KANYAKUMARI
KANYAKUMARI : It is also known as Cape Comorin, Kumari and
Kumari Munai. It is 705 kms from State Capital, Chennai. This is a ‘rocky
mainland‘ on the Indian Ocean in the State of Tamil Nadu and located at the
Southern Most tip of the Indian Subcontinent. Many call it KOODAL meaning it is
situated at the Confluence of three oceans Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and
Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is popular because it is the only places on earth,
where you can see the Sun Rise and Sun Set from the ocean. It is the only place
in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise
simultaneously on full moon days. It is even more special and spectacular on
Chitra Paurnami [full moon that occurs in Apr-May] when one can view both the
sun and the moon facing each other on the same horizon, a rare sight of unique
grandeur, which seems to happen by prior arrangement. City’s population is
22,453 [2011 census] and the District population is 1,870,374 [2011 census].
General Information
Area 25.89 sq.
kms.
Population City
: 22,453 [ 2011 census ]
District : 1,870,374
[ 2011 census ]
Altitude sea
level
Climate
Max. Min.
Summer 34.80ºC 22.40ºC
Winter 33.8ºC 21.6ºC
Rainfall 102 cms
average
Clothing Tropical
Season Throughout the
year
Languages spoken Tamil,
Malayalam and English.
STD Code 04652
Kumariamman Temple
Kumariamman Temple : This temple is 3000 years old and it is
dedicated to Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. She stands on an eternal vigil
protecting the shores of our country. Goddess is facing the east . Devi stands
as a charming Kanya [young] girl with rosary in her right hand in penance
posture. The idol is believed to have been installed by Sage Parasuraman. Nose
ring of the Goddess with brilliant rubies are so glittery and it resembled a
bright beacon. It is also said, that one ship sailing through, mistook it for a
lighthouse and had to bang against the rocks and wreck. The mast of the
wreckage was seen near the shore till the Tsunami that struck the shores in
2004. The same was washed away during that Tsunami Devastation. It is also said
that, due to that sinking of that ship long ago, Eastern Gate of the temple
remains closed on all days, except during the 5 festival days in a year, when
the deity is taken out for a ceremonial bath. The regular entry to the temple is
through the Northern Gate Only.
Vivekanandar Rock
Vivekananda Rock : This is a memorial, in memory of
charismatic Philosopher Swami Vivekananda . This was built in the year 1970,
imbibing various architectural styles prevalent in India. Very next to this
rock is the Sripada Parai [divine foot mark rock] blessed by the imprint of
Goddess’s feet on the rock. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent
ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals every
day.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue:
Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet [denotes 133 chapters of
Tirukkural] tall stone sculpture of the Popular Tamil Poet- Saint
Thiruvalluvar, who authored the Thirukkural Couplets. The 95 feet Statue that
represent the chapters of “wealth” and “Pleasure” is erected on a 38 foot
pedestal which represents the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the
Thirukural. This signifies that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the
foundation of solid virtue. The Government has adopted Tiruvalluvar Andu [Tiruvalluvar
year] as the official calendar year. Keeping the birth of Tiruvalluvar as the
base year , current calendar year is 2036 Tiruvalluvar Aandu.
Thirukkural is regarded as a renowned work, eulogized as a
directory of the code of conduct and ethics to humanity. 1330 couplets not only
deals with the general administration but has codified and have given clear
cut-directions to mankind on how they should behave and act in a social,
political, religious and family environment.
This work of Tiruvalluvar can now be read in 60 languages
world wide. The magnificient 133ft statue denote the number of chapters in
Thirukkural. This Statue was dedicated on the 1st January 2000. Since then a
visit to the statue tops the list of tourists.
Gandhi Memorial
Gandhi Memorial : Ashes of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi was kept here in 1948 in an urn for the public homage, and a portion of
the same was immersed in KOODAL, the confluence of three oceans. On 2nd of
October every year the sun’s rays fall at the exact spot where the urn was kept
before its immersion. Gandhiji visited Kanyakumari in 1925 and 1937. A
beautiful 79ft tall [marking the age of Mahatma] monument was constructed here
and it is open to public since then. Visiting hours: 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 pm.
