festival April/May.
Navarathri September/October
Annual Holy Festival of RC Church December
How to get there ?
Air
The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram (87kms.)
Rail
Kanniyakumari is connected with Tirunelveli, Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram and Coimbatore by broad gauge. Tirunelveli (83 kms.) is connected to Chennai, Madurai, etc.
Road
Kanniyakumari is well connected by road.
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