Described
as the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land end of India or
the point where theland's three seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari
or Cape Comorin is one of the most popular tourist spots in the
state and indeed, in the country. Part of the fascination is of
course due to the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula
and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the
Indian Ocean. The other part is that the nature is so spectacular
at Kanniyakumari, that several other Indian beaches
pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra
Pournami(full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face
to face at the same horizon but other full moon days are also
special when you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost
simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.
Places To See :
Kumariamman Temple : 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
Vivekananda Memorial : 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
Kamaraj Memorial : The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu declared
on 19-4-1998 that the Government would construct a Memorial to
honour the services of Thiru K.Kamarajar, the former Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu. The memorial 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. The Memorial was dedicated to the nation
by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 2-10.2000. A library
is also functioning here. The Memorial is open freely for the
tourists and visitiors.
Thiruvalluvar Statue : 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 has been opened for
Tourist's visit in the midst of sea on 1.1.2000 in Kanniyakumari.
Suchindram :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. 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. Nagercoil :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.
Excursions :
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.
Kumarakovil : 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 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.
Mondaikadu Bagavathy Amman Temple : 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 7 th 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.
How To Get There :
Air : The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram
(87kms.)
Rail : Kanniyakumari is connected with Tirunelveli,
Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram and Coimbatore by broad gauge. Tirunelveli
(83 kms.) is connected to Chennai, Madurai, etc.
Road : Kanniyakumari is well connected by road.