Kamaraj Memorial
Kamaraj Memorial at Kanniyakumari : This memorial is a
tribute to K.Kamarajar, the Freedom Fighter and Identity of Congress and
Administration in Tamilnadu. He is still called by all as “Perunthalaivar”.
Kamarajar who was also called as ‘Black Gandhi’, was a Simple and sincere
politician from Tamil Nadu, regarded as the “King Maker” of the Congress Party
. He played vital roles in the administration of TamilNadu, by introducing
education for down trodden and also started the Noon Meal scheme for the
students to encourage attendance. Development activities like Dams and
Industries in Tamilnadu took place during his rule. His contribution to the
party at the National level was phenomenal. The memorial is open to public from
7 am to 7pm. Government Museum : This was established in 1991 as a multipurpose
Museum. Good collection of sculptured arte facts and crafts of South Indian
Temples can be found here. Visitors to the museum can enjoy the extensive
display of exhibits which covers a diverse range of interests such as
anthropology, archaeology, numismatics, philately, botany, zoology and geology
that includes , a 7th century Bronze statue of Lord Nataraja; 15th century
sculptures of Alwar, Manickavasagar; replica of SwamithoppuCar and whale-bones
from Manavalakurichi in Kanyakumari District.
Timings Holiday
9.30 a.m to 5.00 p.m. Friday
and second Saturday.
Guganathaswamy Temple
Guganathaswamy Temple :
This 1000 year temple built by Raja Raja Cholan, is located near the
railway station. 11th Century inscriptions can be found in the temple. Temple
Timings: 6.00 A.M. to 11.15 AM. and 5.00 pm to 8.45 p.m.
"The Wandering monk" Exhibition is located within
the Kanyakumari Town. Terra Cotta Exhibits depicting Swami Vivekananda’s Bharat
Parikrama [circular tour] is the special attraction in this exhibition, with
sub title captions in English, Tamil and Hindi. Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 noon,
4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Vivekanadapuram : : A huge campus spread over 100 acres of
land is the Head Quarters of the Vivekananda Kendra. The Lodging facility can
accommodate up to 1000 persons at any given time. Vivekananda Pictorial
exhibition and Library is an additional attraction here.
Other places of Interest :
The Kids Park : It is located 1 Km from Kanyakumari town
near the new bus terminus on Kovalam Road.
Timings Phone
10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. 04652-246454
Baywatch: It is a Water Theme Park located about 2 Km on the
Kanniyakumari-Kovalam road. It is very near to Sunset Point.
Timings Phone No Entrance fee
10.00 a.m to 7.30 p.m. 04652-246565,
246563. Adults : Rs.200/-
children : Rs.150/-
Vattakottai [or Circular Fort]: It is an 18th century
Granite Fort 6 Kms North East of Kanyakumari. It was a coastal defence
fortification and barracks of the yesteryears Travancore Samsthanam during
Marthanda Varma’s reign. It has a picturesque view of the sea on one side, and
the WesternGhats on the other side. The beach near this fort, which has Black
Sand is another special feature of this area.
Suchindram (13 Kms) : Sthanumalayan / Thanumalayan a Siva,
Vishnu and Brahma Temple was built in 17th Century. "Stanu" means
Siva; "Mal" means Vishnu; and the "Aya" means Brahma hence
it is called Sthanumalayan Temple. Four Musical pillars each 18 ft tall carved
out of a single stone, huge 18ft tall Hanuman Statue are proof of the
architectural excellence found in the temple. Male tourists should remove their
upper garments to enter the temple. Temple is open between 4.00 a.m. -11.45
a.m. and 5.00 p.m -8.00 p.m.
