Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari) district is the southernmost point of peninsular India, bounded by Tirunelveli district in the north and northeast, by Kerala state in the northwest and confluence of Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in the west and south. The coastline is almost regular except for some points of land projecting into the sea at Cape Comorin. Besides its importance as a pilgrim centre, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise, sunset and moonrise over the waters. Kanyakumari is also famous for its vast green stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves and mineral sands. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multicoloured sand. There is a light house from where one can get a panaromic view of the sea. During the British Raj, Kanyakumari was bestowed the title of Cape Comorin, necessitated perhaps by the Englishmen's inability to pronounce local names.
About Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
On the sands of Kanyakumari.....footprints of divinity!
The presiding deity of the temple of Kanyakumari is Parasakthi as a virgin Goddess in meditative mood. The life-like image of Devi with a smiling face is a combination of innocence, purity and beauty. Smeared with sandal paste, decked with different varieties of valuable ornaments and decorated with beautiful garlands of flowers. She creates a sense of devotion and "peace that passeth understanding" in the mind of every worshipper. There is one version that Adi Sankara composed Soundaryalahari after seeing the sunrise, sunset and moon rise on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithrai at Kanya kumari praising the virgin Goddess. The beauty of Devi Kanyakumari reflects in the opening lines of his divine work.
Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!
» Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!
Kanyakumari Temple: The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is' the protector of India's shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from 1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary.
» Gandhi Mandapam : Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (2nd October), the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.
» Vivekananda Memorial : It is about 500 meters away from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It was built in 1970. This memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer. Swamy Vivekananda was supposed to have medicated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The divine foot print 'Pada Parai' of Devi is also seen here. Ferry service is available to reach the memorial. It opens from Wednesday to Monday. Tuesday is holiday. It opens from 0700 to 1100 and from 1400 to 1700.
» Suchindram Temple : Just 13 kms. from Kanniyakumari, Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.
» Padmanabhapuram Palace :
The Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari district, located about 15 km from Nagercoil has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient
monuments in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors till 1790, when the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. Its main attraction is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings.
Vattakottai (Circular Fort)
About 6-km from Kannyakumari is Vattakottai with an 18th century fort overlooking the sea. The sea here is calm and suitable for bathing.
Our Lady of Ransom
The beauty of this Portuguese Church lies in its archaic structure. Its massive towering spires and stained glass windowpanes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The interiors are unique in their simplicity, in contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors.
Mathoor Thottippalam (Hanging Bridge)
The Mathur Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometre.
Constructed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place daily . This is situated in Mathur, hamlet of Aruvikkarai revenue village in Thiruvattar Panchayat Union, about 70 km from kanyakumari.
The bridge has been constructed at Mathur across the river Parazhiyar and the trough canal (Pattanamkal canal) on the bridge carries water for irrigation from one side of a hill to the other side of a hill. The trough has a height of seven feet with a width of seven feet six inches. The canal is being shouldered by 28 huge pillars. By the unrelented efforts of late Thiru. K. Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, this canal was constructed as a drought relief measure and for the development of agriculture in Vilavancode and Kalkulam Taluks. The District Administration has recently put up a staircase from top to the bottom of the bridge and also built a children's park and bathing platforms over here. The bridge and the lush green surroundings are noted for scenic beauty.
Chidaral Jain Sculptures
55-km from Kanyakumari is Chidaral. The Jain sculptures here are worth a visit.
Udaiyagiri 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.
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