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Kanyakumari is a town of Tamil Nadu, located at the southern
most tip of India. The town was known as Cape Comorinduring
the British rule and has an area of 25.89 Sq. Kms.
Kanyakumari is the meeting point of threeoceans the Bay of
Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The place
having its importance as a pilgrimage centre, isalso famous
for its spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and moonrise
over the sea. The magnificent hills, calm valleys and the
plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, provide a pleasant
touch to the surroundings. |
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Kanyakumari spot the place, where
the Indian Philosopher Swami Vivekananda spent days in
meditation upon a rock off the sea coast. Apart from the
waters and beaches the town is dotted with many Temples and
Churches. The people of the town celebrate many festivals
throughout the year, the most popular Vaisakha festival is
celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi .During the
festival an idol of goddess is taken out in procession. The
Kalabham festival in the tamil month Aadi is also important,
in which the idol is covered with sandal paste. On the 13th
day the image is covered with flowers brought in from nearby
villages in addition huge crowd throng the temple.
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During the Navratri an idol of the deity is placed for worship at
the Navratri mandapam, the processions mark the celebration
on all the ninenights. The destruction of Baanasuran held on
Vinaya Dasami, the final day of the festival, in which an
idol of the deity is taken out in procession ona horse. The
car festival, the float festival and the Aaraatu (in which
the eastern door the shrine is opened) are other festivals
of the town.
Attractions :
Kanyakumari Temple - The temple dedicated to
Kanyakumari or Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the
seashore. The ancient temple has been mentioned in the
Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Sangam works Manimekalai
and Puranaanooru. It is believed that the image of
Kanyakumari was installed and worshipped by Parasurama.
The black stone idol of Kanyakumari in the sanctum, is
of particular importance. The idol has aglittering nose
ring that is visible from a long distance. To the east
of the shrine there is a door which is opened only five
times a year.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial -
The memorial was built in 1970, with a blend of
architectural styles of India. The memorial located on the
seaside, is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda who came here
in 1892. The memorial mark the place where Swami
Vivekananda meditated, before setting out as a
Philosopher. This memorial lies on two rocky islands
projecting from the sea about 400 metre off shore. Inside
the memorial a statue of Swami Vivekananda has been
installed.
Gandhi Memorial - The memorial was constructed
atthe spot, where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma
Gandhi was kept forpublic viewing, before immersion in the
waters.
Government Museum -
The museum has a collection of items like old coins,
whalebones, tribal objects, bronze sculptures, and
woodcarvings etc.
Suchindram Temple - The temple is situated at a
distance of 13 Kms from Kanyakumari. The temple is
dedicated to a deity formed by the combination of Brahma
(the Creator), Vishnu (the Presever) and Shiva (the
Destroyer). The temple has artistically carved tower
called asgopuram, musical pillars and artistic works from
different period.
Subramanya Temple -
The temple 34 Kms from Kanyakumari, is located at
Kumarakovil. Situated in the midst of lush green hillock,
the temple is noted for its architectural splendor. You
can enjoy boating in the lake near the temple.
Mondaikaddu Bhagvathy Amman Temple -The small
temple of 7th century is located at a distance of 41 Kms.
from Kanyakumari. The temple is an important pilgrimage
site for the people of near by areas. The main attraction
of the temple is the 12ft. high Amman, in the form of a
five-headed anthill that still grows.
Padmanabhapuram -
Padmanabhapuram is situated ata distance of 45 Kms from
Kanyakumari. An old fort stands here, which encloses the
palace of the Travancore Kings. The Rama swamy temple
inside the fort has carved panels depicting scenes from
the Ramayana.
Thengapattinam Beach - Located at a distance of
54 Kms from Kanyakumari, the clean and uncrowded beach
is perfect for swimming. A 1200 year old mosque stands
near the beach.
Udayagiri Fort - The fort lies at a distance of
34 Kms from Kanyakumai. Built in the 18th century by
King Marathanda the fort has the tomb of his faithful
general, a Dutchman De Lennoy.
Accommodation:
The famous tourist destination has many hotels and guest
houses, which offers fabulous beach views. Two famous hotels
in the town are Hotel Singaar International (3 Star hotel)
and Hotel Cape Residency.
Accessibility :
Kanyakumari is not directly connected by Airways, but it is
well - connected with roads and rail links.
Road - Kanyakumari is connected by road and regular
bus services links the town with Chennai, Pondicherry,
Bangalore,Trichy, Madurai, Rameswaram, Nagercoil, Tuticorin,
Tiruchendur, TiruvelveliandTrivandrum etc. The distance of
major towns from Kanyakumari are Trivandrum (87 Kms),
Madurai (242 Kms), Nagercoil (19 Kms), Tiruchendur (89Kms),
Tirunelveli (91 Kms), Courtallam (130 Kms), Tuticorin (129
Kms),Rameshwaram (300 Kms), Cochin (309 Kms) Thekkady 358 (Kms),
Kodaikanal (362kms), Palani (370 Kms), Ootacamund (576 Kms)
and Coimbatore (478 Kms).
Rail - Kanyakumari is connected with rail link tothe
major cities like Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and other towns of
the country.
Air - The closest airport is in the capital of the
neighbouring state of Kerala, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).Trivandrum
(80 kms) airport is directly connected with Bangalore,
Bombay,Cochin, Delhi, Goa and Chennai etc.
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Kanyakumari
Travel Packages:
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