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Kanyakumari is a town located in the
Tamil Nadu state of India. It is the s outhernmost
tip of India and the Indian subcontinent, and is surrounded by the
seas of 3 sides, the Arabian sea on the east, the Indian ocean
ahead and the Bay of Bengal on the west.
(A small note: People sometimes ask 'kanyakumari is in which
state? as they get confused whether its in Kerala or Tamil Nadu,
which are both southern-most states of India. Kanyakumari district
was earlier a part of Kerala, but was later merged into Tamil Nadu
and now belongs to Tamil Nadu state)
Kanyakumari is a famous tourist destination most noted for its
beautiful sunrise and sunset and the 'Sangam' that is the
confluence of the 3 seas.
The major attractions for tourists visiting Kanyakumari are the
Swami Vivekananda rock memorial, the 133 ft. statue of Tamil saint
and poet, Thiruvalluvar, and the Kanyakumari and Suchindram
temples located in the vicinity.
Tourist Attractions in Kanyakumari
There are various tourist attractions in Kanyakumari. The main
tourist attractions in Kanyakumari are the temple of the virgin
goddess Kanyakumari or the Kumari Amman Temple and the Swami
Vivekanda rock memorial. Various other places in Kanyakumari are
the Gandhi memorial and the Suchindram temple.
Kanyakumari Temple
The Kanyakumari tem ple
or the Kumari Amman Temple is one of the ancient temple which is
located on the shoreline in Kanyakumari. This temple is dedicated
to the goddess Parvati who appeared in Kanyakumari as the Kanya
Devi, the virgin goddess. This temple and the adjoining ghat
attracts tourist from all over the world. The diamond nose ring of
the deity is famous for its sparkling splendor which is said to be
visible even from the sea. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter
into the temple. More....
Swami Vivekanda Rock Memorial
Swami Vivekanda Rock Memorial is s ituated
on a little rocky island just off the coast, about 500 meters away
from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated
by about 70 meters. This memorial belongs to Swami Vivekananda,
the great Indian philosopher and was built in 1970. In 1892 he sat
here in deep meditation on the rock, where this memorial is
located now. There is a dhyana mandapam where one can sit in a
serene atmosphere and meditate. The design of the mandapa
incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over
India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. On the island one can
also see the Shri Pada Parai, the footprints of Kanyakumari, the
virgin goddess. To reach the memorial one has to hire the ferry
services. A memorial has also been recently built which is
dedicated to Tiruvalluvar, the author of the philosophical work
Tirukkural.
Swami Vivekanda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari
Gandhi Memorial
The Gandhi Memorial is located at the place where the urn
containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view
before a portion of its contents were immersed in the three seas.
This memorial resembles an Oriyan temple. This temple is designed
in such a way that on 2nd October, his birthday, the sun’s rays
fall directly on the spot where his ashes were kept.
Padmanabhapuram Palace : Padmanabhapuram Palace is a large
mansion of the Travancore Kings. It is known for its fascinating
natural splendor.
Vattakottai (6 km) : Vattakottai is an 18 century circular
fort located on the beach. It is a popular picnic spot which is
located six kms. from Kanyakumari.
Udayagiri Fort (34 km)
The Udayagiri fort is located about 34 kms from Kanyakumari. This
fort was built by King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD). This fort
has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European
general De Lennoy's grave is also located within this fort.
Akkay Aruvi Water falls (33 kms.) : The beautiful falls are
located 14 kms. From Nagercoil. There is also a small shrine
associated with saint Agasthiar, which attracts a large number of
devotees on the full moon day of Chithirai (Apr.-May).
Tiruchendur (85 km) : In Tiruchendur the beautiful
temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya is located. This temple is
located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and one of the six
abodes of Lord Subramanya. This temple draws various devotees from
all over India.
Kumarakovil (34 kms.) : The beautiful Lord Muruga Temple here
is set on a 200 feet high hillock. It also enshrines image of
Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya or Muruga.
Udayagiri Fort (34 kms.) : This 18th century fort 14 kms. From
Nagercoil was built by king Marthanda Varma. The grave of the
Dutch Gen. Del Lennoy, one of the most trusted generals of the
king, lies within the fort.
Suchindram (13 kms.) : Suchindram is located about 13 kms from
Kanyakumari and bears the imprint of various kingdoms. The
Thanumalayan temple in Suchindram is a repository of art treasures
belonging to those kingdoms. This temple is famous for the
beautiful gopuram, the musical pillars and the impressive 6 m tall
statue of the monkey god, Hanuman. The main deity in this temple
is in the fom of a Shivlinga which is the representation of the
combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few
temples in the country where the three trinities are worshipped
together. |