Welcome to Kanyakumari !


Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples  lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. ( The district name is spelled as ' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) . With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. It ranks first in literacy among other districts in Tamil Nadu.

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanniyakumari Cape Comorin), an important pilgrim centre. It got it's name from the deity of the place, Goddess Kanya Kumari; the virgin. Kanniyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon day. It 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. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu. The memorial to Swami Vivekananda, on a rocky promontory just over 400 meters off shore.
 


Kanyakumari Temple 

Kanyakumari Temple The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is' the protector of India's shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from 1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary.

Vivekananda Memorial

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 meditated 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. 

 

Suchindram Temple 

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. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman.