KANNIYAKUMARI

At  the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian sea, the Indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet lies Kanniyakumari, and important pilgrim center.

The Kumariamman Temple here is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi Kanya the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Siva.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swamy Vivekananda sat in long and deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970.

 Near the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Memorial. On the Mahatma’s birthday on October 2^nd, the sun’s rays fall on the sport where his ashes were placed before immersion.

The Kanniyakumari beach is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets, especially on Full Moon days. The beach itself has multicolored sands which stretch into infinity in a blaze of colour.

NAGERCOIL:

This Place is  Kanniyakumari District Head quarter. The Nagaraja temple situated here in unique in many respects. Though Nagaraja (Serpent God) is the presiding deity, the images of Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna (Vishnu) are also enshrined.  The Nagaraja is installed on the ground where it was originally found and the sands are scooped out and given as Prasadam to the devotees. The entrance to the temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of Bhuddha Vihara. Nagercoil is 19 Kms from Kanniyakumari on the way to Trivandrum (Kerala).

VATTAKOTTAI (Circular Fort)

        This eighteen century fort over looking the sea is worth visiting. It is located at a distance of 6 kms from Kanniyakumari. It is also a fine picnic spot. Here the sea is calm and suitable for bathing.

SUCHINDRUM:

        The Thanumalayam temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to many kingdoms. The presiding deity in the form of a Linga denotes  Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. Inscriptions said to be of the 9^th century A.D. are  found in this temple. Suchindrum is 13 kms from Kanniyakumari by road and rail on the way to Trivandrum. Musical pillars and a huge Hanuman statue, 18 feet high, are proofs of the artistic skill of the time.

UDAYAGIRI FORT:

        Built during the regime of King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 A.D.), this fort also had a foundry for casting guns. De Lennoy’s tomb is in this fort. De Lennoy was one of the 24 European prisoners taken by King Marthanda Varma in 1741 when he defeated the Dutch at Colachel. He joined King Marthanda Varma and become a trusted General. He trained soldiers in the European method of fighting. The fort  is located 34 kms from Kanniyakumari, 14 kms from Nagercoil and 54 kms from Trivandrum. Rest House with two suites available here.

THIRUPPARAPPU WATER FALLS:

 This lovely spot is 60 kms from Kanniyakumari. It also has in its vicinity an ancient Mahadevar Temple.

THIRUVATTAR:

        This place is 60 kms from Kanniyakumari, the Siva temple here is one of the finest specimens of Keralite architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are beautiful.

MUTTAM :

        This Excellent picnic spot is 32 kms from Kanniyakumari. A fine beach and light house is famous.

TIRUCHENDUR:

        It is 99 kms from Kanniyakumari on the  way to Rameshwaram East Coats Road (ECR). The temple here is one of the six Abodes of Lord Subramaniya. Situated on the seashore, it attracts thousands of pilgrims.

 

PADMANABHAPURAM:

        Capital of Travancore until 133 A.D., it is situated on the Kanniyakumari-Trivandrum road at a distance of 45 kms form Kanniyakumari. There is a place inside the fort which covers an area of 6 acres. On display in the place are many objects including armory of the royal family. In the Ramaswamy temple adjoining the palace, scenes from the Ramayana have been carved in 45 panels. The palace is open to the public from 9 am. To 5 pm. Monday holiday.

CHIDARAL (Thirucharanathu Malai)

        This place is 55 kms form the Kanniyakumari, This Jain sculptures are worth seeing. It is a fine picnic spot.

PECHIPARAI AND PERUNJANI DAMS:

        This dam sites are very good picnic spots. Boating facility and dormitory-type accommodation available. Direct bus service from Kanniyakumari available, pechiparai and perunjani dams, 74 kms and 85 kms from Kanniyakumari.