Kanyakumari

Cape Comorin which at present is known as Kanyakumari is a famous travel destination that is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. This particular town is the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland and is a major tourism hub.

It belongs to the Kanyakumari district and was one of the most important towns during the Sangam period. In Kanyakumari tourism revolves around, beaches,
historical monuments, memorials, temples and most of all meeting of three great water bodies Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. 

Historical Significance

The town of Kanyakumari is a historical one with records dating back to the age of Ptolemy. This town is known to have trade and commercial relations with the Greeks. This town and district has seen a change of many rulers and their influence can be seen in the different types of architecture marvels that adorn the place.

Mythological Significance

The mythological significance of this place is a great one and therefore is considered to be one of important pilgrimage destinations for the Hindus. Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati failed to show up on her wedding with Lord Shiva. The rice grains and other items that were meant to be cooked for this grand wedding were unused. Over the times it is believed that they turned to stone and even today can be seen on the shores of Kanyakumari.

Another legend speaks of Lord Hanuman dropping a piece of earth belonging to the mountain he was carrying. This earth that was dropped by him belonged to the mystical mountain that held the herb “Mrita Sanjivani” which saved Laxman’s life. The earth that was dropped is known as Marunthuvazh Malai that literally translates to “hills where the medicine lives”.

It is because of these mythological significances, a Kanyakumari holiday is much more of a pilgrimage for the majority of the tourist population rather than a break from day to day life.

Places of Tourist Interest

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial- this memorial has been constructed to commemorate the immersion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes at Kanyakumari in 1948. The urn that held his ashes were kept here before the immersion so that the people could pay homage to him. The monument is 79 feet high at the centre which represents his age at the time of his death. The entrance is free and the visiting hours are from 700 hrs to 1900 hrs.

Thiruvalluvar Statue- this 95 feet high statue with a total height of 133 feet is dedicated to the poet of Thiruvalluvar. The statue has been constructed with great care taking into consideration 38 chapters of the book Aram which is represented by 38 feet pedestal; the height of statue represents the total chapters of Porul and Inbam.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial- this monument has been built in memory of Swami Vivekananda’s visit. The rock that the memorial has been built on is considered to be blessed by the feet of the Goddess. The memorial is of two parts i.e. the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The visiting hours are from 800hrs to 1600hrs and the entrance fee is Rs. 20. The memorial has to be reached on a ferry as it is a little rock island away from the mainland.

View Tower and telescope house- this place offers spectacular views of the rock memorial, beaches, the Thiruvalluvar statue etc.

Other than the above mention plenty more remains to see here.

Accommodations and Dining

The Tri Sea hotel, Sea Sun Residency, Hotel Srimaniya, Sea View and Singaar International are good places to stay in.

To dine Akshaya restaurant, Casanova family restaurant, Hotel Sebaa Palace and the Taj Hotel are best known ones.

Getting In

One can reach the town of Kanyakumari only by road and rail. The nearest airport however is that of Thiruvananthapuram which is 80 kms away.

If you are travelling by road then buses are the best economy travel you can get. The town is located at a distance of 616 kms from Mysore and 688kms from Bangalore. You can get buses from here which usually runs an overnight service.