Tourist places in and around Kanyakumari
Thiruvalluvar Statue
The 133 feet high statue of Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar is set on a rock amidst sea near Vivekananda Rock Memorial.Thiruvalluvar, Author Of Thirukkural - A Sagacious saint born before the Christ (i.e. about 30 years before the Jesus Christ). Tamils take cognizance of the birth of Thiruvalluvar as a basis of the calendar. Now we are in the 2032 of Thiruvalluvar Aandu. Thirukkural is regarded as a renowned work, that is eulogised as a directory of code of conduct and ethics to the Humanity, through his 1330 couplets, the revered poet not only deals with the general administration, but also codified the clear cut directions to the mankind on how they should behave and act in a social, political, religious and family circles.
The work of Thiruvalluvar was translated into more than 60 languages world wide. The magnificient 133 foot height statue denoting the chapters in Thirukkural was opened for Tourists in 2000.
The Courtallam Fall
The Courtallam Fall (137 km) is perched at a height of 167 m. Its water is believed to contain medicinal properties.Olakkay Aruvi Water falls
Olakkay Aruvi Water in the Western Ghats is about 8 kms., North of Azhgiapandiapuram, 14 kms., from Nagercoil and 33 kms., from Kanniyakumari. The beautiful water falls and the natural scenery all around the place attract many holiday seekers and this place has become an important picnic center. A small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near the falls attracts a large number of religious people on full moon day of the month of Chithirai (April - May) and they worship the altar, after a bath in the falls. It is one of the places for Trekking also.Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial
At the seaside is a beautiful memorial dedicated to the Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have meditated here before setting out as one of the greatest religious advocates. A Dhyana Mandapam here lets you sit in this serene atmosphere and meditate. This memorial is built on two rocky islands. The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher - guide meditated such that it transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century. On this rock stands the "Vivekananda Rock Memorial" built in 1970 and which is a blend of all the architectural styles of India. A statue of Swami Vivekananda is present inside the memorial building.Timings - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Built in 1970, this memorial is dedicated Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer and saint that India has ever produced. Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today at the end of 1892 before his departure to Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial.
The memprial built in 1970 on a rock in the sea, marks the spot where swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher - guide, meditated at the end of 1892, before his departure to chicago (USA), for participating in the world Religious conference in 1893. It affords a fine view of the land's end. Ferry services ply from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals.
The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher - guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century. The unique, structure was built in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India. Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sripada Parai meaning 'the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess'. Both these rocks are fine places from where one can have a view of the land's end of India. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals.
Temple Of Goddess Bhagavathi
Few temples in India are more picturesquely located than that of Goddess Bhagavathi in Kanyakumari. It stands very close to the confluence of the three oceans - the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The image of the Goddess in the sanctum is marvellous in the serenity it portrays. She carries a necklace in her right hand. An unusual feature - the eastern gate, facing the Bay of Bengal is opened only five times a year.Mondaikadu is situated in the sea coast, north - east of Colachel Port. It is connected with Nagercoil and Trivandrum by a motorable road. It is 22 kms., from Nagercoil and 41 kms., form Kanniyakumari. This place is famous for its temple dedicated to Bagavathy Amman, dates back to the 7th century B.C. The Amman is in the form of anthill which is about 12 feet in height and with five heads and believed to be growing gradually. The annual festival called Mondaikadu Kodai is celebrated in March for 10 days and is the main attraction at this place. Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu, organises Photographic Exhibition during the festival. The temple, though small attracts a large number of people from all over the district, besides a regular flow of pilgrim from Kollam in Kerala State, about 160 kms., from Mondaikadu during the annual festival celebrated for 10 days.
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 rnges from tropical wet evergreen to tropical dry decidious and thorn forest, at down hills. Lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque and common langur etc.Kumari Amman Temple
Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby ghat attract pilgrims from all over India to worship and to bathe. Legends have it that the Devi did penance here to secure Shiva's hand in marriage and when unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (kanya). The diamond nose-ring of the deity, which shines with all its brilliance is said to be visible even from the sea. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the inner sanctum. Men must remove their shirts, and everyone their shoes before entering the temple.Timings - 4:30 am to 11:45 am and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The legendary shrine is dedicated to the virgin goddess kanniyakumari or Paravati. According to a mythological legend, the shrine marks the spot where the goddess prayed for Lord shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage.
It marks the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept in an uru for public viewing. The memorial is built in such a way that every year on 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the sun rays fall directly on spot where the urn of Mahatama's ashes were displayed.
The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva to come and claim her hand in marriage. At one time the shifting sands at the shores of Kanniyakumari were believed to be multi-hued as a result of the coloured rice that was sprinkled by approving gods over the couple at their wedding. Equally fascinating is the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the goddess believed to have (mis) guided many a ship to a sorry end at the treacherous rocks near the shore. So great was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.
Gandhi Memorial The Gandhi Mandapam has been constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas. Every year on Gandhiji's birthday 2nd October, the sun's rays fall at the exact spot where the urn was displayed before immersion.
