Kanyakumari was once referred to as the "ALEXANDRIA OF THE EAST".This place has been a great centre for art,culture,civilization and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous centre for commerce and trade. During the early part of the 8th century A.D,Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and Missionaries.Through St.Thomas, Christianity arrived in this area in 52 A.D. Islam, Christianity and Jainism religions have greatly contributed to the Architectural wealth and literal heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were the great rulers of South India. The architectural beauty of the temples are the beautiful work of these rulers.
Kanyakumari is highly overrated, with its trinket stalls, a lousy beach and one of those places with megaphones at the end of each street which, during festival times, rip your eardrums apart between 4 pm and 10 pm.

Orientation & Information
The railway station is almost is almost a km to the north of town, while the bus stand is 500 m to the west. The tourist office ( Tel-71276) is open weekdays from 10 am to 5.30 pm.