Kanyakumari Travel Guide
The temple town of Kanyakumari got its name from Kanyakumari Temple which is scenically located at the confluence of three oceans. Ptolemy, the famous Roman scholar had described the city to have been a center for fishery in the ancient times. Also recorded data claims Kanyakumari to have been an importance centre for art and religion. Various mythological myths have been associated with the birth of Kanyakumari. This great centre of trade and commerce has been under the rule of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandayas and the Nayaks. It was during the reign of the Venad kings that Padmanbhapuram was declared as the capital of their kingdom and the present Kanyakumari came to be known as Southern Travancore.
One of the most exotic places to go in India is the city of Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, which is filled with many and interesting tourist attractions. Perhaps what makes it so interesting is the fact that it is located at the southernmost part of India, hence it is somewhat of a well of culture ready to be explored by tourists.
The rich history and the cultural heritage of Kanyakumari is one of mixed culture and profound heritage. The city of Kanyakumari have been around for thousands of years as it has been the city of culture, history, arts, economy and the hub of civilization for centuries. In Kanyakumari, you can find instances of many religions like Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism easily. Its mixed heritage of the city has called out for many people for pilgrimage that has been going on for centuries.
The city of Kanyakumari with its southern coast to the vast and the powerful Indian Ocean impressed the British so much, that they decided to rename it to Cape Comorin to accentuate its beauty. Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) represents all the beautiful things that India has to offer the world. You can find many temples, churches, religious pillars and statues that will keep the head spinning. It is a place of mixed culture that is reflected in the arts, buildings and even in the food. You can have an excursion to the Kumari Amman Temple or to the Vattakottai Fort that stands erect even today.
How to Reach Kanyakumari
- Air – At a distance of 87 km, Trivandrum is the nearest airport to the city. Trivandrum has good connectivity with other major cities of India. One can take a taxi from the airport to reach Kanyakumari.
- Rail – Kanyakumari has its own railway station bearing the same name. It is well connected with all other major cities of India. The Kanyakumari Junction is just 1 km away from the central bus stand.
- Road – Kanyakumari is very well connected with cities like Trivandrum, Bangalore, Chennai through deluxe and Volvo bus services.
Distance of Kanyakumari from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Thiruvananthapuram |
92 |
|
Coimbatore |
470 |
|
Bengaluru |
666 |
|
Chennai |
710 |
Weather
Kanyakumari Temperature
- Summer (Mar to May) – Temperatures are high and range between (24°C) to (33°C)
- Monsoon – (Jun to Sep) – With heavy rainfall happening at regular basis, this is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are mild and range between (22°C) to (31°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Kanyakumari
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is one of the most interesting places to see in the southern part of India. It is situated in Kanyakumari and it is a fort and an island. Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on top of a two rocks that are situated approximately 500 meters off the island. Although the Vivekananda Rock Memorial itself is fairly recent and built around the 1970’s, the two rocks themselves have been there since the millennia. It is thought that the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda had meditated on the rock seeking enlightenment.
Thiruvalluvar Statue is definitely one of the best things that you must see in your visit to Kanyakumari. It is a symbol of greatness that stands 133 feet tall (38 feet is the height of the pedestal) Thiruvalluvar Statue weighs just a little bit more than 7000 tons and more than 500 craftsmen or workers have worked in its construction. Thiruvalluvar Statue was designed to be a beacon of art for the whole humanity. Thousands come every month to see this great work of art and culture.
This temple is dedicated to the Virgin Goddess of Shakti. It is also a Shakti Peeth or primordial source of energy. It was after this temple that the city got its name ‘Kanyakumari’. Devotees come here in great numbers during Navratri and other festivals.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of these many palaces that symbolize the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India that has been around for many centuries. However, what is interesting about this palace is the fact that Padmanabhapuram Palace is made entirely from wood and not any other substance. Kerala Government is responsible for maintaining this magnificent palace and Padmanabhapuram Palace draws hundreds of visitors every day continuously. It is one of the best 10 palaces in the world.
Other Details
What to Do
- Spend few hours at Baywatch, the Amusement park
- You can go for seaside picnics and games
- Meditate at the Vivekananda Rock
Where to Eat
- Hotel Sea View: Located on the Street East Car Street, it is a good dining place for tasting Asian inclusive of Indian and Chinese cuisines. The hotel service is also good.
- Ocean restaurant: This is a nice spot for those who want to try some delicious vegetarian seafood, especially during dinner.
What to Buy
- Antiques — Genuine antique pieces can be found that actually belonged to the royalty of the area.
- Sea shells — Just sea shells and various items made from it.
Get Around
Though most of the tourists travel around in rented cars, buses and auto-rickshaws are also available all over the place to move around.
Top Destinations - Tamil Nadu
– Chennai
– Kanyakumari
– Kodaikanal
– Madurai
– Ooty
– Rameswaram
Popular Tour Plans - Tamil Nadu
1-3 Days
1. Ooty (2N/3D)
2. Kodaikanal (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Ooty-Kodaikanal-Munnar (6N/7D)
2. Bangalore-Mysore-Ooty (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Alleppey-Kovalam-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram (7N/8D)
2. Munnar-Alleppey-Periyar Sanctuary-Kovalam-Kanyakumari (10N/11D)
>10 Days
1. Chennai-Pondicherry-Kodaikanal-Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari (12N/13D)
2. Chennai-Pondicherry-Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari-Kovalam (12N/13D)