Kamaraj Memorial
The memorial on the sea shore commemorates thiru K. Kamarajar, the former chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.The memorial to the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was constructed on the seashore, where the ashes of the Late Leader was immersed. A building at cost of Rs.50 lakhs was completed in an aesthetic way with the permission of Government of India. The Memorial spreads on extent of 6,300 sq.mt. now contains the photographs narrating the life and services of the great leader. A library is also functioning here.
Govt. Museum
It has a rich collection of bronzes, coins, tribal objects, wood carvings and zoological and botanical specimens. It also ezhibits a "Temple Car" from samythoppu and Wales Bones from Manavalakurichy.Gugnathaswamy Temple
This temple is said to have been built by Raja Raja Chola, about 1000 years ago.Sankaranainarkoil
Sankaranainarkoil has three shrines dedicated to Lord Sankaralinga, Goddess Gomathi Amman and Lord Sankaranarayana, a combination of Shiva and Vishnu. Built in the eleventh century, the gopura is nine storeyed and 38m high. The temple is particularly known for the miracles the Goddess performs in curing illness.Kumarakovil
Kumarakovil houses the Lord Muruga Temple, built on the hillock about 200 feet high in a lush green field of paddy, plantain and coconut trees. The temple is noted for its architectural beauty. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramanya is also enshrined in the temple by the side of the Lord. In the right side of the temple there is a lake, suitable for boating.Kumarakovil is at the foot of the Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk, about 15 kms., North - West of Nagercoil and 3 kms., east of Thuckalay, and 34 kms., from Kanniyakumari. The Lord Muruga Temple is built on the hillock about 200 feet height in a lush green field of Paddy, Plantain and Coconut trees. The temple is noted for architectural beauty. Goddess Valli, the spouse of Lord Subramaniya, the Presiding deity, is also enshrined in the temple by the side of Lord Subramaniya. The right side of the temple there is one big lake, suitable for boating.
Suchindram (13 km)
Situated 13 km from Kanyakumari, Suchindram bears the imprint of various kingdoms. The Thanumalayan temple here is a repository of art treasures belonging to those kingdoms. The temple is famous for its musical columns and its impressive sixm-tall statue of the monkey god, Hanuman. The main deity in the form of a shivling represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the trinity of the Hindu pantheon. Ancient inscriptions dating back to the ninth century are found in this place.Suchindram houses the Thanumalayan temple, which is a repository of art treasures. The temple is famous for its musical columns and its impressive six-mt tall statue of the monkey god, Hanuman. The main deity in the form of a Shivling representing Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the trinity of the Hindu pantheon. Ancient inscriptions dating back to the ninth century are found in this place.
The Thanumalayan Temple here is a repository of art treasures. Musical pillars and a huge 18ft. high statue of Hanuman 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, Shiva and Brahma.
The famous thanumalayan temple here is dedicated to Trimurthy – Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also noted for the magnificent gopuram, musical pillars and an 18 feet statue of Lord Hanuman. The rich collection of art treasures from different periods is noteworthy.
Padmanabhapuram
Padmanabhapuram Palace (45 km) is a large mansion of the Travancore Kings. It is known for its fascinating natural splendor.The capital of erstwhile Travancore state is set amidst lush hill and paddy fields, lies 65kms south – east of Thiruvananthapuram. The impressive fort here has a Palace, ramaswamy temple and beautiful buildings. The Padamanabhapuram Palace is a masterpiece of Kerala's unique wooden architecture. The oldest parts of the Palace dated back to 1550. IT houses important art relics, while the temple is adorned with exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
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.
Vattakottai
Vattakottai (literally, circular fort) is an 18th-century fort overlooking the sea, located six km from Kanyakumari.The Udayagiri Fort
The Udayagiri Fort (34 km), built by King Marthanda Varma (AD 1729-1758), has a foundry for casting guns. The king's trusted European general De Lennoy's grave is located within this fort.The fort was built in the 18th century by King Marthanda Varma. The grave of the Dutch General De Lennoy, one of the most trusted generals of the king, lies within the fort.
Nagercoil (19 km)
The Nagaraja templ is situated here. Though Nagaraja (the Serpent God) is the presiding deity, the images of Lord Shiva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined here. The images of the Jain Teerthankaras and Mahavira are found on the pillars of the temple. Thye 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 Vihara.The Nagaraja Temple at Nagarkoil (20 km) is a magnificent temple with Nagaraja as the main deity. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The entrance to this temple is reminiscent of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar. Nagercoil is 19 kms from Kanyakumari on the way to Padmanabhapuram.
Named after the temple dedicated to Nagaraja - the King of Snakes - Nagercoil, the headquarters of Kanniyakumari district is 19 kms from Kanniyakumari. There are frequent buses from Nagercoil to any other part of the state and to Thiruvananthapuram in neighbouring Kerala.