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.
Places To Visit Near Kanyakumari:
Kumari Amman Temple :
Kumari Amman Temple Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore this temple is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi Kanya- the Virgin Goddess-- who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Siva. The bright diamond nose ring of the Goddess is world famous.
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.
Nagercoil :
About 20 kms. from Kanyakumari is this Nagaraja temple, dedicated to Nagaraja. But the images of Shiva and other Gods are also kept. The entrance to the temple resembles Chinese architecture of Budha Viharas and the temple contains images of Mahavir and Paraswanatha, the Jain Tirthankaras.
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 Kanyakumari Templemonuments 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.
Thengapattinam Beach :
Thengapattinam, situated on the west coast, is a place of historical importance. It is 35-km from Nagercoil and 54-km from Kannyakumari. As coconut trees are abundant in this place, the place might have derived this name.
Vattakotta :
This circular 18th-century fort overlooking the sea is located about 6 kms. from Kanyakumari built by the Dutch. The sea here is calm and ideal for bath.
Pechipparai Dam :
Like all other dam sites Pechipparai Dam too is a popular picnic spot where facilities for boating have also been provided. It is 56-km from Kanyakumari.
Chidaral :
55-km from Kanyakumari is Chidaral. The Jain sculptures here are worth a visit.
Vattakottai :
About 6-km from Kannyakumari is Vattakottai with an 18th century fort overlooking the sea. The sea here is calm and suitable for bathing.
Muttam :
About 32-km from Kannyakumari is Muttam with a fine beach and a lighthouse.
Thirparappu Water Falls :
About 60km from Kanyakumari are Thirparappu Waterfalls, a picturesque spot with an ancient Mahadevar Temple.
Thiruvattar :
Thiruvattar is located at a distance of 70-km from Kanyakumari. The temple here is one of the finest specimens of temple art and architecture. The paintings on the walls of the temple are worth seeing.