Nagaraja Temple :
Nagaraja [Serpent God] is the presiding deity of this temple. Idols of
Lord Siva and Ananthakrishna are also enshrined here. The sculptures of
Thirthankaras Mahavira and Parsavanathar are found etched on the pillars of the
temple.
St. Xavier’s Church [16kms] : It is a 15th Century church
dedicated to St.Francis Xavier, a Catholic Priest who came to India. A 10 day
festival is held between 24th November – 3rd December every year.
Udayagiri Fort (34 kms) :
King Marthanda Varma built this in the 18th Century. The Tomb in memory
of Dutch General De Lennoy , one of the most trusted Generals of the King lies
within this fort.
Padmanabapuram Palace : It was the Capital of Travancore
Samsthanam till 1798. It is also called as the City of Lord Vishnu and located
45 Kms from Kanyakumari. This palace has beautiful woodwork. Display of
antiques including the armoury of the Royal Family are special exhibits that
spreads across a six acre area in this palace. Ramasamy Temple is located adjacent
to the Palace and has 45 Panels of Ramanayam Epic Sequences. This is a visual
extravaganza for the visitors.
Timings Phone No Holiday Entry Fee
9.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m.
2.00 p.m to 4.30 p.m 04651-250255 Monday Adults
: Rs.10/-
Child : Rs.2/-
Video & Camera : Rs.1200/- & Rs.25/-
Parking fee for vehicles is collected separately.
Video and Camera charges: 1200/- and Rs.25/- respectively.
Vehicle Parking Fee : Additional
peer Mohamed Dargah, Thuckalay [35 Kms] : This dargah is named as “ Peer Mohammed
Oliyullah” after the Great Philosopher Mohammed Appa, who wrote many books on
philosophy. The Anniversary of the great philosopher poet is celebrated every
year on the full moon day in the month of Rajab.
thirparappuChitharal [55 kms] : The Chitharal Jain Monuments
are located in a small village situated 7 km from Marthandam and 55 km from
Kanyakumari. Earlier known as Thirucharanathupalli – was the abode of Jain
monks belonging to Digambara sect. There is a hillock which has a cave
containing rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras carved inside dates back to 9th
century. King Mahendra Varman I was responsible for the Jainism influence in
this region. This cave was converted into a Baghavathy Temple in the 13th
Century A.D. Chitharal hills are locally called Chokkanthoongi Hills.
Thirparappu Waterfalls : It is 42 Kms from Kanyakumari. It
is a 300 ft water fall which has heavy water rushing down for almost 7 months
in a year. There is a temple called Mahadever Kovil built around 9th Century.
Entry Fee Timings
Per head Rs.2/-
Video and camera fees are Rs.75/- and Rs.5/- respectively. 6.30 A.M. to 6.30P.M.
Vehicle Parking Fee : Additional
Mathoor Thotti Palam : Hanging Trough [bridge], constructed
in the year 1969, with a maximum height of 115 ft supported by 28 concrete
pillars. It is a 390 mts long , 7 feet high and 7.5 ft wide and the tallest and
longest trough bridge in Asia. The District Administration has created Tourist
Infrastructure facilities. An entry fee of Rs.2/- is charged to use this bridge
and it is open between 6.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.
Sothavilai/Chothavilai Beach: : It is 12 Kms
from Kanyakumari via the West Coast Road. It is one of the best beaches for
holiday lovers.
Pechipparai Dam : It
is 60 Kms from Kanyakumari. This dam was Planned and Built during 1897 – 1906.
It is 1,396 ft long and 396 ft high above the deepest portion with a storage
level of 40 ft. Western Ghats surround this dam and forms a picturesque view.
Sanguthurai Beach [15 Kms] : It is a beautiful beach on the
West Coast Road.
Mandaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple : This Temple, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari, though
it is in Tamilnadu, was built in kerala tradition in a simple style, which
dates back to the 7th century. It is believed , His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya
had performed Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. It is on this spot
of Srichakra, Baghavathi Amman is in the form of 15 foot Anthill. Holy trees
for this temple are Bo Tree and Neem Tree . This temple is also known as
Sabarimala of Women. Mandaikadu Kodai/Koda is the most popular 10 day festival
of this temple, celebrated on the last Tuesday in the Tamil month of “MASI” [
Feb-Mar].
Thekkuruchi Beach [30 Kms] : It is a tiny village with
lovely, calm and exotic Seashore on the West Coast Road.
Muttom Beach : It is
32 Kms from Kanyakumari and 16 Kms from Nagercoil. It is a majestic and rugged
seashore because of its huge beautiful rock jutting out into the Sea. The waves
that touches the rocks create a mystic atmosphere. The District Administration
concentrates on basic infrastructure facilities.
Thengapattinam Beach : It is 5o Kms from Kanyakumari located
on the West Coast near Painkulam Village in Vilancode Taluk.
Excursion
Olakkay Aruvi Waterfalls :
It is 8 kms from Azhagiapandiapuram, 14 kms from Nagercoil and 33kms
from Kanniyakumari. It is a sceninc Water fall and a trekking Track too. There
is a small temple connected with the sage Agasthiar near to Olakkay Aruvi
(waterfalls). On full moon day and especially on the Tamil Month Chithirai
(April-May), thousands of devotees throng this place, they bathe in the falls
and pray at the altar.
Kumarakovil [34 kms] :
It is at the foothill of the Veliamalai Hills. The abode of Lord Murugan
is built on a 200 feet hillock surrounded by paddyfields, plaintain and coconut
groves. This temple is an example of architectural beauty. Lord Murugan is with
Goddess Valli in this temple. The lake near the temple is suitable and being
used for boating experience.
Accommodation
Address Phone
No
Hotel Tamil Nadu, Light House Main Road, Near to Sea Shore,
Kanniyakumari - 629 702. 246257 to 58
Hotel Tamil Nadu offers you a range of services through
spacious, clean rooms, both AC and Non-AC, with cuisine catering to any
palate. There are bars, restaurants,
conference halls, indoor games ... And above all, the inimitable service that
only TTDC can offer.
Other Private Hotels are also available.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Address Phone
No
Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office, Beach Road 246276
Information Centre, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Beach Road 246250.
Tour Operators : Two tour operators approved by TTDC are available.
1. Triveni Tours & Travels 246184
2. Sabaree Travels 246157
3.Kanniyakumari : Beach Road, Kanniyakumari - 629702. 2246276
Souvenirs and handicraft items made from Seashells and Palm
leaf are available for sales. Trinkets and packets of coloured sea sand for
children can be bought from here. There are several shops selling such items.
Bargaining power helps the tourists to buy items at a reasonable price.
OTHER INFORMATION
Communication Post/Telegraph/STD/ISD/Telex/Fax
etc. -Available.
Banks/Money Changers State
Bank of India, Canara Bank, State bank of Travancore.
Medical Facilities Hospitals,
chemists - Available.
Yoga Classes are
organised at Vivekanandapuram.
For details, please contact: The Secretary, Vivekananda
Kendra at Vivekanandapuram, Kanniyakumari.
Important Telephone Numbers
Places Phone No
Police Station 246224
Railway Station 246247
State Express Transport Corporation(SETC) 246019
Tourist Office 246276
Kumari Amman Temple 246223
Vivekanandapuram & Information Centre 246250
Tours and Travels
T.T.D.C. Selling Agents
Address Phone
No
1. Triveni Tours and Travels,
South Car Street,Kanniyakumari - 629 702. 246184, 247702, 246383.
2. Sabaree Travels 246157
Festivals
Festivals Month
Chithra Pournami April/May
Navarathi September/October
Annual Holiday of R.C.Church Second
week of December.
Skanda Shasti Tiruchendur,
Cape Festival - Kanniyakumari
Katta Bomman Festival Panchalamkurichi,
Saral Festival - Courtallam
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